The New York Jets looked like a completely different team in the second half. After trailing 16-3 at halftime, the Jets outscored the Atlanta Falcons, 21-0, in the second half, to score a 24-16 victory to move to 2-0 in the preseason.
QB Chris Streveler entered the game on the second series of the second half and, other than an interception in the fourth quarter, was nearly perfect for the Jets, leading the offense to two touchdown drives. He finished 8/11 for 119 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also added 33 yards on six carries. Mike White finished 12/17 for 90 yards and leading just the one field goal drive at the end of the first half.
It’s been quite a preseason for Streveler, who has now thrown three touchdown passes in two preseason games after not even getting a rep in training camp before the game against the Eagles. With one preseason game left, Streveler is absolutely in the mix to be the third quarterback on the roster, which could also mean being the backup in Week 1 to Joe Flacco if Zach Wilson isn’t ready.
Elsewhere, it was another strong performance for tight end Lawrence Cager. After recording 40 yards on just two catches against the Eagles, Cager hauled in a 34-yard touchdown reception, finishing with 65 yards on three catches.
Cager is a strong candidate for the practice squad, as he may simply be the victim of a numbers game at the tight end position. C.J. Uzomah, Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert will all likely make the 53. But if the Jets decide to keep four tight ends, they’ll have a decision to make between Cager, Trevon Wesco and Kenny Yeboah.
What will the Jets do with Denzel Mims? That’s now a lingering question. Mims saw work on offense and on special teams, but also found himself playing in the fourth quarter, though part of that was thanks to a couple of injuries the Jets picked up at the position during the game. It’s going to be extremely fascinating to follow this story over the next few days.
One star from the Jets defense? How about Bradlee Anae, who was putting pressure on the Falcons quarterback throughout the day, including a strip sack of Feleipe Franks and a touchdown that helped ice the game for the Jets. He finished with a pair of tackles and a pair of quarterback hits to go along with the fumble return for a touchdown. Defensive tackle Jonathan Marshall also made a case to stick around with five tackles, two tackles for a loss and a sack.
And a quick note on the kicking battle: Greg Zuerlein continues to have the edge over Eddy Pineiro. He made a 44-yard field goal right before halftime and also added an extra point, while Pineiro made two extra points. It’s a matter of when the Jets decide to cut one of the kickers, though it isn’t a bad thing to let both stick around one more week, as the Jets can still carry 80 players for the final preseason game.
Certainly an up-and-down performance Monday, but again, the Jets were rolling with mostly backups and bubble players, while the Falcons ran some of their starters for as many as three series. QB Marcus Mariota played the first quarter, Desmond Ridder played the second quarter. But you certainly have to love the fight from the back-end roster players making their case to stick around, whether on the 53 or on the practice squad.
