Top Story Lines to Watch as Jets Open Preseason vs Packers

The Jets will kick off their preseason schedule this Saturday night when they take on the Green Bay Packers.  With head coach Aaron Glenn having announced that his starters will play, we take a look at the players we’ll be focused most closely on.

QB Justin Fields first shot to impress:

Whether Fields plays a series or a quarter, he’s the key to the Jets season.  Facing what will likely be vanilla looks on defense, will we see the decisive and accurate throws the Jets are looking for?

First Look at the O-Line:

This is supposed to be the backbone of the roster.  Robert Saleh was a big believer in talking about his O-line building continuity while doing absolutely nothing to build his o-line’s continuity.  That looks to be a thing of the past with an NFL caliber head coach running the show.  Even if it’s just a drive or two, watching these guys work could be fun.

Will somebody step up for the WR2 spot?

Many who cover the team feel Reynolds is the favorite to win the team’s vacant no. 2 WR spot.  He’s got the size and physicality that the Jets look for and has been a productive player in the past when given a shot to start.  His primary competition at this point would be Allen Lazard and rookie Arian Smith.  This is round 1 of what should be a close camp battle.

The battle for QB3:

Undrafted rookie free agent Brady Cook out of Missouri has come on strong of late.  He has the mobility that Aaron Glenn covets and, at least at the college level, did a much better job of protecting the football than Adrian Martinez did.  With Cook and Martinez battling for the QB3 job and given Tyron Taylor’s injury history, this is a big game for both QB’s.

Vets take on UDFA’s in DT Battle:

Defensive tackle is arguable the thinnest position on the roster.  After Quinnen Williams, it’s largely a bunch of question marks.  Especially when we’re talking about run stoppers.  Veterans Derrick Nnadi, and Jay Tufele will be competing with the likes of undrafted rookies Payton Page and Fatorma Mulbah this week with Byron Cowart dinged up.  Don’t sleep on last year’s in-season addition Phidarian Mathis either.  Second-year man Leonard Taylor is likely safe, but he’s likely to be more of a factor against the pass than the rush.

The TE room beyond Mason Taylor:

There’s no getting around it.  The feel good story of Ruckert, a lifelong Jets fan getting drafted by his favorite team, has started to wear off.  Jets fans want to see some production as he enters year four.  With his former college QB under center, this is his first shot to show he’s ready to contribute.  Rookie Mason Taylor is expected to start, but Ruckert, Stone Smartt, Zack Kuntz and Neal Johnson should get plenty of run vs the Packers.

Will WR Quentin Skinner stay hot?

As is the case with Cook, Skinner has made some big plays in recent days.  After a quiet first week of camp, we’ve seen his name called several times.  The 6′ 5” Skinner has managed to get behind the defense and make some big plays down the field and has plenty of intriguing traits.  Should the team look to deal Allen Lazard at some point, Skinner could be the next man up.

CB Jarrick Beranrd-Converse vs Qwan’tez Stiggers: 

The Jets are set at their top two corner spots with Sauce Gardner and Brandon Stephens.  Rooke Azareye’h Thomas is expected to win the backup spot on the boundary which leaves Qwan’tez Stiggers and Jarrick Bernard-Converse battling it out for the next spot.  JBC had a very impressive camp last season while Stiggers got his first exposure to the NFL.  Both have tons of potential and could stay on the 53.  However, if they each play to their respective ceilings, expect a team to come calling to talk trade.

Safety room competition in full swing:

The Jets lack a big time playmaking safety but as we’ve said many times in recent months, keep an eye on Andre Cisco. Competing with him will be a young but interesting group. Expect to see plenty of action for the likes of rookies Malachi Moore, Jarius Monroe and Dean Clark.

Will a Fourth Running Back Enter the mix:

Kene Nwangwu is expected to compete for a roster spot as a return man and Donovan Edwards is a very talented runner who should see some carries to kick off the preseason.

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