“Photographs courtesy of the New York Jets.”
By: Shara Taylor
It was a seesaw start for the New York Jets in The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Cleveland Browns, which kicked off the NFL preseason on Aug.3.
New York’s defense played aggressive, but the offense lacked in scoring in the second half of the game. New York had highs, such as an impressive deep pass by Quarterback Zach Wilson, however the lows from penalties and an interception in the fourth quarter, led to a 21-16 loss to Cleveland.
“Zack did a good job,” said Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh following the game. “He was poised, looked comfortable in the pocket, delivered the ball on schedule. Definitely something to build on.”
Coach Saleh told reporters they hope to rebuild the “confidence and swag” Wilson had when the Jets selected him as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.
The Jets kicked off to the Browns. Wilson started a little jittery in New York’s first possession. He couldn’t find anyone, took off, and slipped just missing the first down. Yet he redeemed himself on the Jets next possession as he launched a beautiful 57-yard throw down field to wide receiver Malik Taylor. He told reporters after the game that it was thanks to a call by Aaron Rodgers who helped out on the sideline and told him to throw to Taylor.
“Great call by Aaron Rodgers,” Wilson said. “Malik’s done a great job all of training camp so I wanted to go to his side.”
Rodgers who joined the Jets after 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers sat out Thursday as did Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The Jets were productive in the first quarter. Defensive lineman Bryce Huff had a quarterback sack. New York was the first on the scoreboard with a 54-yd field goal by kicker Greg Zuerlein. He later kicked a 44-yd field goal and Jets were ahead 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The Jets also had a good second quarter. Linebacker Chazz Surratt had an interception. New York next scored the first touchdown of the game as Quarterback Tim Boyle passed to running back Israel Abanikanda who ran in for the touchdown. The extra point was good. Zuerlein kicked another field goal. New York went to halftime ahead 16-7, but returned to the game without their spunk. They were unable to score in the second half as Cleveland scored a touchdown in the third and fourth quarters.
Jets Quarterback Chris Streveler who played in the fourth quarter could not connect in crunch time. Jets received a penalty for delay of game and Streveler’s pass was intercepted. Strevler was waived by the Jets Monday afternoon.
Strevler completed one of seven attempted passes for nine yds and threw one interception . Wilson completed three of five attempted passes for 65-yds and Tim Boyle completed six of 11 passes for 61-yds.
Jets defense had 12 penalties and the Browns had 10. Jets had 71 total tackles, one interception and one sack. The Browns had 50 total tackles one interception and one sack.
Former Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis and defensive tackle Joe Klecko were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Jets next travel to Charlotte to take on the Carolina Panthers Aug. 12 .
