The New York Jets had themselves a good day Saturday as, from top to bottom, the team easily took care of the Carolina Panthers. The Jets defeated the Panthers, 27-0, for their first win of the preseason, moving to 1-1 with two games remaining.
Quarterback Zach Wilson continued showing progress in Nathaniel Hackett’s offense. He went 14-of-20 for 123 yards and one touchdown. Quarterback Tim Boyle also added 84 yards and a touchdown on 9-of-10 passing.
Running back Israel Abanikanda continued flashing during the preseason with 56 yards on 12 carries and 31 yards on three targets for 87 total yards. Running back Travis Dye added 10 carries for 32 yards.
All the receiving touchdowns went to tight ends — Kenny Yeboah, Zack Kuntz and E.J. Jenkins. Running backs Michael Carter (34), Abanikanda (31) and Dye (25) all led the Jets in receiving yards.
The defense swarmed the Panthers and held No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young to just 21 yards on 4-of-6 passing. They also sacked Young once and Matt Corral four times. Deslin Alexandre, Jermaine Johnson, Quinton Jefferson, Bruce Hector and Will McDonald all got in the stat book.
The Jets will have a pair of joint practices next week and a preseason game next Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.