The Commanders defeated the Jets 20-17 in their preseason opener.
However, the game’s results don’t matter during the exhibition season. What is important is how the players perform during the outing.
Here’s who improved their stock and who has some areas to work on before the Jets’ second preseason game against the Panthers next week.
STOCK UP
ROOKIE RUNNINGBACKS
There wasn’t much to like about the Jets’ offensive performance in the first half on Saturday. But one of the areas that has fans excited is the play of both Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis.
Allen demonstrated his bruising, punishing style on a few runs, including a 24-yard gain in the second quarter. That led to Andrew Peasley‘s 12-yard touchdown pass to Jason Brownlee.
Allen finished the afternoon with 54 yards on six carries.
“I will speak for the entire team, we are all excited to see him run,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said about Allen. “Him and Isaiah, for that matter, and Braelon didn’t disappoint.
“When he got to the second level, it is painful to just touch the human. He is a very heavy runner and it was pretty cool to see him out on the open field today.”
Davis only recorded eight yards on four carries, but he was a factor in the Jets passing attack. He recorded four catches for 33 yards.
Last year, the Jets didn’t have much running back depth behind starter Breece Hall. With Allen and Davis now on the roster, Saleh can have a good rotation of running backs that all complement each other.
OLU FASHANU, LT
Fashanu started at left tackle with Tyron Smith one of the 28 players who did not play against the Commanders. The rookie played the entire first half and was solid after allowing just two pressures. One of the few negatives was that Fashanu committed a false start penalty in the first quarter.
With Smith’s recent injury history, the preseason is an excellent opportunity for Fashanu to get some much-needed work before the start of the regular season. With his performance Saturday and throughout training camp, the Jets appear to be set at left tackle for the immediate future.
ANDREW PEASLEY AND ADRIAN MARTINEZ
Peasley or Martinez likely won’t make the 53-man roster, but their performances against the Commanders could go a long way in determining if they can land a practice squad spot with the Jets.
Peasley completed 8 of 11 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown to Brownlee. Martinez was also efficient after finishing 6-of-10 for 104 yards and helping set up the 37-yard game-winning field goal by Austin Seibert.
“I thought I was pretty decent for the first time for my first snaps in the NFL,” Peasley said. “Had a lot of fun out there. Made some plays, JB [Brownlee] in the end zone for a touchdown.
“Just ran the ball well, which helps the pass game.”
The Jets practice squad quarterback is important for a few reasons. Aaron Rodgers is returning from a season-ending Achilles injury. Also, backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor has an extensive injury history throughout his 14-year career.
Jordan Travis, who the Jets selected in the fifth round, remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list and could be given a redshirt year after fracturing his left ankle when he was at Florida State last year.
If Peasley and Martinez can carry their performances over in preseason games against the Panthers and Giants, one of them could lock down the Jets’ third quarterback job.
LEONARD TAYLOR III, DT
One of the most intriguing undrafted free agents is Taylor, who certainly has the talent to become a mainstay in the NFL. Late in the fourth quarter, Taylor tossed Jeff Driskel down and recorded a sack.
Taylor was once thought out as a possible first-round pick, but his subpar 2023 season at Miami and some weight gain hurt his athleticism and his ability to rush the passer. Against the Commanders, Taylor looked more like the 2022 version of himself when he was considered one of the nation’s better defensive tackles.
STOCK DOWN
TYROD TAYLOR, QB
Taylor’s job as the Jets backup quarterback is not in jeopardy by any means. But he certainly would like to play better next week against the Panthers.
Taylor completed just 1 of 2 passes for -1 yards. While he was under center, the Jets offense felt stuck in the mud.
Many of the Commanders’ starting players participated in Saturday’s game, while most Jets starters outside of Joe Tippmann watched from the sideline.
JETS PASS RUSH
The Jets may need to get on the phone with Haason Reddick, who has been holding out of training camp in the hope of receiving a new contract. Reddick is in the final year of a $45 million deal he signed with the Eagles in 2022.
During limited work, both Will McDonald and Micheal Clemons were pretty nonexistent when rushing the passer. McDonald had zero pressures outside of a questionable roughing the passer penalty. Clemons had two pressures, but he missed an assignment on Jayden Daniels‘ three-yard touchdown keeper in the first quarter.
When they traded for him in April, the Jets hope Reddick can help replace the production lost from Bryce Huff’s departure and the trade of John Franklin-Myers to the Broncos. With Reddick’s holdout potentially not ending anytime soon, the Jets’ defensive end depth is a question mark with the regular season less than a month away.
