Report: Jets’ new mega signing QB made his debut against the commanders.
Backup signal-caller opens preseason with two quiet offensive series while Aaron Rodgers watches
QB Tyrod Taylor was at home as the Jets’ second unit took on Washington in the first game of their preseason schedule.
Taylor started the 23rd preseason game of his 14-year NFL career with his seventh different team, starting for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a sideline spectator. Even though Taylor and the second offense didn’t perform well in the Jets’ 20-17 comeback victory over the Commanders in the clubs’ season opener at MetLife Stadium, Taylor remains unafraid of his role in the Jets offense, regardless of where he is on the depth chart.
Before the game, Taylor stated, “It’s just about the work that you put in in the classroom and applying it on the field.” “In the end, it all comes down to going out and performing well in competition. I enjoy both competing and creating plays. My daily aim is simply getting the ball out of my hands and into the hands of guys so they can create plays.”
In his Green & White debut against Washington, Taylor’s stat line wasn’t particularly flashy, but he was substituted by Wyoming rookie Andrew Peasley after the first quarter. He had two drives under center, both of which resulted in three-and-outs for the Jets offense. C Joe Tippmann is the only Jets starter to participate in this game on offense or defense.
He only made two drops back, finishing one ball to rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley for a 1-yard loss.
Regarding Taylor’s time on the field, head coach Robert Saleh stated, “I thought he did a good job.” A few of the penalties kind of went awry and prevented us from really getting going. It was rather of a wash overall.”
On the Jets’ second offensive play of the game, first-round rookie tackle Olu Fashanu made a mistake and set up a second-and-nine. After two plays, Taylor broke free from the pocket and connected with rookie running back Braelon Allen for a 12-yard connection that would have resulted in a third-and-9; however, the completion and conversion were negated when G Xavier Newman was flagged for an ineligible receiver downfield.
Furthermore, none of this suggests what Taylor will contribute should he be called upon during the regular season. He has started 58 games and completed 65 touchdown passes to just 29 interceptions while playing for the Ravens, Bills, Browns, Chargers, Texans, and Giants. With 19 more rushing touchdowns, he has also averaged a very impressive 5.6 yards per carry.
Taylor is expected to start the Jets’ summer opener on Saturday night against Carolina. Head coach Robert Saleh stated that an Aaron Rodgers start in the preseason finale against the Giants on August 24 is still feasible. This would be Rodgers’ first start since he tore his Achilles on the fourth play of the previous season’s opener against Buffalo. However, Saleh added that the decision will be made in a few weeks through a “collaborative effort” that will include Rodgers.
