Today was one of the least important preseason games ever, the first preseason game. A lot of outsiders and substitutes were fighting for a spot on the roster and basically just trying to get on the team. But as a New York Jets analyst who watched the entire game and took notes, a lot happened. So this is a much too early and far too optimistic reaction to Jets vs. Washington Commanders.
Grade for quarterbacks – B
Honestly, there’s not much to say about Andrew Peasley. If you’re asking for the epitome of a middling level do-it-all player, it’s Andrew Peasley. He wasn’t great, but he always got the job done. I never really saw him use his legs, but he seemed ready to run, but he just wasn’t there. He pulled it back on a read option because he thought he could make a play. It was the wrong judgement, but the aggressiveness is a good sign.
Adrian Martinez is the man that saves this team’s performance. He’s the man that helps the team win this game. He’s the XFL MVP for a reason. He can run, he can throw on the run, he can make the decisions he needs to make. At one point during the game, Tyrod Taylor started to stand up and smile a little less. I’m very optimistic about this guy as a backup third or fourth line quarterback. He can really play. Confidence is half the battle in this game and Martinez really showed his confidence.
Grade Running Backs – A
I’ve already pointed out in this article that the team has an incredible amount of running backs. My arguments were clearly proven today. Braelon Allen looked like they took Breece Hall and put him in his jersey. The guy ran with speed, power and vision. With the way he plays, this kid has a real chance to be a very strong number two for the team.
I thought Isaiah Davis had a decent performance. He didn’t blow me away, but he flashed out of the backfield. That’s extremely important. A running back that can catch and make plays with his speed is never a problem. He’s not going to see the field much, but when he does, let him get free out of the backfield and he’ll do something.
Grade Wide Receiver – C
It’s really great to see Malachi Corley doing something. He has to be a spark for the offense and that’s exactly what he seemed to do. He looked good when he came back and after the Zack Kuntz drop he showed good reaction time and hand speed to catch the pass.
Jason Brownlee made one catch, but it was a really great one, as he toed the ball in and hauled it in. It’s great to watch him play, because he should have been coming off the bench. By the way, the guy in the helmet looks like Garret Wilson reincarnated.
And last but not least, Brandon Smith kind of came out of nowhere but he played great and made Adrian Martinez’s performance what it was. I hope he continues to play well in the preseason and fights for a spot in the starting lineup.
Overall, the receivers were okay, but there is obviously still a lot of room for improvement.
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Grade for the offensive line: B+
That B+ is because the line held up pretty well. We saw a lot of guys play well and really didn’t slump. We saw the run game look pretty decent. But the B+ is mostly due to one guy. The main player to watch was Olu Fashanu, and we’ll see what he does for the rest of the season. Without a false start, the line gets an A-, A. Fashanu looked pretty damn good most of the time just setting up his guy and putting a hat on him with strong blocks. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but for the first time in a long time, the line looks good.
Defensive Line Grade – A
If Jeff Driskel wasn’t playing like Patrick Mahomes, this would be an A+ with great pressure and play throughout the game. It just felt like the pressure put on Driskel didn’t matter as he threw beautiful passes. The key players to watch for were Will McDonald and Leonard Taylor III who played really well.
We didn’t see much of Will McDonald, but he’s obviously important as he fights for a starting spot. He made a great turn and hit and got a really tough penalty for roughing the passer.
Leonard Taylor III did an excellent job of getting into the backfield all day and is truly a guy to keep an eye on.
Linebacker grade – C
Honestly, the linebackers are the guys who have gotten the least attention. They haven’t done much and they haven’t been bad. Zone defense? They haven’t been great and that’s the most important thing. Keep an eye on Chase Surrat. He’s battling for a spot at LB and could be good…we’ll have to see how he improves. The injury is a setback, but he’s one to keep an eye on.
Cornerbacks Grade – B
The cornerbacks were OK and showed a lot of potential. Quantez Stiggers can be pretty decent. He’s just a little slow. He’s adjusting to a faster game and I think he’ll adjust, he just needs a little time. Jarrick Bernard-Converse has actually been a strong player. We need to see him stop holding so much and then he’ll be good. He was the best cornerback today, was targeted a lot and we didn’t see many catches. Man-to-man he got away with a lot of holds. If he gets away with that, then it’s not a hold, but it’s still a little close.
Overall, the team played well today. The offense didn’t look great to start the day, but Adrian Martinez lit a fire under the team and really got them going. The defense was good and a win is a win, even in the preseason. I can’t wait to see which guys make the team and who we’ll see and cheer for throughout the rest of the year. Ladies and gentlemen, here we go.
1 month and 9 days and then we get this environment back LETS GO Fireman Ed leads JETS chant against Buffalo
