Preseason Week 2: Jets Vs Bengals
The Jets are now 2-0 in pre-season, but to me, pre-season records mean nothing. So many times the Jets through the years were 4-0 and had horrible seasons. Since the CBA, I feel even stronger about that.
Since teams can’t really tackle and do what they used to in training camps, pre-season is even more important to see who can tackle 1 on 1 in space; WRs and TEs that can block, separate, and get open; RBss that can pick up blitzes, catch out of backfield; Qbs who can throw under pressure an are”game” players.
Some guys just look good in practice. So the score and record can be so misleading.
I’m thrilled the Jets came out of the game relatively healthy.
Now for some thoughts after the Jets-Bengals game from last night (8/16/2014)
My Review of Last Nights Game
The Jets’ first-team defense has to get a pass rush from the front 4 without a blitz. They had zero pressure on QB Andy Dalton and the Bengals’ first team offense. Regardless of the Jets’ DB situation (which will improve), the front–which is awesome vs. the run–must have a pass rush.
Safety Calvin Pryor is going to be an impact player and will lift the entire defense play by all the things Rex can do with him. The defense changed (though so did the Bengals’ QB, from Dalton to Matt Scott) from the moment he entered the game.
DB Ellis Lankster and LB Demario Davis were terrific.
Though there were too many personal fouls, the ones on Demario Davis and Breno Giacomini were questionable. Breno got thrown to the ground and that’s when Willie Colon went crazy. It’s just strange that all but 1 of these aggressive penalties were on offensive players.
Special teams are starting to look special again on coverage. Nick Bellore is always “the man,” but Ik Enemkpali and Trevor Reilly stepped up also.
Bilal Powell and Chris Johnson were solid. Powell is Mr. Dependable in every facet. Daryl Richardson looked like he did in camp, fast and always getting positive yards. Tommy Bohannon had a key block on the TD and nice catches.
Geno Smith looked more confident and stronger than last year, though I would have loved a completion on that long opening pass. He ran well, and his accuracy improved. Michael Vick did his usual good job with the 2’s. Matt Simms is clearly ahead of Taj Boyd, but I don’t know the Jets’ thinking for the future or practice squad.
Best part is the Jets have really been emphasizing the need to get turnovers and they got a fumble, interception, and blocked punt last night against the Bengals. Excellent job!
Looking Ahead to Snoopy
Now on to only pre-season game with some meaning – Friday vs the Giants. Just wish we played every year in regular season for real rivalry!
