Jets open their Preseason with Lions

Muhammad Wilkerson (Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

With the New York Jets playing their first preseason game of the year on Thursday against the Detroit Lions, there are absolutely a few storylines:

1. Ryan Fitzpatrick – We all know by now what happened to Geno Smith and his jaw. Entering his 11th season in the NFL, Ryan Fitzpatrick will have to take over the starting duties under center. I don’t expect too great of a performance from him this Thursday night because he has had almost no time to prep. Since he was the backup quarterback, he didn’t take too many reps in training camp with Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall. I just want to see if Fitzpatrick is comfortable in the offense. Can he effectively move the ball down the field? Will he be able to work with Decker and Marshall? Because if he can’t, the Jets are in trouble.
2. Leonard Williams – With Sheldon Richardson suspended for at least the first four games of the season, first round draft pick, Leonard Williams, will have his opportunity to impress right away. I want to see how Williams looks in the NFL. Making the jump from college to the NFL is very difficult but hopefully the transition will be smooth.
3. Running Backs – The Jets have three options out of the backfield this year. Stevan Ridley and Zac Stacey will be joining Chris Ivory as the running backs this season and each one is capable of being a good running back. Stevan Ridley had a few solid years in New England and Stacey had a good rookie year in St. Louis. So I want to see how each one is used in the offense. Who will be used in short yardage situations? Who will be used as a receiver? How often to the Jets go to the run game instead of the pass?