Jets vs. Panthers Preseason Game on NBC Generates 7.5 Overnight TV Rating
By Jason McIntyre
So maybe the 7.5 overnight rating – the 2nd best for any preseason game since 2004 – was a result of everyone tuning in to see Cam Newton? Now, some thoughts on the Jets:
* Good news – This will be the last Jets preseason post. No starters will play in Week 4. Thought this after the Cincinnati game. And this after the Giants game.
* Bad news – Yes, Mark Sanchez told the media after the loss to Carolina the Jets are saving their best stuff for the regular season. And that could very well be the case (it better be.) But does anyone really think the Jets are going to come out in the opener against Buffalo and reveal a bunch of new wrinkles and move the ball down the field at will all afternoon? I just find that hard to believe.
* Good news – The Jets threw the ball down the field against Carolina! There was a bomb to Santonio Holmes (incomplete). A couple deep passes to Stephen Hill (one complete). I’m much more excited about those three passes than the slant Holmes dropped or the Hill flub that resulted in an interception.
* Good news – Austin Howard, replacing Wayne Hunter, looked like the 2nd coming of Walter Jones. Maybe Anthony Munoz. Maybe a hybrid! I bet Mario Williams got nervous watching Howard mostly manhandle Charles Johnson of the Panthers.
* Good news – Continue to love what I’m seeing from the Jets’ DL. It is easily their strongest position. Coples has played well, Mo Wilkerson looks like a budding star, and Kenrick Ellis continues to play well. If those three plus Aaron Maybin from the edge, can consistently get pressure on the QB, it’ll take some pressure over the linebackers and safeties, who are not very strong in coverage.
* Bad news – the Panthers were 28th in yards per game last year, and 27th in points per game last year. So the Jets struggled big-time against two playoff defenses, and looked decent at times against one of the worst in the league.
The Jets 2012 preview will drop next week. Here’s a look back at the 2011 preview, which was startlingly accurate.