The New York Jets have reached the end of the preseason road. Friday night's matchup with the New York Giants won't count in the standings, but it could significantly impact several roster decisions before final cuts arrive.
Head coach Aaron Glenn and his staff still have evaluations to complete, while dozens of players are fighting for roster spots, practice squad opportunities, and in some cases, their NFL futures. That gives us plenty to keep in mind during the preseason finale.
With that, here are Jets Wire's five things to watch for against the Giants:
Don't be surprised if the kicking game steals the spotlight
Preseason football isn't always known for elite quarterback play or offensive fireworks. This year, the kicking game may be more entertaining than usual. The Jets recently announced that Jason
Sanders has defeated Cade York in the competition to become the team's primary kicker. While Sanders ultimately won the job, neither kicker consistently inspired confidence throughout the summer.
The Giants have their own questions to answer. Undrafted rookie Dominic Zvada and incumbent Ben Sauls remain locked in a battle across town. Don't be shocked if a field goal attempt or two becomes one of the night's most important moments.
Can Bailey Zappe finally enjoy his preseason breakthrough?
Few Jets have more to gain Friday than Bailey Zappe. The veteran quarterback entered camp hoping to establish himself as Geno Smith's primary backup. Through two preseason games, however, Cade Klubnik has generally looked more comfortable and productive.
Zappe's numbers tell the story. He has completed 12 of 18 passes for 123 yards with no touchdowns, two interceptions, and two sacks taken. One strong performance won't erase everything that came before it, but it could help him enter cutdown weekend with some positive momentum.
Will David Bailey and Arvell Reese see the field?
This is one of the more fascinating questions surrounding the game. David Bailey has quickly become one of the Jets' most exciting young defenders. Across town, Arvell Reese has generated similar excitement for the Giants. Both rookies have flashed enough this summer to convince fans they could become important pieces moving forward.
That raises an interesting debate. Do the Jets and Giants give their young stars additional snaps because development matters? Or do they protect players they already view as important parts of their future? Old-school coaches have historically leaned toward playing young players. Fans, meanwhile, would probably prefer both organizations wrap them in bubble wrap until Week 1.
How will the Jets' secondary hold up?
The Jets' cornerback room has battled injuries throughout camp, which could make Friday an important evaluation opportunity. Samuel Womack III, Jordan Clark, and Qwan'tez Stiggers could all find themselves heavily involved against a Giants receiving corps featuring veterans and roster hopefuls alike.
Calvin Austin's recent injury may have opened a door for someone. Whether it's Odell Beckham Jr., Isaiah Hodgins, Braxton Berrios, or other reserve receivers battling for jobs, New York's defensive backs should have plenty of opportunities to make plays.
Football junkies should love the fourth quarter
For casual fans, the final quarter of a preseason game can feel meaningless. For football diehards, it's often the best part. Many of the players on the field during the closing minutes won't be on active rosters by the end of the weekend.
Some will earn practice squad opportunities. Others will be hoping another team noticed something worth developing. The urgency is real. Players fighting for their football lives tend to play with a little extra desperation, and that usually creates entertaining football. The stars may spend most of the night on the sideline, but the fourth quarter could feature some of the most meaningful snaps of the entire preseason.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets at Giants: 5 things to watch for during preseason finale
