The annual Jets-Giants game often has more intensity than the average preseason game, with both teams at least tangentially aware of the whole battle for New York thing. Watched the whole game last night and came away with a few thoughts.
Eli Manning is going to have a problem with both his offensive line and the new offense in general. His protection isn't good, and the system's goal of completing short passes (which is probably a good idea given the line) doesn't look like a good fit for him. He was fortunate not to throw multiple interceptions last night. The Giants are fortunate the defenses in the NFC East aren't very good.
Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle, at least, should be heavily targeted. The Giants don't have much at tight end, and haven't had a third receiver step up (Jerrel Jernigan looks ordinary, Odell Beckham has been hurt). I feel a little better about Cruz and Randle after watching this game.
Rashad Jennings should be a serviceable running back. He might lose the goal-line work to Andre Williams, but otherwise should play close to full-time and be involved as a runner and receiver.
For the Jets, I was more impressed than I expected to be by their offense. Maybe it's just that the Giants defense isn't very good; that's part of it. But Chris Johnson in particular looks as fast as ever, and he'll be effective on little screen passes. He'll share carries with Chris Ivory, which is a disappointment, but I personally won't be afraid to draft Johnson as a No. 3 running back if he falls far enough.
Eric Decker has no chance to put up big numbers in this offense. They're not going to pass enough or force passes into him, and obviously Geno Smith is no Peyton Manning. The passing game should spread things around.
Feeling much better about having drafted Jace Amaro in my dynasty league. He looked really good last night, with Jeff Cumberland (Achilles) sidelined. Achilles injuries typically aren't things like to hear about, so it's tough to bet against Amaro opening the year as a possible starter. New York hasn't said much about Cumberland's injury, but Amaro's good showing last night should have them feeling better if they have to count on him.
Geno Smith had a good game. Watching Michael Vick play, you don't get a sense he's still the same guy who had that big year with Philadelphia a few years back. Maybe Smith struggles and Vick gets a shot, but I don't view him as a guy to target with a last-round pick in hopes he has a turn-back-the-clock season. Not sure he'd be any better than Smith running this offense.
The Jets Defense is a team you'll want to use quarterbacks and wide receivers against, but not running backs. They're strong in the front seven and shaky in the secondary.
Who's the better team? I think the Jets, all around, are better right now. But they're in a division with a powerful Patriots team, and the Giants are in a division where 9-7 or 10-6 will likely be enough to win it.