New York Jets to Face a Huge “Snoopy Bowl” Friday Night

Aug 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets and fans celebrate winning field goal in OT by place kicker

(8) at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New York Giants 24-21 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Friday night, the Jets take on their stadium mates, the New York Giants, in their annual preseason game, now known as the “Snoopy” Bowl. As the teams don’t face each other often during the regular season, the game serves to provide “bragging” rights, at least to the fans of both franchises.

Both teams typically take the game a bit more seriously than other preseason games as well. One, they want to win it. The two teams have never had great affection for one another. Secondly, more often than not, the game serves as the third preseason game. The third game is the dress rehearsal game, as it serves as the final tune-up for the starters before the regular season begins.

Needless to say, this game is an important one on several levels. This one, however, is more important than normal. Why? Because the Jets have more questions than normal heading into the game.

First there is the question of the quarterback. We all know the situation, but the team still refuses to name Geno Smith the starting quarterback. If we take that at face value, it means the team is still evaluating, so the third game will be extremely important in that regard. If it isn’t true, we just need to see Geno Smith perform as if he is ready for week one.

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The Jets aren’t going anywhere without the quarterback position performing well.

How is the running back trio of Chris Ivory, Chris Johnson, and Bilal Powell going to fare? Will they find their stride as a group? Will one player get the majority of the carries on a day they are playing well? Are their roles going to be strictly defined?

What about the WR position? Right now, we have no idea who is going to start opposite Eric Decker? We will likely see Jeremy Kerley predominantly in the slot, so the key is going to be opposite Eric Decker. Who is going to earn the job as the starter against the Oakland Raiders on the first weekend of the year. This is a serious question that must be answered.

On defense, we know what the biggest issue is, the back line. Who is going to play cornerback? First of all, will Dee Milliner play week one, and if so, what kind of shape will he be in week one, and the rest of the season? Who could play opposite Milliner? The Jets’ defense will look silly without good cornerback play.

Can Antonio Allen handle a move from safety to cornerback? He certainly has done great so far. All he can do is try and play up to the level the team needs. If Allen stays at CB, who is going to replace him at safety? Is it Calvin Pryor?

These are just some of the questions that need to be answered during the “Snoopy Bowl” on Friday night. What are all of you looking for?