Easy winner.... Here is what people got that emailed me for this free winner.
NY Jets:
QB's: Geno Smith out with a deflated jaw, and a locker room that seems a bit out of control. Ryan Fitzpatrick will get the start, and possibly play a series or two, as he will more than likely be starting the first half of the season with Smith out. After he leaves, or doesn't start, the ball will be handed to Bryce Petty, the rookie drafted out of Baylor. I admit, this guy can throw and is fun to watch, but as a rookie playing in his first ever game at the NFL level, its going to be tough watching him going through his adjustment period, but I do have high hopes of him being the future of the NY Jets, as he is the most solid QB they have drafted in years! And after Petty is done for the day, we might then possibly see Jake Heaps. Heaps hasn't impressed anyone since his freshman year in college. After that he transferred to 2 other schools where he couldn't hold down the starting position. While this may be his final shot, I just don't believe he has the mental capacity to play at this level. And he has never truly had a college career, just a few starts here and there since his freshman year. The Jets best bet will rest on the shoulders of Bryce Petty, a first game rookie at the NFL level.
RB's: With Chris Ivory obviously getting the starting role, we will see a plethora of RB's who couldn't make it on other teams, with Zac Stacey being the best of the bunch. But there are some veterans there trying to make the team, so see some flashes from the RB spot!
WR's: Did the Jets sign a good bunch of WR's or what??!! Decker, Marshall, Kerley... and their offseason work, WOW. I am impressed with the Jets this season for what they did this offseason and last year. They are a team on the rise, and doing what they can. But with the big names sitting most of the game, there are a bunch of little guys trying to make the WR spot, namely TJ Graham who I hope will finally get a shot at a breakout season!
Defense: Their first string defense on paper looks amazing, and filled with prior Pro-Bowlers... but remember, we are only going to see them for a series or two. After that, its a HUGE drop-off on talent, and I mean HUGE HUGE HUGE. I hope their first string guys stays as healthy for as long as they can this season, and not to many are out at once, or it could be a long season! Looking forward to watching LB Trevor Reilly play, this guy can play LB!
Previous Preseason stats tell us: The Jets turn in a lackluster performance, and just try and stay healthy. Giving up 12 TD's last preseason (3 per game), and are more focused on a rushing attack, instead of being balanced or pass happy. Which in my opinion soldifies they want to wear down the clock and get out of there, but they do want to see what their young guys can do before cuts come at the end.
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DET Lions:
QB's: The lions Possibly will let Stafford play a series. But, when he sits after that, the ball will be handed over to Dan Orlovsky and Kellen Moore.
Dan Orlovsky has had a very, very unimpressive NFL Career, has been a 3rd string QB most of it, and has been cut by 4 BAD teams during his 10 year stint. Yet he did set a huge NFL record in 2008.... When he led the Lions to an 0-16 record. The Lions are definitely looking past him and onto Kellen Moore this preseason and in camp
Kellen Moore, who enters his 4th year as an NFL player, posted a very respectable 2014 preseason in which he completed 35-of-51 passes (68.6-percent) and three touchdowns for a passer rating of 108.4. The backup spot is his to take, and look for him to shine this preseason!
RB's: Watch out, and prepare yourselves to see some dancing and fireworks. Ameer Abdullah ..... Remember that name this season. Watching this guy play is remarkable. He can accelerate as soon as he touches the ball, and his footwork is extraordinary. Mind you, he can play the spread and catches the ball like he has hands covered in glue. Just remember his name, and come back to this.
Also suiting up and playing will be Theo Riddick (The named starter on the depth chart) who will possibly play a series or two. And then will also see George Winn, who hasn't impressed me much since last year, but he is a big back who can run you over, and does rather well in passing situations where he is a blocker.
WR's: Broyles, who was hampered by injuries last season, appears to be back, and he is fired up and ready to go. We haven't gotten to see the talent he is capable of yet, and in this preseason game, its his time to shine, as he wants that spot opposite of Calvin Johnson! Also their WR corps are pretty solid down the chart, with Fuller and Moore also seeing a bit of playing time. TJ Jones, and Peacock will definitely make their presence known with their speed and catch ability.
Defense: So many close battles on defense, and players hungry to solidify their spot. With Suh out, these players are going to step it up at the DT position with Wright and Cudjo rushing the backfield, 2 players I really like!
In the secondary, I'm loving watching Quandre Diggs, and he has been solid at the CB position, nothing flashy, but solid (He is the brother of Quitnton Jammer, who has been preparing him for the NFL).
Previous Preseason stats tell us: The lions come out to play on both sides of the ball. Last year, they scored 8 touchdowns in preseason, while holding their opponents to 4. While also limiting opponents to only 8 field goals. So, their preseason, their opponents are only scoring on average 13ppg, while the Lions are scoring 19.25ppg. All this and holding a +4 turnover mark. They attack the ball, and thrive in the preseason.
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WHAT TO EXPECT AND PREDICTION:
This will be a very one-sided affair. With the way the Jets front offices and GM manage the pre-season, its a "Stay Healthy" and move on to the regular season type of attitude. While on the other side you have the "We need to give it what we can, prove you deserve a spot" type on the other side of the ball with the Lions.
Add in the fact that the second and third string players the Lions have talent wise vs Those on the Jets side, its a total mismatch on offense at the RB and WR positions (favors Lions), and on defense with the weak offensive line vs the Lions defensive line. You have the better backup QB's who have been there before vs 2 guys who have never stepped onto an NFL field (and you are throwing them up against that defensive line the Lions are utilizing??)
This game is a no-brainer and a blowout once the 1st teams sit down. Safe to lay the measly 3.5 and cash it at the window a few hours later.
Enjoy the game guys and girls!
LIONS -3.5
