Jets' Home Opponents Busy in New League Year
A Look at How the Changing NFL Landscape Impacts the Green & White
New Bills RB Shady McCoy, who has the NFL's third-most rush yards (6,792) and fourth-most rush TDs (44) since being drafted in 2009, will be opposed by a Jets rush defense that finished 5th overall (93.1 yards per game) in 2014.
The Dolphins signed interior force Ndamukong Suh to a lucrative contract. Jets All-Pro Center Nick Mangold and new guard James Carpenter & company must be up for a big challenge in the middle.
After losing star corner Darrelle Revis to the Jets, the Patriots addressed their pass rush by signing former Brown Jabaal Sheard. Sheard, who racked up 23 sacks in Cleveland, gives the Pats depth on the edge.
The Jags found a big target for young quarterback Blake Bortles in the form of Julius Thomas. After totaling 24 TDs the last two seasons in Denver, Thomas will face a revamped Jets' secondary at MetLife Stadium.
Searching for more production from their linebackers, the Titans signed both Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan. Orakpo, who suffered torn pectoral muscles two of the past three seasons, has averaged 10 sacks in seasons he has appeared in at least 15 games.
Quarterback was an area concern for the Browns and they addressed the all-important position before the NFL's free agency/trading period began. Josh McCown, who started 11 games for the Buccaneers last season, has a lot of experience and he'll face a Jets defense that T-6 in the league with 45 sacks in 2014.
The Eagles made a plethora of intriguing moves including the signing of former Seahawks CB Byron Maxwell. He will assume the No. 1 CB spot in Philly and could see a lot of new Jets WR Brandon Marshall on the outside.
Safety Dashon Goldson, acquired in a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, hopes to regain his Pro Bowl form in the nation's capital. The 30-year-old Goldson could match up with tight ends Jace Amaro and Jeff Cumberland next fall.
