The 53rd pre-season game between the two Big Apple teams had a little bit of everything. Sunday’s game was marked by big kicks, game-changing plays on both sides of the ball, and a last-minute touchdown pass from Jets quarterback Chris Streffler to Calvin Jackson Jr. Zone in the final play of the game for a 31-27 victory.
The game, which was uncharacteristically physical for a pre-season game, did not include the majority of the team’s starting players, including Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. It featured several Jets novices, as well as one veteran who played well after a recent trade order (more on that later).
Let’s take a deep look at what happened on Sunday in East Rutherford.
Mims responds to a trade request
Days after his agent asked the Jets to trade, Denzel let Mims talk about his Sunday play. His previous second-round pick had a 29-yard touchdown catch that tied the score in the fourth quarter. He finished the game with 102 yards in seven receptions.
Speaking on Sunday’s NFL Network broadcast, Jets GM Joe Douglas did not provide an update on Mims’ status. It has been stated that Mims remains an important member of the organization that they hope to contribute to the offensive this season.
Mr. August
As he did during the Jets’ first two preseason games, Strveler designed a winning campaign for the game. Streveler, the 27-year-old veteran who won the Gray Cup during his brief stint in the CFL, went 13 of 17 for 170 yards and two touchdowns while leading the Jets to a 3-0 record this pre-season.
“I’m at peace with everything,” said Streveler after the win. “I’m just so grateful for every opportunity in this business, and I don’t take anything for granted.”
QB contest?
Joe Flacco would have been the starting quarterback for the Jets if Zach Wilson wasn’t ready to take on the Ravens in Week One. A pair of first-half touchdowns after Flacco’s pick-up six to giant linebacker Austin Calletro.
White, a former fifth-round pick of the Cowboys, had his first regular season with the Jets last season. White started three games, going 1-2 in those games while shooting 953 yards with five touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 66.7% completion rate. He threw for 405 yards and three touchdowns in the victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, eventual AFC champions.
Taylor was injured
Midfielder Tyrod Taylor left the game after absorbing a powerful out-of-pocket kick from defensive back Michael Clemons. Taylor, after being on the ground for several moments, jogged off the field before being eventually taken to the locker room.
Taylor wasn’t the only giant who couldn’t finish the game. Daniel Bellinger and defensive end Jalen Holmes were disqualified after both were assessed for a concussion.
Web makes him lose
Giants quarterback Davis Webb did well while playing the majority of the match. He completed 10 consecutive passes during a second-half span while leading the Giants in back-to-back scoring campaigns. Webb finished the game with 202 yards on 30 of 38 passes.
The 27-year-old quarterback has only appeared in one regular season game in the NFL during his career. He spent most of his college career at Texas Tech before playing one season with Cal, throwing in 2016 for 4,295 yards with 37 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Lawson’s return
Sunday was the first for Gates full back Carl Lawson since he tore his Achilles tendon last summer during a joint training session. Lawson helped score a sack by Taylor during his first match in green and white.
In the fourth round of 2017, Lawson scored a career high 8.5 bag during the junior season in Cincinnati. A torn ACL spent more than half of the 2018 season. Lawson rebounded with strong campaigns in 2019 and 2020 before joining the Jets in the latest season.
Alexander’s big hit
Arguably the most impressive hit in the game was Kwon Alexander’s contrasting strike for giants running back Antonio Williams. The blow forced Alexander to cough up the ball.
The well-traveled Alexander is looking to make an impact in New York after previous stops in Tampa, San Francisco and New Orleans. He earned Pro Bowl honors for the Buccaneers in 2017 after leading the league with 108 singles stops.
What’s Next
The Giants will open the 2022 regular season with a road match against the Titans, who snatched the AFC top seed to enter the 2021 playoffs after fighting 12-5 during the regular season. The Jets will open the regular season with a home game against the Ravens, who started their 21st season at 8-3 before injuries contributed to losing their last six games.
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