Football Sunday Weather report: Jets vs. Bucs

Aug 29, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) warms up before a pre-season game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Here we go folks, Week 1 is upon us. Here’s a look at what the weather conditions will look like come Sunday for the Jets — courtesy of the National Weather Service:

“A slight chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 20%.”

The above was Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium at 1 p.m.

Now, here’s the question and it’s the same old question, who does the weather favor?

Usually, when you hear the phrase ‘Partly Sunny’, that means everything is going to be nice and clear so the conditions make it a wash. HOWEVER, there’s a possibility of rain so rain will usually favor the team with the better running game.

And based on the numbers alone, the advantage goes to Tampa Bay with Doug Martin.

If you really sit and think about it, it might be a blessing in disguise especially when it comes to the Jets.

You are starting a rookie quarterback in Geno Smith and what’s a quarterback’s best friend,, especially a rookie? A very good running game. So I think that no matter what the weather is, the Jets need to have a solid running game and the offensive line needs to get its swagger back.

As much as some of you want to forget, this was the recipe for success for the Jets back in 2009 when Mark Sanchez started in the league.

One big thing that Smith needs to be aware of is Revis Island. The easiest thing to say is to stay away from Darrelle Revis. But, you need to throw his way at least one time. Let’s not forget that he didn’t play a single down in the preseason. You have to see what he’s made of. Is the worst case scenario a pick six? You better believe it. But you can’t go the entire game and be afraid to test Revis’s side of the field.

On defense, like I was talking about, they need to stop the ground game. That ground game

Aug. 18, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (14) misses a catch as New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) tries to intercept during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

starts and ends with Martin. But you also need to be wary of the air attack. Vincent Jackson is still the biggest threat at wide receiver for the Bucs. This means you Antonio Cromartie. Josh Freeman is a really good quarterback. The defense needs to be on its toes.

This game is going to be loud, not only because it’s opening day; but if you think about the Rutgers connections. Brian Leonard, Greg Schiano… and then add in the Revis story. You’ve got endless stories here along with Smith’s first regular season start. Plain and simply, the Jets need to come out of the gate with a hot start.