The Jets host New Orleans for their third preseason game Saturday, taking on the Saints as injuries and suspensions continue to pile up.
The last time the Jets played the Saints, they were a team led by Bryce Petty. A scrappy bunch, just looking to make some noise. On Saturday, they host the defending NFC South champions at MetLife Stadium. This time, it’s Sam Darnold under center and Adam Gase stalking the sideline — and the game doesn’t really matter.
Coming off a win against the Falcons, Saturday is the final time for the Jets starters to get on the same page. It’s an opportunity for coaches to evaluate how the playoff-hopeful Jets matchup against a marquee NFL talent in the Saints.
There are starting spots up for grabs still and opportunities to take advantage of. With that said, here are four things to know about the Jets-Saints game.
Final Dress Rehearsal for Starters
Saturday should mark the final time the Jets starters will see preseason action.
The starting offense and defense have impressed thus far even if it has been in limited circumstances. The two sides of the ball have been working this summer to learn new systems.
Not a lot is at stake here. It’s pretty evident that New York is going to be able to score points while having to hide weaknesses in its secondary. However, this is a final dress rehearsal before the big show, Week 1. It’s about getting those lines down perfectly, getting on the same page and escaping without any significant injuries.
Opportunities on the Line
Due to unforeseen circumstances, there are two starting jobs up for grabs on the Jets’ front seven.
Brandon Copeland was suspended for four games and Avery Williamson is out for the season with a torn ACL. For players like Harvey Langi and Tarell Basham, Saturday is a chance to make a case for themselves. Gregg Williams has already proven that he likes to mix and match with pass-rushers. Langi has been working with the ones this week, but Basham has also come on strong.
At inside linebacker, the position appears to be Neville Hewitt’s to lose. He will likely start, but he could be pushed by some new additions that have connections to the front office and coaching staff.
Ryan Kalil will make his debut
At the end of last season, Ryan Kalil took a look around at Mercedes-Benz Superdome following what he thought would be the last game of his NFL career. It wasn’t though.
Kalil’s short retirement ended with the Panthers and now his career resumes against a former NFC South foe. On Saturday, he will make his first start under center as a member of the New York Jets.
With this being his one and only preseason game, Kalil gets an opportunity to gain some much-needed live-action rapport with his quarterback.
Taylor Bertolet’s last stand
Chandler Catanzaro retired, so Taylor Bertolet is the only kicker currently on the Jets roster.
Even after squandering a golden opportunity by missing two extra-point attempts against the Falcons, the Jets have stuck with Bertolet. With it being Week 3 of the preseason, Bertolet has to perform if he doesn’t want the Jets to look elsewhere.
Bertolet’s only competition is himself. With a good showing, he could make a case to be the Jets starting kicker once the 53-man roster is finalized. For him, it’s now or never.
