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Preseason Game #2

The New York Jets now travel to Cincinnati for preseason game #2, the Jets just came off a thrilling 13-10 victory vs. the Indianapolis Colts last week, where backup kicker Andrew Furney kicked the game winner. Geno Smith was named starter for the game and perhaps with a strong outing he can earn the starting gig for the regular season opener vs. the Oakland Raiders. While the Cincinnati Bengals were edged in their preseason opener by the Kansas City Chiefs 41-39. This game carries a little more weight than your average preseason game. The Bengals & Jets have had some history these past couple years, when Rex took over the team in 2009 they played the Bengals in a win and get in situation last game of the season and they blew the Bengals out 37 to nothing. Which then set up a rematch the following week except in Cincinnati which the Jets prevailed 26-14. Then again on thanksgiving night the Jets beat the Bengals in prime-time fashion 26-10. But one of the lowest moments for the 2013 New York Jets might have been when they traveled to Cincinnati and were run out of the stadium a complete an utter blow-out 49-9. Which still leaves a bad taste in some of the players mouths including Sheldon Richardson who had this to say. “We owe them one,” defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson told New York Jets reporters. “We owe them one big time.” He also said, “That was pretty much the only team that dog-walked this defense like that.” I really like the energy, it gets the fans more into the game, and the players are not just going through the motions.

Some of the keys to watch for in the game will be: Former safety now starting corner Antonio Allen is faced with the daunting task of covering All-pro receiver AJ Green. So with the fluidity of the corner situation will definitely be something to watch out for. Who is going to step up for this injured New York Jets secondary?

The starters are projected to play throughout the entire first half so something to see will be how Geno fares this time against the Bengals. He had one of his worst performances last season when the New York Jets traveled to Cincinnati, so he’ll be looking to have a much better performance this time around. It all starts with the first drive we’ll see if Geno Smith will be able to lead a touchdown drive this week as he was unable to do so vs. the Colts.

The New York Jets 3-Headed rushing attack (CJ2K, Bilal Powell, & Chris Ivory)

The three-headed rushing attack of CJ2K, Ivory, & Powell should all be ready & roaring to go for this game. So it’ll be interesting to see how the reps split up as Rex & Running Backs Coach Anthony Lynn have said throughout the offseason it’ll be a running back by committee but they won’t be afraid of riding the hot hand.

Finally we’ll see our first round pick The Louisville Slugger in action tonight for the first time this preseason. “We’ll rotate him this week,” said Ryan. “You’re going to see him with the ones, with the twos and with the threes. He’s going to get some reps.” So look for him to get plenty of PT & lay some wood. This should be a really fun game to watch from start to finish as we continue to see this New York Jets team build chemistry and get ready for our season opener that is a mere 2 weeks away, as the anticipation continues to mount.