Week 3 of the preseason proved to be an unsuccessful dress rehearsal for the Jets, as New York dropped to 1-2 in the preseason with a 28-13 loss to the Saints.
Some players put together encouraging performances against New Orleans, while others did not help their chances of making New York’s 53-man roster. Either way, Adam Gase and his coaching staff have a lot of evaluating to do with the final week of the preseason now inching closer.
Here are four takeaways from Gang Green’s second loss of the preseason.
Bertolet bounces back
After a shaky return to the Jets a week ago, Taylor Bertolet bounced back against the Saints and took a major step towards securing the starting kicker job.
Bertolet booted two field goals, including a 56-yarder late in the third quarter, and connected on his lone extra-point attempt to go perfect for the game.
As the only kicker in camp, it’s Bertolet’s job to lose. On Saturday night, he inched closer to securing his spot on New York’s roster.
Mixed results from the secondary
Week 3 of the preseason produced mixed results from New York’s secondary, as there was both plenty of good and plenty of bad to go around.
In his lone series, Drew Brees shredded the Jets for 68 yards and an impressive throw to Michael Thomas in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown over Tevaughn Campbell. Once Brees departed, New York’s secondary buckled down and forced Teddy Bridgewater to go only 15-26 for 143 yards and no touchdowns.
Had Brees and the rest of the Saints’ first-team offense remained in the game for more than one series, who knows how New York’s secondary would’ve fared. Based on the small sample size they provided, odds are Brees and New Orleans would’ve continued rolling. Regardless, it’s noteworthy that Gang Green’s defensive backs settled in and turned in solid performances across the board.
Robby Anderson putting it all together
Both Anderson’s new and improved route tree, as well as his impact as a vertical threat, were on full display against the Saints.
Anderson caught two passes for 60 yards against New Orleans, both of which came on two different types of routes. Darnold connected with Anderson on a 19-yard out-route and a 41-yard go route in the second quarter. The 41-yard reception was classic Anderson, while the 19-yard catch was a prime example of Anderson’s expanded route tree.
If Anderson can continue to thrive as a dual-threat route running for Gang Green in 2019, New York’s offense will be in excellent shape once the regular season kicks off.
Alex Brown takes advantage of the opportunity
With both Trumaine Johnson and Kyron Brown sidelined with hamstring injuries, and Tevaughn Campbell getting beat for a touchdown on New York’s first defensive series, Alex Brown was granted a chance at extended playing time and made the most of it.
The undrafted free agent out of South Carolina State shined against the Saints, breaking up two passes and recording five tackles. With his performance against New Orleans, there’s every chance Brown has surpassed Campbell on the depth chart and has a real shot to make the team.
