EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- A look at the positive and negative performances from the New York Jets' 21-20 loss to the New York Giants:

RISERS

Muhammad Wilkerson, defensive end: So much for the long layoff. He tackled Rashad Jennings for no gain on the Giants' first play, sending a loud message to the masses: "I'm back." In his first game action since the 2015 finale in Buffalo, where he fractured his leg, Wilkerson recorded one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit. "You can't block him one-on-one," Buster Skrine said afterward. Wilkerson was used as a defensive end in a 4-3 front, with Leonard Williams and Steve McLendon in the middle and Sheldon Richardson on the opposite end. That's one scary front.

Calvin Pryor, safety: He scared the daylights out of Odell Beckham Jr., who felt Pryor coming at him on a quick slant. Maybe Beckham had flashbacks to last Dec. 6, when he was blasted by Pryor in the end zone. This time, he pulled up to avoid contact (a bad look) and the pass went directly to Darrelle Revis, whose 23-yard return set up the Jets' first touchdown. (P.S.: Beckham got knocked down anyway.) It was an active night for Pryor, who made a team-high six tackles and a sack. To be a elite defense -- and the Jets definitely have the potential -- you need an impact player at safety. Pryor hopes to be that guy.

Robby Anderson, wide receiver: With Brandon Marshall (sore hip) sitting out, the Jets turned to Anderson, a long-shot kid from Temple who made his first NFL start. Anderson scored for the second straight week, finishing with a team-high four catches for 65 yards. He has developed a rapport with Christian Hackenberg on the practice field and they took it to the game, connecting on a 10-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Anderson's preseason numbers: 11 catches, 203 yards and two touchdowns. If he doesn't make the 53-man roster, it will be hard to sneak him through waivers for the practice squad.

Matt Forte, running back: No, the numbers weren't great (10 carries for 28 yards, two catches for nine yards), but this wasn't about production. This was about "getting banged around," as Jets coach Todd Bowles likes to say. After missing two games with a hamstring injury, Forte made his Jets debut and participated in about 20 snaps. He should be good to go for the opener.

Bruce Carter, special teams: A blocked punt! The moribund special teams might not be moribund anymore.

Ross Martin, kicker: He rebounded from a bad start to his preseason, making a 55-yard field goal. The Jets must see something in the undrafted rookie because they keep sending him out there.

FALLERS

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith, Bryce Petty, Hackenberg, quarterbacks: Instead of singling out one player, we'll lump them together because the group didn't play well -- 23-of-47, 254 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and a 61.8 passer rating. Fitzpatrick made the best throw (a 22-yard touchdown to Eric Decker), one of the few highlights. Petty threw an interception on an ill-fated screen pass. He should've dirted it. Asked if it was a timing thing with the running back, Petty replied, "No, that's a stupid thing." Hey, at least he's accountable. Hackenberg, admitting he felt some butterflies in his NFL debut, was marvelous on his first series. He made four straight completions for 79 yards, including his touchdown to Anderson. But the night ended badly as he was intercepted on his own 5-yard line late in the game. Bottom line: Nothing happened in the game that should affect the depth chart.

Dee Milliner, cornerback: It has been a rough preseason for Milliner, a former first-round pick. He played poorly in the opener, missed most of the second game with an arm injury and got torched by the Giants' Tavarres King on a 27-yard touchdown. Milliner got turned around, thinking King was breaking to the outside. He didn't. He went inside and there was no safety help. Milliner has played his way on to the roster bubble. He's entering the final year of his contract and it wouldn't be a surprise if the Jets dangle him in trade talks, hoping to get a late-round pick. At best, he's their No. 4 corner.

Jalin Marshall, wide receiver: The promising rookie returned to earth, fumbling and dropping a pass. He still has a good chance to make the 53, but it's not a lock.

Lachlan Edwards, punter: This was an off night for the rookie punter, his first hiccup.