The New York Jets bested the New York Giants in preseason action Saturday, winning 24-21. The Jets won in spite of poor quarterback play from both Geno Smith and Mark Sanchez. It was a slow game throughout, and there are few stats that really point to the Jets getting the win, given that they only managed 33 total rushing yards in addition to the bad quarterback play.
NFL preseason: Jets take down Giants in overtime, 24-21
The New York Jets bested the New York Giants in overtime on Saturday, winning 24-21.
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The game went into overtime after the Giants managed a field goal with under a minute to go. The Jets hit a field goal in the overtime period though — a 32-yarder from Billy Cundiff — and were able to seal the win.
Smith made the start for the Jets, and if he was hoping to make a last-ditch effort to beat out Mark Sanchez for the starting quarterback spot... well, he failed. Smith showed a few flashes here and there, but ultimately finished with poor stats. He completed 16 of 30 passes for 199 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions.
As noted by ESPN Stats & Info on Twitter, Smith’s three interceptions are significant, given that he only had six during his entire senior season at West Virginia. Here’s a .gif of Smith taking a safety in the fourth quarter, in which he went out of bounds on his own:
Of course, the quarterback battle isn’t that decisive, given that Mark Sanchez is basically a turnover machine. He’ll make some pretty awesome throws and getting touchdowns has never been a huge issue for him, but ... then things like this happen:
Sanchez ultimately finished with a 5-for-6 mark for 72 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, but he did have a fumble. Unfortunately, he injured his shoulder and had to leave the game.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning didn't play well while he was in the game, though he didn't make any huge mistakes either. Manning completed 8 of 20 passes for 83 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Starting running back David Wilson carried the ball five times for 92 yards and a touchdown, so that was a definite bright spot for New York.
It’s unlikely most of the players you saw through the first half of this one will play next week, as it’s the fourth preseason game.
Did they cover?
The Giants opened as four-point favorites, though the line narrowed as the week went on, and could be had as one- to two-point favorites later in the week. Obviously, they didn’t manage to cover.
What’s next?
The Jets will take on the New England Patriots on Aug. 29. The Giants will take on the Philadelphia Eagles on the same night.
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