QUARTERBACKSVinny Testaverde (23-of-44, 261 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) wasn’t as sharp as he’d have liked, but his rust was understandable considering his year away from competition and his lack of preseason game preparation.
RUNNING BACKSCurtis Martin (30-110 and a TD rushing, 6-34 and a TD receiving) showed why he’s the most indispensable player on the Jets, literally carrying the team in the first half and, after twisting his left knee, still playing well in the second half.
WIDE RECEIVERSDedric Ward (5-104) and Wayne Chrebet (5-47) made a good start in helping Jets fans forget about Keyshawn Johnson. Four of Chrebet’s five catches went for third-down conversions.
TIGHT ENDSNeither Fred Baxter or rookie Anthony Becht caught a pass, but Baxter in particular made some punishing blocks to open holes for Martin in the running game.
OFFENSIVE LINEThe Jets dominated the line, with a 37:50 to 22:10 time of possession advantage and Testaverde was not sacked.
DEFENSIVE LINEThough Brett Favre (14-of-34, 152 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) was sacked only once, the Jets got decent pressure from up front, with DE Shaun Ellis shining in his debut with a sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery.
LINEBACKERSBryan Cox was active, with a number of pressures, three tackles and a forced fumble. Marvin Jones set the tone for the defense with a few early exploding sticks and led the Jets with nine tackles.
SECONDARYCB Aaron Glenn nearly cost the Jets the game with a defensive holding penalty, but for the most part he, Marcus Coleman and Ray Mickens kept Packers WRs Antonio Freeman (3-59) and Bill Schroeder (3-38) quiet.
SPECIAL TEAMSThe worst of it was the punt coverage team allowing Allen Rossum’s 43-yard return that set up a go-ahead FG. There was little spectacular about the return game.
KICKING GAMEK John Hall was 2-for-4 on FGs, though his two misses were from 52 and 47 yards. P Tom Tupa averaged 48.3 on three punts.
COACHINGAl Groh brought a prepared, poised and motivated team to Green Bay. The only real blemish was the Jets’ penalty bug.