Takeaways from Preseason Game 3 - LONG

I watched the third preseason game live last night and was excited to see the starters play. I came away with some strong feelings about the upcoming season, but still recognize that this was only a preseason game and that the result is meaningless.

Here is what left me feeling excited about the 2016 season.

1. The defense overall looks vastly improved

The talent level compared to this time last year is night and day and it shows watching us play against a starting offense that went 10-6 last year. They were on the field pretty much the entire first half and were getting consistent pressure, forced a turnover, had good coverage on Decker and were closing quickly on outside runs.

2. OV/Snacks

It's exciting to have premier players come to the team via free agency and I think both of these guys are going to make a huge difference. The difference seeing Snacks in at DT instead of Marcus Kuhn or a washed up Cullen Jenkins is startling.

OV reminds me of JPP pre-injury. So disruptive. In the right place against the run and a dynamic pass-rusher. These two are going to bring out the best in Hankins/JPP and that is showing already just in the preseason.

3. Eli Apple

Just because this pick was so controversial I thought he deserved his own section. He's physical, he's fast, he is going to play a ton this year and having 3 strong corners will be a pleasant surprise from last year when it was DRC and a couple of bums for 3/4 of the season. I also went to training camp a few weeks back and he stood out there as well.

4. Landon Collins

This isn't so much based on how he played, but just a feeling. I think he is going to be a really good player at SS. He struggled last year..as a rookie..on a really bad defense..playing next to Brandon Merriweather or Cooper Taylor.. I think he will take a big step forward this year.

5. Keenan Robinson/Jon Casillas

I know Casillas got hurt, but he has looked good pretty much all preseason. I also thought Robinson flashed a bit and think he could be an asset as a cover linebacker.

As you can see, all of the things I am excited about were on the defensive side of the ball as the offense was truly pathetic.

What left me very nervous about this season.

1. Run game

Look I know all the stats the past two years saying how we have a top 10 offense, but we haven't been able to run the ball consistently in years. Last night, it was obvious that McAdoo really wanted to try and execute some very simple run plays as we tried over and over to run the ball and there were Jets in the backfield every single play.

In order to take advantage of an improved defense, we need to make sure that it isn't on the field 65% of the game and we need to do that by running the ball and getting first downs. This is my number 1 concern going into the season.

2. Tight ends

They need to be able to block - plain and simple. Not going to beat a dead horse, but it is becoming a huge problem. I have seen people talking about dropping Adams or trying to get him through to the PS. He seems to be the only guy with even an ounce of blocking skill so I would be very hesitant to cut him at the expense of Donnell or even Will Tye. I personally don't think we will cut him considering we just spent a pick on him and that is not our M.O., but the fact that it is even being floated by some of the beat writers concerns me.

3. Lack of playmakers

This one MIGHT be a bit of an overreaction and I know that, but I'm worried about the lack of playmakers on the offense. It seems like we are in a similar position that the Atlanta Falcons are in where we both have a superstar WR, but not much behind it. (They at least have a very promising RB duo).

Again, I am not the least bit concerned about Odell Beckham Jr. and I rather see him alligator arm a pass than take a big hit in a preseason game. He is a dynamic weapon and he will produce. But what else is there? In theory, Shepard is a nice player, but he's also a 2nd round rookie. The tight ends are OK. Vereen is bleh -- good pass-catcher but he's not elusive. I think this team could have really benefitted from adding one more playmaker this offseason, like a Rishard Matthews.

4. Middle Linebacker

The defense looked great, but I wish we had something a little better than Sheppard or Brinkley. Not exactly hard-hitting analysis, but just a thought when I was watching the game.

5. Leon Hall

Before getting concussed, they were picking on him. The Jets offense couldn't do anything EXCEPT when they were attacking Leon Hall. I'm sure it's partially rust, but just something to consider when they do the final 53 in the coming weeks. Not sure what his contract situation is, but I don't think its a foregone conclusion he makes it.

In summary, I don't want to overreact to a meaningless game, but I am worried about this offense. It's a popular narrative on BBI to say "we have a top 10 offense so ___, ___ & ___."

I don't see it that way. It is not as if this offense was putting up a ton of points consistently last year. I hope it gets better, but I am very worried about it. Special teams were also atrocious last night, but I'll let that one marinate for another week. Hoping for the best and remaining optimistic that we retake our NFC East crown this year.