The Jets dropped their second preseason game of the year to the Saints, 28-13, on Saturday night.
It wasn’t the most impressive performance from New York. The first-team offense struggled to get into any rhythm until their final drive, while the first-team defense was shredded by Drew Brees and the Saints offense. However, they did get some strong play from some of the players that are on the roster bubble.
With that being said, here are the Jets’ studs and duds from their third preseason game.
Stud: Taylor Bertolet
The Jets’ kicking situation has been the story of training camp so far, but Taylor Bertolet might have quieted the critics with his performance against the Saints.
Bertolet was brilliant and put together his most complete effort of the preseason against New Orleans. He was 2-for-2 on his field-goal attempts that included a 48-yard kick and a 56-yard kick. Bertolet also connected on his only extra-point attempt.
Last week against the Falcons Bertolet struggled, missing two extra points. He needed a huge game this week to solidify his spot on the roster and he delivered.
Stud: Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold is ready to go for the start of the regular season.
Darnold looked smooth once again against the Saints, going 8-13 for 97 yards and one touchdown on the game. Darnold’s best drive was his final one of the evening, leading the Jets down the field for their only touchdown of the game.
Luckily, Darnold didn’t get hurt because the Saints were bringing the heat on him. The next time Jets fans will see him is Week 1 of the regular season against the Bills.
Dud: Offensive Line
The Jets desperately need to get their starting offensive line back together.
New York was playing three backups against the Saints in Jonotthan Harrison, Tom Compton and Alex Lewis. They didn’t look like they were in sync at all and there were times Saints players were getting free shots on Darnold.
Fortunately, Ryan Kalil, Kelechi Osemele, and Brian Winters are all expected to be ready for Week 1, so this unit can be much better moving forward.
Stud: Alex Brown
The Jets have been counting on one of their young cornerbacks to step up. Alex Brown did just that on Saturday night.
With all of New York’s injuries at corner, Brown was able to get a lot of playing time against the Saints. He made five tackles in which three of them were solo tackles, but also had two pass defenses, making it tough on Saints receivers all night.
The cornerbacks have been a mess so far this preseason, but at least Brown showed some potential in Week 3.
Stud: Trenton Cannon
The bottom of the Jets depth chart at running back has been something to watch this preseason, but Trenton Cannon might have finally separated himself from the pack.
Cannon looked explosive carrying the football, breaking tackles and making moves in the open field against the Saints. He had six carries for 52 yards including a 25-yard run. As a receiver, Cannon had three catches for 28 yards.
Dud: Bilal Powell
Bilal Powell will probably make the roster, but he had an off night.
Powell’s only carry on the game was for a loss of two yards. As a receiver,J he was targeted twice, but didn’t make any catches. Powell has done enough this preseason to earn a spot on the roster and the Jets could potentially keep four running backs on the roster as well. So he should be in the clear despite his poor game against the Saints.
