Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Landry Jones saw quite a bit of playing time Sunday night in the preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings and he finished the game 16-of-32 for 135 yards.
In this post, we will look at the throws that Jones failed to complete in the first half.
Jones’ first incomplete throw in the game was a batted down pass as right tackle Marcus Gilbert allows deep penetration to Vikings defensive end Justin Trattou.
Jones’ next incompletion was a result of a drop by wide receiver Devin Gardner on a quick slant. It was a well thrown ball as you can see in the attached picture and Gardner has to make this catch in traffic.
This next incompletion is a bad miss to wide receiver Sammie Coates, who had beat his man with a double move on the outside. This is a throw that Jones absolutely has to make as it cost the offense an easy touchdown.
On the very next play, 3rd and long, Jones misses connecting with Gardner deep on the other side. He had to get rid of the ball quickly, however, as the Vikings sent the house up the middle. Jones was hit just after releasing the ball and he did a good job standing in the pocket to deliver the pass.
This incomplete throw to Coates is another one Jones probably wishes he had back. We’ll get a better look at it on the all-22 when it comes out, but it looks like he led Coates too much, according to the TV angle.
Another deep incomplete throw to Coates on this play, but in his defense, Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes was flagged for holding on the play. Again, Jones takes a hit after releasing the football after stepping up nicely in the pocket after feeling the pressure.
Even though Jones is surprised by the snap on this play, he tries to make chicken salad out of it with a back shoulder throw to Coates. It should also be noted that the Vikings defender had a bit of a jersey pull here on the Steelers rookie wide receiver.
Another red zone miss here to Gardner, but it’s not an awful throw by Jones.
Rookie tight end Jesse James closed out the first half with this drop that would have easily been a touchdown. Yes, C.J. Goodwin was also wide open in the end zone, but Jones had to get rid of the ball quickly due to pressure up the middle.
Of the nine incomplete passes shown above by Jones, two were poor throws, in my opinion. We’ll have a look at his second half incompletions later in the day.
