Aussies on parade: Valentine Holmes, Jordan Mailata and Lachie Edwards take the field in Philadelphia vs New York pre-season match

Valentine Holmes has impressed in his final pre-season outing for the Jets, leading the team in receiving yards in New York's 6-0 win over Philadelphia. 

Valentine Holmes enjoyed the finest display of his NFL career, but will it be enough for him to live another day as a New York Jet?

 

Holmes pulled down five catches for 55 yards to lead the Jets in receiving in their 6-0 win over Philadelphia in the franchise's final match of the pre-season

The highlight was an over-the-shoulder, 27-yard catch near the sideline on third down on the drive which lead to the Jets second field-goal, one of only two scoring drives on the night in what was an otherwise dour contest at MetLife Stadium.

The former Shark looked comfortable in the passing game and was a reliable target for fourth-string quarterback Davis Webb – more than once he was split outside in a role more akin to a wide receiver.

He moved well in the open field with ball in hand and showed a sure set of hands.

Holmes was not as profitable in the running game, recording five carries for zero yards and while his aptitude as a pass catcher will no doubt intrigue the Jets he also looked uncomfortable when called on to block in pass protection scenarios.

It’s still the early days of the Queenslander’s NFL career but he may have more aptitude as a wide receiver than a running back.

Regardless, the former Test and Origin star’s athletic talent shone through and his big gain, off a lofted pass from Webb, showed a growing aptitude for the skills of the American game.

Holmes has repeatedly stated his intent to continue chasing his American dream but now faces a nervous wait ahead of the first round of roster cuts in the coming days.

It would be a minor miracle if he was named to the 53-man active roster – a spot on the practice squad is the best Holmes can hope for.

“There’s going to be some tough decisions to be made in the next couple of days,” Jets head coach Adam Gase told reporters after the match.

NFL teams are usually allowed 10 players on their practice squads but the league’s International Pathway program provides an extra bonus spot and the Jets are expected to use that on Holmes.

If the Jets do attempt to put Holmes on the practice squad, he will initially go on the NFL’s waiver wire and potentially could be picked up by a rival NFL team.

Holmes shared the field on Thursday with two other Aussies - Jets punter Lachlan Edwards and Eagles punter Cameron Johnston - in a historic night for Australia.

A fourth Australian, giant-sized former Sydney Rabbitohs junior Jordan Mailata, suffered a lower back injury last week and was kept out of the game.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson was tightlipped about Mailata’s injury. “We are actually going to get another update in the morning so on Monday I should have a better update with where he is at,” Pederson said.

There is media speculation the Eagles might trade Mailata or could use the back injury to place him on their injured reserve list for the regular season.

That would allow the Eagles to avoid using one of their valuable 53 player slots on the inexperienced Aussie.

Edwards is competing with American Matt Darr for the Jets’ one punter spot. The Mornington Peninsula product had just one punt for 41 yards against the Eagles.

The circumstances of the match favoured Johnston, who showed why he is unchallenged as Philadelphia’s punter with a strong display off the boot.

Originally published as Aussies on parade: Valentine Holmes, Jordan Mailata and Lachie Edwards take the field in Philadelphia vs New York pre-season match