Preseason games, especially when the starters don’t play much, can be tough to watch. Last night’s game kept my interest a bit more than usual because of the presence of Tim Tebow, who played the first quarter on special teams before taking over at quarterback for two quarters.
Here’s what you need to know:
Tim Tebow looked best running the football during Friday night's game at Cincinnati. (New York Jets photo)
- Tebow completed 4-of-8 passes for 27 yards and a third quarter interception. He was most effective running the ball, including a dazzling 14-yard run in the second quarter, on third-and-8, that led to the Jets only first half score.
- In the first quarter, Tebow served as a protector on punts, then ran downfield to assist on punt coverage.
- Mark Sanchez started the game and was 4-of -6 for 21 yards.
- Playing without starting receivers Santonio Holmes and Jeremy Kerley, the first-team offense struggled. The rookie receiver Stephen Hill looked good at times, but also dropped a pass in the second quarter. Joe McKnight and Patrick Turner had three receptions apiece.
- Incumbent Nick Folk has some competition on his hands in the form of veteran kicker Josh Brown. Both converted field goal attempts last night with Brown getting the nod first, a second quarter kick good from 42 yards out.
- The rookie Quinton Coples highlighted the defensive effort, recording a sack, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection.
- Eric Smith, a safety and key member of the Jets special teams unit, left the game with a left knee injury.
- Shonn Greene, the Jets’ starting running back, ran five times for 11 yards.
- Tebow led the team with 34 yards on the ground.
- Third-string QB Greg McElroy threw for 49 yards on 4-of-6 passing.
- No Wildcat and no trickery in the preseason opener.
Did You Know: Quarterback Mark Sanchez has nine fourth-quarter comebacks in his first three years in the league. He also won four playoff games in his first two years, twice advancing to the AFC championship game.
