New York Jets: 3 Players with rising stock after Preseason Week 2

The New York Jets are 1-1 so far this preseason. Here are three players with rising stock since the start of training camp.

We’re two games into the 2018 preseason schedule for the New York Jets and there have been some interesting developments so far.

Despite their last second 15-13 setback to the Washington Redskins on Thursday night, a trio of Jets gave strong performances, raising their stock since the start of training camp.

Let’s take a look at these three Gang Green performers.

Teddy Bridgewater

Despite tossing an interception on an under-thrown deep ball, the four-year veteran looked solid for the second-straight week. He completed 10-of-15 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown, a 16-yard strike to Charone Peake. Bridgewater showed excellent mobility by moving around in the pocket, and he avoided a couple of sacks with his elusiveness. New York’s offensive line, minus injured starters Kelvin Beachum and Brian Winters, was putrid, so the former Minnesota Vikings star had to scramble for his life on a few occasions.

What was really impressive was the poise and accuracy Bridgewater displayed. He had to audible at the line of scrimmage several times and he checked into the correct play. His surgically repaired knee held up on a number of hits. He exuded confidence and seemed to have a real command of the huddle. Quite frankly, he has been Gang Green’s best signal-caller this summer. If the preseason ended now, he should be named the starter for Week 1.

There are two exhibition contests left however. The annual dress rehearsal contest with the Giants is on Aug. 24, so that may determine if Bridgewater wins the job. That’s a huge game. Starters usually play into the third quarter. Rookie Sam Darnold has performed pretty well this summer too and it may be his job to lose. Based on merit though, Bridgewater deserves to be the under center against Detroit on Sept. 10. His stock is soaring right now.

Charone Peake

The second-year Jet is battling for a roster spot and he took a big step forward by hauling in an acrobatic 16-yard touchdown reception from Bridgewater against the Redskins early in the fourth quarter to draw New York within 12-10. He finished the contest with two receptions (on two targets) for 29 yards and that score.

The University of Clemson product is in a dogfight with ArDarius Stewart, Chad Hansen, Tre McBride and Charles Johnson for a slot on the 53-man roster. His sprawling touchdown catch showed his athleticism, strong hands and body control. He is not a guarantee to make it to opening night by any means, but his stock is definitely in the bull market stage presently.

George Atkinson III

The former Cleveland Brown and Oakland Raider is also vying for a roster spot. He’s competing against Thomas Rawls, Trenton Cannon and the injured Elijah McGuire for the number three position on the halfback depth chart behind Isaiah Crowell and Bilal Powell. Atkinson certainly helped his cause with a strong performance against Washington.

The 6-1, 220-pounder paced the green and white with 31 rushing yards (on seven carries) and 30 yards receiving (a 30-yard catch and run). He showed toughness between the tackles and fine acceleration through the hole. He’s probably 50-50 at best to make the opening game roster but he’s also returned kickoffs in Cleveland and Oakland, so that may aid his cause slightly.

The Jets can use all the help they can get on special teams. A product of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, Atkinson has an uphill battle on his hands but his stock is pointing up with the third preseason contest on the horizon