Observations from the New York Jets’ ‘Snoopy Bowl’ Performance
Here are some observations and notes from the New York Jets’ loss to the New York Giants in the annual “Snoopy Bowl”.
Final. 20. 30. 21. 31
The Snoopy Bowl is in the books. This year it went to the Giants, as they topped the New York Jets by the score of 21-20. It was an early slugfest, with the score 7-0 at the half and the Giants needing until well into the third quarter before they ran a play inside Jets’ territory. A late touchdown gave the Giants the lead and ended up earning them the Snoopy trophy.
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As most football fans would agree, the score doesn’t really matter in these games, despite the rivalry in this case. What matters is the progress of the players on the field, or in some cases, the lack thereof. Here are some notes and observations from the game.
To start things off, Muhammad Wilkerson looked in midseason form. He found himself in the Giants’ backfield making plays early and often to the tune of four tackles, two solo. If you didn’t know that he was coming off of a severely broken leg, you wouldn’t have realized it based on his performance. Wilkerson looked strong, fast, and happy to be back with his partners Sheldon Richardson, Leonard Williams and Steve McLendon.
Along those lines, this Jets’ defense has the potential to be very good. Despite the loss, they didn’t let the Giants do anything until well into the second half. The Giants went more than a full half not even running a play inside Jets’ territory. The offense just couldn’t find its rhythm, and a major factor was the Jets’ defense. I guess having a healthy Wilkerson back with his friends makes an impact.
Calvin Pryor is becoming an impact player from the safety position. The box score lists four solo tackles and two assists to go along with one sack. The numbers don’t tell how big of a hit the sack was, nor do they tell you that he induced the Darrelle Revis interception. Odell Beckham Jr. was coming across the middle, heard footsteps from Pryor and pulled his route short. That made the interception easy. Over-the-middle is becoming a dangerous place against the Jets.
Dee Milliner, on the other hand, needs to go. I understand that he is guaranteed money, and per Spotrac he would be a $4 million cap hit if he is cut, but something needs to happen. He continues to look bad, and watching him chase around second level players like Tavarres King is becoming difficult. I don’t think many Jets’ fans would be disappointed if they never hard the name again.
The offense flashed, but didn’t have the consistency fans might have wanted. Ryan Fitzpatrick connected on a pretty touchdown pass to Eric Decker late in the first half, but the rest of the half was very shaky. They never got into a really consistent rhythm until late. The first drive started nicely, but it stalled in a punt, and they couldn’t score until after the two minute warning in the second quarter.
Congratulations to Christian Hackenberg on his NFL debut and his first touchdown pass. Sure there were hiccups, such as the bad pass that was tipped and intercepted. But it was a debut, there will always be rough spots. He looked good on the touchdown drive, completing four out of six passes, including a well-thrown touchdown to Robby Anderson.
Fans were treated to a brief glimpse into life with Matt Forte. He looked healthy and got touches both on the ground and through the air. He only managed 28 yards on ten carries, but it was his first action. Seeing him lined up split to the left gave a peek at an element to his game the Jets never had with Chris Ivory, and it’s an exciting element.
Geno Smith did enter the game as the second quarterback, but ended up with the fewest snaps. Could it be the sign of something? Maybe, maybe not, but it was an interesting tidbit.
The offensive line has work to do. They allowed pressures on Fitzpatrick, and didn’t open great holes in the running game. The right tackle situation is tenuous with Breno Giacomini still injured, and the right guard position is still to be determined. They need to get it together and quickly.
For the first time in a long time, the special teams’ unit for the Jets has the potential to be special. They put in a strong showing against the Giants, a performance that included a blocked punt by Bruce Carter, a 28-yard punt return by Jeremy Ross and a 52-yard return by Chandler Worthy. With all of the mistakes they have made over the years, this is a welcome sight for Jets’ fans.
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The Jets take the field on September 1 for a game against the Eagles in their final tune up for the regular season, and to make their final decisions on the roster spots. There are still many questions to answer.