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New York Jets at Detroit Lions stream, odds, keys, and more

By George Stockburger

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 16: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets warms up before a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 16: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets warms up before a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 24: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets looks to pass against the New York Giants during their preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 24, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 24: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets looks to pass against the New York Giants during their preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 24, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

Keys for the New York Jets

Get Sam Darnold in a rhythm

Third overall pick Sam Darnold has looked excellent in the preseason for New York, so much so they traded Teddy Bridgewater to New Orleans. 

In my opinion, Darnold looked like one of the more NFL ready quarterbacks in the 2018 NFL Draft along with Josh Rosen. Darnold looks the part in every way, and his play in the preseason gives Jets fans hope going into 2018.

However, that was the preseason, and Detroit will throw things at Darnold he’s never seen before.

New York needs to start with some short-intermediate passes to get Darnold comfortable and moving down field. The receiving options in New York aren’t fantastic, especially with Kearse likely out for week one. Terrelle Pryor, Robby Anderson, and Quincy Enunwa will be his best options Monday Night.

Find a pass rusher

New York needs someone to step up as a pass rusher after losing Sheldon Richardson last year in a trade with Seattle. The Jets finished last season with 28 sacks, the third-fewest in football and they didn’t add a veteran this offseason to fill that role.

Rookie Nate Sheperd, a third round pick out of Fort Hayes State, will be called upon to bring pressure and develop into a starting defensive end. The speed and talent level Sheperd will play against is dramatically different compared to DII Fort Hayes State.

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