In their second preseason game, the Jets looked like a team that wants to back up Rex Ryan's bravado and win the Super Bowl. Granted, there is a lot of work left to do but tonight was a gigantic leap in the right direction. Playing without many key players (RB Shonn Greene, LB Bart Scott, LB Calvin Pace, RG Brandon Moore, DT Sione Pouha, WR Derrick Mason, and OL Robert Turner) the Jets were able to pound the anemic Bengals 27-7. Since this is the preseason and so many players were out, I will not say that there were any negatives with the game. Everyone made it through healthy and that's all that matters in these types of games. However, there are bright spots and here are the ones for Gang Green:
The Sanchise - Mark Sanchez looked great tonight throwing 12-20 with 173 yards and 2 scores. He managed the offense with great poise and leadership; no dumb passes and had a very clean and solid outing.
Plax is Back - The biggest storyline going into the game was the return of WR Plaxico Burress. Last playing an NFL game (whether regular season or preseason) exactly 1000 days ago, Plax looked like he never missed a beat. Sanchez hit him with his first pass for a 20 yard gain, he received a hearty ovation from Jets Nation and the night went up from there. He and Sanchez also connected for a patented Plax-go-up-and-get-it throw to the left sideline. The highlight of the night, however, came at the end of the first half when Sanchez threw up a ball for Plaxico in the corner of the endzone. Plax made a terrific over-the-shoulder grab and received an even bigger roar from the crowd.
Tone Time - Yes, Santonio Holmes showed up as well with his new P.I.C. and grabbed 3 balls with one going for a TD, the first points of the game. He was solid as usual.
Dustin Who? - Clearly I jest. Dustin Keller is an elite pass catching tight end, but continuing to stand out is reserve TE Jeff Cumberland. Cumberland moved up a spot on the depth chart this year with the loss of Ben Hartsock and looks poised to hold on to his roster spot. He has underrated speed and hands and could be a secret weapon for this offense come later in the season.
Pick Party - The Jets feasted on overwhelmed rookie QB Andy Dalton and co. on their way to a total of 3 interceptions. Eric Smith grabbed the first one and it was more of a gift than anything. The ball was dropped and tipped and ended up right in Smith's mitts who then pitched it off to Darrelle Revis for a nice return. Then Jim Leonhard picked off Dalton on a clear overthrow and one of the easiest picks you'll ever see. Thirdly, reserve OLB Brashton Satele picked-off backup QB Bruce Gradkowski and got tripped up mere feet from the goal line. Each one didn't take much skill but it was nice to see the Jets capitalize on some turnovers.
A Sack! Could it be?! - Former Buffalo Bills' bust OLB/DE Aaron Maybin made his Jets' "debut" tonight and it's safe to say he turned some heads. People laughed at the Jets for signing 'another Vernon Gholston' but tonight it was the Jets who were left laughing. Maybin only played a few snaps but he made the most of them. Mostly in on passing downs, Maybin made his mark in the fourth quarter. On 3rd & 11 he turned the corner and FLEW past his man as if he were standing still, blindsided the quarterback and forced a fumble. I'm not ready to put him in Canton yet but I sure see a lot more upside than Gholston ever showed. You can't teach speed and determination and that's what Maybin has.
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