Heading into their dress rehearsal against New Orleans next Saturday, the Jets have been dealt a sense of optimism and despair.
Maybe you can call it a split.
First, the good points from their 22-10 win over Atlanta Thursday night.
Sam Darnold had another solid outing in a brief showing four reserves on the line in front of him.
Darnold surgically direct his team down the field on an eight-play, 66-yard drive for their opening score.
He finished the night with a rather effective 5-for-7 night for 46 yards.
More importantly, Robbie Anderson looked good with his three catches, and Quincy Enunwa again proved that his big off-season contract will be well worth it.
Ty Montgomery continues to show why he will be a major weapon carrying and catching the ball with his versatility.
The Jets’ overall defense was slightly above average as the Quinnen Williams and Henry Anderson exhibited how the front line can cause havoc.
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams dialed up enough exotic blitzes that caused eight sacks and an interception.
Jamal Adams provided enough evidence that he likely will be all over the field and can make his presence felt on blitzes.
That leads us to part of the bad news. A big part of that is the lack of overall depth on the roster.
Williams’ blitz schemes undoubtedly were to relieve pressure off the secondary.
It’s pretty evident that the Jets need to find a corner to replace Trumaine Johnson, who appears will spend a good amount of time on the disabled list.
It currently leaves them with Tevaughn Campbell and Kyron Brown, who missed the Falcons’ game, along with a horde of other candidates to possibly replace Johnson.
Darryl Roberts, who had his share of moments last year, apparently will hold down the other corner.There is a prevailing feeling that Roberts best days are as a nickel.
The Jets also will need to have Marcus Maye back in the fold opposite Adams, but there doesn’t appear to be any timetable in place. Doug Middleton, once highly regarded before he got bogged down with injuries, has been a suitable replacement.
Another major hit was the loss of inside linebacker Avery Williamson, who was having a good camp and emerging as a leader.
Frankie Luvu has played well enough the past two years to take his spot. Neville Hewitt has had a good camp and is another possible replacement.
They could deal either running back Eli McGuire or Trenton Cannon for cornerback or linebacker help.
Finally, there is the placekicker problem.
The Jets could be haunted all season with their decision not to resign Pro-Bowler Jason Myers. Chandler Catanzaro returned, but fell into a funk and retired. Taylor Bertolet, recently from Alliance of American Football, botched two extra points, but connected on a 49-yard field goal.
The Jets are 2-0 with plenty of promise. Wins in preseason don’t mean much, but their production does.
We should see their full complement against the Saints, who certainly will take their shots at the Jets’ patchwork secondary.
The Jets’ cupboard is not totally full, and those open spaces have to be filled.
It will be the difference between a season or promise and a season of disappointment.