The Jets prevailed 24-21 in overtime over the crosstown rival Giants on Saturday night. That leaves one preseason game left before the games start to count.
Here are a look at the Jets winners and losers from the game:
WINNERS
1. Damon Harrison – “Big Snacks” got the start at nose tackle for the second straight week with Kenrick Ellis sidelined by a back injury. Harrison showed he belongs. He had a team-high seven tackles and was disruptive. He was facing Giants backup center Jim Cordle, but it was impressive. Harrison may be playing his way into a bigger role on the defense.
2. Ryan Spadola – Give the kid from Lehigh a roster spot. Spadola had three catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. He has made an impression on the coaches all training camp and I expect him to be on the team as the fifth wide receiver.
3. Kellen Winslow – The Jets have been managing his practice time in training camp trying to keep him healthy and he has looked good. Against the Giants, he saw extended time and had four catches for 35 yards. He could form a nice tight end tandem with Jeff Cumberland.
LOSERS
1. Rex Ryan – There is no reasonable explanation for playing Mark Sanchez in the fourth quarter and Ryan knows it. He tried to come up with a line about competing that bombed at the press conference and then he lost his mind and began turning around behind the microphone.
The press conference antics are of little importance compared to what Ryan putting wins in jeopardy. Sanchez is not Joe Montana, but he is the best option the Jets have at quarterback right now. Losing him will make this season even worse than expected.
2. Geno Smith – The rookie quarterback had his chance to win the job and he fell on his face. Three interceptions and the inexcusable safety led to everyone in MetLife Stadium thinking Sanchez had won the job. Everyone except Ryan, I guess.
Smith is a rookie. He deserves some slack. But he is not ready to start. Give him a few months and maybe he will be.
3. Kyle Wilson – Pass interference defense No. 20. That refrain rang over the MetLife Stadium loudspeakers three times in the game. Wilson is in his fourth year and he continues to struggle. He has no awareness when the ball is in the air and struggles when he’s asked to play on the outside. If Dee Milliner can’t get healthy, Wilson will be asked to do it a lot. He played OK last year in place of Darrelle Revis, but last night’s performance should worry Jets fans.