10 Things to Expect: Jets-Lions
10 Jets to Watch for on Sunday
Antonio Allen likely has the toughest task ahead of him on Sunday: defending WR Calvin Johnson, a 6'5", 235-pounder who runs the 40 in 4.3 seconds. Double A's play will be crucial in this one.
After becoming fast friends in Seattle, right tackle Breno Giacomini and Lions receiver Golden Tate will be reunited after winning a Super Bowl with the Seahawks last season. Giacomini said that the two bonded because they lived in the same building: "We played FIFA a lot versus each other," Giacomini said of the video game, smiling. "We became best friends out there."
Known for his big hits and in-the-box play in college, rookie safety Calvin Pryor has been in pass coverage often so far this season. He has two pass defenses and 13 tackles to date. Detroit is stacked offensively, so Pryor's play will be important to watch.
In this one, look for RB Chris Johnson to rebound from a slow start. He's averaging 3.5 yards per carry on the young season.
Rookie Jalen Saunders had a rough go of it Monday night, muffing his first attempt at a punt return that set up a Bears touchdown. The punt returner for the Lions game is in question, with special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey saying that it could be Saunders, Jeremy Kerley or Walter Powell fielding punts.
After Eric Decker left the game on Monday with tightness in his hamstring, Jeremy Kerley became Geno Smith's go-to option in the passing game. He caught seven passes for 81 yards and one touchdown. Kerley is a big part of the offense, especially on third downs. If Decker is held out or limited, look for Kerley to be a big part of the offense.
It's been well documented, but CB LeQuan Lewis is the definition of a journeyman. After his elevation from the practice squad to the active roster, Lewis now has 30 career transactions on his record. Look for him to make an impact in his Green & White debut.
Muhammad Wilkerson left the Monday night's game against the Bears after suffering a knee injury. He did not practice on Wednesday, was limited on Thursday and is expected to be on the field against the Lions. Mo had 1.5 sacks against Chicago, the third multi-sack game of his career.
LB Quinton Coples leads the team with five quarterback hits, but has one sack to this point in the season. Look for Coples to add to that total in this one.
Willie Colon has a tough challenge in front of him on Sunday with Lions DT Ndamukong Suh and the rest of Detroit's defensive line. Our right guard said that he's looking forward to the matchup: "They count on that front four to make a lot happen for them so I think it's a good challenge for us."
