This Sunday, the NFL returns as both the Jets and Giants gear up for bigger and better 2013 campaigns. The two New York teams both missed the playoffs last year and with the Super Bowl being played at their home stadium this coming February, both will scratch and crawl their way to punch in their tickets to get there.
The Jets had a lot of question marks going into this season. The most talked about miscue they got in their laps is their quarterback situation. All preseason long, coach Rex Ryan has not been informative in naming his starting quarterback for this Sunday’s season opener. However, Mark Sanchez injured his shoulder in a preseason game versus the Giants and may miss some additional time. This ultimately means that rookie quarterback Geno Smith wins the QB job by default. The team cut backup QB Greg McElroy, which means Smith will be the man until he struggles or Ryan feels it’s time to go back to Sanchez whenever he gets healthy. The team is in a division where every team has gotten better. It will not be easy to fight for a playoff spot in the same division as the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins. Top receiver Santonio Holmes is expected to be ready for Week 1 after breaking his foot last year and the team also has a new group of running backs led by Chris Ivory and Mike Goodson, just to name a few.
As for “Big Blue”, they are thinking Super Bowl all the way. On paper, their offense has the capability of being the best offensive team coach Tom Coughlin has ever put on a football field since becoming head coach nearly 10 years ago. Eli Manning looks to capture his 3rd championship title and what better way to do that in their home stadium. He (Manning) will also have new running backs to work with. David Wilson will now be the feature running back with Ahmad Bradshaw signing with the Colts. If the “ Salsa man” Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks can stay healthy, it could be good times for Giants fans this year despite RG3, Michael Vick and Tony Romo amongst the quarterbacks who are in the same division for their respective teams. All and all, it will be another exciting season of football for both Jets and Giants fans.
Sports Notes: (Football) The Jets host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon. This will also mark the return of Darrelle Revis to Met Life Stadium . He is expected to play for the Bucs against his former team. The Giants are in Dallas for a Sunday night showdown rivalry game against Tony Romo and the revamped Dallas Cowboys.( Baseball) The Yankees continue their push for an American League wild card berth as they wrap up a 3-game set versus the Chicago White Sox. After taking 2 out of 3 games against the Washington Nationals, the Mets look to take another series as they head to Atlanta to play the Upton Brothers and the Atlanta Braves.