Aug. 18, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) hands the ball off to running back Bilal Powell (29) against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
The New York teams will clash in Week 3 of the preseason in a game that will see most starters playing the game. The Jets and Giants are two teams headed in very different directions, but the Week 3 matchup will tell fans what to expect from both.
The Jets are looking for answers at quarterback while the Giants are looking to let back to the playoffs. Let’s take a look.
Where: MetLife Stadium
When: August 24, 2013, 7:00 PM ET
Watch: WNBC 4 (NBC – New York)
Live Stream: NFL Preseason Live
Jets Player to Watch: Stephen Hill
Aug 9, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) works a drill with wide receiver Stephen Hill (84) prior to a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Not only are the Jets looking for help at quarterback, the team is looking for help at all offensive positions. Receiver is one of the big ones, especially with Stephen Hill being a disappointment last year.
Hill is expected to make a big leap in production in his second year. While part of that is going to hinge on the quarterback play, some of it is his ability to compensate. The matchup against a tough Giants defense will tell.
Giants Player to Watch: Justin Tuck
Jul 28, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during training camp at the Quest Diagnostic Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Justin Tuck claims he is back and healthier than ever, which is nothing but a good thing for a team that lost a stellar pass rush to free agency this offseason.
Tuck is beginning to get up there in age, so his flirtation with injuries is noteworthy. The Giants need him to contribute all season long across from Jason Pierre-Paul. Tuck gets a nice warmup against a soft Jets line.
Matchup to Watch: Jets Offensive Line vs. Giants Pass Rush
Aug. 18, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Matt Simms (5) is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Abry Jones (91) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Jets win 37-13. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
The past few seasons have seen the Jets offensive line play mediocre football at best. That’s not going to get it done with two questions marks at quarterback, but especially not against a team like the Giants.
The combo of Tuck and Pierre-Paul is going to cause some serious issues if the line cannot take the next step. The line’s play against in the Giants will largely indicate how the season is going to turn out in the trenches.
Prediction
Aug 18, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Kerwynn Williams (37) is stopped by New York Giants linebacker Jake Muasau (43) and defensive end Matt Broha (54) and safety Will Hill (25) and defensive end Adewale Ojomo (71) during the fourth quarter of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium. The colts defeated the Giants 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Jets don’t stack up well against the Giants on the field or on paper. Rex Ryan and Co. are still rebuilding in a few critical areas. Expect the Giants to jump out to an early lead and not look back.
Jets 7, Giants 24