Thanks to John over at SB Nation’s Jets blog, Gang Green Nation, for answering some of my questions. Check out Gang Green Nation for my answers to his questions.
1. Who is one Jets offensive player we don't know but should?
Surprisingly Quincy Enunwa enters the game leading the Jets in receptions. He is a third year receiver from Nebraska. He is a big receiver and learned to block playing in an option offense in college so the team actually used him a lot as an H-back a year ago. He was an underrated part of the run game with his blocking. Late in the year he started flashing some playmaking ability as a receiver. This year the Jets are moving him around to try and create mismatches. He is lining up outside, inside, tight, wide, you name it. He is using his size to box out smaller corners, and when he gets matched up with a safety, it's rough for the defense.
2. Who his one Jets defensive player we don't know but should?
Marcus Williams is at the center of a lot of big plays. Sometimes they are big plays for the offense. Sometimes they are big plays for the defense. He can be beaten in coverage, but he has eight interceptions since the start of last season. That sounds like a lot under any circumstances, but he has only played 366 snaps in that span. He has stepped into a starting role this season. The results have been mixed so far.
3. How do you stop Brandon Marshall? Where does he struggle?
It is a tough order to stop Marshall. The guy who is the best at stopping Marshall can be himself. He has concentration lapses from time to time that result in a lot of drops. He doesn't have blinding top end speed, but he uses his size to impose his will and win contested balls. To take him away, I think you need a corner who can match his size and physicality. An off day from Ryan Fitzpatrick also could do the trick.
4. Is the Jets defensive line the best in football?
I don't love giving definitive answers to questions like this because it's so subjective, and it's easy to come off like a total homer. I will say that if this defensive line isn't the best, it's in the discussion. The Jets have three 300 pounders in Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, and Leonard Williams who can line up anywhere and are mobile. Considering the amount of Draft capital the Jets have used on the line over the last five years, it should be a top tier unit. Fortunately, it is. With Darrelle Revis showing decline and much of the secondary a question mark, the Jets will be leaning heavily on their front this season.
5. What is your score prediction?
The only thing that would really surprise me is a blowout. I think these are two pretty talented teams. Going to Arrowhead scares me, but I think this is a coin flip game. It might come down to a bounce of the ball. On this question, I will be a homer and take the Jets 20-17.