NFL News & Analysis

PFF ReFocused, NFL Preseason Week 3: New Orleans Saints 28, New York Jets 13

The Saints' backup quarterbacks both showed promise in the side's 28-13 victory over the New York Jets.

PFF's ReFocused series features immediate takeaways from the two analysts who graded the game live. The two offer a detailed breakdown of the game's most notable performances before the grades and advanced stats are reviewed and finalized by Senior Analysts.

All of PFF's grades and advanced stats from this game and the other games played this week will be finalized and made available to ELITE subscribers within 24 hours of the final whistle. ELITE subscribers can view player grades, advanced statistics, positional snap counts and more in Premium Stats.

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Final Score

New Orleans Saints 28, New York Jets 13

New Orleans Saints

Michael Thomas was dominant on his limited snaps. On the first drive of the game, he made a leaping grab between two defenders for a 20-yard gain. Three plays later, he jumped over Jets cornerback Tevaughn Campbell to make a contested grab in the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown.

Both backup quarterbacks had some promising moments. Despite facing consistent pressure, Teddy Bridgewater put together two long drives in the second quarter — one resulted in a made field goal and the other resulted in a missed field goal attempt. It was all Taysom Hill in the second half. While he made a handful of plays with his legs, the highlight of his night was a 49-yard connection to Cyril Grayson in tight coverage, late in the fourth quarter.

Rookie Takeaways

Defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson looked to have had a much-needed bounce-back game in this one. Targeted three times on the night, he allowed two receptions for only 15 yards, and he forced an incompletion in the process.

New York Jets

Sam Darnold was not able to continue his good preseason as he never seemed to get comfortable. On Darnold's best chance to make a splash play, he left the ball slightly underthrown, allowing the defender to hold the play to a 40-yard gain when it should have resulted in six points.

The Jets' first-team O-Line was not able to help create much offense for them. Giving up pressures and taking penalties left little chances for sustained drives. Newley acquired Alex lewis struggled mightly at guard this game, not supplying any push in the run game or very much protection as a pass-blocker.

Rookie Takeaways

Rookie offensive linemen Chuma Edoga and Calvin Anderson were the bright spots on an otherwise mediocre offensive line. They combined for 26 pass-blocking snaps on the night and proved to be capable of keeping pressure at bay.

[Editor's Note: All of PFF's player grades and advanced statistics are finalized and made available to ELITE subscribers within 24 hours of the final whistle of each game during the preseason. Sign up today to gain access!]

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