By: Shara Taylor

The New York Jets dominated and defeated the Carolina Panthers without some of their anticipated starters in a shutout preseason game Saturday.

Jets offense had a slow start in the first half, but warmed up as defense led the way. New York’s defense kept offense on the field as they shut down Carolina and had five quarterback sacks in a 27-20 preseason win in Charlotte.

“I thought our D-line got after them early and really for all four quarters made it hard for them to operate,” Jets Coach Robert Saleh said. “We represented who we are, our style of play and that was a challenge from this week to last week.”

Jets’ defense had 31 total tackles and the Panthers defense had 41 total tackles, but New York’s sacks, one interception and one forced fumble had a major impact in the game.

“We look forward to doing that every game, setting the tone,” said Jets’ linebacker Jermaine Johnson, who shared a sack.

New York’s defense was impressive even without talent like lineman Quinnen Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner.

The Jets received first. Starting quarterback Zach Wilson led the Jets down the field, but a tripping penalty on center Connor McGovern and a few incomplete passes stopped Jets short. Yet Kicker Greg Zuerlein’s 47-yd field goal put New York on the board. The Jets led 3-0 at the end of the first quarter. 

The Jets had possession at the start of the second quarter, but didn’t get far as Wilson was sacked and New York punted. Jets defense managed a quarterback sack and got the ball back. Offense was slow to score again, but was close enough for a field goal by Zuerlein on their next possession.The Jets offense picked up speed in the last 28 seconds. Wilson handed off to running back Israel Abanikanda who ran up the middle. His touchdown was reversed. Jets were just short of goal and scored two plays later as Wilson passed to tight end Kenny Yeboah.  Zuerlein’s kick was good for the extra point and the Jets were ahead 13-0 at halftime. 

It was a scoreless third quarter. Jets quarterback Tim Boyle thew two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, the first to tight end E.J. Jenkins and the second to tight end Zack Kuntz. Both of Zuerlein’s kicks were good for the extra points.

Both teams offense missed protection of  their quarterbacks. There was one sack on Wilson, four sacks on Panthers’ Matt Corral and one sack on Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Young completed 4 of 6 passes for 21 yds for the Panthers and Corral completed 15 of 22 passes for 126 yds.

Wilson completed 14 of 20 passes for 123 yards and threw one touchdown.

“You start to get your feet wet a little bit,” Wilson said about feeling more prepared for this we game. 

Boyle completed 9 of 10 passes for 84 yards, threw two touchdowns and one interception.

“There was a miscommunication with him and the receiver on the interception, but I thought he did a really nice job,” said Coach Saleh. “That last touchdown was really good because he really hung in the pocket.” 

The Jets next take on the Tampa Buccaneers at home Saturday.