Three Game Balls and a Gasser for Jets' Preseason Win over Giants (WR Only Edition)

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
Aug 27, 2023 9:45 PM EDT

In this story:

Multiple New York Jets' receivers had a noticeable effect on the offense's success Saturday night at MetLife Stadium.

Pass-catchers accounted for three of the team's four touchdowns plus a successful two-point conversion in the 32-24 preseason win over the New York Giants. percent of Gang Green's total offense came through the air.

The receivers played such a significant role in the preseason finale that the position group claimed all three weekly game balls and an obligatory gasser from Jets Country.

Garrett Wilson, Xavier Gipson, Alex Erickson and Randall Cobb comprise the postgame list.

GAME BALLS

Garrett Wilson

The reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and his starting quarterback played only nine snaps, but hooked up three times (on three targets) for 30 yards and a touchdown. The Jets' first offensive play was a quick hitter to Wilson on the flank. The receiver ran up the sideline for a 10-yard gain and picked up 15 more yards on a defensive face mask penalty.

Wilson took advantage of a one-on-one situation while hauling in a 14-yard touchdown pass that gave the team a 7-0 less than halfway through the first quarter.

"It was a zero-pressure look again with Garrett with an adjustment on the back side and it’s something that we actually hit against Tampa in the joint practices," said Rodgers. "He’s pretty easy to throw that ball to."

All signs point to a fabulous season ahead for the Jets' WR1, who totaled 1,103 yards on 83 receptions as a rookie despite inconsistent quarterback play. He has flashed his elite ability throughout OTAs, training camp and again in the preseason finale.

"Garrett, special football player. Obviously, he [Rodgers] trusts him," said head coach Robert Saleh.

Xavier Gipson

The undrafted rookie receiver earned a shoutout from Rodgers on the final day of OTAs and again following the last preseason game.

"I thought 82 [Gipson] really took a big step forward in his attempt to make the team," said the four-time NFL MVP. "He had multiple plays where he's short of the sticks on catches and he made guys miss. Obviously, he's done a good job returning [kicks and punts]."

Gipson was Gang Green's leading receiver against the Giants, making a game-high seven receptions for 79 yards and 4 first downs. On special teams, he returned one punt 20 yards and fair caught two others.

The two-time Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year was a 4,000-yard receiver for Stephen F. Austin. He's likely shown enough to warrant a spot on the 53-man roster.

Alex Erickson

Erickson signed with the Jets at the start of training camp and the roster longshot may have earned a Practice Squad opportunity over the past few weeks. He made the catch all five times that he was targeted on Saturday.

"I thought Alex had a great night as well, two touchdowns. He’s a really smart guy, he’s always doing the right thing," said Rodgers.

Erickson, who was released by the Commanders this past May, totaled 38 yards and two scores on five receptions.

With the Jets clinging to a one-point lead heading into the final quarter, the 30-year-old receiver proceeded to find paydirt twice to build a 32-16 cushion. Tim Boyle threw both fourth-quarter scoring strikes.

GASSER

Randall Cobb

The grizzled veteran was on the field for eight offensive snaps against the Giants, going without a target during the short stint.

Cobb's lone mark on the box score came when he committed a penalty for an illegal blindside block on the Jets' second play from scrimmage. The spot foul brought back a 14-yard reception by Tyler Conklin and pushed the offense off schedule.

"I couldn’t believe it. I’ve been around Randall Cobb forever," said Rodgers. "We were laughing because that wasn’t a penalty when we started playing, but it’s been a penalty for a while, so not the smartest play. I said, 'Bro, you’ve got a third kid on the way. You just took money out of your pocket.'"