The Jets got a dramatic draw against the Eagles on Friday with a touchdown in the final second and a two-point conversion, until the (technically) undefeated preseason.
The Jets’ offense performed admirably throughout the contest, including a comeback in the second half, but the defense left much to be desired. Many missed attacks and poor coverage left gaps throughout the defense that allowed the Eagles to put points in groups.
Robert Saleh and the rest of the coaching staff will use this game to evaluate the New York players for the last time before the final cuts. Some players stood out, though not necessarily for positive reasons.
Let’s look at New York’s Studs and Duds from the end of preseason.
(Noah K. Murray-AP)
Johnson ran like a battering ram against the Eagles and perhaps earned more hits in the regular season. He started a couple of impressive runs and finished with 13 53-yard runs and a scoreboard. He added two receptions for 18 yards. The Jets will likely lead a three-game committee and Johnson may lead the group.
(Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)
Sherwood was badly educated as an NFL starter. The young Jets defender has taken over from injured Jarrad Davis, but missed two first attacks that resulted in big gains. This included gossiping a 49-yard marker from Boston Scott. Sherwood ended up with only one solo.
(Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)
Johnson completed 7-8 passes for 73 yards and a good touchdown pass from the red zone to Lawrence Cager in the middle of the game. Johnson played better than any Jets quarterback this summer, but it would be a surprise if the veteran got the job above Mike White and James Morgan. If that’s the case, Johnson had a chance to show other teams he can still be in the service.
(Chris Pedota-NorthJersey.com)
Dunn had another poor performance in the preseason after giving up a great touchdown pass. Not only did he lose leverage in a deep pass to Eagles extension JJ Arcega-Whiteside, but the unwritten free agent was unable to knock down the pass catcher and left the 42-yard marker. The Jets had hoped Dunn could turn into a solid nickel or an outside corner this low season, but it looks like he needs more time.
(Chris Pedota-NorthJersey.com)
Carter did not play as well as the other two Jets runners who were taken away. The fourth-round rookie finished with just 12 yards on seven tries and a seven-yard reception. While Ty Johnson and Josh Adams faced defenders, Carter found almost as much space. Carter will still play a role in this offense, but it may take time to materialize.
(John Minchillo-AP)
Yeboah made the most of his five goals. He finished with four receptions for 100 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns, including a final second Hail Mary in the end zone as he was surrounded by Eagles defenders. Yeboah needed a great preseason to get the roster, and that performance might be enough to earn him the third final job. At the very least, you should form the training squad.