Three things to watch in Jets' matchup vs. Giants on Saturday
In what’s frequently called the Snoopy Bowl, the New York Jets will take on the New York Giants on Saturday in a Metro Area matchup. It’s a battle between a great defense and a high-powered offense in a game that should be a dress rehearsal for both teams.
For the Jets, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick should see extended playing time in his final tuneup before the regular season begins. The Jets are relatively healthy at receiver which should allow Fitzpatrick to get into a rhythm with the offense. It’s the most important of the four preseason games, so the Jets would like to have a strong outing after struggling in their first two outings.
Here are three things to watch for in the team’s game against the Giants on Saturday.
Fitzpatrick’s performance in extended action
Being the third preseason game, it will be the team’s “dress rehearsal” game and the final tuneup before the regular season starts. Fitzpatrick will be the starting quarterback for at least the first four games of the regular season, with Saturday being his first real “test.” He’ll need to get on the same page with his receivers such as Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, and slot receivers Jeremy Kerley and Chris Owusu. The Jets’ offense has been stagnant up to this point and that will need to change if they hope to win the division this season.
Darrelle Revis and the corners vs. Odell Beckham Jr.
The highly-anticipated matchup of Revis and Beckham Jr. will take place on Saturday as two of the top players at their positions square off. Beckham Jr. is an electric talent while Revis is a true shutdown corner. You can expect the two to be lined up across from each other early on as the Jets will do everything they can to contain him. As the game goes on, the Jets might throw other cornerbacks Beckham Jr.’s way to get a feel for who matches up best, with the possibility of Buster Skrine lining up across from him as well. The Jets’ defense has been shaky thus far, and it won’t get any easier against Eli Manning and the Giants. It will be a good test for the starters, even if Muhammad Wilkerson is unable to go.
Leonard Williams and the defensive line
Last week was somewhat of rookie Leonard Williams’ coming out party as he recorded five tackles — three for a loss — and 1.5 sacks against the Falcons. He was the dominant presence the Jets thought they were getting with the sixth-overall pick in the draft and he looks very capable of filling in for Sheldon Richardson. The Jets may also be without Muhammad Wilkerson once again against the Giants, meaning Williams will need another strong performance. The Giants don’t have the best offensive line, which could lead to sacks for the Jets’ defense early and often. They recorded three sacks against the Falcons, but that number could be even higher against the Giants Saturday.
