The New York Jets got a very solid display from quarterback Adrian Martinez in their preseason opener on Saturday against the Washington Commanders. The former Nebraska Cornhusker (and Kansas State quarterback) certainly looked the part with his performance.
Martinez, who signed with the Jets a little over a week ago, finished the preseason game 6-of-10 for 104 yards. The Jets beat the Commanders 20-17 at MetLife Stadium.
It was a good step forward for Martinez, who played in the UFL this past season where he was the MVP of the championship game. He was a quarterback at Nebraska for four years then spent one season at Kansas State to close out his collegiate career.
“Obviously, I just came off of a 12-week season, so I was just playing in football games not too long ago,” Martinez told reporters following Saturday’s Jets win.
“Some of these guys haven’t played since their college season or last NFL season. So, I think I have a bit of an advantage that way. At the same time, it’s a long football year for me, but I’m thankful for it. Honestly, all you can ask for is an opportunity and I felt like going out there it was just football.”
Martinez showed good poise and pocket presence against a solid Commanders front.
Midway through the fourth quarter and with the Jets down 17-10, he found wide receiver Brandon Smith on a 37-yard deep pass. It was an impressive and well-placed throw by Martinez.
Jets QB Adrian Martinez hits Brandon Smith on the deep shot
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“Over the two weeks that I’ve been here I’ve been able to build up some trust with him,” Martinez said in his media comments following the game.
“I feel like I can trust him out there, along with some of those other guys, too. But that’s part of this game, it’s finding your guys and giving them opportunities and that’s really all I did. He was the one who went out there and made the plays for me.”