Every Jets fan had the same thought in the first quarter Friday night: Save some of these takeaways for the regular season.
Qwan'tez Stiggers and Marcelino McCrary-Ball combined to force an interception and a fumble as the much-scrutinized Jets defense showed against the Giants the opportunistic quality that was missing all last season.
The Jets became the first team in NFL history to go a full season without an interception last season.
New York Jets linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball (41) celebrates after his interception against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Friday, August 28, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The streak unofficially continued through the first preseason game, but the Jets recorded two interceptions against the Steelers.
Of course, the zero-interception 2025 didn't include a chance to face Giants gunslinger Jameis Winston , who infamously had a 30-interception season with the Bucs in 2019.
Winston's second pass was intercepted when Odell Beckham Jr. slipped on the top of his route and Stiggers came over the top to knock the ball in the air. McCrary-Ball grabbed the ball and set up a short-field touchdown drive.
New York Jets defensive back Qwan'tez Stiggers (37) reacts during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, August 28, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J. AP Photo/Adam Hunger
The Giants were threatening to tie the score on the next drive, but Braxton Berrios — an ex-Jet — was stripped by McCrary-Ball while fighting for extra yards and smelling the goal line. Stiggers recovered the fumble for a touchback.
Stiggers' first-quarter activity was noteworthy because he was returning from a concussion that led to him fainting on the sideline during an Aug. 11 joint practice against the Buccaneers .
