Jets finish preseason with 32-24 win over Giants

The Jets earned a split of their four preseason games, wrapping up with a 32-24 win over the New York Giants to finish 2-2.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers made his Jets debut and his first preseason start since 2018. He played in two drives, the second one ending in a 14-yard touchdown to wide receiver Garrett Wilson. He finished 5/8 for 47 yards and that touchdown.

Head coach Robert Saleh liked what he saw from Rodgers but isn’t going to go all rah-rah this early. “It’s a start,” Saleh said about Rodgers playing well Saturday. “It doesn’t mean much.”

Zach Wilson saw plenty of reps, playing about 2.5 quarters and going 11/18 for 107 yards and was sacked once. With the games now counting and Rodgers not coming off after two drives, the Jets were able to maximize Wilson’s reps, something that was much-needed for him.

Saleh said Wilson played “awesome” and that he “dropped a dime” on his deep ball to Mecole Hardman.

Tim Boyle played in the fourth quarter and made his case to stick on the 53-man roster and have the Jets keep three quarterbacks. He went 9/11 for 107 yards and threw a pair of touchdowns to wide receiver Alex Erickson, who is also trying to stick around himself, at least on the practice squad.

The Jets sacked Giants quarterbacks five times Saturday, the second time this preseason they recorded five sacks in a game, also doing so against the Panthers. Tyrod Taylor was sacked once while the Jets got to Tommy DeVito four times. Defensive tackle Bruce Hector recorded two sacks and Bryce Huff, Jermaine Johnson and Pita Taumoepenu each had one.

The next game the Jets play will now count. They are back to 0-0 and ready to officially begin their run for 2023. The countdown is now on to Monday, September 11 against the Buffalo Bills. It’s officially go time.