Two Eye-Opening New York Jets’ Rookies

The New York Jets have played two preseason games so far.  The results with the starters may not have been what they wanted, but two little-known guys have been turning heads.

The preseason is a mere warmup for the veterans.  New York Jets’ starters like Brandon Marshall use the time to get in shape and get back up to the speed of a regular game.  But for the rookies, it’s a different story.  The young players stop at nothing to make a play and catch the eyes of their coaches.  For the Jets, two undrafted rookies have been doing just that, and we are going to look at them today.

Related Story: Observations from the Jets' Preseason Opener

Since the beginning of camp, the Jets have been talking about their undrafted wide receiver Jalin Marshall, whom I wrote about here at Spin Zone leading up to the game.  He has been looked at as both a wide receiver and a kick returner, making his mark in both aspects of the game.  Marshall got his first chance to perform under the lights in the opening game against the Jaguars, and he did not disappoint.

Marshall recorded an 84 yard kickoff return that set up a drive that ended with a Geno Smith touchdown pass to Charone Peake.  It wasn’t just that he recorded the long return, it’s the instincts and awareness he showed during the return that displays his potential.

Let’s look at a couple of moments in that return:

All screenshots courtesy of NFL Gamepass, embedded from Twitter.  Pictures below their corresponding descriptions.

After he receives the kick, Marshall’s first moment occurs around the 15 yard line, as he lines up the first guy looking to bring him down deep in Jets’ territory:

What does Marshall do?  He shows great awareness and agility making his opponent miss.  Marshall executes a jump cut, leaving his opponent tackling air.  Basically, he made the guy look bad.  Take a look:

Now, I am not saying this is the biggest part of the return, but it was still worth noting.  OK, he made the kicker miss, but not everyone does that.

As Marshall takes it down field, his football instincts take over.  This time, look at the following picture:

Notice that Marshall has two options.  He could follow the huge open lane to his left which would take him down the field for maybe ten or fifteen more yards.  Instead, he sees Rontez Miles (circled) ahead of him.  Marshall curls behind Miles, using him as a lead blocker.  Watch what happens next.  Miles completely takes Tony Washington (#12) with a crushing block, which frees Marshall to take the ball deep into Jaguars’ territory.

84 yards when the play has completed, and the Jets have the ball in the red zone.

Even Geno Smith is able to get it done from here, taking the Jets in for a touchdown prior to the end of the first half.

Granted, it’s only one game.  But if Marshall continues to play the way he has, there is an excellent chance he will be suited up for week one against the Bengals.

The second rookie garnering interest around the land of the Jets is Robby Anderson.  Anderson comes as an undrafted rookie out of Temple; a school that has brought the team success in the past (see Muhammad Wilkerson).  Anderson is fighting for a spot on this roster behind the likes of Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker.

If his performance against the Redskins is any indication, he is well on his way.

There are a couple of plays and screen shots I want to take a look at.  The first comes from a short pass reception by Anderson.  He runs a quick comeback route down the left side, and Bryce Petty throws a great ball on his outside shoulder.

Like an experienced professional, he does all he can to secure the catch.  Take a look:

Now I understand that he isn’t going up against Josh Norman or Richard Sherman here.  But the way he goes to his knee to secure the catch shows true fundamentals, and being fundamentally sound is a great way to make it in this league.

Finally, let’s look at what was the Jets’ go-ahead touchdown late in the Redskins’ game.  Anderson is split wide to the left, and he is going to run a stop and go, literally he is going to pause as if he is breaking the route off short, and then break deep.

Anderson makes his move, but the defender stays right with him.

Even though the defender is in good position, Anderson makes the play.  Take a look at how he catches the football at its highest point, like a seasoned veteran:

It’s the type of catch that you want to see from a wide receiver, and especially one looking to make a football team.  Robby Anderson might continue the run of successful Jets to arrive from Tampa.

More Jets: Observations from the Preseason Opener

It’s early, but keep an eye on these two players.  We may be hearing more from them.