One would think that given how long I have been waiting for football season to finally arrive, I would have been excited enough to stay awake throughout the broadcast last night. However, I fell asleep at halftime and missed the entire 3rd quarter, so my caveat to you is that my impressions, moreso than normal, are formed from incomplete data.
Anyway, here are my thoughts:
1) Given the state of the offensive line and how talented the Jets front is, I was concerned about Bortles. However, Bortles played very well overall. He seemed to make the right decisions, never throwing into double coverage. For all of the talk he can't throw the traditional, over the shoulder fade, he and AR15 sure seem to have mastered the back shoulder fade. Without seeing the proper angle, I have no way of knowing whether Bortles saw a S on the deep pass to AR15, but that was a throw, based upon what I DID see, that should have been a TD. He was also low on the slant to Thomas. But overall, he seems to be continuing the progress he showed last year, which is a good sign.
2) I was also pleasantly surprised by the running game. Yeldon and Ivory found lots of room inside and provided much needed balance to the offense. Hopefully this will continue into the regular season. It will make the offense and defense better if it can.
3) Considering it was the first preseason game, it came as no surprise that some players would be kept out. It was nevertheless disappointing on some to see the debut of Ramsey and Gipson put off for at least another week. But we were able to see Malik Jackson and Dante Fowler in game action in Jaguars' colors for the first time. Malik Jackson was as advertised, providing the pocket push he offered in Denver. Fowler did not dazzle as he has in camp. However, I'm still confident he can have impact for us.
4) There has been a lot of talk about how AR15 has taken his game to another level in camp, but I did not see it during the scrimmage. But it looked evident last night. None of the Jets DBs had an answer for him. To be fair, Revis wasn't on him, but he had success against Revis last year, too.
5) Continuing on WRs, it was really good to see Marqise Lee being a contributor. Here's hoping he can stay healthy enough to continue to make plays like that throughout the regular season.
6) What in the world happened on those two back to back plays where Fitzpatrick hit the TE? I heard something about freelancing on those plays. I know a few players can make plays on instinct and talent while deviating from the scheme (Junior Seau was one). I'd like to think that we have players talented enough to do that and not only get away with it, but thrive on it like Seau did. But I'd much rather the guys stick to the play called and avoid the big plays like that.
7) Rookie Watch
A. Jalen Ramsey-DNP
B. Myles Jack-He appeared more comfortable out there than he did during the scrimmage. Had some nice hits, though I thought he was going to draw a flag for that hit along the sideline. Showed fluid athletic ability, and did not appear to have any plays where he allowed his gap to be compromised.
C. Yannick Ngakoue-He got the sack early in the game over Ryan Clady. I wanted to see Fowler beat him, but Ngakoue beat him for the sack instead with some hustle.
D. Sheldon Day-Did not play
E. Tyrone Holmes-Played but did not stand out
F. Brandon Allen-Had some really nice throws and endured a pass rush that was in his face most of the time. I liked what I saw out of him, even with the underthrow at the end.
G. Brandon Bowman-Had a nice catch and run along the sideline.
8) I thought the refs had some dubious calls, including some phantom holding penalties.
9) This team does NOT need regression in kick coverage, but last night this team showed exactly that.
10) Going into the game, I was not familiar with Chris Reed. After the game, my familiarity with him is limited to this thought: "That 64 sure did give up a lot of pressure inside." I cannot envision him making the final roster, even as seemingly depleted as the team is at LG. Furthermore, I hope Caldwell continues his quest to upgrade that position. I can't help but think that Jahri Evans represents a missed opportunity for us.
11) Even though Myers made the FG that I saw on the first drive, it was close. As it stands now, I am still uncomfortable with him.
12) Bottom line: It was good to see the first team offense start off fast with a balanced and effective attack. It was good to see Malik Jackson and Ngakoue affect the QB. It was good to see most of the rookies in live action. But mostly, it's good to see football again. Welcome back, old friend!
Worst to 1st. Curse Reversed!
