The New York Jets officially kicked off their 2024 campaign against the Washington Commanders and walked away with a close win.
During the first preseason game of the year, the Jets took on the Commanders and fought to a tough 20-17 win. Both teams predominantly played their backups, as many teams do during the first game, but the Commanders offered a brief look at rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who scored a touchdown. Following the victory, here are three takeaways from the first preseason game of the year for the Jets.
New York Jets Struggled With Penalties During First 2024 Showing
East Rutherford, NJ — August 10, 2024 — Running the ball in the first half is Isaiah Davis of the Jets as the Washington Commanders came to MetLife Stadium to play the New York Jets in the first preseason game of the 2024 season.
One thing that the New York Jets particularly struggled with during their first preseason game was the amount of penalties going against them. The Jets led the league last year in penalties with 124 total calls, including 31 false start calls on the offensive line. The Jets truly need to improve upon their penalties in order to improve this season, but did not seem to make much ground after their showcase against the Commanders.
The Jets had six penalties against the commanders, five of which came on offense as the Jets had two false starts, two holds, and one ineligible pass downfield. Obviously, it is very early and the kinks still need to be worked out, but it is certainly an area of concern for the New York Jets heading into this season.
Offensive Line Had Hiccups, But Overall Showcased a Solid Group of Linemen
Jul 27, 2024; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets offensive tackle Olu Fashanu (74) talks with media during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
For the New York Jets, penalties and the offensive line have gone hand-in-hand in the past as false starts and holding calls have been brutal. The false start penalties in particular are an area the Jets staff is looking to improve upon, but still struggled with during the first showing of the season. Olu Fashanu, the Jets first-round draft pick this off-season, recorded a false start during the second offensive snap for New York.
Fashanu is clearly still working things out and adjusting to the NFL level of play, and his false start was an example of that. The Jets obviously want to cut down on their false starts, but preseason is the time for adjustments and events like this to occur.
Another young lineman who recorded a penalty was Austin Deculus, who was snagged for a holding call on a big run. Deculus was drafted in 2022 and has been fighting for a spot on a roster after being waived twice last season by the Houston Texans. The New York Jets picked Deculus up off of waivers last season, but the tackle needs to clean up his game in order to solidify himself a spot on the roster.
Adrian Martinez, Israel Abanikanda Perform Well for New York Jets
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East Rutherford, NJ — August 10, 2024 — Jets quarterback Adrian Martinez in the second half as the Washington Commanders came to MetLife Stadium to play the New York Jets in the first preseason game of the 2024 season. The Jets topped the Commanders 20-17.
Two players who are on the cusp of solidifying themselves as members of the Jets roster are quarterback Adrian Martinez and running back Israel Abanikanda. Martinez played for Nebraska and Kansas State in college before earning the title of league MVP of the UFL last season.
The quarterback has impressed the Jets staff throughout camp and made the most of his opportunity against the Commanders. Martinez threw for 104 yards and added 24 yards on the ground while recording 6-of-10 throwing the ball. Martinez did record a fumble during a scramble, but luckily fell on the ball and recovered his own fumble.
Another player who has been making the most of his time is Abanikanda, who previously played six games last season for the Jets as a rookie. The running back recorded 17 rushing yards and a touchdown along with one reception during the clash against the Commanders. Abanikanda may not be safe on the roster after the addition of former Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen but likely will keep a spot with his ability to score.
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