The Jets’ preseason finale came and went without much action, a dull 6-0 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Many of the positional battles appeared to be predetermined, with players looking to save roster spots for the time being. Even if some are safe for now, Joe Douglas is “fired up” to add players via the waiver wire come Saturday. Expect lots of new names as the Jets begin to make cuts.
In the meantime, let’s take a look at the studs and duds from Thursday’s preseason finale.
Stud: LB Blake Cashman
Blake Cashman was all over the field on Thursday and gave the Jets a hopeful glimpse of life without Avery Williamson.
Cashman went step for step in coverage with an Eagles running back on a wheel route, forced a fumble and made six tackles. The rookie made a much-needed positive impression to inspire confidence in the Jets’ depth at inside linebacker and should contribute to the first-team defense when the season comes around.
Stud: CB Marcus Cooper
After recently joining the Jets, Marcus Cooper hasn’t done much of anything this preseason. That changed on Thursday when Cooper intercepted Eagles quarterback Clayton Thorson to set up the Jets’ first score.
Cooper may not stick with the Jets after they scour the waiver wire, but he certainly made his best case on Thursday.
Dud: QB Davis Webb
Davis Webb had a real chance to make the practice squad, but he squandered every opportunity thrown his way.
Webb threw two interceptions in Thursday’s 6-0 victory. He likely won’t be sticking around after Luke Falk outplayed him for the No. 3 job on Thursday night.
Dud: K Taylor Bertolet
Taylor Bertolet went 2-5 on field goals in a game where he needed to be nearly perfect.
Bertolet’s kicking woes allow for the Jets kicking competition to remain wide open. He had a chance to win the job with a good performance but was unable to take advantage of a golden opportunity.
Stud: DL Kyle Phillips
Entering the game, Kyle Phillips didn’t have a real shot at making the Jets’ final 53-man roster.
The UDFA out of the University of Tennessee recorded two sacks against the Eagles on Thursday. With the current depth at defensive line, Phillips won’t make the opening day roster, but he certainly played himself into a prime practice squad spot.
Stud: RB Valentine Holmes
Valentine Holmes never played football in his life before this summer, but by his performance in Week 4 of the preseason, you’d never be able to tell.
The former rugby player didn’t run the football effectively but caught five passes for 55 yards on the day, including one pretty over the shoulder grab. He won’t make the team but he will stick on the Jets practice squad through the NFL’s international pathway program.
