New York Jets Fall to Redskins 22-18 in Second Pre-Season Game

The New York Jets fell to the Washington Redskins Friday night 22-18 in their second tune up before the regular season. The Jets were leading 18-14 in the final minute, but quarterback Nate Sudfeld led the Redskins down the field and threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Kendal Thompson with 29 seconds remaining in the game. The result of the game is meaningless and there is no need to panic after giving up the late drive to win the game because the guys that were on the field were the backups.

The big story out of the game was Bryce Petty who got a majority of the playing time among quarterbacks. Petty threw for 242 yards, completed 16 passes on 26 attempts, and threw two touchdown passes. He also had an impressive rating of 117.8. He may have been playing against backups, but Petty made a strong case to be the backup quarterback. Geno Smith got saw some action as well completing six passes on 13 attempts for 47 yards and threw an interception. Fitzpatrick played only three series going 4/9 and 35 yards. Christian Hackenberg did not play.

Friday night’s game certainly raises some interesting questions about the quarterbacks on the Jets and their future with the team, or lack of future. It’s hard to imagine that the Jets would part ways this offseason Christian Hackenberg since they just drafted him in the second round this year. Geno Smith has started games in the past so he is an option to be the first backup quarterback. But then you have Bryce Petty who looked pretty good against the Redskins. The only knock on Petty’s game was the two fumbles, losing one of them and recovering the other.

The Jets very well could carry four quarterbacks this year, but if they decide to cut or trade one, they will probably have to choose between Bryce Petty and Geno Smith. If the Jets decided to trade Geno Smith, they could get a conditional 7^th round pick in return. Other than the quarterback race, Bilal Powell played pretty well in his short time on the field. He had three carries for 23 yards. The combo of Powell and Forte this year could be one of the best backfields in the NFL this year if both of them stay consistent. This backfield is a little reminiscent of the 2010 Jets team where they had Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson.

Another player making his name known against the Redskins was Darrelle Revis as he was able to come away with an interception. Ever since Revis came back to the Jets, there were questions as to whether he could maintain his elite status. He had a very good season last year with the exception of trying to defend Sammy Watkins and a few other speedy receivers. Regardless, Revis is still one of the best corners in the NFL even if has lost a step.

The Jets next preseason game will be next Saturday against the New York Giants with the Jets being the home team. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.