Tampa Bay @ New York preview
MetLife Stadium
Last Meeting ( Dec 13, 2009 ) N.Y. Jets 26, Tampa Bay 3
The New York Jets weren't sure what Darrelle Revis would bring to the table in 2013, so the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback was sent packing and signed a lucrative six-year, $96 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the offseason. The NFL didn't wait long to schedule a reunion as the Jets attempt to solve "Revis Island" and the visiting Buccaneers in the season opener. Traded to Tampa Bay for the 13th overall selection in the 2013 draft and a conditional pick in 2014, Revis didn't take a snap in four preseason games as he nursed his way back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
New York coach Rex Ryan looks to exploit a Buccaneers pass defense that allowed an NFL-worst 297.4 yards per game last year with rookie quarterback Geno Smith, who earned the starting nod after Mark Sanchez injured his shoulder during the fourth quarter of a preseason game . The latter situation led to a bizarre postgame press conference as the often-lighthearted Ryan took considerable heat for his decision. A second-round pick out of West Virginia, Smith endured a less-than-stellar preseason that ended with the Jets publicly declaring that the quarterback competition isn't finished.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Buccaneers -3.5. O/U 39.5
ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (2012: 7-9, tied for second NFC South): Doug Martin looks for an encore after rushing for an impressive 1,454 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns during his rookie campaign. Greg Schiano's first year with Tampa Bay also saw Josh Freeman throw for a franchise-record 4,065 yards and 27 touchdowns - although nine of his 17 interceptions came in the final three games. Wideout Vincent Jackson was an integral part of Freeman's success, reeling in career highs in receptions (72) and yards (1,384) during his first year with the club.
ABOUT THE JETS (2012: 6-10, third AFC East): Which receiver lines up against Revis remains a mystery. Santonio Holmes recently began practicing as he recovers from his Lisfranc injury and admitted he was "still limited" and unsure if he'd play on Sunday. With the Super Bowl XLIII MVP in limbo, the Jets could lean heavily on Jeremy Kerley (team-leading 827 yards) and second-year wideout Stephen Hill. Running back Chris Ivory will look to make a statement after coming over from New Orleans - although Tampa Bay's NFL-best rush defense limited foes to 3.5 yards per carry in 2012.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Tampa Bay Pro Bowl G Carl Nicks is recovering from an infection in his foot. His availability for Sunday's contest isn't certain.
2. New York improved to 9-1 in the all-time series after intercepting Freeman three times and holding him to 93 yards in a 26-3 triumph on Dec. 13, 2009.
3. Jets CB Antonio Cromartie is nursing a minor hip injury and was limited in practice, but is expected to play on Sunday.
PREDICTION: Buccaneers 23, Jets 9