A mixed bag for the Jets in their first preseason game.

The Good:

[dropcap][/dropcap]The TEs played well in Cumberland and Winslow. They were able to get separation and make some nice receptions as a much needed safety valve. If Winslow can stay healthy, he will be big for the offense. Cumberland also played well. The TEs were a bright spot as a WC offense depends on that position to move the chains.

The WRs also hauled in whatever came their way. Kerley was solid and keeps improving and is now, clearly the most reliable and productive player on the offense. Clyde Gate’s was sharp and his routes were crisp as he also made some nice receptions for solid gains. The WR core carried over their play from training camp to their first preseason game, but the key will be to translate this to real game action. Overall, the unit was very encouraging.

Despite Sanchez’s INT and shaky start, he recovered, finished well and led a solid 80 yard drive showing command of the offense and spreading the ball all around. He seems much better in the WC offense and if the run game gets going, it will make him that much more effective.

From the above, the offense is a mixed bag. The O-line is a concern, but the Jets have two new starters and it could just be needed time to mesh, but this warrants keeping an eye on. If the O-line falters, so will the offense as there are no special playmakers that can compensate The run game was dismal but the starters were not on the field. The Jets better hope that Ivory comes back and stays healthy. The WRs and TEs looked solid despite Hill not doing much. On the offensive side as a whole, there were some encouraging signs but also some questions.

The Defense:

[dropcap][/dropcap]The Defense played with speed and aggression, but having many new players and younger players, several times there were miscommunications and players out of position. Demario Davis looked lost on several plays and the secondary did give up some big receptions. The rookie Richardson did not make any real noise. While the Dline did bring some pressure, it was not overwhelming, but did help out the secondary. Overall the Dline was solid. The biggest weakness is the LBs in coverage. Coples played well while learning a new position from the Dline to OLB, but had some issues setting the edge against the run, as in one instance, Bush had his way with him. This is still in the early stages of this experiment, and we will have to see how it progresses.
[dropcap][/dropcap]Milliner played well but was inconsistent on a few plays which is expected by a rookie at a difficult position and also his missing all the OTAs had him a little rusty, but he did flash real potential. The safety’s were not tested much in coverage, and could still be an issue. While Landry, Jarrett and Allen seemed solid against the run, the jury is out when they will have to face spread offenses and TE sets and to cover the intermediate zone. Josh Bush gave a good account of himself and Ryan raved about Jarrett and will moved to take reps with the 1st team.

Overall, the defense has more speed than last season and defended the run fairly solid. The Lions are not a real test in the run game and more will have to be seen, but the run defense does appear intact and should not be a concern. The Dline did generate more pressure and made life easier for the secondary. Kennrick Ellis had a solid game and looks like he will be an effective NT and command double teams, to free up others, who can then make some impact plays. Wilkerson looks like a beast, and will be the opposing O-lines biggest problem. Overall the defense was as expected, young, fast and shows real potential but will need time to put it all together. The secondary did have some issues, especially with the depth, but as a whole, despite giving up a few big plays, did look fairly solid. The Defense will have their share of growing pains, but towards the end of the season, they will start to show why they will be top defense and carry it into 2014. Holes at safety and LB will have to be addressed in the future, for this Defense to be the eventual true definition of a shutdown defense. So far the defense looks to be heading in the right direction and will again, be the strongest unit on the Jets.

 

By JoeyBoy

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