Three takeaways from Giants-Jets preseason finale

The New York Jets defeated the New York Giants 32-24 on Saturday, which wrapped up the 2023 preseason for both teams. Here are three of the biggest takeaways from the exhibition.

1. Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson will be one of the league's top quarterback-wide receiver tandems

Perhaps Rodgers has his new Davante Adams after all.

Outside of the offensive line, the Jets’ revamped starting offense showed signs of promise under Rodgers, who completed 5-of-8 passes for 47 yards and one touchdown to the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year. On their two drives together, Rodgers targeted Wilson three times, connecting on each attempt.

If one thing is for certain, it's that if you're the 39-year-old signal-caller's go-to weapon, prepare for a steady diet of targets. During his final season in Green Bay, Adams earned 169 targets and caught 123 passes from Rodgers. Last season, Wilson recorded 83 receptions for 1,103 yards with a rotating cast of below-average quarterbacks. He easily has the potential to catch 100 passes in 2023.

2. The Giants are in serious trouble if quarterback Daniel Jones goes down

Whether Jones truly deserves a $160 million deal is a debate that will likely rage on for the foreseeable future, but there's no denying that the Giants won't be able to survive without him. 

Backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor had a disappointing preseason, completing 14-of-21 attempts for 102 yards and one touchdown across three games. The former Pro Bowler misfired on multiple easy throws and didn't show any flashes of promise that fans and the coaching staff could be confident about if he is called upon. 

New York's only other quarterback is hometown hero and undrafted free agent Tommy DeVito, who put together a few decent performances but didn't prove enough to be considered anything more than a practice squad player. It'll be interesting to see whether GM Joe Schoen adds to his quarterback room via free agency once other teams trim their rosters. 

3. While we’re at it, the Giants' lack of depth on the offensive line is even more alarming

Although the Giants are fortunate that their starting offensive line looked sharp in limited preseason action, the depth of this position group is a massive area of concern. Including the clean drive the starters executed against the Carolina Panthers last week, the Giants' offensive line ranked 31st among teams in pass-blocking efficiency according to Pro Football Focus (77.5). 

Additionally, the unit surrendered five sacks on Saturday, bringing their total sacks allowed this preseason to nine, the most among any NFL team. Despite the upgrades made to the offensive line this offseason and the hope that 2022 first-rounder Evan Neal progresses, it's difficult to overlook the fact that Jones was the fifth-most sacked quarterback in the league last season. It's imperative that Schoen further improves the area in the coming days in case any of the starters struggle.