OK so it is the preseason but Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez return to where it all started for them a couple years back. Rewind to September 13, 2009 when the Jets went into Houston and beat the Texans 24-7 in what was a very impressive performance by Sanchez in his first NFL game. Ryan’s Jets ended up being a lot better than most thought they would be that year, as it would be the first of two consecutive trips to the AFC title game for Gang Green.
Tonight the Jets are back in Houston to open their preseason schedule against the Texans. The game can be seen at 8 p.m. on ESPN and locally on Channel 9, and can be heard on 1050 ESPN Radio.
Here are a few pregame notes:
- Plaxico Burress (ankle), Nick Mangold (neck/shoulder), and Brandon Moore (hip) will not play.
- Safety Jim Leonhard will play in a game for the first time since breaking his leg last December.
- Expect the starters to play one quarter.
- WR/KR/PR Jeremy Kerley should see more time with Burress out.
- In addition to Kerley, keep your eye on rookie defensive linemen Muhammad Wilkerson, Kenrick Ellis, and second-year offensive lineman Vladimir Ducasse.
- Mark Sanchez and Shonn Green will be in the spotlight all year so why not get the lights rolling tonight.
- Antonio Cromartie has something to prove, he says. That starts tonight.
- Chris Bryan and T.J. Conley will battle for the punter’s job.
- For the Texans, starting running back Arian Foster and reserves Steve Slaton and Ben Tate are out with injuries. Derrick Ward will start.
- Houston still features QB Matt Schaub and WR Andre Johnson.
- The Texans will unveil their revamped defense.
