Bring on the rookies.
It is preseason game No. 4 and with that, the starters get a rest and the young players looking to make an impression get to see significant snaps against the Eagles. A look at three things to watch in tonight’s game:
1. McElroy time
Talk to those at practice consistently, and many think third-string quarterback Greg McElroy could be the best quarterback on the Jets’ roster. Cerebral and a proven winner in college at Alabama, the knock on McElroy has always been his arm strength, or more aptly his lack thereof. McElroy looked good last year in preseason before breaking his right thumb and missing the season. He should get plenty of snaps against.
2. He’s Da-mon
Not a whole lot was expected of undrafted rookie free agent Damon Harrison, a product out of NAIA program William Penn, but Harrison has size at 6-foot-3 and 339 pounds and moves surprisingly well for a nose tackle. “This is my last chance and nothing is guaranteed, especially not in the NFL, unless you’re a first-round guy,” Harrison told Metro. “The feedback has been good so far and I think I’ve turned some heads.”
3. Punt this!
On Tuesday, the Jets signed Spencer Lanning to compete with T.J. Conley at the punter position. Despite Conley’s bad form two weeks ago in a loss to the Giants, Lanning isn’t exactly proven at the position. Look for Lanning to get his fair share of punts as the Jets gauge him against their veteran.
Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.
