WR Brandon Marshall vs. CB Joe Haden
Somebody has to get open for Ryan Fitzpatrick and Marshall, the team’s biggest offensive addition, seems energized by a fresh start. Haden is a top corner who, though small, relishes going against bigger receivers with his physicality. He’s expected to shadow Marshall all over the field with Marshall being moved all around the formation.
QB Johnny Manziel still has elbow soreness but will be ready for backup duty. WR Dwayne Bowe has a nagging hamstring issue. Rookie RB Duke Johnson, who could return kicks, has been cleared following his concussion. Rookie OLB Nate Orchard (back), who missed the final two preseason games, might be limited. Jets DT Sheldon Richardson is suspended for the first game but the Jets can shift between 4-3 and 3-4 fronts to minimize the loss. Outside of QB Geno Smith with his broken jaw, the Jets will have everyone else available.
“(DE) Leonard Williams has his hands full in his first game as a rookie. They don’t get any better than (LT) Joe Thomas. Otherwise, the Jets defense should dominate. The Browns’ top playmaker may have been the guy they cut, WR Terrelle Pryor. I say that only half-jokingly. They can only do so much with QB Josh McCown. He can’t really stretch the field and he has an unproven running game. This has the potential to be a pretty good pass rush for the Browns. Fitzpatrick tends to lock onto his first receiver and some pass pressure could get him to force things. These are two offenses that are going to need short fields. Turnovers are always a factor, even more so in this game.”
For once, they favor the Jets. The dysfunctional Browns have suffered 10 straight losses on opening day, the longest such streak in the NFL. They are also dealing with the distraction of losing O-line coach Andy Moeller after he was suspended by the team due to charges that he assaulted a woman. And, oh yes, even their GM,
Ray Farmer, is serving a suspension. The Jets couldn’t have handpicked a better opponent for Todd Bowles’ debut as head coach. But with the Colts and Eagles up next, this is an absolute must win.