As the Jets head into their first preseason matchup against the Giants, there are plenty of storylines to watch for.
The first game will give a short glimpse of what the Jets new offense under Adam Gase may look like, even if the starters are only on the field for one or two series.
Also, this matchup could lead to some depth chart changes, as this will be the first opportunity for players to prove their worth — or ruin their chances at making the roster.
With football almost back, here are few of the top storylines heading into New York’s bout with their roommates.
Sam Darnold’s first live-action under Adam Gase
Thursday night will be the first opportunity to see how Sam Darnold looks in Adam Gase’s new offense.
While the Jets will attempt to keep it simple and the starters will only play a couple of series, it will be interesting to see how much Darnold has developed since we last saw him seven months ago. There have been rave reviews from Jets camp regarding Darnold’s velocity, game processing, leadership and arm strength.
It may only be a short cameo, but a peek at how Darnold looks just a month away from the season is certainly important for the Jets.
The Rookies
Quinnen Williams, Jachai Polite, Chuma Edoga and Kyron Brown have made waves in training camps thus far, but none have had the opportunity to play against opposing teams. That will change against the Giants.
Brown being listed so high on the Jets’ first depth chart was probably the biggest surprise. Since the beginning of camp, Brown has been working with the second-team defense. He even saw some reps with the first team. If Brown keeps up his high level of play, he has a real chance of sticking as an undrafted free agent.
Edoga has a chance to impress as the team’s backup right tackle. While Brandon Shell has held his own, he does not have the position on lockdown. Edoga has a real chance to push him with a strong impression.
Polite is currently third on the outside linebacker depth chart, but he has played well enough with the second-team defense to warrant being a player to keep an eye on Thursday. Williams has been exactly the force the Jets have anticipated him to be thus far; he has the opportunity to show why he was the third overall pick on Thursday.
Will Tim White breakout?
Every training camp, the Jets have had a wide receiver who turns heads. Last year it was Tre McBride. This year it’s Tim White.
White is a second-year wide receiver who has come onto the scene as an impressive force. Being listed as the No. 2 WR behind Robby Anderson, White can make his against the Giants and show fans what team officials have been impressed with thus far.
Could a kicking competition be on the horizon?
Adam Gase has been adamant about the Jets not bringing in competition for Chandler Catanzaro despite his struggles in camp.
With Catanzaro being the only kicker on New York’s roster, he will be receiving all field goal and extra points opportunities on Thursday. Catanzaro can either put the struggles behind him or create a greater controversey at the kicking postion. He’s in the driver seat right now, but the pressure is on him to solidfy his standing as the Jets’ starting kicker.
