Two teams will be fighting for momentum going into the 2015 regular season when the New York Jets host the Cleveland Browns for the Week 1 matchup at MetLife Stadium. With new coaches, players and schemes, this first game will be a crucial test for two franchises hoping to turn their fortunes around.
Browns vs. Jets 2015: Time, TV schedule and live stream
Both teams desperately need to start their season with a win.
Both teams are coming off disappointing seasons marked by poor quarterback play. The Browns cycled through three quarterbacks last season, while their running game broke down after center Alex Mack was lost for the season with a leg injury. The Jets are moving on from Rex Ryan after six years of diminishing returns, and they made one of the offseason’s more shrewd hires with new head coach Todd Bowles, former defensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals.
The Browns will see new quarterback Josh McCown taking the starting role going into the season with Johnny Manziel as backup. Following a preseason that seemed to prove Manziel was committed to focusing on his responsibilities as a quarterback in the NFL, he suffered from elbow tendinitis which limited him for several games. The Browns recently signed quarterback Austin Davis after his release from the St. Louis Rams to add some depth to the position.
The Jets have moved on to Plan B after quarterback Geno Smith was sucker-punched during training camp, breaking his jaw and requiring surgery. With Smith expected to miss the first four games of the season, Ryan Fitzpatrick has stepped into the starting role, with rookie Bryce Petty serving as the backup.
Cleveland's offense and the Jets' defense raise a lot of questions ahead of the regular season, and both teams are hoping to find some answers in Week 1. The Browns initially kept quarterback-turned-receiver Terrelle Pryor on their final roster, but released him to make room for running back Robert Turbin. With a new quarterback under center and several new receivers, the team is looking to find its rhythm early.
In addition to a questionable passing game, Cleveland’s running game is thin at best with only Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson as the healthy backs. Crowell is the probable starter against the Jets, although Johnson could cut into his carries after being cleared from a concussion. Turbin is recovering from a high ankle sprain and will be out for around five weeks.
The inexperienced Cleveland offense will be a good test for a Jets defense trying to find its identity. Rookie defensive lineman Leonard Williams will make his NFL regular season debut in place of suspended Sheldon Richardson. The rest of the line includes some of the league's most experienced players. If they can stay healthy and gel with the newcomers, they could be one of the best.
The Jets' secondary is a position the team is not worried about, with seasoned vets Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie at cornerback. Revis is back after two seasons away from the team, and Cromartie is back after a year in Arizona. These two will bring leadership to the defense and a sense of security for the coaching staff.
The last time these two teams met was in Dec. 2013 with the Jets coming away with the 24-13 win. The teams, coaches and quarterbacks are all different than they were nearly two years ago -- this is both teams’ chance to show that 2015 could be their year.
How to Watch
When: 1 p.m. ET
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
TV: CBS
Announcers: Greg Gumbel, Trent Green, Jamie Erdahl
Online: NFL Game Pass
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