When general manager John Idzik was hired to run the New York Jets last offseason, many expected Rex Ryan would soon be replaced as head coach. Ryan was dealing with the loss of corner Darrelle Revis and a rookie quarterback in Geno Smith, yet he guided the Jets to an impressive 8-8 season to earn more time in the Big Apple.
Raiders vs. Jets 2014: Time, TV schedule, radio and how to watch online
New York tries to get off to a quick start while Derek Carr looks to emerge with a victory in his first NFL start.
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan has a more talented team this year with the additions of receiver Eric Decker, running back Chris Johnson and guard Breno Giacomini. The defense took a hit with the departure of corner Antonio Cromartie, but Ryan has long been known as a defensive guru whose schemes make up for the talent level. New York is expected to be competitive in the AFC East and for a playoff berth, which would be the team's third under Ryan and first in four seasons.
Oakland is still trying to rebuild a franchise that has not been to the playoffs since going to the Super Bowl in 2002. The Raiders were in salary cap hell when general manager Reggie McKenzie took over three years ago, but now are flush with cash. However, the roster still has strides to make even after adding veterans Justin Tuck, Carlos Rogers, Tarell Brown, Maurice Jones-Drew, James Jones and LaMarr Woodley via free agency.
Matt Schaub was also brought in to lead the offense, but his disastrous preseason led to rookie quarterback Derek Carr being anointed as the Week 1 starter. Carr has a big arm and looked good in the preseason before injuring his ribs. Healthy now, Carr will face a tough task in decoding Ryan's defensive ploys in his NFL debut.
How to watch
Where: MetLife Stadium
When: 1 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Announcers: Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
Radio: Raiders local listings | Jets local listings
Online streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket, Verizon NFL Mobile
Nuts and Bolts
New York struggled to move the ball last season, finishing with the 25th ranked offense in the NFL. Despite that, the running game was solid, gaining 134.9 yards per game to rank sixth. With Chris Ivory returning and the addition of Johnson, the Jets have a two-headed monster with which to run at the Raiders. New York will try to establish a ground game before going skyward, following the ground-and-pound credo Ryan established when he came to New York. The Raiders also have a nice tandem in the backfield with Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden. While health may be an issue for both, the explosiveness is there. Oakland was 12th in rushing last season with an even 2,000 yards total. If Oakland can gain yardage on the ground, Carr’s life will be made easier with the ability to slow the pass-rush via play-action.
Further reading
For more on the Raiders, be sure to check out Silver and Black Pride.
For more on the Jets, visit Gang Green Nation.
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