The New York Jets improved to 2-1 in preseason as they defeated the New York Giants, 13-10. In a game that was dominated by both teams' defenses it was the Gang Green who made more big plays, limiting the Giants to only 122 passing yards and sacking their quarterbacks 8 times.
QB Brett Favre started his second game as a Jet. He played the first two quarters, completing 9 of 12 passes for 96 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT. Favre did throw a touchdown pass to WR Jerricho Cotchery, but the play was called back on an illegal motion penalty. QB Kellen Clemens took over after the scoreless first half and led backups down the field for the first scoring drive of the game. The possession that lasted over nine minutes was capped with a 24-yard field goal by PK Mike Nugent. Clemens finished the game 9 of 12 for 83 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT. Later in the third quarter QB Brett Ratliff, who's been turning heads this preseason, replaced Clemens behind the center. Ratliff's second pass, however, was picked off inside the Jets' territory, leading to a Giants' touchdown. Ratliff redeemed himself in the fourth quarter when the Jets took over close to midfield. He threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to WR Paul Raymond with 6:08 remaining to put the Jets ahead for good. CB Drew Coleman intercepted a pass with 1:06 left to seal the victory.
Once again the Gang Green struggled running the football, averaging only 2.2 yards per carry. Starting RB Thomas Jones carried the ball 6 times for a total of 11 yards (1.8 yards per carry). 12 penalties for a total of 77 yards, including three penalties in a row to open the second half, is another reason to worry.
The defense looked good rushing the quarterback but struggled against the run - the Giants averaged 5.1 yards per carry. LB Calvin Pace, who was acquired this summer, sacked Eli Manning twice. CB Justin Miller left the game in the second quarter with a foot injury. Both DE Shaun Ellis and WR Laveranues Coles did not play.
Next Thursday the Jets will travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in the final preseason game. The kickoff is at 6:30 PM ET.