WR Plaxico Burress took the field for the first time in 3 years and instantly silenced his doubters tonight. Gang Green's risky free agent acquisition started opposite of WR Santonio Holmes and caught 3 passes for 66 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown pass from QB Mark Sanchez in the final minute of the first half. The Jets went to Burress right from the start, as Sanchez connected with him on the first play from scrimmage for 20 yards.
The offense then pretty much struggled for the entire first half, as they were able to score only when given short field position by the defense that had 2 interceptions in the first quarter. Finally, as they found themselves backed up against their own goal line, Sanchez and Co. went on a 99-yard scoring drive that culminated with Burress' touchdown reception. Sanchez' 43-yard completion to TE Dustin Keller was the key play on this drive.
The defense played well for the most part, but just as we saw it in the first preseason game as well as most of last season, they just can't get to the quarterback. Yes, this is only preseason but this seems to be a rather alarming trend. Even when the Gang Green blitz everyone, they still can't get to the passer.
Stock Rising:
WR Plaxico Burress - he looked like the Burress we last saw playing for the Giants. Granted it was the Bengals, possibly the worst team in the league, it was still quite impressive to see Burress shine in his first game in 3 years.
RB Joe McKnight - he looked very solid tonight, averaging 5.1 yards/carry and also catching a TD pass. It looks like he has pretty much locked #3 RB slot.
RB Chris Jennings - he broke a 69-yard run late in the fourth quarter. It's doubtful though that he would be able to make the squad, as McKnight has been impressive as well.
LB Aaron Maybin - the recently signed Bills' bust showed that he has the speed and ability, as he ran around the left tackle in the final quarter and recorded his first sack and forced a fumble.
Stock Falling:
PK Nick Folk - he missed a field goal in the first quarter, then kicked out of bounds on a kickoff. He did made up for it later, converting a 50-yard FG attempt.
RB LaDainian Tomlinson - starting in place of injured RB Shonn Greene he was unable to gain any yardage, period. Tomlinson carried the ball 9 times for a total of 16 yards. He can still be an asset in the passing game but his days as a runner seem to be over.
WR Jeremy Kerley - he took a step back tonight, catching just 1 of 4 passes thrown to him.
Rookies:
DL Muhammad Wilkerson - had a pretty quiet game, registering only 1 tackle.
NT Kenrick Ellis - he didn't make any noise this time but did register a tackle for loss.
RB Bilal Powell - averaged only 2.4 yards/carry. As McKnight has pretty much locked #3 RB spot, will Powell even make the squad?
WR Jeremy Kerley - had a bad game as a receiver but pretty solid as a kickoff returner, averaging 31 yards/return.
QB Greg McElroy - another solid game for the rookie signal caller. He went 6 of 9 for 59 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT.
WR Scotty McKnight - he was in on a few plays late in the fourth quarter. It's obvious that he won't make the 53-man roster. Practice squad maybe? Well, at least he's dating Hayden Panettiere, who finally found someone close to her age.