With the second preseason game of the season, starters are expected to see more time on the field which means the New York Jets will get a better look at exactly what Ryan Fitzpatrick brings to the offense as the starting quarterback. The Jets brought in Matt Flynn and will move on with the three-headed quarterback rotation to replace Geno Smith. They will be met with a challenge as the Atlanta Falcons come to town with a newly re-tooled defense.
Fitzpatrick will see more time on the field Friday night as the Jets look to get him more comfortable with the offense. The quarterback will be the starter while Smith heals from surgery to fix a broken jaw. Bryce Petty moves into the No.2 spot while the newly sign Flynn comes in as what is predicted to be a camp arm. Many believe the Jets have a chance with Fitzpatrick under center as the veteran certainly has the years of experience. With Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker as the leading wide receiver duo, Fitzpatrick has the talent to work with and get the Jets some wins.
New York also has questions on defense. With Muhammad Wilkerson out with injury, Leonard Williams will get more time with the first-team defense as he shows why he was drafted in the first round. There is some doubt regarding Antonio Cromartie who has not been looking like the elite cornerback the Jets need him to be. The Falcons come in with Julio Jones and Roddy White ready to expose the veteran who is getting beat in practice by Decker.
The Falcons showed some promise in their first game. The first-team offense got on the field and immediately executed a touchdown drive capped off by Jones. The run game will have the attention of the coaching staff tonight. Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman return to practice, but are not guaranteed to play in the game as they both recover from hamstring issues. Antone Smith is also out as Terron Ward could get another start.
The first-team defense showed flashes of life the Falcons lacked all last year. The team exposed Marcus Mariota in his first game, sacking the quarterback and recording interceptions. Vic Beasley made a positive impression in his first game of his NFL career. Both William Moore and Desmond Trufant are expected to miss this game with minor injuries.
