The New York Jets lost to the New York Giants, but even in a loss there are takeaways in an ugly preseason game.
Thank god we only have one more week of preseason football. These games are getting pretty ugly, and in the case of the Snoopy Bowl, it was a back and forth game towards the end that the New York Jets wound up losing.
In preseason it’s not always about the winner at the end of the game, Instead, it’s more about learning about your team. This particular week, a lot was learned.
Muhammad Wilkerson Is Still A Beast
If you look at the box score you’ll see four tackles including a tackle for a loss credited to Muhammad Wilkerson. Unfortunately, just looking at the box score doesn’t tell the entire story. The Giants weakness of their offensive line was magnified when Mo was on the field.
Just a friendly reminder that Mo Wilk is a beast #Jets pic.twitter.com/wi6SCgbWjf
— Matt O'Leary (@MattOLearyNY) August 28, 2016
He was an absolute problem during the game last night. Jets fans should rejoice that Mikey Mac was able to sign Big Mo to a long term deal. Rest assured fans, Big Mo will be the anchor of that strong defensive line.
How Significant Is David Harris’ Injury
Hopefully, for the Jets, David Harris isn’t going to miss time. He’s been a tackling machine his entire career with the Jets. I was worried about injuries in this game and the Jets can’t afford to lose Harris for both his on the field talent and leadership as a veteran on the defensive side of the football.
In the game itself he showed his good nose for the football recording five tackles, two of which for a loss of yards.
Dee Milliner Is Still Bad
The former first round draft pick, Dee Milliner, was torched for yet another TD last night.
Dee Milliner…..#Jets pic.twitter.com/yNFaETHlcG
— Matt O'Leary (@MattOLearyNY) August 28, 2016
Once he was turned around, it was all over for the first round bust. He hasn’t looked good all preseason, but his contract is guaranteed, so he will most likely make the team. It’s not like the Jets have a replacement for him ready at the moment anyway.
Robby Anderson Has Another Good Week
Robby Anderson was the star again. He followed up his strong Week 2 performance with four receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. The fun thing about the preseason is watching guys like him trying to make the final 53.
Hopefully, he has another big week next week and makes it tough on Todd Bowles and company to cut him.
Christian Hackenberg Isn’t As Bad As We Thought
I was shocked to see Christian Hackenberg run on to the field for the Jets last night. After some rocky throws and a delay of game penalty, he got his legs under him and made a few nice throws on his opening drive.
It led to his first NFL TD pass:
Pretty good first drive for No. 5, huh?#Jets 17, Giants 14. #NYGvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/ucOehPhGBx
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 28, 2016
There were ups and downs from Hack, but overall, he surprised me. There were some poor throws where everything you’ve heard about him showed, but on other passes he stood in the pocket and showcased his strong arm.
The kid’s clearly not ready yet, but you can takeaway some positives from his first NFL action.
We’ve got just one more week left of preseason then it’s on to real football. Hang in there, we’re almost there.