Fitzpatrick, who re-signed with the Jets on the eve of the first training camp practice, completed three of four passes for 72 yards in the contest.
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A clean-shaven Ryan Fitzpatrick was effective in his limited play.
This trend seemed to continue with the backup units as well; while the QBs had similar misfires early Geno and Petty seemed to get better as they got into a groove on the field.
There are the usual preseason caveats – no Darrelle Revis or Muhammad Wilkerson for the Jets and the rest of the starters left after the first possession – but the Jaguars passing game was strong enough past year to feel that tonight’s effort was a sign that all should be well on that front.
With the man who drafted him 39th overall in 2013 – former Jets general manager and current Jacksonville consultant John Idzik – on hand at MetLife Stadium, Smith got his first taste of playing in front of the home crowd in more than a year.
While everyone always wants to see a win and the Jets were able to pull out a win, the most important thing is that the Jets were able to go up against another team and work some issues out that no team can truly claim to have done in practice or even team-scrimmage situations.
Bryce Petty replaced Smith in the third quarter. Smith – who had his jaw broken by then-teammate Ikemefuna Enemkapli on August 11, 2015, in the locker room – started the game 1-for-4 for 8 yards.
Smith finished 8 of 14 for 79 yards, including a 17-yard TD pass to seventh-rounder Charone Peake that gave the Jets a 14-13 lead with 22 seconds left in the opening half.
Smith threw a handsome, back-shoulder throw to rookie Charone Peake for a 17-yard touchdown. On his first drive, he had completions of 19 and 20 yards. Until at least the third preseason game, I won’t worry about how this defense is shaping up for the season. Bilal Powell capped the second drive, which included catches of 26 and 43 yards by Quincy Enunwa, with a 4-yard touchdown run.
Wilkerson, who is recovering from a broken leg, was activated off the PUP list Tuesday. In fairness, the defense was without starters Darrelle Revis, Muhammad Wilkerson and Steve McLendon.
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When the second-team defense came in, Bortles chose to pick on cornerback Dee Milliner. CB Dexter McDougle and RBs Bernard Pierce and Khiry Robinson were among the other inactives.
