Quarterback Play Powers Jets Past Giants in Preseason Finale
The New York Jets triumphed in Aaron Rodgers’s first start for the franchise.
With the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback staking his team out to a 7-0 lead after engineering two first-quarter drives, the Jets proceeded to complete a 32-24 preseason victory over the New York Giants on August 26 at MetLife Stadium. The two teams will meet again on October 29 in the regular season when the games count.
"Got in, didn’t get hurt, scored. It was a good night," said Rodgers.
Gang Green, which never trailed, benefitted from efficient quarterback play throughout the night. Each of the three passers completed more than 61 percent of their attempts while combining for a 114.8 quarterback rating. By comparison, the Giants’ duo of Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito accounted for a 79.7 QB rating.
In his first preseason action since 2018 with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers went 5-of-8 passing for 47 yards highlighted by a 14-yard first-quarter touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson. The Jets’ WR1 caught all three of his targets from Rodgers (3 rec, 30 yds) Saturday and also drew a 22-yard defensive pass interference penalty on the scoring drive.
"Garrett, special football player. Obviously, he [Rodgers] trusts him," said head coach Robert Saleh after the preseason finale.
Rodgers mentioned the importance of communication in his budding relationship with Wilson.
"A lot of conversations, on the field, off the field, text messages," said Rodgers.
Seeing time with the second team, undrafted rookie Xavier Gipson was the Jets' leading receiver in the victory. The small, but speedy target made seven receptions for 79 yards, moving the chains four times.
"I thought that 82 [Gipson] really took a big step forward in his attempt to make the team," said Rodgers. "He had multiple plays where he's short of the sticks on catches and he made guys miss. Obviously, he's done a good job returning [kicks and punts]."
Gipson, a two-time Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year while at Stephen F. Austin, returned one punt for 20 yards on Saturday. In the passing game, he hooked up four times with quarterback Zach Wilson and three times with Tim Boyle.
Accounting for a game-high 9.73 yards per attempt, Boyle passed 11 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Alex Erickson, who totaled five grabs for 38 yards, was on the receiving end of both scoring strikes.
Relieving Rodgers after two possessions, Wilson went 11-of-18 passing for 107 yards to cap a productive preseason for the former No. 2 overall draft pick.
"I thought Zach was awesome. I’m proud of that kid, man," said Saleh. "He did such a nice job all camp. To be asked what he was asked to do with regards to taking a step back and learning all over again, and today I thought he commanded the huddle."
On defense, the Jets' pass rush was fierce and persistent. Gang Green totaled 5.0 sacks, including 2.0 from Bruce Hector, and forced one interception.
Giants' starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor was under serious duress on his first three dropbacks. The Green & White's first-team defense played only seven snaps, limiting Big Blue to -1 net yard during that short stint.
"I just saw the first couple of series and they’re ready," said Saleh of starting defensive unit.
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