[wpdevart_youtube width=”640″ height=”385″ autoplay=”0″ theme=”dark” loop_video=”0″ enable_fullscreen=”1″ show_related=”1″ show_popup=”0″ thumb_popup_width=”213″ thumb_popup_height=”128″ show_title=”1″ show_youtube_icon=”1″ show_annotations=”1″ show_progress_bar_color=”red” autohide_parameters=”1″ set_initial_volume=”false” initial_volume=”100″ disable_keyboard=”0″]CkWHjRq4hy4[/wpdevart_youtube]EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Jets and New York Giants have played each other in 47 preseason match-ups over the years. The Jets (25 wins) have had more success than the Giants (21 wins) in these match-ups. In their preseason meeting last season, the Jets came out with a win, 28-18. This season however, the MetLife Bowl would have a different winner.
The first half was everything you could ask for from a Jet fan’s perspective defensively. The defense was playing physical and winning the push up front. Eli Manning never looked comfortable, and got sacked once by Calvin Pryor. Even the special teams showed up on defense, as Bruce Carter and Montrez Miles helped to block a punt in the first quarter. Darrelle Revis added an interception at the 6:52 mark in the second quarter. Revis took advantage of a ball that should have been caught by Odell Beckham Jr. The solid Jets defense held the Giants to just 47 total yards in the first half.
As far as offensively, Ryan Fitzpatrick looked good in the action he got Friday night. Fitzpatrick completed nine out of 16 passes for 76 yards and one touchdown. That touchdown was a beautiful 22 yard, back shoulder throw to Eric Decker. It’s important that these two establish a connection and early, because Decker and Brandon Marshall are the catalysts that are going to carry the receiving load this season. Marshall was a late scratch from the game Saturday night, but his sore hip should be good for Week 1.
Matt Forte saw some action Saturday night, and got 10 carries for 28 yards. Forte looked strong and should fit in well here in New York. The combination of Forte and Bilal Powell should bode well for the Jets rushing attack coming into the regular season.
In the second half, it was ultimately costly interceptions thrown by both Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg that cost the Jets a win. Petty’s fourth quarter interception was returned for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. This put the Giants up 14-10 with 12:06 left in the fourth quarter.
Hackenberg came into the game on the next drive, and impressed many by leading the Jets on a touchdown scoring drive. Hackenberg completed four of six passes on that drive for 79 yards, and finished with a 10 yard touchdown pass to Robby Anderson. The score put the Jets back on top 17-14.
The Jets would force a punt on the Giants next possession, and get good field position. This set up a field goal to keep the Jets up, 20-14. From the way the Jets defense played and how well Hackenberg looked, it seemed the Jets had the win in the bag.
However, Hackenberg showed his inexperience by throwing an interception in his own red zone. Hackenberg didn’t recognize the zone coverage, and threw it right into the hands of Andrew Adams. Ryan Nassib then threw his second touchdown pass to Tavarres King, for King’s second touchdown of the game. This put the Giants up 21-20 for good, and the Jets saw a win slip right through their fingers.
Even though the Jets didn’t come out on top, there were many positives to take away. Anderson is emerging as a great receiver, and has had his second straight preseason game with a touchdown. Hackenberg showed many why the Jets took a chance with him, and even began trending after his impressive first drive. Plus, the Jets defense in many ways was completely dominant for most of Saturday night.
The Jets last preseason game will be Thursday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. It will be interesting to see who will get the quarterback snaps in that game. Geno Smith was the odd man out Saturday, as he only got 11 snaps and didn’t look great in those snaps. With Petty and Hackenberg taking steps forward, Smith could see his days in New York being numbered.
Jet Under The Radar:
- Ross Martin made both of his field goal attempts, including a 55 yard make. Martin has had an impressive training camp, and the rookie out of Duke has really pushed Nick Folk.
Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732