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Brandon Marshall and the New York Jets first-string offense racked up the production against the New York Giants in the annual MetLife Bowl on Saturday. (Getty)
Final
New York Jets 7-14-7-0 — 28
New York Giants 0-7-3-8 — 18
The battle for MetLife Stadium was decked out in green on Saturday night. The New York Jets notched their victory in the annual preseason matchup as the New York Giants offense once again faltered on the gridiron.
Ryan Fitzpatrick gave the Jets a bit of confidence at quarterback, going 9-for-14 for 127 yards and two touchdowns. Eli Manning looked good for most of the first half, leading the Giants first-string offense to their first touchdown of the preseason, but late second quarter pick-six by Antonio Cromartie spoiled that stat line.
In some good offensive news for Giants fans, Odell Beckham, Jr. caught his first pass of the preseason on Saturday night. In fact, he caught five of them for 31 yards and he almost hauled in another stupendous one-handed reception but couldn’t manage to get both feet down in bounds.
The Giants defense, however, still plagued by injuries across the board, looked lackluster throughout the game, giving the Jets chances to find the end zone. Gang Green took advantage of them. Click here for a full box score of preseason week three.
Jerome Cunningham Hauled in a Giants TD in the Fourth Quarter
Tight end Jerome Cunningham, who was on the Giants practice squad last year, made his case for staying on the roster with a six-yard touchdown reception with 7:31 left in regulation.
Ryan Nassib was solid on the drive, scrambling for yards and moving out of the pocket to keep plays alive. He did just that on the two-point conversion as well, dashing to his right and finding the play in the corner of the end zone.
Walter Powell Returned a Punt 54-Yards for a Jets TD
Those Giants special teams continue to leave a lot to be desired. Of course, if you’re Walter Powell, those Giants special teams open up a path straight to the end zone.
The Jets returner sprinted 54-yards on a punt return in the early minutes of the third quarter to add on to Gang Green’s lead. The Jets now have an interception return for a touchdown and a punt return for a touchdown.
The Jets Led 21 – 7 at Halftime
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Zac Stacy gets some hugs from teammate after his touchdown in the second quarter of Saturday’s preseason game. (Getty).
Gang Green padded their lead in the waning seconds of the first half after Antonio Comartie picked off Eli Manning and returned the ball back for a 59-yard pick six.
As the score would indicate, the Jets dominated the annual MetLife Bowl, out-gaining the Giants 191 to 121 yards. Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has struggled throughout the preseason, looked good in the game, racking up 127 yards and two touchdowns on 9-for-13 through the air. Manning, despite the late half interception, finished the first two quarters with 90 yards of his own on 12-of-17 passing. Also, Odell Beckham, Jr. caught a pass. So that’s a bonus.
Antonio Cromartie Picked Off Eli Late in the First Half
That was great if you were a Jets fan. Not so great if you were a Giants fan.
Antonio Cromartie starred down Eli Manning on a last-second pass in the second quarter, stepped into the route and sprinted 59 yards directly back into the end zone.
The Jets added insult to injury by going for – and converting – on the ensuing two-point conversion.
Zac Stacy Flipped into the End Zone for a Jets TD
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Stacy jumps over Brandon Meriweather to notch the Jets second touchdown in the annual MetLife Bowl. (Getty)
That’s certainly one way to make an impression.
Ryan Fitzpatrick dumped the ball off to Zac Stacy who took the ball into the end zone from 24 yards out, taking advantage of a defensive miscue by the Giants. Big Blue’s secondary completely fell for the fake and left one half of the field wide open – Stacy ran to the gap.
He also flipped into it. Stacy, for good measure, flipped into the end zone, jumping over the lone Giants defender on the play to give the Jets a dramatic lead.
Rashad Jennings Capped Off an 85-Yard TD Drive for the Giants
Finally.
For the first time this preseason, the New York Giants first-string offense found the end zone when running back Rashad Jennings barreled his way in from one yard out. The run capped of an 85-yard, 14-play drive by Big Blue.
The Giants were helped a bit by some timely flags on the Jets, including two on Demario Davis, which helped move the ball to the just outside the end zone.
Eric Decker Got the Jets on the Board First
After a quick opening offensive possessions, the New York Jets took advantage of a decimated Giants secondary to put points on the board midway through the first quarter.
Eric Decker found his way into an open space in the end zone and hauled in the 18-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick. Over the two Jets’ early drives, Fitzpatrick was 4-for-6 for 47 yards. Also, here’s a fun Jets preseason fact:
Game Preview
Odell Beckham, Jr. made headlines this week after suggesting that Jacksonville Jaguars DBs were targeting him last week (Getty)
It has been one heck of a preseason for the teams with New York in their moniker.
The New York Jets quarterback battle – literal and figurative – isn’t quite over yet after reports surfaced on Thursday that former Bengals QB Josh Johnson worked out for the squad. This comes after Gang Green signed NFL journeyman Matt Flynn last week but gave him no guarantees other than a $60,000 signing bonus. Flynn, who signed with the New England Patriots earlier this summer, hasn’t practiced yet, still recovering from a pre-camp injury.
Meanwhile, don’t be surprised if the New York Giants simply start bringing people in off the street to play safety. After a series of absolutely devastating injuries and ACL tears, Big Blue’s secondary is just about thin as it’s possible to be before bringing in people off the street.
Still, there’s something to be said for a rivalry game. Even in the preseason. Odell Beckham Jr., who has yet to actually catch a pass, will line up against Darrelle Revis and that should be enough to bring the fans out of the preseason depression.
