The 2014 regular season got underway on Thursday, but there are 30 teams still chomping at the bit to get underway. Sunday
The Jets depleted secondary might make Derek Carr look good on Sunday.(Photo: Cary Edmondson - USA TODAY sports)
the new look Jets will be taking on an Oakland Raiders team that has made a lot of changes as well. This game is going to come down to which team has been able to mesh more completely in the offseason. Both teams have added some key pieces and the first game together may end up being a bit sloppy for both the Raiders and the Jets.
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The Jets hope to get Geno Smith off to a strong start with his improved offense. Eric Decker, Chris Johnson and rookie Jace Amaro will give Smith some new weapons to deploy against a Raiders defense which should be greatly improved. Although he has seemingly been given a long leash, Smith might have some concerns about having a proven veteran like Michael Vick waiting in the wings. If Gang Green drops a couple of games early in the year it is a safe bet that the New York fans will call for a change at QB, so Geno might press a bit.
On the defensive side of the ball the Jets are looking a bit the worse for wear. Despite being strong up front, the Jets secondary is paper thin and could make rookie quarterback Derek Carr feel a bit too comfortable. Starting cornerback Dee Milliner has been ruled out for the Jets already and their already weak secondary could really struggle. The lone bright spot in the secondary this preseason has been Calvin Pryor dishing out some highlight film hits on the competition. He might cause some hesitation over the middle, but Oakland's receivers overall will likely run wild.
The Raiders will come in looking for a fresh start after 2013 saw them have their eleventh consecutive non-winning season. The team made some key additions in the draft including previously mentioned quarterback Derek Carr and first round pick linebacker Khalil Mack. Add the veteran additions (Matt Schaub, Maurice Jones-Drew, James Jones, Austin Howard, Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, Carlos Rogers and others) and this team has undergone a serious makeover.
The Jets are still adept at stopping the run so this game will most likely come down to the play of the two young quarterbacks. Geno Smith has an extra year of experience and an edge in weapons, but Derek Carr will be going against an absolutely putrid secondary. I have to give the edge to the Raiders in this one, maybe it would be different with Milliner active but I see this one as: Raiders 24 Jets 20.
