Jets-Giants recap: Pass protection issues linger for Sparano's struggling offense

I watched the replay of Saturday’s night game over and over again, simply because I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

Despite the lopsided score, there were a few bright spots for the Jets in their 26-3 loss to the Giants in the MetLife Bowl: namely, Bart Scott, Mike Devito and LaRon Landry.

After fellow linebacker Bryan Thomas pushed back Ware for a three-yard loss in the second quarter, Scott blew by tight end Martellus Bennett on the next play and went untouched for a tackle on Ware for no gain.

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Rookie DE Quinton Coples started the game in a four- man front, but didn’t do much damage until the second half. He sacked backup quarterback David Carr for a three-yard loss in the fourth, and also finished the game with two tackles (one for a loss) and two QB hits.

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Though he averaged 3.3 yards a carry, RB Shonn Greene actually collected five or more yards on 11 of his rushing attempts. He finished with 36 yards and caught two passes for nine yards. ....Rookie WR Jordan White had a team-high three receptions for 28 yards, including a 17-yard catch that set up the Jets' first and only score: a 30-yard FG by Josh Brown.

Now that that’s out of the way … let’s get to the most troubling part of the film: Wayne Hunter.

The Jets right tackle got tossed around like a rag doll – not just once. And not by just one the Giants’ All Pro defensive ends. Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora each took turns victimizing the 31-year old Hunter, en route to three sacks of Mark Sanchez.

The Jets right tackle – who is due a guaranteed $2.45 million this season – missed several training camp practices, and last week’s preseason loss to Cincinnati, with a stiff back.

Hunter said he’s still experiencing back tightness, but refused to use it as an excuse for his poor play. The Jets coaching staff left him on an island against one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL – and with every passing sack, Hunter remained liability.

There were no adjustments by the Jets coaching staff – no tight end or back help. Why? That’s a good question. (Rest assured, Rex will be asked that same question tomorrow.)

The Jets’ offensive line gave up seven sacks in all to the Giants – bringing their two-game preseason sack total to 12. Backup QB Tim Tebow was sacked four times in the second half … and he was NOT happy about it.  

The Jets offense also has failed to score a touchdown in 108 preseason plays. Even without a game plan, a vanilla offense should be able to get into the end zone. 

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As for Sanchez's interception, which was returned 77 yards by Giants' third-round pick CB Jayron Hosley ... The Jets quarterback admitted the throw was a tad behind WR Patrick Turner. But keep in mind, it was a crossing route and TE Dustin Keller should have (discreetly, accidentally, whatever word you want to use) bumped into Hosley. A subtle block by Keller would have allowed enough time for Turner to come up with the pass.