TAMPA – When the Jets take the field against the Buccaneers tonight in the preseason opener for both teams, it will represent more than the usual unveiling of another new squad.
There is so much newness to the Jets it’s as if they could be an expansion team.
For starters, tonight represents Eric Mangini’s first game of any kind as an NFL head coach. It’ll be compelling to see how he responds, even though it’s merely a preseason opener.
“This is an exciting time for me,” Mangini said. “It’s an exciting time for the organization. It’s an exciting time for the team to finally work against somebody besides Green or White. Everybody collectively is looking forward to that.
“I think there’s an added element of uncertainty, because the volume of guys you face during a preseason game is significantly more than you would during the regular season.
That is positive as well, because you see a lot of different types of players in the preseason.” For the Jets, there is so much to watch tonight.
Beginning at quarterback, where Mangini curiously has refused to name who his starter will be tonight, so begins the intrigue of this unknown team.
Chad Pennington has been the best performer in training camp, though Mangini has refused to acknowledge such. Pennington will likely start tonight with the first team, though with Mangini, you couldn’t rule out him sitting Pennington and looking at the other three quarterbacks – Patrick Ramsey, rookie Kellen Clemens and Brooks Bollinger.
The running back position is even cloudier than the quarterback spot for the Jets because Curtis Martin’s status remains muddled in a shroud of mystery.
Martin remains on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) and his return to practice is unknown.
That leaves Derrick Blaylock, Cedric Houston and rookie Leon Washington to share carries, with no clear-cut favorite there to assume the starting job should Martin not be ready or a trade not consummated.
The offensive line features two new starters and only three returning – Adrian Jones, who’s moved back to right tackle, right guard Brandon Moore and left guard Pete Kendall.
The newcomers are both rookie first-round draft picks – left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold. Both have had their moments, good and bad, in camp. The receiver position is fairly set at the top with Laveranues Coles the top man and either Justin McCareins or Jerricho Cotchery the No. 2. Cotchery is pushing McCareins, who might not be one of Mangini’s favorites.
Watch out, too, for Tim Dwight, who figures to be a valuable role player as a third or fourth receiver and a punt and kick return man on special teams.
In general on offense, many – including the players themselves – are curious to see what new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will bring to the field in terms of philosophy and playbook.
Schottenheimer, like Mangini, is in this role for the first time in his career. Don’t expect to see the Jets open the playbook tonight, of course.
Defensively, the Jets have as much to look at as on offense, beginning with who’ll rush the passer and how effectively without the departed John Abraham.
Dewayne Robertson is in a new role as a nose tackle, and Shaun Ellis has to step up and be the best pass rusher.
Linebacker Jonathan Vilma is also in a new role in the 3-4 scheme, having to take on more tackles and roam to the ball. It’ll be interesting to see how he adjusts.
The Jets’ secondary is also in flux with a new cornerback trying to win a starting job in Andre Dyson, a second-year corner trying to make his name as a starter in Justin Miller and an incumbent trying to hold on to his job in David Barrett.
At safety, starter Erik Coleman is out for some more time after having an appendectomy. He could be replaced by Derrick Strait.
Other than watching the differing combinations of lineups at practices, you have no idea where Mangini is putting anyone.
The depth chart the Jets released this week featured players listed in alphabetical order.
JETS at BUCS
Tonight – 7:30
TV: Ch. 2
Radio: WABC (770 AM), ESPN (1050 AM)
Line: Buccaneers -3 ½