THE Jets the quarterback room is headed by Aaron Rodgers but New York has some talented pitchers this season.
Of course, Tyron Taylor is Rodgers’ backup, but they also have first-year quarterbacks Andrew Peasley, Jordan Travis and Adriano Martinez. And it was Martinez who put on a show on Saturday 20-17 victory over the Washington Commanders.
The 24-year-old, along with Peasley, saw most of the snaps in the Jets’ preseason opener, but was behind center as New York marched down the field to set up the game-winning field goal.
There were two crucial plays on that Martinez drive that marked the Jets’ victory. The first was on 3rd and 4 at their own 31 yard line. Martínez made a deep pass to Brandon Smith that was for 33 yards. The other was on 3rd-and-7 at the Commanders’ 33-yard line when Martinez scrambled left and ran 13 yards to set up the kicker. Austin Seibert for the game-winning 37-yard field goal.
“We won, that was the first goal,” Martinez said of his first game after. “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. We’ll watch the tape and do those things.”
Head coach Roberto Saleh praised Martinez and Peasley after the game, highlighting how well they both performed in the contest.
“That’s part of my game,” Martinez said. “I like to fight a little, extend plays and something Aaron continued to insist on with me is to keep your eyes on the field and give the players 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 is a lot to learn, but he is using this time to absorb as much information as he can.
“I am very lucky. Aaron can be the best quarterback of all time and be in the QB room with him and learn from him. There’s a lot to be thankful for in terms of where I’m sitting,” he said. “There’s a lot to learn, so I keep trying to understand these little things and enjoy them for what they are. Who knows how long I will have this opportunity, while I have it I will make the most of it.”
Martinez was signed this offseason after spending the spring in the United Football League (UFL). The Kansas State standout excelled with the Birmingham Stallions, winning league MVP honors after throwing for 1,750 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also rushed for 528 yards and rushed for three scores.
Those dual-threat skills were on full display Saturday. Martinez finished 6 of 10 with 104 yards passing and 24 yards rushing.
“It’s been a smooth transition [from the UFL]”, explained Martínez. “I just came off a 12-week season not too long ago. Some of these guys haven’t played since the end of the college or NFL season. I have a certain advantage in that aspect, but at the same time, it’s a long football year for me. I’m grateful for that. Honestly, all you can ask for is an opportunity and going out there is just football.”
Martinez will have another opportunity to show what he can do next Saturday when the Jets face the Panthers in Carolina.
