2013 New York Jets Schedule Breakdown: Vol I

A big question mark for the Jets is who will be under center week 1 vs Tampa Bay

Mike Nash is back, with his first of two installments, taking an early look at the Jets schedule for the upcoming season.

Week 1- Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( Home)This will be a highly anticipated match-up all throughout the summer. New Buccaneer Darrelle Revis returns back to Metlife stadium to face his old team in the New York Jets. You can bet Revis will be playing with a chip on his shoulder trying to prove to the Jets that they made a mistake in trading him. Another interesting thought that may occur in this game is it may very well be Geno Smith’s first career start in the NFL. Although nothing is determined yet, there is a 50-50 shot that Smith wins the job. If this is the case, it will just add to the hype surrounding this game. The Bucs are a much improved team mainly in the secondary with the additions of Revis, and former 49er ball hawk Dashon Goldson. This will be a very tough game for both teams to start the season.

Week 2- New England Patriots ( Away)The return of Thursday night football also returns the next chapter in the rivalry between the Jets and the Pats. Last time they met, the Jets were embarrassed on Thanksgiving night, so you can bet Rex Ryan will have his bunch all fired up for revenge in this one. An interesting note in this game t look for is how Tom Brady is able to connect with his new receivers so early into the season. With Wes Welker now in Denver, and Brandon Lloyd a free agent, it is a brand new group for Brady. It seems the Jets always hang tough in Foxboro, I see this trend continuing this season.

Week 3- Buffalo Bills ( Home)In recent years, The Jets have played very well against the Bills and I would be shocked if the Bills really gave the Jets serious trouble this season. While the Bills have play-makers in CJ Spiller and Stevie Johnson, their defense is still a little questionable, and surprise first round pick EJ Manuel will have to carry the load for this team to be competitive.

Week 4- Tennessee Titans ( Away)Last season, the Jets playoff hopes were shattered last season down in Tennessee with a dreadful loss to the Titans on prime time. This season the Jets will once again travel down south in hopes to come back with a win. The Titans are relatively similar to last season on both offense and defense. They certainly improved their O-line with the selection off Chance Warmack during the draft and you can bet CJ2K was thrilled with that pick. Besides one long run from Johnson last season, the Jets defense really had no problem stopping Jake Locker and the Titans O. If the Jets offense steps up, there is no reason the Jets can’t pick up a win in Tennessee.

Week 5- Atlanta Falcons ( Away)At first glance, this is a brutal game for the Jets. The Jets will have to travel down to Atlanta to face one of the best teams in the league in the Falcons on Monday night football. The Falcons offense is very solid with guys like Matt Ryan, Tony Gonzalez, and the receivers Julio Jones and Roddy white. The Jets D will certainly have its hands full in this one. While the Falcons can score at will, there D is not as strong and the Jets will have to play a great offensive game to try to sneak out of the ATL with a win.

Week 6- Pittsburgh Steelers ( Home)In recent years, it seems the Jets and the Steelers always play tough games against each other. The Steelers are coming off a disappointing season where they finished the year 8-8 and missed the playoffs, which is certainly not what they expected to happen before the season. The Steelers will have a different look to them this season with speedster Mike Wallace now in Miami, and Linebacker James Harrison now a Bengal. Although the Steelers lost some key pieces, they will always be competitive. This should be another close match-up between these two teams.

Week 7- New England Patriots ( Home)The second match-up of the year between the Jets and the Patriots will be just as competitive and important as the first one. Now a little later in the season, it can be expected that Brady and Co will all be on the same page. Thew Jets D will have to step up in this game to keep the points at a minimum. As I stated earlier, the Jets were embarrassed last season at home Vs the Pats. You can bet Rex will not let the Pats blow them out once again .I expect two close games between these two this season.

Week 8- Cincinnati Bengals ( Away)This another tough game for Gang Green. The Jets will have to travel to Cincinnati to take on an improved Bengals team that is poised to make a run this season. The Bengals have one of the best pass rushes in the league so the Jets O-line play will be huge in this game. The Bengals are also solid offensively with young Star AJ Green, first round pick Tyler Eifert, and QB Andy Dalton. If the Jets can sneak out with a win, this can be a huge momentum build for them heading into week 9.

Tune in tomorrow, when Mike returns and talks about the second half of the upcoming season.