Todd Bowles and the New York Jets are heading into the 2016 NFL season with high expectations. They believe that they are capable of competing for a playoff spot in the AFC. It won’t be easy, but they have rebuilt their roster the right way.
Last week, the Jets were able to knock off the Jacksonville Jaguars by a final score of 17-13. Obviously, it wasn’t a pretty game, but preseason games are never supposed to look good. Bowles is simply hoping that his team takes a step forward and look like a much cleaner team than they were just a short week ago.
New York is set to face off against the Washington Redskins this week. There are a few things that the Jets are hoping to see this week and it will be interesting to see what kind of game they play.
All of that being said, what three things should the Jets’ fan base look for in particular this week?
Will Bilal Powell Continue Pushing Matt Forte?
Matt Forte was signed in free agency this past offseason to be the Jets’ starting running back. Bilal Powell is the backup running back at this point in time but is working hard to earn carries. He is more than capable of stealing some carries from Forte and putting up big numbers with them, which is why he must put together a solid preseason.
Can Jalin Marshall Continue Proving Himself as a Dangerous Return Man?
Jalin Marshall busted out for an 84-yard kick return last week, although he didn’t score a touchdown. Special teams have lost a bit of hype over the past couple of years, but it is still very important. Marshall needs to continue making a difference in the return game and could end up being a major difference maker for the Jets this season.
Is Bryce Petty or Geno Smith the Backup Quarterback?
Ryan Fitzpatrick will be the Jets’ starting quarterback in Week 1, but the backup quarterback role is up for grabs. Bryce Petty and Geno Smith are currently battling for that position. Both Petty and Smith played well in the first preseason game, but can make a big step forward and earn a lead in the competition this week with a big game.
What do you think the New York Jets have in store for themselves in the 2016 NFL season? Will they make a run back into the playoffs? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
