The Jets’ defensive coaches have emphasized getting more interceptions this season. Last night, the message looked like it was getting through.
The Jets intercepted the Bengals three times in their 27-7 preseason victory. Two of the interceptions, with the starters in the game, set up the Jets’ first 10 points.
“We said overthrows and tipped balls you’ve got to intercept those passes,” coach Rex Ryan said. “That’s exactly what happened. Last year we struggled getting interceptions. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come.”
Safety Eric Smith intercepted rookie quarterback Andy Dalton after rookie wide receiver A.J. Green tipped the ball. Smith then pitched the ball to Darrelle Revis, who returned it to the 16-yard line, setting up the Jets’ first touchdown.
Shortly after that, safety Jim Leonhard grabbed an overthrow by Dalton and brought it back to the 10. The Jets settled for a field goal.
“It is a huge emphasis,” Leonhard said of picking off passes. “We didn’t get enough last year. We felt like we could change some games if we caught some of them.”
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The Jets finished with 156 yards rushing but only 16 with the starting offense in the game.
Starting RB Shonn Greene did not play because of a skin infection on his right foot. LaDainian Tomlinson started in his place, and gained 16 yards on nine carries.
“[The Bengals] did a good job,” Ryan said. “They’ve the big dude with the hair in there [DT Domata Peko]. He’s a good player. We had some tough sledding in there, that’s for sure.”
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OLB Aaron Maybin had a sack and forced a fumble in the fourth quarter.
Maybin, a first-round pick of the Bills in 2009, does not have a regular-season sack. The Jets signed him on Wednesday.
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The battle for the starting kicking job got a little interesting. Incumbent Nick Folk missed a 43-yard field-goal attempt on the Jets’ first drive. He later made a 50-yarder, but also booted a kickoff out of bounds. Nick Novak made his only field goal attempt, a 30-yarder.
There was not any separation in the punting competition. Chris Bryan averaged 38 yards on three punts. T.J. Conley averaged 35 yards on three kicks.
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The Jets played without a number of their starters and key reserves.
In addition to Greene, WR Derrick Mason (knee), LB Calvin Pace (groin), LB Bart Scott (lower leg), OG Brandon Moore (hip), NT Sione Pouha (knee), DT Marcus Dixon (knee) and QB Mark Brunell (calf) were all out.
Mason sounded as if he will be back in a few days.
“If it was the regular season, I would have played,” he said.