The first team offensive line game up 3 sacks in the first half

The 26 – 3 loss the New York Giants handed the New York Jets was disheartening, to say the least. The lone bright spot was the starting defensive unit, which limited Eli Manning to 7 – 14 passing for 62 yards and an overthrown pass that was intercepted by LaRon Landry. While the starting defense held its own, the starting offense was anemic.

The Giants defensive line destroyed the Jets starting offensive line. That’s putting it mildly. Right Tackle Wayne Hunter was the main culprit, allowing 2.5 sacks on Mark Sanchez. There was one nullified on an off sides call. Giants defensive ends Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck victimized Hunter on almost every passing down. Although the Giants boast one of the most dominant defensive lines in the NFL, one thing is clear; hunter has no business starting in the NFL. Sanchez had little time in the pocket and was forced to throw check downs all night, going 9 – 11 passing for 59 yards and a costly interception of the pick 6 variety. The interception was on a shallow crossing route to Sanchez’s favorite target of late, receiver Patrick Turner.

Bart Scott looks faster and more agressive so far this pre season, and was constantly involved in contact, ending with 5 tackles on the night.

LaRon Landry looked more athletic than critics have given him credit for. He was flying around during the first half and came away with the lone Manning interception, including a nice 21 yard return.

Tim Tebow completed a couple of nice passes, throwing 5 – 14 for 69 yards, and only rushing twice for 5 yards.  Against second teamers, rookie receiver Stephen Hill had a couple nice opportunities, hauling in 2 passes for 21 yards. Hill did leave a touchdown on the table due to an underthrown Tebow pass. Like Sanchez, Tebow was a victim in the sack department, getting sacked 4 times on the night. Sanchez was sacked 3 times. Tebow did provide kicker Josh Brown with an opportunity for a short field goal, which hit the right post and bounced in.

Overall, the “vanilla” offense has shown little signs of life, whereas the Rex Ryan led defense has been superb and appears ready to punish opposing offenses. Although it is still just the pre season, the offense better get things going quick or else the Tebow chants will only get louder.