The first drive of the season could not have gone better for the New York Jets. A ten play, 79 yard drive was capitalized by quarterback Justin Fields’ legs as he scampered for six from 13 yards out. A picture perfect end to a picture perfect first drive from this year’s iteration of Gang Green.
The drive was a sight for sore eyes. The use of pre snap motion spread out the defense, while the offensive line moved the masses generating giant holes in the run game.
The drive started with back to back carries from Breece Hall forcing a timely third down conversion from Fields. Fields hooked up with newcomer Tyler Johnson for six yards to move the chains.
On the next set of downs, Fields connected with journeyman tight end Andrew Beck for a twelve yard completion over the middle.
The offense kept rolling as Braelon Allen entered the game to relieve Hall and immediately popped a half back dive for a big gain of 14. Before the defense knew what hit them, Justin Fields connected with Beck off the play action who racked up 24 yards for a third consecutive first down.
Now down to the red zone, a productive first down carry from Breece lightning put the Jets in striking distance. Fields found nothing on second down, but on third the quarterback dropped back, surveyed the field, saw the green grass and took it, outrunning several Packers’ linebackers in a race to the far pylon.
An inspiring drive for the first team offense to build on heading into Week 2.
One Look Was All It Took
After the flawlessly crafted ten play march, Justin Fields‘ day was over. After a week in which head coach Aaron Glenn seemed so adamant that he had to see his offense in action, it didn’t take much to convince him that they were in good shape.
Not a single member of the Jets big three- Justin Fields, Breece Hall, and Garrett Wilson– was seen after the first drive ended.
Instead the offense was handed over to Brady Cook who quarterbacked the team for the entire rest of the first half. The backfield was populated by Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis.
Allen proved he belonged with the ones, tallying 33 yards on eight carries in the opening two quarters. While Davis struggled to get going, amassing just 14 yards on his six attempts.
Brady Cook Impressed In Two Quarters Of Action
In an article I published earlier this morning, I hypothesized that rookie quarterback Brady Cook would get the nod over third-year gun slinger Adrian Matinez.
Cook has been putting together a very good camp as an undrafted free agent signing. He is playing for a spot on the team tonight and with an injury to backup Tyrod Taylor, he was handed the keys early.
In the first half he completed six of eight passes for 62 yards. The team scored 10 points under his watch, however, they were pretty much entirely generated by the defense. A fumble recovery resulted in seven points half way through the second quarter, then a second fumble recovery put Cook’s offense at the nine yardline to begin the drive.
Cook’s offense stalled and the team settled for three after going three-and-out.
Martinez started the first drive out of halftime and will presumably have the rest of the game to prove his worth.
Justin Fields Scrambles For Six On First Drive With Jets