The Jets play the Giants in preseason Week 2: Here are three things to watch for with Gang Green
Jets quarterback Adrian Martinez. Credit: Ed Murray
The Jets had a lot to clean up after two intense and sometimes chippy joint practices with the Giants. Here are three things we’re watching for in Saturday’s preseason game:
1. Quarterback development
Justin Fields’ best moments from the two practices involved him using his legs. He had a nice sideline throw on the move to Tyler Johnson and two long runs — one designed and one on which he took off to avoid a sack and might have scored a touchdown.
Fields still has to show he can make good throws in the pocket, which he hasn’t done enough of this camp.
Many of his completions in the two practices and last week’s preseason opener in Green Bay were checkdowns or throws underneath to the back or tight end. He hasn’t been as strong or accurate in deeper downfield throws.
Aaron Glenn said Fields is just going through his progressions.
“He’s being a quarterback,” Glenn said. “I know everybody wants to see the long ball, but he’s progressing. That’s the simplest I could answer that question.”
Fields aside, it’s a big game for backup quarterbacks Adrian Martinez and rookie Brady Cook. One or both likely will be on the Jets’ practice squad. One could be Fields’ backup in Week 1 with Tyrod Taylor recovering from a knee scope. The Jets could try to acquire or sign a veteran for insurance.
Martinez has performed better than Cook lately, including the Green Bay game. Martinez knows the system from being in the Lions’ training camp last season. Cook is coming off an ankle injury that kept him out of Wednesday’s practice and could be limited.
2. O-line pride
The Giants have a good defensive line, and they pushed around the Jets’ starting front and some backups getting first-team reps in the two practices. The Jets need to respond.
The offensive line looks as if it will be able to hold its own in the running game, opening holes for backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen as well as Fields. They did that well against the Giants. The group has to do a better job of protecting Fields and giving him time to throw.
Fields was sacked eight times (unofficially) in the two days. He probably should have gotten the ball out sooner on a few occasions.
The Giants have a mix of size, speed, power and athleticism up front. Brian Burns and Abdul Carter were especially disruptive. Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux also gave the Jets trouble.
“The way they move their guys around was really unique, especially with Abdul and Burns,” said Hall, who would have had to pick up Burns if he had blitzed in a certain formation.
It was good for rookie right tackle Armand Membou and second-year left tackle Olu Fashanu to face these kinds of rushers. Right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker was stout in both practices. Joe Tippmann had a rough start; he was run over by Carter early in Tuesday’s practice but rebounded from that. Josh Myers had some issues blocking. Tippmann, by the way, is ahead of Myers in the competition for starting center.
3. Prove yourself
The initial 53-man rosters are due in about 10 days, and several players can help or hurt themselves with their performance.
Second-year receiver Malachi Corley might need to show something on offense or special teams to secure his place on the roster. Speedy rookie Arian Smith looks as if he could be in the receiver rotation and push out Xavier Gipson. Undrafted rookie Jamaal Pritchett and unheralded Brandon Smith are making cases to stick around.
Defensive tackle Jay Tufele and Byron Cowart are competing to start next to Quinnen Williams. Tufele is ahead at the moment. Derrick Nnadi has had a quiet camp. Phidarian Mathis and Leonard Taylor III have opened some eyes.
There will be some tough decisions in the defensive backfield. Cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers has a good shot at making the cut and Jarrick Bernard-Converse might not. Safety Jarius Monroe is on the new staff’s radar and might need a strong finish to camp to make the 53.
As for running back Donovan Edwards, the Jets already have a crowded backfield. He could be on their practice squad.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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