The New York Jets are now 2-0 this preseason after Saturday's 15-12 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
After a shaky joint practice on Thursday with the Panthers, the Jets needed to come out as the aggressor on Saturday and they did exactly that. Although there was a lack of scoring, a couple of players helped their case to stay on the team heading into the last week of preseason.
LB Zaire Barnes
The Jets linebacker room is a stout one led by stars C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams. Since this unit is filled with depth, players such as Barnes have to make an impact in these preseason games if they want to stick out.
The second-year player out of Western Michigan had an outstanding night, leading the Jets' defense in total tackles with seven including 3 solo tackles. Barnes seemed to channel his inner Williams in the way he flew around the field and attacked with violence, especially filling holes in the run game. His athleticism was impressive to watch last night and it's clear why head coach Robert Saleh drafted him last season.
Barnes was essentially redshirted in 2023, having had little playing time. He is not a lock for a roster spot this year, so a performance like this could not have come at a better time for the 24-year-old.
K Austin Seibert
There are a few times every year that kickers get proper recognition for their work and Seibert's performance last night deserves praise.
With Greg Zuerlein as the primary kicker, it's unsure what Seibert's role will be with the Jets after the preseason is over. That being said, the veteran whose now on his fourth team in 5 years may have given himself a chance either on the practice squad or as a starter on another team.
Seibert went 4/4 on all field goal attempts yesterday, with the longest coming from 52 yards. He was the clear MVP from the game and overall he's had quite the preseason. He made his only FG attempt last week versus the Washington Commanders which happened to be the game-winning field goal.
RS Brandon Codrington
The field goal unit may have put all the points on the board last night, but Codrington was a crucial piece as both a kick and punt returner to put the Jets' offense in a great position.
Codrington had a total of 63 kick return yards and two punt returns for 46 yards. A combined 109 yards is magnificent, especially with only 3 total return opportunities the entire game. Saleh had great things to say about the undrafted rookie postgame.
"That's what he's here for, that's why we brought him in his punt return and kick return ability. I thought he did a really nice job tonight."
The Jets are starving for someone in the kick and punt return department with specialist Tarik Cohen having retired at the beginning of camp. Saleh has only trotted out rookies to return kicks and punts during these preseason games. This years' draft picks in Malachi Corley and Isaiah Davis have seen the most attempts at those spots, but Codrington has been the most productive up to this point.
More New York Jets News:
• Two Jets' depth pieces injured in preseason victory at Carolina
• Jets announce 32 players sitting out preseason battle in Carolina
• Jets underwhelm during fight-filled joint practice vs. Panthers
• Failed Jets' experiment gets chance to start for Vikings
• Rodgers's favorite target sparks Jets after slow start vs. Panthers
