The New York Jets open the preseason on Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars -- a 7:30 kickoff at MetLife Stadium. Things to watch:
Top storyline: Presumably, Ryan Fitzpatrick will start and play a series or two. (For some reason, coach Todd Bowles hasn't revealed his quarterback rotation.) Seven months removed from the Buffalo nightmare, Fitzpatrick has modest offensive goals for the game -- no turnovers, no stupid penalties and maybe a few first downs. For Fitzpatrick, who missed the offseason because of his contract dispute, this is all about removing rust and reconnecting with his receivers.
Player on the hot seat: Incumbent kicker Nick Folk is being pushed by rookie Ross Martin, an undrafted free agent from Duke. Bowles said the competition is "pretty close," meaning it behooves Folk to make his kicks.
Player with the most to gain: Third-round picks usually don't become Day 1 starters, but outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins is making a run at it. He has impressed on the practice field, taking most of the first-team reps. Defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers likes the way Jenkins sets the edge against the run and shows the ability to win one-on-one matchups as a pass-rusher. But let's see how the kid does when the lights come on.
Player with the most to lose: Quarterback Bryce Petty, whose future was clouded by the drafting of Christian Hackenberg, hopes to persuade the decision-makers to carry four quarterbacks. Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith and Hackenberg fit nicely in the Nos. 1, 2 and 3 roles, respectively, so Petty has to show them he's worthy of a No. 2a job.
Must-watch newcomer: You can't watch running back Matt Forte (hamstring) because he's still not healthy, so you'll have to settle for left tackle Ryan Clady, who is having a strong camp. You might do a double take because, for the first time in 11 years, there will be a starting left tackle other than D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
Position group with the most to prove: The linebacking corps has three new starters (for now) -- Erin Henderson, Lorenzo Mauldin and Jenkins. First-round pick Darron Lee is expected to play a lot as well. Basically, it's David Harris and a lot of question marks at linebacker. Rodgers likes the speed, though. He said one of the biggest surprises in camp has been the improved speed at linebacker. "It helps us do more things matchup-wise than what we might have been able to do last year," he said.
Sleeper to watch: By now, most people know about receiver Jalin Marshall, an undrafted rookie from Ohio State, but be sure to take a look at Dominique Williams. With the injuries at running back, the local product (Wagner College) should see plenty of action. He's only 5-foot-9, 205 pounds, but Williams is tough and has good vision. Don't be surprised if he emerges as one of the stories in this game.
