10 Things to Expect: Jets vs Raiders
10 things you can expect if you are going to the Jets vs Raiders Regular Season Home Opener.
The season and home opener against the Oakland Raiders will be a Whiteout. The Jets, especially head coach Rex Ryan have asked that all fans attending the game wear white in supporting the team. Rex has been wearing white since Wednesday and asks all Jets fans to wear white on Sunday: "I'm wearing white because I am reaching out to the fans about, we want to have a whiteout. We are calling to our fans, reaching out to our fans to wear white, and get that stadium in a whiteout, that will be good."
There's no question that the Jets are stacked at running back, but there is a question on how the three will be used during the game. We have yet to see the three running backs in a full four quarters. It bears watching how the reps are split up amongst the RBs in the season opener. Will all men get the same amount of touches? Will the Jets ride the hot hand?
The Jets' first-round draft pick (No. 1) overall is set to make his NFL regular season debut for the Green & White. He had a coming out party against Cincinnati and carried that into the game against the Giants. Rex Ryan is excited about the potential of "The Louisville Slugger": I am excited to see him, as should every Jet fan…I think he has a chance to be really one of these top notch safeties for a long time.
Eric Decker, besides making his first regular season appearance for the team is facing a familiar foe on Sunday. As a WR for the Broncos for the previous four years, Decker played the Raiders twice a year because the two are members of the AFC West. Last season, Decker recorded 12 receptions for 160 yards and two touchdowns in both games against the Raiders.
Antonio Allen was cleared to practice this week after suffering a concussion in the third preseason game against the Giants. He's made the transition from safety to cornerback and is expected to start on the outside on Sunday. In last season's matchup against the Raiders, Double A blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown.
TE Jeff Cumberland has dealt with an Achilles injury since the end of training camp and has slowly made his way back onto the practice field. He's missed some time and the injury saw the emergence of rookie TE Jace Amaro, so it should be interesting to see how offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg uses the two tight ends on Saturday.
CB Darrin Walls never expected to be in this position, but after injuries to the cornerback position with Dee Milliner being ruled out for Sunday's game, Walls steps up to start alongside Antonio Allen in the secondary. He's started four games, including three last season.
WR Jeremy Kerley is currently the team's longest-tenured wide receiver. Entering his fourth season with the Jets, Kerley has had a productive, but quiet preseason for someone so valuable to his team. The Jets were 0-4 in games he missed last season and 8-4 with him in the lineup. With Eric Decker expected to get much of the attention, look for Kerley to make an immediate impact.
RT Breno Giacomini was brought in to help solidify the right side of the offensive line after losing their 2013 RT in free agency. The man he replaced is Austin Howard who is currently playing RG for the Oakland Raiders.
Geno's 3-1 finish in the last quarter of the year in 2013 started in the game against the Oakland Raiders. In that game he was 16-for-25 for 219 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed five times for 50 yards and one touchdown. Geno had a solid camp and will look to start his new chapter on Sunday.
