The Jets opened up their preseason with a loss to their roommates.
There are positives to take from their 31-22 loss to the New York Giants, as the Jets’ first-team offense looked to be in a rhythm already and that was without Le’Veon Bell or Ryan Kalil. However, the play of potential depth pieces and Chandler Catanzaro were concerning. The Jets will regroup and use this loss as a learning opportunity before they take the field for the regular season.
With that said, let’s take a look at the Jets’ studs and duds from Thursday’s preseason opener.
Stud: QB Sam Darnold
One series is all it took for Sam Darnold to show off the Jets new offense.
The second-year quarterback marched his team down the field for 75 yards and a score. Darnold was cool, calm and collected and was able to take advantages of mismatches in the secondary, finding both Jamison Crowder and Chris Herndon for big gains.
Stud: WR Jamison Crowder
Jamison Crowder and Sam Darnold were on the same page from the get-go on Thursday.
Crowder had two catches for 31 yards, including a touchdown. He was a matchup nightmare for the Giants secondary during his brief time on the field, as the slot receiver had no trouble getting open during the Jets’ 75-yard opening drive. It’s early, but this connection has a chance to develop into something special.
Stud: QB Trevor Siemian
Trevor Siemian did a nice job of orchestrating the second-team offense for the majority of the first half.
Siemian was accurate, completing 13-16 passes for 77 yards, including a touchdown to Elijah McGuire. While he wasn’t overly challenged by the Giants’ second-team defense, Siemian proved that he can handle the rigors of Adam Gase’s offense if needed.
Dud: CB Parry Nickerson
Parry Nickerson lackluster performance on Thursday night didn’t help his chances of making the 53-man roster.
Nickerson often looked lost in coverage, including when he got beat on Russell Shepard’s 51-yard touchdown.
Nickerson wasn’t promised a roster spot after failing to develop in his rookie season. With Buster Skrine leaving for Chicago, it was his position to lose, but the Jets have since brought in Brian Poole and Arthur Maulet. With those additions, Nickerson has struggled to make his mark as a nickel cornerback and was proven again by his play against the Giants.
Dud: K Chandler Catanzaro
Chandler Catanzaro’s struggles in camp have been well documented, but the Jets have remained adamant that he is their starting kicker.
Catanzaro took a delay of game penalty after the Jets’ opening drive touchdown and missed the extra point. Following the Jets’ next touchdown, Catanzaro missed another extra point, this time wide left. Although he made his only field goal, his struggles are a cause for concern.
Dud: QB Davis Webb
Every indication points to the Jets keeping only two quarterbacks once they break camp. Davis Webb’s poor performance on Thursday demonstrated why.
Webb went 2-7 for 11 yards, throwing two interceptions, including a pick-six on a batted pass. Webb could not exact revenge against the team that drafted and cut him. Instead, he only hurt himself and his chances of making the team.
