After a win in the preseason opener, the New York Jets head down to take on the Washington Redskins in Week 2. Here’s what to expect.
- New York Jets (1-0)
- Washington Redskins (0-1)
- NFL Preseason, Week 2, Aug. 19
- FedEx Field, Washington D.C.
It’s the preseason, so it’s extremely difficult to get excited for these games. The starters may only see two series tonight (yawn). Through it all, however, there are some interesting storylines to look at this week as it relates to the New York Jets.
Christian Hackenberg Plays
For instance, expect Christian Hackenberg to see some action tonight. Todd Bowles’s play, at least, is that the rookie sees his first taste of NFL action tonight, via Connor Hughes of NJ.com. Hackenberg didn’t play at all in Week 1. In Week 3, the starters play a majority of the game, so I don’t expect the fourth string QB to see any action next week.
It makes since for Bowles to get Hackenberg some reps so they could at least see something from him. It will probably be in the fourth quarter with an offensive line that’ll be on the employment line in a couple of weeks, so I’m not expecting a lot.
Realistically, Week 4 would be when Hackenberg gets the most reps, but I don’t see Bowles waiting until the last week of the preseason to give Hackenberg playing time.
It will probably be ugly. There will definitely be a learning curve, but it’s almost like throwing him into the deep end of the pool to learn how to swim. It has to be done. The only thing is it’ll be against other fourth stringers who are fighting for a special teams job at best, so it won’t really tell you all that much.
The Kicker Battle Is Won
Rookie kicker Ross Martin was terrible in Week 1. He wen’t 1-for-3 on field goal attempts which isn’t going to win you the job.
Nick Folk has been solid with the Jets, so, unless something goes terribly wrong this week, Folk should be declared the winner. I don’t think Martin is going to prove anything this week, he’ll get his attempts I’m sure, it just won’t be enough.
Another year with Nick Folk is the safe move.
Petty Sees More Action
It seems like Bryce Petty and Geno Smith are battling for the backup job. If Petty can prove himself as a reliable backup, Geno might be on his way out. The only way to see that is by giving him more reps with the second string unit.
Petty might see more time than Geno tonight, and Geno can’t take it personal. He will still get his playing time but the Jets have to see what they have with Petty.
Everyone seems to be saying that the Jets staff isn’t big on Petty. I don’t buy that. I think in the end they keep all four QBs. Why would they favor Geno? Petty was drafted by this regime while Geno was an inherited piece.
We’ll see what happens tonight, but these are three things that I would definitely watch for tonight. Hang in there folks, we’re just one week closer to real football.
