Giants @ Jets
Final Score: Jets 10 – Giants 6
Writer: Brett Ford (@FadeThatMan)
Well, that was three hours I’ll never get back. Other than a combined three offensive plays, neither team showcased very much offense as urban legend Tommy DeVito attempted to steer the Giants offense while Adrian Martinez and Andrew Peasley took turns under center for the Jets. If either of these teams suffer significant injuries to their offensive personnel throughout the course of this season, it could be a long winter in New York City. Let’s dig in.
One Up
- Israel Abanikanda – Ran hard as the primary running back for the New York Jets and found his way to the end zone
Two Down
- Tommy DeVito – When he wasn’t on his back, he was limited to short-yardage completions. It’s been fun, Tommy.
- Isaiah McKenzie – This time last year he was a trendy sleeper pick and now he’s running with the third-stringers on the final week of preseason.
New York Giants
Quarterback
Tommy DeVito: 14/27, 103 Yards | 5 Carries, 48 Yards
How much confidence do you think the Giants have in their quarterback when they run the ball on 10 of their first 11 offensive plays? DeVito threw the ball just one time on the Giants’ 11-play, 58-yard opening drive as the squad turned the ball over on downs, failing to convert a 4th-and-1 at the Jets 12-yard line. DeVito finished with a paltry stat line, completing only 14 of his 28 passes for 103 yards. Nearly everything was a short-yardage attempt, or else he ended up on his back, taking six sacks on the day. It’s pretty clear the Giants have very little confidence in the guy who provided the only feel-good story of their 2023 season. This is the end of “Tommy Cutlets.”
Running Back
Joshua Kelley: 8 Carries, 40 Yards | 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 1 Yard
Kelley gained half his yardage on one play, a nice gain to the left on a cutback where the tight end did a great job sealing his block on the back side. Designed or not, the cutback put Kelley into open space where he barreled over the secondary and finished with a 19-yard gain. He also caught two of three targets out of the backfield, likely giving him an edge over Miller for a roster spot as a depth piece running back.
Dante Miller: 14 Carries, 45 Yards
If Miller makes the team it will be because of his performance prior to Saturday night. Nothing remarkable from this back, and he was completely stuffed on a 4th-and-1 carry in the red zone. It could be an uphill battle to sign on the 53-man roster entering Week 1.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Isaiah McKenzie: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards
Oh, how the mighty fall… McKenzie was dressed and running routes with the third-team offense in this one, less than one year removed from being a trendy sleeper pick in 2023. He may make the Giants’ roster as a kick returner, but fantasy managers should not expect much in the way of passing game production this season.
New York Jets
Quarterback
Andrew Peasley: 5/11, 75 Yards | 2 Carries, 2 Yards
Peasley certainly looked better than his last time out, but the bar was set pretty low. His best pass of the night was a lofted ball down the right sideline that Brandon Smith pulled in with an outstanding grab, but other than that Peasley seemed pretty pedestrian.
Adrian Martinez: 12/20, 99 Yards | 3 Carries, 23 Yards
Martinez was the more exciting of the two Jets’ quarterbacks, based almost exclusively on his mobility. Through the air, Martinez was somewhat indecisive and looked to run more quickly than he should have in some cases. However, when he did scramble, Martinez made things happen. Of the two, he is the quarterback who I would prefer as a third-stringer if I was a Jets fan.
Oh you know, just Adrian Martinez doing Adrian Martinez things. pic.twitter.com/6nVkVB5NS0
— United Football League (@TheUFL) August 25, 2024
Running Back
Israel Abanikanda: 9 Carries, 83 Yards, 1 TD | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 6 Yards
Abanikanda looked lively on the ground when there wasn’t much else working for the Jets in this one. His best carry of the night was a stretch handoff to his right where he hit the hole with one cut, got into the second level, broke a tackle, and sprinted away from the defense for a 45-yard score. He averaged nearly five yards per carry NOT including that long touchdown run, so overall a good night and maybe enough to make the active roster.
Izzy Abanikanda just took this 45 yards to the house
he really seems much improved compared to where he was last season. he’s breaking tackles, staying on his feet, and getting upfield. making a great case to stay on this #Jets roster pic.twitter.com/ffoKOqBUij
— Jack (@jackstollow) August 25, 2024
Xazavian Valladay: 11 Carries, 21 Yards | 8 Targets, 6 Receptions, 62 Yards
Though he didn’t look great on the ground, Valladay showed a knack for pulling in passes with good hands and quick bursts after the catch. He’s bounced around quite a bit since last season, but could find a home with a team in need of a third-down back sometime this year.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Brandon Smith: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 39 Yards
A total of 10 different Jets players caught at least one pass on Saturday, but the most impressive of the night was Smith. He was targeted just once but made the best catch of the night, pulling in a 39-yard grab on the sideline. Smith has shown a penchant for big plays this preseason and could be a name to watch out of Jets camp.
Andrew Peasley to Brandon Smith for a huge gain which leads us to the two-minute warning
Smith has made a few big late-game catches this preseason. i’m gotta go back and watch his tape from this preseason — feels like every play is a big play with him pic.twitter.com/UPn7cbezTW
— Jack (@jackstollow) August 25, 2024