In a rather sloppy preseason game, a lot was learned about this New York Jets football team. Here are some takeaways from the loss.

It was painful at times to watch the New York Jets take on the Washington Redskins. It’s preseason football, which is hard to watch in the first place, but Friday night’s game just felt extra difficult to stomach.

The contest was simply a really ugly game for both sides. Early on, the Redskins dominated but couldn’t put points on the board while the Jets couldn’t do a thing on offense.

Here are some takeaways from the loss.


RELATED: Defense Struggles Again, Bryce Petty Shines For New York Jets In Week 2 (Highlights)


The Competition For Backup QB Is Real

It was a foregone conclusion that Geno Smith would be the backup once Ryan Fitzpatrick signed with the Jets. That’s begun to change after the first two preseason games.

After a decent first game, Smith did not look good in his second appearance. His interception yielded the most criticism.

His decision making skills are not his strength. He has a nice arm but you have to question his football IQ. As for Bryce Petty, he impressed on Friday night.

Petty was able to make some really nice throws.

He ended up at 16 of 26 passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions, an impressive night for the second year player.

The question is if the Jets feel that he is ready to take over as the backup. Nevertheless, you have to realize that this competition is real.

Why Did Colt McCoy Look So Good?

There is no reason for Colt McCoy to tear up your defense like that. It doesn’t matter that it’s the preseason. It was still downright embarrassing. He went 13 for 16 and threw for two touchdowns.

Did he throw a bad pick in the end zone? Yes, but he was still 7 of 7 on the drive before that throw.

He also looked like 2004 Michael Vick with this move:

The Tight End Position Is Worse Off Than We Thought

Quincy Enunwa got hurt in the game on special teams trying to cover a punt. First of all, why is your TE/WR hybrid, who is expected to be a big part of the offense, on special teams? That seems like an injury which could have been avoided with a mild use of common sense.

Kellen Davis and Zach Sudfeld both fumbled the ball in big spots. Two fumbles from the TE position? Come on.

Jace Amaro, who I expected to be a big part of the Jets’ offense, didn’t have a good game. He dropped a couple of passes that should’ve been caught. He should still have an impact on this team, it just didn’t look good for him on Friday.

Ross Martin Stinks

I was right about one thing from my pregame predictions.

Ross Martin proved why the kicker competition should be over with. After a much better FG attempt which he put right down the middle, he banked an extra point off the upright.

Just name Nick Folk the winner of the competition and call it a day.

Robby Anderson Is Doing All He Can To Make The Team

Six receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown will definitely help your case for making a football team. Robby Anderson had a great game against the Redskins as he tries to crack the roster.

Half the fun of the preseason is rooting for guys you don’t know very well to make the squad. Last week it was Jalin Marshall and this week it was Anderson.


Next week it’ll be the Snoopy Bowl as the Jets take on the New York Giants. Expect the starters to play more time and expect a significant injury. Someone always seems to get hurt in this game (See Mark Sanchez 2013, Jason Sehorn 1998, or Chad Pennington 2003).

Any fan should hope to see a more watchable game next week. We’re getting closer!


NEXT: Bryce Petty Has Immediately Provided The New York Jets Flexibility

I'm a Jets, Islanders and Mets fan from Long Island. I'm the General Manager of my college radio station WFTU Riverhead where I also do a sports talk show called "This Week In Sports". In addition to ESNY I'm a co-editor of EyesOnIsles.com. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take -Wayne Gretzky" -Michael Scott