EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Titans quarterback Alex Tanney took about two steps before the offensive line all but parted before Julian Stanford, resulting in a monstrous sack that knocked the wind out of Tanney and incited the communal gasp at MetLife Stadium.
Tanney, victimized by the Titans’ failed blitz pickup, lay on the turf. Stanford, the Jets second-team inside linebacker, took his bows and the gasp turned into a sign of relief. For this one preseason game, at least, it appears that the Jets’ defense is as competent as advertised.
Tanney’s second-quarter sack was one of three in the first half — another came on the Titans fourth offensive play of the game, courtesy of DL Leonard Williams, and the third, after Stanford, via Bruce Carter.