On a beautiful late summer evening in upstate New York, over 7,000 Jets fans packed into SUNY Cortland’s “Stadium Red” for Gang Greens annual Green vs White scrimmage. Trying to make it as much like a gameday atmosphere as possible, “JetsFest” was in full force as the Jets “Flight Crew” dance team, and the “Aviators” drumline performed at halftime. The Jets even brought their own tunnel to run out onto the field for pregame player introductions just like at MetLife stadium.
Activities and games lined the athletic complex for the fans to enjoy on their way into the stadium. Making it a great event for those who came early to tailgate before the game. The game was set up basically as an offense versus defense, an old fashioned duel that the defense won handily allowing only a pair of field goals and forcing seven sacks.
All eyes however were on Geno Smith and Michael Vick despite the fact there seems to be no competition as Smith should be the starter week one. The first team offense that started the 87 minute affair had Geno Smith at the helm. Vick moved to the first team offense in the second half driving them to a field goal. As far as weapons on offense go, Eric Decker and Stephen Hill were on the outside with Jeff Cumberland at the tight end position along with Jeremy Kerley in the slot. Hill kept his strong training camp performance going as he hooked up with Geno Smith for a game high 40 yard gain early in the scrimmage during the first team offense’s first of three opportunities.
Former Bronco Eric Decker caught only one ball for about seven yards before putting sneakers on and sitting out the remainder of practice. The starting running back was Chris Johnson, who ran hard and looked healthy as he was wearing no knee protection. This is a great sign for the Jets, a team that desperately needs a spark on offense.
However an optimistic take on the Jets collectively anemic offensive showing is that they were playing against a defense that could easily be a top five unit at the end of the 2014 season. According to the Jets official team website, the front seven allowed all running backs who played a combined total of 49 yards on 27 carries. With that being said, Vick showed off his legs as he scrambled to get two long first downs, each over 15 yards giving him an unofficial 35 yards rushing while he orchestrated the second team offense twice. Granted it was only a 12 possession scrimmage but the performance by the Jets Defense can’t be ignored as they completely outplayed Offensive Coordinator Marty Mornhinweg’s crew.
If this Jets defense can play at that high a level week in and week out, Muhammad Wilkerson and company could force a lot of teams to become one dimensional, forcing their opponents to beat them through the air. With no question marks on defense, all attention turns to the offense. While Vick showed he’s still got it at age 34, the rest of the offense couldn’t get anything going. Late in the second half Geno Smith drove his offense all the way to the two yard line where it would set up first and goal. After two runs up the middle for no gain and a throw away, Smith was sacked on fourth down by linebacker Garrett McIntyre, giving the Jets offense nothing to show for its efforts.
Despite only putting up six points, there’s no reason to hit the panic button just yet if you’re a Jets coach or fan. Geno Smith will continue to grow and with a few new pieces on offense this season compared to last, it may just take a little longer for this unit to hit its stride. If this offense gets going and stays healthy, the Jets could make things very interesting in the AFC east this season. For now fans will hope for gradual offensive improvement, and that defense really does win championships.
