Atlanta, GA. The New York Jets defeat the Atlanta Falcons in their first home preseason matchup of 2019 at Mercedes-Benz stadium.
The Jets defense made Matt Ryan uncomfortable, causing him to shift out of the pocket. The multiple blitz packages from the New York defense caused problems for Atlanta’s offensive line, as they were able to reach Ryan twice in the first half. The Atlanta offense would gain some traction moving the ball down field. The Jets offense displayed a balanced mix of effective running and passing.
The Jets offense came out in the opening drive with a balance of passing and running. Darnold connected with Enunwa for a gain of 15 yards from a short pass, and a deep Ball throw to Ro. Anderson for a gain 21 yards. A 14 yard Ty Montgomery run and a short five-yard pass to Robby Anderson would set up the one-yard touchdown run by Montgomery. Taylor Bertolet point-after attempt went just outside of the goal post. The Jets scoring drive was eight plays, 66 yards and 3:55 time of possession.
“I didn’t like how the first drive felt for sure”. Was Head Coach Dan Quinn’s assessment of the Falcons initial start offensively. The Falcons first drive included Matt Ryan connecting with Calvin Ridley for 27 yards. That drive ended with a missed 52 yard by Giorgio Tavecchio, the attempt far off the mark. Matt Ryan led to the Falcons to the red zone with a balanced drive that concluded with 24 yard Tavecchio field goal. This drive was 10 plays, 55 yards and 3:58 time of possession. The Falcons offensive line struggled to hold the Jets defense as Matt Ryan was sacked twice in the first half. Matt Shaub would take over the Falcons offense with 2:19 left in the first half. He would lead the Falcon’s offense to 11 plays 80 yards and 1:46 time possession which was capped off with a four yard touch down by Ito Smith, the Xtra point was good. This put the Falcons in the lead at the half 10-6.
In the second half all starters had left the game on both sides. It appeared that both teams were making an assessment to fill their roster. The Falcons would start the second half receiving the ball with Matt Simms under center. Their first drive resulted in a four and out. Simms would later get an offensive spark finding Graham for 30 yards in a later series, that drive result in another failed 52 yard field goal attempt by Giorgio Travecchio. Coach Quinn comments regarding Travecchio after missing two 50 plus yard attempts. “He’s had an excellent camp, we got great trust in him” The Jets would score a field goal in the at the end of the third quarter making the score 10-9. With Atlanta up by one going into the fourth quarter.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Jets would put together a drive that resulted in a nine-yard touchdown pass, from Luke Faulk to Donetay Burnett. Which put the Jets ahead on the scoreboard 16-10. Atlanta’s offensive would turn the ball over on a fumble to the Jets which derived from a sack on Matt Simms. The Jets did not capitalize on the following possession. However, it was the Jets defense that put the nail in the coffin with a pick-six. James Burgess intercepts Matt Simms pass and returns it 28 yards for a touchdown. The game ends with the Jets over the Falcons 22-10.
The Falcons will face Washington Redskins next at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 22.
Written by Marcus Jones
