Notes From Jets-Giants
The annual Jets-Giants preseason match-up arrived with many unanswered questions hovering over both clubs. The Jets needed to get their defensive house in order and rookie QB Mark Sanchez to validate coach Rex Ryan’s ingenuity.
The injury-stricken Giants hoped one of their wide receivers would separate from the pack with a breakout performance.
Most of that happened last night in the 27-25 Jets victory at Giants Stadium.
The world once again had to bow at the feet of Jerry Reese, the Giants’ prolific GM. His newest first round draft choice, WR Hakeem Nicks, had a stellar evening (6 catches for 144 yards and 2 TDs) and made a strong case for a starting role on the Giants’ offense. The explosive display by the rookie wideout was exactly what the Giants and their fans needed to see.
What the fans wished they didn’t see was the sloppy tackling of the defense and the lack of concentration by the veteran wide receivers.
In the first quarter on a first-and-10 from their own 10, Steve Smith got behind the Jets secondary and met Eli Manning‘s perfect offering for what should have gone for a sure touchdown. But Smith could not hold on and the ball fell to the ground. The entire crowd, which had risen to it’s feet, collectively moaned and sat down.
On the same drive, Manning hit Domenik Hixon in the hands with a pass that Hixon could not handle. The ball sputtered into the Jets’ secondary where LB David Harris made the interception.
On the previous drive, the Giants did score a touchdown on a Manning pass. The pass was to RB Brandon Jacobs, though. The drive was also fueled by several Jets penalties.
The Giants defense looked a bit out of synch. The starters played fairly well, but the tackling still needs some work. The Jets were able to wiggle and knife their way for extra yards in several cases. Hey, it’s early.
I came away from this game with several thoughts about both teams. As I stated very early on, I think that Nicks and Mario Manningham will end up being the starters at WR. Maybe not opening day,but very soon.
Also, I didn’t read too much into the play of the secondary. The Giants are using too many combinations out there to expect any consistency. Once they make a few cuts (beginning Tuesday), I think we’ll see a more cohesive effort.
As for the Jets, Mark Sanchez sure does have savvy. That’s a good thing if you’re a Jets fan. If they can keep him upright, they might make some noise in the AFC this year.
Finally, I can’t watch David Carr get sacked anymore. It’s like watching the Zapruder film. Its always a jaw-dropping moment.
