The New York Jets and second pick in the 2021 draft Zach Wilson looked strong in their preseason game coming away with a 23-14 win over the Green Bay Packers.
Two touchdown passes and successful throws by rookie QB Zach Wilson and several clutch plays and kicks by special teams led the Jets to the victory last Saturday afternoon at Lambeau Field.
“All week I thought they did a great job competing,” Head Coach Robert Saleh said about special teams performance following the game, later tweeted by the team. “I thought they did a great job winning their one-on-ones during practice and they carried it on to the game. And again, they created a lot of explosive plays.”
The defense stepped up with two key interceptions when it seemed as though Packers might take advantage of their possessions, while Kicker Matt Ammendola filled in the necessary gaps when the offense couldn’t reach the end zone. Ammendola had two more successful field goals in the second half that secured the win.
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
New York was first on the scoreboard with a 54-yad field goal by Ammendola, but trailed 7-3 at the start of second quarter. Wilson completed an 18-yd pass to TE Tyler Kroft for the Jets first touchdown of the game and the duo followed it up with another 18-yd touchdown pass before the end of the quarter. Ammendola had successful kicks for the extra point both times. WR Corey Davis caught four passes for 70 yds, while CB Corey Ballentine had a 73-yd kickoff return which helped pave the way for the success. The Jets tweeted Monday they waved Ballentine. Jets led 17-14 at half time and returned with the same momentum. Jets CB Brandin Echols had an interception in the third quarter and CB Lamar Jackson had an interception in the fourth quarter. Ammendola had two more successful field goals in the second half secured the win.
Jets will need to work on quarterback protection as Packers managed a quarterback sack.
Wilson completed 9 of 11 passes for 128 yards while backup QB Mike White completed 7 of 9 passes for 39 yds. Packers did not play Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love. Packers QB Kurt Benkert completed 18 of 25 passes for 151 yds.
The Jets made needed changes following a chaotic 2020-2021season highlighted by COVID-19, trades and losses, as they ended the season with a 2-14 record. The Jets announced Adam Gase would not be returning as head coach following the last game of the season and also traded QB Sam Darnold.
Jets players now recuperate from several injuries sustained during Saturday’s game and focus their attention on Sunday’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles at Met
Life Stadium.
Note: Sports Editor Andrew Rosario contributed to this article.
