Week 3 of the preseason is the most important week of the preseason, as starters get extended run in what is essentially a dress rehearsal for the regular season. For the Jets, their Week 3 matchup against the Saints carries extra importance.
Thin at numerous positions, Week 3 is a proving ground for a handful of players on New York’s roster bubble. The starters will spend nearly the entire first half on the field, but the reserves will dominate the snap count throughout the second half. That affords Adam Gase and his coaching staff plenty of film to evaluate before the final week of the preseason. Numerous newcomers will also make their team debuts against New Orleans.
So, what should Jets fans be focused on heading into Saturday night? Here are four storylines to keep an eye on throughout the course of the game.
Extended run for the starters
Expect to see a lot of Sam Darnold, Jamal Adams and the rest of New York’s starters on both sides of the ball against the Saints, as Week 3 of the preseason is the week where starters get some extended run.
With starters sitting out entirely in Week 4 of the preseason, Week 3 allows Gang Green’s starting units to get reacclimated with extended playing time. It’s risky leaving starters out on the field for a whole half in a meaningless game, but it’s a necessary part of the preseason in order to get the starters ready for the rigors of the regular season.
Debuts across the board
Ryan Kalil will make his Jets debut against the Saints after spending the last couple of weeks getting back into football shape. Kalil is New York’s most notable team debut on Saturday night, but there are plenty more to go around.
Cornerback Marcus Cooper is set to don the green and white for the first time, as is linebacker Albert McLellan. Safety Derrick Kindred could make his Jets debut after joining the team in the middle of the week, but it remains to be seen if he suits up. The same goes for linebacker Stephfone Anthony.
Wide receiver Quincy Adeboyejo is unlikely to suit up after joining the team only a couple of days ago.
Cashman’s time to shine
With Avery Williamson out for the season, it’s 2019 fifth-round pick Blake Cashman’s time to shine.
With Williamson sidelined, Cashman will slide into the middle of New York’s defense next to C.J. Mosley. He won’t assume Williamson’s signal-calling duties, but Cashman will be tasked with a lot as a vital piece in Gregg Williams’ defense as a rookie.
Week 3 of the preseason is Cashman’s first chance to prove himself in a major role. How he fares could be a sign of his progression moving forward.
Teddy Time
Saturday night will be the first time Teddy Bridgewater faces off against the Jets since New York dealt him to the Saints in September a year ago.
After a solid preseason, the Jets made the most of Bridgewater’s value and shipped him off to New Orleans in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft after Sam Darnold was named New York’s starting quarterback.
Bridgewater’s return to the field after sustaining a major knee injury that threatened to end his career has been nothing short of miraculous. The Jets gave him a second lease on life in the NFL and on Saturday night, he’ll have the chance to reunite with some of his former teammates.
