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On the Jets’ first offensive series, backup center Xavier Newman had a poor shotgun snap, throwing off Cade Klubnik, who ended up scrambling for six yards.
On the Jets’ second series, the center was Kohl Levao, who moved over from guard, and Newman moved to guard. Same on third series. Levao snaps were pretty good on these three series taht followed.
Newman had shotgun snap issues throughout camp, much like Joe Tippmann did a couple of years ago.
This could impact the decision between Newman and Levao for the backup interior swing job.
Perhaps they keep both, but if they don’t, maybe they go with the more consistent snapper.
But now, after the serious shoulder injury suffered by rookie guard Anez Cooper against the Giants, both Newman and Levao should make the roster.
Newman played center on the last drive of the first half, and on a third down late in the series, the snap was a little low and Klubnik was sacked. Not saying the sack had anything to do with the snap being low, but more a blitz that wasn’t picked up well.
On the last play of the first half, RB Chip Trayanum was seriously injured (neck) on a run where the guy who tackled him was not blocked. He was taken off on a stretcher. The play had issues from the get-go, and on the sidelines, Newman and Klubnik were having long discussions.
Something went terribly wrong on this play . . .
Darrell Jackson’s pad level remains problematic at times. On the Giants’ second-quarter scoring drive ot make it 7-6, there were too big runs up the middle, one for 16 up the middle, and then a six-yard TD run, both by Tyrone Tracy, and the rookie defensive tackle got steered out of the way easily by interior linemen on both plays because his pad level was sky high.
Karl Dunbar has some work to do with the kid.
Low man wins in the trenches.
Jackson did have a nice run stop on Najee Harris in the second quarter after a gain of three . . .
You could make the argument Cade Klubnik is not ready to be the primary backup at this time. A lot of potential, but very raw. Probably better suited for the #3 spot. Needs work on his progressions. Like a lot of young QBs, tends to fixate on his first read.
He telegraphed a pass to TE Jelani Woods in the second quarter that LB Zaire Barnes, a former Jet, picked off.
What the Jets could do is keep Klubnik on the regular roster, and put Bailey Zappe on the practice squad, and elevate Zappe on game day to be the #2 . . .
The Jets’ fourth safety spot is going to be an interesting decision. Who do they go with Malachi Moore, Jarius Monroe, VJ Payne?
Nobody has really grabbed the job.
Moore and Monroe are both tough as boot leather, and very willing tacklers, but need to be a little more consistent in pass coverage.
Payne is currently injured.
Don’t be shocked if the Jets put a waiver claim in for a safety.
Obviously the first three safeties are Minkah Fitzpatrick, Andrew Cisco and Dane Belton . . .
Speaking of defensive backs, cornerback Samuel Womack continues to make plays, and is making himself very hard to cut.
In the second quarter, he had good coverage on Giants WR Braxton Berrios in the end zone on a third-down pass, forcing the Giants to kick a field goal to make it 10-6. He had another PD in the third quarter . . .
On the Jets’ lone score of the first half, a one-yard TD run by Chip Trayanum, tight end Jelani Woods had a great block.
He has turned into a devastating blocker, and is really going to be a boon to the Jets’ rushing attack.
He’s like having a sixth lineman on the field, but he can also slip off the line and catch passes at any time, as he did in Pittsburgh last week on his 13-yard TD catch . . .
August 28, 2026
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