The preseason isn’t bereft of exciting rivalries. The Week 3 game between the New York Jets and the New York Giants is proof of that. Inter-conference matchups are thrilling just as well, which makes the Redskins vs. Ravens clash also interesting. The ‘Skins face some uncertainty with Robert Griffin III out injured, while the Ravens need to get starting quarterback Joe Flacco up to speed in time for the regular season.
Don’t miss out on plenty more preseason games. Check out the previews for the Patriots vs. Panthers and Colts vs. Rams as well as the Cardinals vs. Raiders and 49ers vs. Broncos.
[sc:Football ]New York Jets vs. New York Giants
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
When: Saturday, August 29, 7:00 PM ET
TV: TBD
Line: New York Jets (+1.5) at New York Giants (-1.5); total: 42.5 – view all NFL lines
Ryan Fitzpatrick and the New York Jets struggled to get going until they faced Atlanta’s backups in a 30-22 win in Week 2 of the preseason. The Jets’ quarterback finished 13 of 19 for 118 yards and was sacked once. His backup in rookie Bryce Petty had a stellar game as well, going 12 for 19 for 168 yards and a touchdown pass to DeVier Posey.
[sc:NFL240banner ]On the ground, Chris Ivory showed that he’s up to speed in the Jets’ running game. Ivory had a 33-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, finishing with 36 yards on five carries.
The offense was impressive and all, but first-round pick Leonard Williams took the spotlight. The mammoth out of USC had 1.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and three quarterback hits against Atlanta. Williams’ second quarter safety was the spark the Jets needed to ultimately take the victory.
The Giants may give Williams openings after giving up three sacks through the first two games of the preseason. Their offense may not even spend that much time on the field based on Eli Manning’s struggles this preseason. Manning has made just 8 of 22 passes for 68 yards and no touchdowns entering Week 3.
Last year’s rookie wonder Odell Beckham Jr. isn’t looking too swell either, failing to catch all five of the passes targeted his way, including one red zone drop in the Preseason Week 2 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Backup quarterback Ryan Nassib had a big game, though, completing 19 of 35 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown. Backup wide receiver James Jones was also excellent, finishing with five catches for 83 yards.
If the Giants are to find a way to win this game, it’ll be with their reserves.
Writer’s Prediction
The Jets take this preseason game against their rivals from the Big Apple.
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Washington Redskins vs. Baltimore Ravens
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, August 29, 7:30 PM ET
TV: TBD
Line: Washington Redskins (+4) at Baltimore Ravens (-4); total: 43.5 – view all NFL lines
Washington may be in deep trouble. Not just for Week 3 of the preseason, but the regular season as well. Quarterback Robert Griffin III suffered a concussion after being sacked three times and fumbling twice in a 21-17 victory over the Detroit Lions in Week 2 of the preseason. Griffin went 2 for 5 for eight yards on four possessions for the Redskins. Head coach Jay Gruden said that the quarterback will be sidelined indefinitely due to the injury.
Griffin’s backups were mostly solid. Kirk Cousins went 8 for 12 for 91 yards and a touchdown, while Colt McCoy made 5 of 6 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown, then also added 17 yards rushing on four carries. The ‘Skins also had a couple of rookie running backs taking a stab at getting Alfred Morris’ starting job. Trey Williams ran for 52 yards on 10 carries, while Matt Jones had 44 yards and a score on eight carries.
The two rookie running backs should find some holes to run through against a Baltimore defense that has allowed opponents to average 5.5 yards per carry through the first two preseason games. Speaking of the Ravens, starting quarterback Joe Flacco wasn’t as smooth as he usually is in Week 2. Flacco went 3 for 7 for 23 yards and two interceptions against the Eagles.
Flacco does have a couple of excellent receivers heading into Week 3, though. Rookies Daniel Walker and Maxx Williams had big games against Philadelphia. Walker had three catches for 21 yards and a score, while Williams had three receptions for 25 yards. Expect more playing time from these two rookies to prepare them for the regular season.
Writer’s Prediction
The Ravens win Week 3 behind stellar play from Flacco before giving way to the backups.
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