Aug 10, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Andrew Peasley (14) throws the ball during warm ups before the game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Jets topped the Washington Commanders 20-17 on a late field goal from Austin Seibert in their preseason opener. Virtually all of Gang Green’s offensive starters were on the bench with the exception of center Joe Tippmann.
And the good news for the Jets is not only the victory, but the fact that young players made plays on both sides of the ball.
Who impressed?
CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse: The college cornerback turned safety is now an NFL safety turned cornerback and he did not disappoint. Bernard-Converse gave up a big catch early on but had perfect coverage on Dyami Brown who hauled in a one-handed catch on a perfectly thrown ball. The corner was tested throughout his time on the field and locked down his man consistently.
RB Braelon Allen: Allen was as good as advertised, showing off his ability to put his foot in the ground and power up the gut for chunk plays. Allen averaged nine yards per carry as he ran for 54 yards on six carries.
DT Leonard Taylor III: One of the biggest head-scratchers in this year’s draft was Taylor going undrafted. The immensely talented linemen landed at 1 Jets Drive and made a couple of splash plays. A big tackle for loss that was followed by a sack later in the game.
QB Andrew Peasley: Peasley threw the Jets only touchdown pass on a beautiful touch pass to second-year receiver Jason Brownlee. Peasley showed good poise and accuracy in his pro debut.
QB Adrian Martinez: Not only did Martinez show off his trademark mobility, running for 24 yards on 2 carries, but he also threw for 104 yards on 6 of 10 passing. The competition for the team’s third QB spot is officially on.
C Joe Tippmann: Thank goodness for small miracles. Tippmann got the start to work on his recent issues with snapping the football and didn’t have any sail over the quarterback’s head.
WR Malachi Corley: Corley made an impressive heads up play in snagging a dropped pass from Zach Kuntz just inches above the ground and proceeded to pick up the first down.
Edge Eric Watts: Another undrafted free agent in the trenches, Watts got a big bonus from the Jets and has been flashing ever since rookie camp. He picked up a sack late in the game and showed a good first step.
DE Michael Clemons: Clemons had a good but not great day. He appeared to be the defender responsible for the Redskins first TD run but was also a key factor in multiple stops and showed a good bull rush.
LB Chazz Surratt: Surratt picked up where he left off last preseason when head coach Robert Saleh became a huge fan. He tied Tanzel Smart for a team high seven combined tackles.
WR Brandon Smith: A guy who arrived with little fanfare in recent weeks, the former UFL prodcut caught 2 passes for 70 yards. He made the best catch of the day on a deep diving grab from Martinez. Later on he caught another deep ball from Martinez with a DB hot on his tail.