Jets' Kicking Game, Pass Rush Headline Final NFL Preseason Stats Leaders

Greg Zuerlein, Bryce Huff accounted for productive summer in Green & White

The New York Jets were amongst the National Football League's best in multiple preseason statistical categories, finishing first in successful field goals and quarterback sacks.

The Green & White's eight field goals tied for most in the NFL and placekicker Greg Zuerlein led all scorers with 31 points. On the defensive side, the Jets paced the AFC by making 14 sacks as a team while the Detroit Lions logged 11 QB takedowns to top all NFC units.

After re-signing for a second season with Gang Green this past March, Zuerlein has lived up to his Leg-a-tron legacy. The 35-year-old placekicker failed to convert only once over the course of four preseason games. Zuerlein was perfect in contests against the Cleveland Browns, the Carolina Panthers and the New York Giants. 

Zuerlein appeared to be in mid-season back on August 3 at the Hall of Fame Game. The grizzled veteran went 3-for-3 on first-half field goal attempts, including makes from 52 and 53 yards, in the preseason lid-lifter.

"We feel pretty good about our defense, so every point matters. Knowing that he has got the ability, when we say three, we feel really good about getting three," said head coach Robert Saleh after the HOF Game in Canton. "He is definitely an asset."

Zuerlein, who routinely connected from 50+ yards during open training camp practices, set the franchise record for longest field goal by drilling a 60-yarder last year, on the road, against the Minnesota Vikings.

Jets' kicker Greg Zuerlein (9) / © Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Gang Green's vaunted pass rush lived up to its reputation during the exhibition schedule. 

The Jets topped the league leaderboard in sacks despite a lack of playing time for 2022 team leader Quinnen Williams. The All-Pro defensive tackle, who totaled 12.5 sacks last fall, was limited to a handful of reps during the preseason finale. Defensive end John Franklin-Myers did not play in any of the first three summertime contests while Carl Lawson didn't take a single preseason snap.

Defensive end Bryce Huff made 3.5 sacks to pace the Green & White and rank third overall amongst NFL Preseason leaders.

Although he didn't finish as a conference leader, undrafted rookie receiver Jason Brownlee put up a team-high 102 yards on 10 receptions. Despite leaving the third exhibition game due to a thigh injury, fifth-round rookie running back Israel Abanikanda finished the preseason as the Jets' leading rusher with 113 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries.

Zach Wilson led all Jets' passers in yards. Over four appearances, the former No. 2 overall draft pick went 37-of-56 passing for 365 yards.

"I thought Zach was awesome. I’m proud of that kid, man. He did such a nice job all camp," said Saleh following the preseason finale against the Giants.

Rookie linebacker Zaire Barnes, a sixth-round selection, made a team-high 25 stops to finish one off the NFL lead this past summer. Undrafted rookie safety Trey Dean was fifth in the league rankings with 22 tackles. 

The stats will count for real come Monday, September 11 when the Jets kick off their regular season schedule against the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium.

Jets' Preseason Stats Leaders

Pass Yards: Zach Wilson, 365 

Rush Yards: Izzy Abanikanda, 113 

Rec Yards: Jason Brownlee, 102 

Sacks: Bryce Huff, 3.5 

Tackles: Zaire Barnes, 25 

Scoring (Pts): Greg Zuerlein, 31

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