New York Jets vs Oakland Raiders: TV Schedule, Time, and Prediction
By Matt Reed
New York Jets vs Oakland Raiders
Where: MetLife Stadium
When: 1:00 PM ET (10 AM PT) on September 7, 2014
Watch: CBS
Betting Line: Jets -5.5, O/U 40
After going out and adding several key pieces this offseason, Sunday will be the first time that we get to see New York’s new-look offense in a game that matters. Wide receiver Eric Decker and running back Chris Johnson will be the two essential contributors to this team, while veteran quarterback Michael Vick will hopefully provide mentorship to second-year pro Geno Smith.
Last season, Geno Smith looked like a rookie quarterback, but in fairness to him, he had very little to work with offensively. For the Jets, the team’s concerns in 2014 aren’t on offense. Head coach Rex Ryan has always predicated his success on defense, but there major red flags in the secondary.
This offseason, New York had the opportunity to sign the likes of Darrelle Revis, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, or even resign Antonio Cromartie. General manager John Idzik didn’t open his check book though, leaving this squad very thin at the cornerback position. The team signed Dimitri Patterson from the Miami Dolphins early in the offseason, and it was suggested that he would start opposite second-year corner Dee Milliner.
Patterson has been released, following his disappearance from the team the same day of the Jets’ third preseason
Aug 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets free safety Antonio Allen (39) upsets the pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
game against the New York Giants. Dee Milliner has battled an ankle for three weeks now, putting his availability for Week 1 in jeopardy. Antonio Allen, a converted safety, will likely start along with Darrin Walls. Allen was a starting safety for New York in 2013, but with the addition of hard-hitting rookie Calvin Pryor, the team can at least be more flexible at the safety position.
The biggest key to New York’s success in Week 1 will be getting to rookie quarterback Derek Carr early and often. Carr impressed this preseason, even beating the Seattle Seahawks team in the final preseason game. Rex Ryan will need to dial up the blitz packages in the first quarter to rattle the young man’s confidence.
Oakland is an improved squad from a year ago, adding receiver James Jones, running back Maurice Jones-Drew, and former-Jet Austin Howard to their offense. Defensively, the team has been upgraded with the likes of rookie linebacker Khalil Mack and cornerback Carlos Rogers.
Prediction:
The New York Jets do worry me with their secondary, but Oakland has too many questions offensively. A rookie quarterback traveling across the country doesn’t seem like it would bode well for his first NFL start. Also, even though Oakland have added a few pieces on offense, I’m not yet convinced that their team is really that much better from 2013.
As long as Geno Smith and the running game can put up some points and manage the clock, I expect the Jets to win this game. Chris Johnson and rookie tight end Jace Amaro will be key in this game. Look for Geno to get the ball to his big receiver early against Oakland.