Jets vs. Lions: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predictions
By Chris Roling
Aug 2, 2013; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) takes a snap from center during training camp at Detroit Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Jets and Detroit Lions are set to meet in Week 1 of the preseason and it’s quite the intriguing matchup thanks to plenty of unanswered questions on both sides.
New York needs to figure out whether Mark Sanchez or Geno Smith is worthy of the starting quarterback job. Detroit has less questions to answer, but there is a hole on the defense with Cliff Avril gone that the team attempted to fill with rookie Ziggy Ansah.
Here’s a full breakdown.
Where: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
When: August 9, 2013, 7:30 PM ET
Watch: WCBS 2 (CBS – New York), WXYZ 7 (ABC – Detroit)
Live Stream: NFL Game Rewind
Jets Player to Watch: Geno Smith
Aug 3, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) drops back to pass during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Were you expecting anything else? Sanchez has been named the starter for the contest but that’s simply a case of coach Rex Ryan rolling with the veteran.
Once Smith enters the game, don’t expect him to leave for a while. If Smith can play well, even against Detroit’s second and third string, he will only further the notion that there is a serious quarterback competition going on in New York.
Lions Player to Watch: Ziggy Ansah
Feb 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman Ziggy Ansah does lineman dirlls during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
With Avril gone the Lions have to hope Ansah can come in right away and be productive to properly complement the likes of Ndamukong Suh.
Coming into the draft Ansah was considered a bit of a project player. He’s extremely athletic but raw in a football sense. Against the Jets the coaching staff and the rest of the world will get to see how well Ansah has adapted to the NFL.
Matchup to Watch: Jets QB’s vs. Lions Pass Rush
Aug 1, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) throws a pass during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
With or without Ansah the Lions have a great pass rush thanks to the aforementioned Suh and his partner in crime, Nick Fairley. The entire unit could cause some headaches for a Jets team looking to get the most out of their quarterbacks in the preseason.
We already know Sanchez struggles with pressure. How Smith reacts is hard to predict, but how both play in this bout with the Lions will give us an early idea of how the battle will play out. Is Sanchez going to play like a savvy vet? Or will he be looking over his shoulder and make mistakes? Will Smith rise to the occasion in the face of the Detroit pass rush?
Prediction
Aug 2, 2013; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Tony Scheffler (85) runs with the ball during training camp at Detroit Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
This is going to be an ugly game. There may be some early scoring from the Lions, but after that offense may be hard to come by. Expect Detroit to pull in front and keep the lead throughout.
Jets 7, Lions 10
Follow me on Twitter for more NFL news and analysis @Chris_Roling