The New York Jets earned their second straight preseason victory on Saturday night, as they defeated the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field 23-14. Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson played almost the entire first half, and he looked sharp. He completed 9 of 11 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns -- both of which went to tight end Tyler Kroft. The No. 2 overall pick also established a rapport with Corey Davis, who caught four passes for 70 yards just in the first half.
With Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love out, Kurt Benkert got the start for Green Bay. He had his moments, including a nice touchdown pass to Jace Sternberger, but a poor second half derailed any chance of a comeback the Packers had. Wide receiver Malik Taylor again shined, as he caught four passes for 66 yards, and had a couple of head-turning grabs in the first half. Let's take a deeper look into what happened in this matchup.
Why the Jets won
Put simply, the Jets were the more consistent team on Saturday. Winning the first half proved to be important, as points were at a premium in the final two quarters. That starts with Wilson, who proved he was the best quarterback on the field. That was to be expected, but he still had to go out and prove it, and no one knew what to expect with this being the first NFL game where he received significant playing time. New York fans saw exactly what they hoped to see. Wilson had a solid grasp of the offense, rookie Michael Carter led the team in rushing with 52 yards and Davis looked absolutely dominant. Despite multiple injuries, the Jets were the more consistent team on both sides of the ball for all four quarters -- unlike the Packers and Benkert who suffered through highs and lows.
Why the Packers lost, plus turning point
Without a doubt, the Packers' second half was the reason they lost the game. Not only did they fail to score in the final two quarters, but they also turned the ball over three times -- and their misfortune began on the very first play from scrimmage in the second half. After the kickoff, Packers running back Patrick Taylor fumbled and set up New York with exceptional field position at Green Bay's 35-yard line. The Jets cashed in on a field goal to extend the lead to six points. The Packers then went three-and-out, while the Jets converted on yet another field goal to push the lead to nine points. On the ensuing possession, Benkert threw this bad pass.
Fumble, punt, interception. That's how the third quarter went for the Packers. Even though we weren't yet in the final stanza, this one felt like it might be over.
Play of the game
We may be witnessing the birth of a dynamic duo in New York. Wilson and Davis looked good in the first half on Saturday. They connected on a couple of big plays, but this one in particular was noteworthy. Wilson used play action, rolled right keeping his eyes downfield while avoiding incoming pressure and hit Davis with members of the secondary closing in. This is the kind of awareness you want your quarterback to have.
Jets injuries
A major storyline that came out of tonight's game were injuries for the Jets. Linebacker Jarrad Davis was carted off with a leg or foot injury in the first half and offensive lineman Conor McDermott was carted off just before halftime with a leg injury as well. Quarterback Mike White took a massive shot to the ribs and exited early in the second half, too. Remember, the Jets also lost star pass rusher Carl Lawson this week for the season due to a ruptured Achilles, and safety Zane Lewis with a torn patellar tendon.
Quotable
What's next
The Jets close out the preseason at home against the Philadelphia Eagles next Friday night while the Packers travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills on Saturday. After that, the Jets will gear up for their Week 1 matchup against Sam Darnold and the Carolina Panthers, and the Packers will prepare for the New Orleans Saints.
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