The Washington Commanders faced the New York Jets in a thrilling NFL preseason opener on August 10, 2024, at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ. The Jets secured a 20-17 victory in a game that showcased rookie talent and clutch moments. This article dives into the key player stats, game highlights, and what made this Commanders vs. Jets matchup a must-watch for football fans. Explore the standout performances from this 2024 NFL preseason clash!

Match Summary

Sport: American Football
League/Event: NFL – 2024 Preseason
Date: August 10, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM UTC
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ, USA
Matchup: Washington Commanders vs New York Jets Match Player Stats
Final Score: Jets 20, Commanders 17
Winner: New York Jets
Game Type: Preseason Opener

Game Overview: Commanders vs. Jets

Played at 4:00 PM UTC, this preseason game featured the debut of Washington’s No. 2 overall pick, Jayden Daniels, and a strong showing from the Jets’ rookie class. With the Jets resting 28 regulars, including Aaron Rodgers, and the Commanders sitting key players like Jonathon Allen and Daron Payne, the game was a platform for young talent to shine. The Jets’ late field goal by Austin Seibert sealed the 20-17 win. Below, we break down the top player performances and pivotal moments.

Key Player Stats: Washington Commanders

The Commanders leaned on their young quarterback and depth players, with mixed results:

Jayden Daniels (QB): In his NFL debut, Daniels completed 2-of-3 passes for 45 yards, including a 42-yard completion to Dyami Brown, and rushed for a 3-yard touchdown. His 11-play, 70-yard opening drive showcased his dual-threat ability, though he played only one series.
Michael Wiley (RB): Wiley led the rushing attack with 34 yards on 8 carries, including a 1-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, giving Washington a brief 17-10 lead.
Ben Sinnott (TE): Sinnott was a receiving standout, hauling in 3 catches for 57 yards, leading the team in receiving yards.
Jeff Driskel (QB): Driskel threw for 87 yards (65.1 passer rating) but went 0-for-1 on a critical fourth-down attempt late in the game, sealing Washington’s fate.
Team Stats: The Commanders amassed 331 total yards (119 rushing, 212 passing), with 17 first downs and a 3.5-yard rushing average. They converted 6-of-12 third downs but went 0-for-1 on fourth down and missed a key 39-yard field goal attempt by Riley Patterson.

Key Player Stats: New York Jets

The Jets’ rookies and backups delivered, overcoming an early deficit:

Braelon Allen (RB): The fourth-round pick led the Jets with 54 yards on 6 carries (9.0 average), including a 16-yard run and a 24-yard gain that set up a scoring drive.
Adrian Martinez (QB): Martinez threw for 104 yards (95.4 passer rating), including a 33-yard pass to Brandon Smith that set up the game-winning field goal.
Jason Brownlee (WR): Brownlee caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Peasley to tie the game at 7-7 in the second quarter.
Israel Abanikanda (RB): Abanikanda scored a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 17-17 before Seibert’s field goal.
Austin Seibert (K): Seibert’s 37-yard field goal with under a minute remaining secured the 20-17 win, outshining Washington’s kicking struggles.
Team Stats: The Jets recorded 292 total yards (118 rushing, 174 passing), with 13 first downs and a 4.1-yard rushing average. They went 3-of-10 on third downs and punted 6 times, but their defense held firm late.

Game Highlights and Turning Points

Daniels’ Explosive Start: Jayden Daniels opened the game with a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown and capped the 11-play, 70-yard drive with a 3-yard rushing touchdown, giving Washington a 7-0 lead (Q1, 8:45).
Jets’ Response: Andrew Peasley’s 12-yard touchdown pass to Jason Brownlee tied the game at 7-7 (Q2, 10:38), showcasing the Jets’ depth.
Kicking Battle: Washington’s Ramiz Ahmed hit a 40-yard field goal to lead 10-7, but Riley Patterson missed a 39-yard attempt. The Jets’ Greg Zuerlein answered with a 56-yard field goal to tie it at 10-10 at halftime.
Fourth-Quarter Drama: Michael Wiley’s 1-yard touchdown run gave Washington a 17-10 lead (Q4). The Jets responded with Israel Abanikanda’s 2-yard touchdown to tie it at 17-17, followed by Adrian Martinez’s 33-yard pass to Brandon Smith, setting up Seibert’s 37-yard game-winning field goal.
Defensive Standouts: Washington’s defense, led by Frankie Luvu and Mike Sainristil, limited the Jets’ opening drive to a 5-yard loss. Benning Potoa’e recorded a sack on Tyrod Taylor, but the Jets’ defense forced a critical incomplete pass by Jeff Driskel on fourth down to seal the win.

Head-to-Head Context

The Commanders hold an 8-5 all-time record against the Jets since 1972, averaging 22.5 points per game to the Jets’ 19.7. In their last five matchups, Washington won 4, with a 80.0% against-the-spread (ATS) win percentage compared to the Jets’ 40.0%. Recent games include:

August 10, 2024 (Preseason): Jets 20, Commanders 17
December 24, 2023: Jets 30, Commanders 28
October 6, 2019: Commanders 33, Jets 7
November 17, 2019: Jets 34, Commanders 17
October 18, 2015: Commanders 34, Jets 20

The Jets’ win on August 10 marked their first victory over Washington since 2019, highlighting their depth despite resting most starters.

Why This Game Matters

This preseason opener offered a glimpse of both teams’ futures. For the Commanders (0-1 in preseason), Jayden Daniels’ debut showed why he’s a potential franchise quarterback, though their kicking struggles (Riley Patterson’s miss) raised concerns. The Jets (1-0 in preseason) showcased their rookie class, with Braelon Allen and Malachi Corley proving their draft value. While preseason results don’t count toward the regular season, the game highlighted both teams’ depth and areas to address before Week 1.

Fans can find detailed stats, box scores, and highlights on platforms like NFL.com, ESPN, Sofascore, or FOX Sports, which offer play-by-play, video recaps, and more.

How to Follow Commanders vs. Jets

Missed the game? Catch up with:

Video Highlights: Available on YouTube, NFL.com, or NewYorkJets.com for key plays like Daniels’ touchdown and Seibert’s game-winner.
Box Scores and Stats: Check ESPN, NFL.com, or USA TODAY for comprehensive player and team stats.
Live Updates: Follow Yahoo Sports, Sofascore, or CBSSports.com for real-time scores and play-by-play.

Conclusion

The New York Jets’ 20-17 victory over the Washington Commanders on August 10, 2024, was a thrilling preseason opener that highlighted emerging talent. Jayden Daniels dazzled in his brief debut for Washington, while the Jets’ rookies, led by Braelon Allen and Adrian Martinez, delivered clutch performances. Austin Seibert’s late field goal and a strong defensive stand sealed the win for New York, setting the tone for their 2024 campaign. This game was a must-watch for NFL fans eager to see the next generation of stars.

For the latest NFL stats, highlights, and schedules, visit NFL.com, ESPN, or Sofascore. Stay tuned for more Commanders vs. Jets matchups in the 2024-2025 season

Washington Commanders vs. New York Jets: Player Stats and Match Highlights (August 10, 2024)