With the Jets' defense heading into its fourth year in coach Rex Ryan’s system, that unit is fairly stable with a decent amount of depth.
While rookie first-round pick DE Quinton Coples has had a very quiet camp, LB Demario Davis has come on strong after spending a week on the PUP with a pulled hamstring. Ryan has referred to Davis as having Ravens LB Ray Lewis-like aspects to his personality and his game. One question mark is S LaRon Landry, who is still rehabbing his Achilles/heel injury from 2011 and it’s unclear when he will get on the field full-time.
On the other side of the ball, the Jets continue to adjust to offensive coordinator Tony Sparano’s new offense, which is back to the “ground and pound” that Ryan prefers, but that’s where the lion’s share of the questions lie.
Questions to be answered in the preseason:
1. Will the Jets be able to put together an effective passing game with their receiving corps? Santonio Holmes suffered a rib cartilage injury during the team’s training camp scrimmage. Stephen Hill, while highly talented, is still very green as he continues to learn route running and coverage recognition. Jeremy Kerley has had a nagging hamstring injury. Chaz Schilens has had a hamstring injury and has a history of injuries, leaving Patrick Turner, who has good chemistry with QB Mark Sanchez, but may not have the talent level to be higher up on the depth chart. Rookie Jordan White may be an unlikely bright spot -- White, who broke his foot during OTAs, came back just prior to the team’s first preseason game and looks sharp, already going at top speed and catching passes.
2. Can the offensive line pull itself back together? Last season wasn’t the best year for this unit, though it had been together for a couple of years. The talent is there. D’Brickashaw Ferguson and C Nick Mangold are Pro Bowlers. RG Brandon Moore has been a long-time stalwart on the line. However, RT Wayne Hunter struggled in 2011 after being named starter for the first time and the whole line was more porous. C Nick Mangold described them as not having all been “on the same page.” They were 22nd in total rushing yards (1,692) and 13th in sacks allowed with 40. Now, Hunter has battled a back injury during training camp, and the overall depth behind the starters is suspect. Vlad Ducasse lost his battle for left guard to incumbent Matt Slauson and now the team has to figure out a role for him. Caleb Schlauderaff, working at backup center, has put a lot of balls on the ground and Austin Howard is nowhere close to being the reliable tackle they need.
3. Will the running game make a resurgence? Shonn Greene heads into his second season as the Jets’ featured back. In 2011, Greene had his first 1,000-plus yard season and with Ryan focused on getting back to the “ground and pound” offense, Greene should be able to equal that. However, depth is an issue. Joe McKnight, while a top kick returner is still too inconsistent to be a reliable backup. Bilal Powell, in his second season, has had a solid camp and may usurp McKnight for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.
Stay dialed in on the New York Jets by following correspondent Lisa Zimmerman on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLNYJ and @LisaZimmerman.
