Mercifully, the preseason is over.
The Jets closed out their exhibition slate by knocking off the Eagles by a final score of 6-0. Now, it’s on general manager Joe Douglas, head coach Adam Gase and the rest of the front office and coaching staff to evaluate the film and decide who will make New York’s 53-man roster with cut day looming.
Thursday night’s showdown with the Eagles was relatively uneventful, but there are still plenty of noteworthy occurrences to break down. With that being said, here are four takeaways from Gang Green’s final preseason game.
Bertolet fails to help himself
Less than a week after his standout performance against the Saints, Taylor Bertolet reverted back to normal and did little to establish himself as a reliable option at kicker for the Jets heading into the regular season.
Bertolet went 2-5 against the Eagles, draining two short field goals and missing three long ones. Accuracy and consistency were issues that plagued Bertolet at Texas A&M. Clearly, he has yet to rectify either of those weaknesses.
It might be harsh to put Bertolet down after such a solid showing against the Saints, but the Jets need a kicker who can bring it every single week, not just occasionally. Joe Douglas has to begin looking elsewhere for a new kicker.
Cashman cashes out
Life without Avery Williamson in the middle of the defense might not be too bad after all.
Back at 100 percent after nursing an injury earlier in the preseason, Blake Cashman showcased what he brings to the table against the Eagles, recording six tackles while playing most of the game.
Neville Hewitt might get the nod as the starter to begin the season, but Cashman will certainly factor into New York’s inside linebacker rotation early and often. Thursday night was proof that he is ready to assume a major role after essentially being an afterthought prior to Williamson’s injury.
Who’s No. 3?
Week 4 of the preseason may have determined who will be the quarterback to land on New York’s practice squad.
Luke Falk performed well against the Eagles, while Davis Webb threw two interceptions. Falk had the edge over Webb going into the game and now looks like the clear frontrunner for New York.
McGuire’s fate is sealed
There’s a very strong possibility Elijah McGuire just played his last game with the Jets.
The third-year tailback took 14 carries and only recorded 29 yards in a disappointing performance to close out the preseason. Not only did McGuire perform poorly, but Bilal Powell was held out of action, all but indicating that the Jets are saving him for the regular season.
McGuire simply did not do enough to make the team throughout the preseason. He once flashed immense potential, but it looks like his time with the Jets is up.
