Jets Tune Up For Giants

Second year head coach Robert Saleh rested the starters and New York took some time to warmup in the first half of the game. The Jets worked defensively to minimize scoring to field goals throughout the game, but both offense and defense heated up in the second half with key plays by Quarterback Chris Streveler and Defensive Lineman Bradlee Anae.

“Overall, I felt like we bounced back – especially in the second half – and played good defense,” Saleh said. “We held them to a field goal on the first explosive. The second explosive, we gave up a touchdown and then had a quick three-and-out against their guys.”

 

 

The Jets defense shut down the Falcons in the end zone throughout the game only allowing for one touchdown in the first quarter. The Jets had 14 combined tackles and assists in the first half of the game versus nine for the Falcons. The Falcons totaled 46 combined tackles and assists for the game. The Jets totaled 59 combined tackles and assists and two quarterback sacks. One sack was by defensive end Bradlee Anae, who made a sack in the fourth quarter, picked up the fumble and ran it back to score.  He described it as a top moment for him. “Just a lot of energy and excitement,” he said. “He works his absolute tail off,” Saleh said about Anae. “He is going 100 miles per hour every play.”

The Jets didn’t score until the last seconds of the second quarter with a field goal by Gregory Zuerlein. The first touchdown pass was in the third quarter from Streveler to tight end Lawrence Cager. The extra point by Eddy Piñeiro was good. Another kick by Piñeiro after a 7 yd run by La’Mical Perine pushed the Jets ahead 17-16. Anae’s sack, fumble return secured the win for the Jets.

The Jets had 11 penalties in the rainy win. “It was sloppy on both sides to be honest,” said Saleh. “There were a lot of flags thrown. Obviously, it was wet and rainy so guys were getting a little grabby.  Some of it we definitely have to fix.”

“That’s football,” Streveler said.  “You play in the rain sometimes. I’ve had plenty of bad weather games up in Canada up there. I’ve been there before. You just try to be smart with the ball.” 

Mike White started at quarterback and completed 12 of 17 passes for 90 yds. Streveler completed 8 of 11 passes for 119 yds. and threw one interception and one touchdown pass.

Coach Saleh said he intends to use the starters in Sund matchup against the New York Giants as a dress rehearsal for the season.