For the New York Jets, the time for talking is over. It’s week 1 of the NFL regular season, where they play for pay.
Gang Green kicks their season off today with a road game against a familiar face. The Jets will matchup against the Carolina Panthers and their new starting quarterback, Sam Darnold.
It’s an intriguing matchup I’m sure the NFL schedule-makers couldn’t wait to get down on paper. Darnold will face the team which selected him with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. His counterpart this week is the new face of the Jets, the number two overall pick in the 2021 Draft class, Zach Wilson.
Throughout the week, Darnold and Wilson have been downplaying the showdown, as they should.
“My job is to go out there and play football,” Darnold told reporters.
His mindset is the correct one to have, but, he’s human, and I find it difficult to believe he doesn’t have this game circled on his calendar with the biggest sharpie possible.
Moreover, it’s also a fresh start in a new city with a new fan base to convince he’s their guy.
Keep in mind, the Panthers sent multiple draft picks to the Jets for Darnold. This week will just as much about first impressions as anything else.
Wilson impressed throughout training camp and preseason with his play, but there’s no more rehearsal time. It was only three years ago where the same was said about Darnold. The fans want to see early if their team finally got it right this time.
Robert Saleh makes his debut as Jets head coach
Since we’re talking about first impressions, all eyes will be on first-year head coach Robert Saleh.
He has his hands are full with a young roster full of potential. Saleh thrived in his role as defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, now he gets to prove he’s ready to oversee an entire team. How he handles the development of Wilson will be closely looked at as the season progresses.
Quick Hits
Jets wide receiver Jamison Crowder (Covid-19) is OUT against the Panthers. Safety Sharrod Neasman (hamstring) is OUT.
WR Keelan Cole (knee) and Running Back La’Mical Perine (foot) are questionable. Cole is a game-time decision.
Update (11:35am ET, Game Day): Jets Inactives vs Panthers
Running Back Josh Adams
Running Back La’Mical Perine
LB Quincy Williams
CB Jason Pinnock
DL Jonathan Marshall
WR Keenlan Cole
Image: Robert Saleh – Bill Kostroun
Image: Zach Wilson | Sam Darnold – Bill Kostroun, Getty
