Friday, April 9, 2010

Jets Win Their First NFL Preseason Game By Beating Giants

By Ross Everett

A week after being named the New York Jets starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez rewarded his first year NFL coach with a victory. Rex Ryan got his first win at the helm of the Jets as his team held off a 4th quarter comeback to nip the crosstown rival New York Giants 27-25.

NFL preseason betting enthusiasts who took the Giants as +3 point underdogs were rewarded with the outright victory. The Jets improved to 2-1 against the pointspread, while the Giants dropped to 1-2 against the money as they dropped their second straight ATS verdict.

Sanchez finished with 149 yards on 13 of 20 passing and a touchdown pass to former University of South Carolina standout receiver Chansi Stuckey. After the game, he was pleased with his effort and the victory:

"You get a little more confidence when you know your coach believes in you and has named you the starter. It was similar to that at SC. Once you're the guy, you talk a little different, you walk a little different and you act a little different."

Giants defender Mathias Kiwanuka thought he had a sack but Sanchez evaded him and another lineman to make the play. He had to be impressed with Sanchezs touchdown effort:

"I thought we had him. It was a great play. You have to give him credit for seeing down the field with two guys in his face."

Sanchez gave his version of the scoring play:

"It was one of those plays where you get hit throwing it and you don't really see what's going on. You kind of listen. I knew if it was a big roar, it was probably a big play by the Giants, maybe an interception and I'd have to get up quick. But I heard a quiet roar and I said: 'Oh boy, I think he caught it.'"

Winning coach Ryan commended his young QBs effort:

"He was poised. He is what we thought he was."

Giants QB Eli Manning had something of an off game, finishing with 91 yards on 9 of 21 passing with a touchdown and interception. He also had receiver Steve Smith drop a perfect pass that would have been a 50 yard touchdown play. Afterwards, he sympathized with his receiver:

"Sometimes it's good to get those out of the way now. I know Steve feels bad about that. He hasn't done that all training camp. I know he won't drop it next time."

The Giants finish up the NFL preseason slate with a trip to Foxboro, Massachusetts to take on the New England Patriots on Thursday night. The Jets wrap up their exhibition schedule by hosting the Philadelphia Eagles.

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