There’s plenty to be excited about regarding the New York Jets’ 17-0 preseason victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday night. For instance, a few Jets players’ camp-preseason stock skyrocketed thanks to impressive performances.
However, not everything was perfect.
3 New York Jets whose stock tumbled against the Steelers.
Let’s make sure not to ignore the other end of the extreme. With that, here are the three Jets whose stock fell during the team’s Week 2 preseason matchup against the Pack…
Malachi Moore, S
Friday was far from an ideal game for sophomore safety Malachi Moore.
Not only did he struggle, but Andre Cisco and Dane Belton, his competitors in the room, both thrived.
In 24 total snaps and 16 coverage reps, he allowed both throws in his direction to be completed for 24 yards.
He was also playing deep into the game with the Jets’ third- and fourth-team defenses, indicating his standing on the roster. Friday also marked the second game in a row when that was the case.
While Moore passed the eye test down the stretch last season, could that have just been a byproduct of playing in a very poor secondary?
Overall, his summer has been unimpressive, while Belton has consistently flashed, and Cisco thrived last night, coming away with an interception and posting a team-high 94.0 defensive grade at Pro Football Focus.
This is the second week in a row that Moore finds himself on the wrong side of the list, with his stock falling.
Could his roster spot be in jeopardy? I know that sounds odd, given that he was a fourth-round pick last year and started 14 games, but it is a question worth exploring, given that he’s been playing with the third- and fourth-team defenses.
Perhaps his fate could hinge on the health of seventh-round rookie safety VJ Payne. If he is healthy and ready to go for Week 1, maybe Moore will be the odd one out.
On the flipside, if he begins the season on short-term injured reserve, that could secure Moore a roster spot.
Regardless, Moore’s preseason showings have created significant uncertainty.
Isaiah Williams, WR
It was just last week that fans were beginning to panic and indicate that Isaiah Williams surpassed first-round rookie Omar Cooper Jr. on the depth chart.
Well, Friday night altered that story.
Cooper got the first-team reps and was pulled from the game once Geno Smith and the Jets’ starters exited after the first possession, while Williams ran with the second-team offense and Cade Klubnik.
Williams hauled in three of his four targets for 24 yards, along with a fumble that the Jets ultimately recovered. The one target he didn’t haul in was a borderline drop.
It would have been a little harsh to credit him with a drop, but on third down near the sideline as Klubnik was out of the pocket trying to make a play, the ball fell through Williams’ hands as he made a diving effort.
If he caught it, the Jets would have moved the chains instead of punting.
So, Cooper played over him to begin the game, and he fumbled along with a borderline drop. Not the best showing, but it’s important to keep in mind his role on the team.
Regardless of the fanbase’s questionable concerns with Cooper, Williams hasn’t proven to be a WR3. Everyone knows his immense talent as a returner; if he can contribute as the WR5, that would be outstanding.
Anything above that might be asking for too much.
He has the speed, which makes it interesting, but he simply hasn’t established himself as a WR1-3. Perhaps he is a low-end WR4, but best suited in the No. 5 role behind Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, Cooper, and Tim Patrick.
Keep in mind, Williams just has 39 career receptions, 36 of which came with the Jets last season.
Williams absolutely provides value, particularly with his bread and butter as a returner, but Friday’s showing reminded us that expectations for him as a WR should be tempered.
Arian Smith, WR
Last week’s preseason opener was already rough for Arian Smith, and Friday’s game did little to alter that narrative.
Offensively, he was in the game deep into the fourth quarter with the team’s third and fourth teamers and didn’t even get targeted once.
On special teams, he played four total snaps and had an illegal block in the back penalty on a punt return.
Special teams have been Smith’s clearest route to making the team. The Jets really value that phase, and Chris Banjo has praised Smith’s growth as a gunner.
However, Belton has also emerged as a special-teams contributor throughout the preseason with two tackles on the punt coverage unit, including one for no gain. He was also very effective in that area with the New York Giants last season.
If Belton and Kene Nwangwu are able to be the Jets’ gunners this season, why even carry Smith? Nwangwu is going to make the team for his return prowess, while Belton will most likely be the safety No. 2.
Why carry an extra player in Smith just as a gunner when there are two players who have proven to do it just as well, if not better, and will contribute in other areas?
Overall, the preseason has been disastrous for Smith. Undrafted rookies like Malik McClain and Quincy Skinner Jr. have been outplaying him on offense.
He is already fighting an uphill battle, and time is beginning to run out. Unless he delivers a monster showing in the team’s preseason finale, his chances to make the final roster seem to be dwindling.
