New York Jets returner Brandon Codrington might have been one of the smallest players on the field Saturday night, but he made a huge impact.
The 5-foot-9, 185-pound undrafted rookie from North Carolina Central returned a kickoff 63 yards and a punt 31 yards, helping set up scores. The Jets won 15-12 against the Carolina Panthers in a game where most starters and key reserves were rested.
Austin Seibert kicked four field goals, including one from 52 yards, and Greg Zuerlein added another for the Jets.
“I’m still trying to make the team,” Codrington said. “I feel like this definitely helps my chances, or at least helps me get noticed by other teams. Right now, I’m trying out for all 32.”
Codrington’s 63-yard kickoff return in the second half came under the NFL’s new kickoff rules. He broke through the initial line of defense before being caught from behind.
Later, he fielded a punt near the right sideline, reversed field, avoided tacklers, and made a big play.
Jets coach Robert Saleh noticed Codrington’s performance.
“He definitely seized his opportunity,” Saleh said. “He was the most productive player for both teams. He set up a couple of scoring drives. That’s why we brought him in, for his return ability, and he did a great job.”
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Panthers quarterback Bryce Young did not play after both had significant action in a joint practice on Thursday. The backup QBs, New York’s Tyrod Taylor and Carolina’s Andy Dalton, also sat out.
This allowed the fans at Bank of America Stadium to see rookies Andrew Peasley for the Jets and Jack Plummer for the Panthers. Both rookies had a tough time.
Peasley played the entire first half, completing 7 of 11 passes for 33 yards and taking one sack. His best drive moved the Jets 49 yards in 17 plays to set up a 36-yard field goal by Zuerlein, tying the game at 3 before halftime.
