The Jets quarterback room is headlined by Aaron Rodgers but New York has a few talented throwers this season.
Of course, Tyrone Taylor is Rodgers’ backup but they also have first-year quarterbacks Andrew Peasley, Jordan Travis and Adrian Martinez. And it was Martinez who put on a show in Saturday’s 20-17 win over the Washington Commanders.
The 24-year-old, along with Peasley, saw the bulk of the snaps in the Jets’ preseason opener but he was behind center when New York marched down the field to set up the game-winning field goal.
There were two crucial plays on that drive made by Martinez that set up the Jets’ win. The first was on 3rd-and-4 back on their own 31-yard line. Martinez drew a deep pass to Brandon Smith that went for 33 yards. The other was on 3rd-and-7 on the Commanders’ 33-yard line when Martinez scrambled to his left and ran for 13 yards to set up kicker Austin Seibert for the game-winning 37-yard field goal.
“We won that’s the first goal,” Martinez said of his first game afterward. “We wanted to win and put ourselves in a position to do that. I think I did well, there are some things to learn and improve from. We’ll watch the tape and do those things.”
Head coach Robert Saleh praised Martinez and Peasley after the game, pointing out how well they both did on the scramble.
“That’s part of my game,” Martinez said. “I like to scramble a bit, extend plays and something Aaron has continued to push with me is to keep my eyes downfield and give guys opportunities.”
Martinez has only been with the Jets for two weeks but he’s already in awe of being in the same QB room as Rodgers. There’s a lot to learn, but he is using this time to absorb as much information as he can.
“I’m very fortunate. Aaron might be the best quarterback of all time and to be in the QB room with him and learn from him. There’s so much to be thankful for in terms of where I’m sitting,” he said. “A lot to learn from so I continue to try to pick up on those little things and enjoy it for what it is. Who knows how long I’m going to get this opportunity, while I have it I’m going to enjoy it and make the most of it.”
Martinez was signed this offseason after he spent the spring in the United Football League (UFL). The Kansas State standout excelled with the Birmingham Stallions, winning the league MVP award after throwing for 1,750 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also ran for 528 yards and rushed for three scores.
Those dual-threat skills were on full display on Saturday. Martinez finished 6-for-10 with 104 yards passing and rushing for 24 yards.
“It’s been somewhat of a smooth transition [from the UFL],” Martinez explained. “Just came off a 12-week season, not too long ago. Some of these guys haven’t played since the end of their college season or NFL season. I have a bit of an advantage in that way but at the same time, it’s a long football year for me. I’m thankful for it. Honestly, all you can ask for is an opportunity and going out there, it’s just football.”
Martinez will have another opportunity to show what he can do next Saturday when the Jets take on the Panthers in Carolina.
