With a few hours to digest Monday’s 20-16 preseason loss to the Texans, here is who I see as the Jets’ winners and losers from the game:
WINNERS
1. MARK SANCHEZ – Sure it’s just the preseason, but if he had come out and gone 1-for-7, he would be getting roasted. Instead, he completed 6 of the 7 passes he threw over two drives. He worked in new receiver Derrick Mason, going to him three times. The only failure was getting into the end zone. Sanchez and Santonio Holmes looked like they picked up where they left off last year, connecting twice on short, timing routes. Sanchez also defused the whole GQ situation after the game, joking about fighting Rex Ryan and dropping a great line about that being akin to Oscar De La Hoya fighting George Foreman.
2. KENRICK ELLIS – The third-round pick has spent most of training camp in the shadow of first-rounder Muhammad Wilkerson, but he outplayed Wilkerson against the Texans. Ellis had a big tackle near the goal line, knifing through the line to make a stop. Later, the nose tackle deflected a ball that resulted in a Josh Maugua interception. Coming from such a small school (Hampton), there were questions how Ellis would handle his first game in front of a big crowd and on national TV but he looked like he might be able to contribute as a rookie.
3. GREG McELROY – The Jets are not looking for big things from the seventh-round pick this season. They’d like him to be their No. 3 quarterback, learn from Sanchez and Mark Brunell, then become Sanchez’s backup next year. McElroy showed he’s a gamer against the Texans, which should not be surprising after watching his career at Alabama. Behind an offensive line with more holes than a Krispy Kreme, McElroy got beat up. He was sacked five times and hit a bunch more. He hung in there, though, and made some nice throws. It looked like he might lead the Jets to a win, but a Michael Campbell drop in the end zone hurt him.
LOSERS
1. VLAD DUCASSE – Ryan made some excuses for the second-year lineman from UMass, saying it was tough because they had to use him at both guard and tackle. Come on, Rex. He nearly got two quarterbacks killed, and getting beat by J.J. Watt he forced Sanchez to step up in the pocket and Rob Turner ended up getting his leg rolled up. The Jets talked this offseason about allowing Ducasse to start at right tackle, but ultimately re-signed Wayne Hunter. Smart move. Still, the Jets are relying on Ducasse to be one of their primary reserves on the line. With Turner possibly out, Ducasse would be their top backup. He needs to show some improvement quickly.
2. REX RYAN – Remember when Tom Coughlin would rant and rave and run up and down the sideline? He got crushed in this town and eventually changed his ways. Ryan needs to get the same treatment. That was an immature display during the second quarter when he ran on the field and slammed his headset to the ground. Ryan’s passion is one of his best traits, but would he want one of his players showing such a lack of poise?
3. MICHAEL CAMPBELL – The undrafted free agent receiver has played well in training camp, but he made a brutal drop in the fourth quarter on a would-be touchdown pass from McElroy. When you’re trying to make the team, you can’t have moments like that. I believe Ryan when he says he wants to win, even in the preseason. If Campbell makes that catch, the Jets probably would have won.
