Sam Darnold watched from the sidelines, giving way to Josh McCown and John Wolford in the New York Jets’ preseason finale.
Sam Darnold took in the New York Jets’ preseason finale from the sidelines, watching as New York reserves battled the defending Super Bowl champions at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night. The hometown Eagles sent their faithful home happy, a late touchdown giving them a 10-9 win over the Jets.
Each beginning the game with reserve quarterbacks, the teams exchanged three-and-outs on their first drives. At the end of the Eagles’ opener, the Jets got set up in Eagles territory on a long punt return by George Atkinson. Though yardage was lost shortly after, Jason Myers more or less solidified his hold on the Jets’ kicking job, booting an attempt through the uprights to give the Jets a 3-0 lead.
Jason Myers with the 58-yard BOOT to put the #Jets on the board. pic.twitter.com/Jl80HMBVtc
— Conor the Mick (@TheNJMick) August 30, 2018
Ex-Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg entered the game in the second quarter, and wound up developing chemistry with Jets “receivers” at the worst possible time. In relief of starter Joe Callahan, Hackenberg threw two interceptions on his first three drives, Juston Burris earning the first before J.J. Wilcox swiped the other.
Christian Hackenberg picked. To be fair to him, WR stopped on the route. pic.twitter.com/4AL6L0Lemi
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) August 30, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9X-si_zdNw
Unfortunately for the Jets (1-3), they were unable to capitalize, despite both takeaways situating the Jets in Eagles territory. John Wolford had his pass intercepted by Chandon Sullivan four yards away from the end zone, while the Wilcox turnover led to a turnover on downs.
?#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/103cdkd2LP
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 31, 2018
A Philadelphia attempt at points before the half went for naught, as they got into Jets territory, but time ran out before they could attempt a field goal. The Eagles would eventually get on the board when they embarked on a nine-play, 38-yard drive that ended in a long Jake Elliott field. Hackenberg spurred the drive with a 22-yard run.
The Jets would respond with two field goals of their own in the second half, as Myers hit another deep one from 48 yards in the third quarter before Taylor Bertolet nailed a short 19-yarder to create a 9-3 lead. Despite a strong defensive effort throughout the night, the Eagles (1-3) embarked on an 11-play, 68-yard drive that ended with Callahan finding Matt Jones for a four-yard touchdown.
PARRY NICKERSON has arrived! pic.twitter.com/1x7Lyh7JKh
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) August 31, 2018
Josh McCown got the start for the Jets, playing three drives where he went 3-for-8 for 26 yards. Hackenberg, who gave the ball away once more for the Eagles on a second-half fumble, went 7-for-16 for 69 yards.
The Jets’ first regular season game will be the first part of the annual Monday Night Football doubleheader, as they take on the Detroit Lions on the road on September 10 (7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN).
