Jets vs. Colts: What Position Battle Changed the Most?

The Jets entered last night's game with many position battles to watch. Which one saw its dynamics change the most? I would go with cornerback.

The Jets signed Dimitri Patterson hoping he could serve as a stopgap and a bridge until they could find something better. It would be crazy to call the signing a failure after one preseason game, but he played poorly last night. He was too soft playing off coverage. He was beaten deep. He even committed a penalty in the second half against backups and third stringers. He seemed to be in pole position to start. That seems less clear now.

The guy who has gotten some of Patterson's first team snaps is Dexter McDougle. By virtue of not being Patterson, he gained in the competition. I did think the rookie played reasonably well. He was usually in good coverage. I don't think there was a completion registered against him. The competition wasn't great, though, as he entered the game with the backups. Even so, there were signs of his inexperience. He missed a tackle. He dropped too far playing off coverage on a third down play that would have led to a completion had the receiver gotten his feet it. A good NFL receiver makes that play. He also picked up a flag of his own later. There were some encouraging signs, but this was not great proof he's ready to start. He might be pressed into that duty unless Patterson picks things up, though.

If you are looking for a positive at the corner position, Dee Milliner looked very good.