The New York Jets began the 2004 preseason this evening as they took on the Saints in New Orleans. The Gang Green lost, 13-23, but the Jets fans still have plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
The Jets' starters looked impressive on both sides of the ball. QB Chad Pennington played just one series where he drove the Jets inside the Saints' 5-yard line. Unfortunately, just like we saw it many times last season, the Jets struggled at the goal line and had to settle for a field goal. Pennington was 3 out of 5 for 32 yards. RB Curtis Martin, who also played only one series, carried the ball 3 times for a total of 20 yards, which included a 15-yard run. The offensive line also looked pretty solid, giving Chad Pennington plenty of time to throw the football. TE Anthony Becht made an impressive 15-yard catch and then also added a 5-yarder.
Rookie WR Jerricho Cotchery led the Jets with 3 receptions for 50 yards. Backup RB Jonathan Reese looked rather solid gaining 56 yards on 13 carries. RB LaMont Jordan scored the only Jets' touchdown on a 3-yard run.
On the defensive side, rookie LB Jonathan Vilma led the team with 6 tackles (4 solo). Another rookie from Miami, LB Darrell McClover, forced a fumble in the second half. Starting linebackers Sam Cowart and Victor Hobson made one tackle apiece. DE John Abraham came close to sacking the QB on at least a couple of occasions, while DT Josh Evans applied some noticeable pressure in the middle on 3rd downs. FS Jon McGraw, who played despite injury, made an interception in the first quarter.
Problems? Well, the Jets definitely need to sign a veteran backup quarterback. Both Brooks Bollinger and Ricky Ray disappointed. Bollinger lost two fumbles and got sacked at least three times. He was just 6 out of 11 for 85 yards. Brooks injured his knee in the 3rd quarter and his status is unknown at this time. Ricky Ray has absolutely no arm. Late in the 4th quarter he threw an interception that sealed the game for the Saints, and was just 6 out of 16 for 55 yards for the entire game. It's quite obvious that the Jets can't enter regular season having these two incapable players as the only backups to Chad Pennington.
Additionally, it doesn't seem like CB Jon Pendergrass will be on this team much longer. He looked just horrible, allowing several completions and getting penalized for pass interference.
Rookies:
LB Jonathan Vilma - 6 tackles (4 solo).
CB Derrick Strait - did not play
WR Jerricho Cotchery - 5 receptions, 50 yards.
S Eric Coleman - 1 tackle.
LB Darrell McClover - 2 tackles (1 solo), forced fumble
S Rashad Washington - 4 tackles (4 solo)