Jets Lose Preseason Opener To Texans 20-16
The New York Jets lost the preseason opener to the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football. An injury to a Jets' player could end up being the biggest loss of the evening.
Versatile offensive lineman Robert Turner suffered a leg injury and had to be carted off of the field. Turner started at center last night for the injured Nick Mangold. Turner also plays guard and is a blocking tight end in goal line situations. It would be a big loss for the Jets if he misses significant time.
Mark Sanchez played well completing 6-of-7 passes for 43 yards. He completed quick slants to Santonio Holmes and Derrick Mason. Offensive lineman Vlad Ducasse, the Jets' 2nd-round pick last season, struggled immensely. He whiffed on a couple of blocks which resulted in Mark Sanchez and Greg McElroy taking some big hits.
Linebacker Bart Scott was briefly injured when his left leg got caught in a pile under a teammates' body. Scott walked off of the field on his own but did not return. The Jets had a chance to win the game when Greg McElroy threw a perfect pass in the final minute, but the ball was dropped by wide receiver Michael Campbell. If you're an undrafted rookie free agent like Campbell, dropping a game-winning pass in the back of the end zone doesn't help your chances of making a squad.
The Jets have lost their opening preseason game for three seasons in a row. They made it to the AFC Championship Game the last two years. We'll see if history repeats itself this year.