The Jets-Giants summer series concluded on Saturday with the annual preseason game between the teams. As the Jets look ahead to their final preseason competition next week, here are seven players that stood out vs. the Giants.
RB Kene Nwangwu
Veteran running back Kene Nwangwu picked up where he left off last season, showcasing his potential to be a versatile weapon on special teams. On the first play of the game, Nwangwu recorded a 38-yard punt return to give the Jets' offense the ball just 8 yards shy of midfield.
"This was our bread and butter, basic return," Nwangwu said of the play. "I think everyone was on the same page, dominating blocks. So, for me, I've just got to make a person miss and probably would've scored a touchdown."
Just a few minutes later, P Austin McNamara delivered a 39-yard punt deep into Giants' territory. Nwangwu leapt up to tip the ball back and keep it out of the end zone, and LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball was there to down it at the 7-yard line.
"I'm just trying to establish value on this team," Nwangwu said. "For me, wherever I can be used, I'm just trying to make plays and just help our team get advantages."
Nwangwu also got involved in the offensive ground game, recording 6 carries for 31 yards. At the end of the second quarter, he took three consecutive handoffs and picked up 13 yards and a first down to begin a drive that ended with a 31-yard field goal by K Nick Folk as the first half expired.
RBs Braelon Allen and Breece Hall
On the second offensive possession of the day, RBs Braelon Allen and Breece Hall split the work as the Jets put together a field-goal scoring drive entirely on the ground. HC Aaron Glenn has spoken throughout training camp about building an offense around running the ball, and though Glenn said there is still room to improve, the potential of the group was on display early Saturday night.
"It's definitely been a point of emphasis for us," Allen said. "Coach harps on showing our DNA and our brand of football. So, whenever the offense takes the field, that's the goal -- to establish that identity. Being physical and being violent."
The first-quarter drive began on the Jets' 28-yard line, with Hall getting the first two handoffs and picking up a couple of yards. Facing third-and-8, Allen got the handoff and picked up 11 yards and a Jets' first down. Hall's longest gain was a 12-yard pickup on second down, and he totaled 21 yards during the drive. Allen also totaled 21 yards on the drive, and QB Justin Fields had a 5-yard scramble up the middle of the field. K Nick Folk converted a 38-yard field-goal attempt to cap off the possession as the Jets put their first points on the board.
"I thought our guys did a really good job with that," HC Aaron Glenn said. "We know that if we can just hunker down and get our guys to run the ball, that's an advantage for us. But overall, still, it just wasn't good enough."
Allen finished the night leading the Jets with 7 carries for 34 yards, while Hall had 7 carries for 26 yards.
WRs Brandon Smith and Quentin Skinner
Brandon Smith and Quentin Skinner shared the title of the top receiver Saturday, with both young pass catchers recording 48 receiving yards.
Smith's production began when QB Adrian Martinez took over for QB Justin Fields at the end of the first quarter. On the first play of the second quarter, Smith was on the receiving end of Martinez's first pass attempt -- a long ball over the middle for a 20-yard gain. On his next drop back, Martinez found Smith again for another 8 yards.
"I just try to be in the right spot when I need to be there," Smith said. "And whenever they throw me the ball, whether it's perfect or not perfect, it's going to be perfect to me. As long as I come down with the ball, we get a completion together. Any quarterback throwing me the ball, it's going to be a good ball.
"I just try to go out there and make plays no matter the situation. No matter the time of the game, just go out there and make plays. Move the chains."
Skinner recorded all 48 of his receiving yards during a offensive possession to begin the fourth quarter. QB Brady Cook connected with the rookie receiver on four separate occasions, with the longest going for 22 yards. The most impressive grab was a diving catch made in the back of the end zone for the Jets' lone touchdown of the evening.
"Here's the guy that really stood out to me -- really two guys when you talk about the receivers in general," HC Aaron Glenn said. "I thought B-Smitty [WR Brandon Smith] did a really good job, and he's been doing a good job in practice also. And I thought Skinner really showed up. I mean, both of those guys are big guys – they both go up and high point the ball, and listen, I thought it was a good showing for those guys."
CB Qwan'tez Stiggers and S Dean Clark
Cornerback Qwan'tez Stiggers saw an increased workload with CB Sauce Gardner held out of Saturday's game. Stiggers took advantage of his reps, recording the team's first takeaway of the night with an interception of a Russell Wilson pass intended for Giants WR Beaux Collins in the end zone.
Rookie S Dean Clark also made an impact out of the backfield, breaking up a Jameis Winston pass intended for Giants receiver Juice Wells Jr. near the goal line. Clark recorded a sack of Winston for a 9-yard loss just two plays earlier, and he also snagged an interception on a ball from QB Tommy DeVito intended for WR Montrell Washington. The ball was deflected into the air by LB Jackson Sirmon in the end zone, and Clark was there to make the grab.
