The Giants-Jets game, originally scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday, Aug. 27), has been postponed until Monday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. due to Hurricane Irene.
“Along with the NFL office and the Jets, we have closely monitored the hurricane and the forecast and its potential impact on our area for the past several days,” said Giants President and CEO John Mara. “After conferring with (New Jersey) Governor (Chris) Christie, (Jets owner) Woody Johnson and (NFL) Commissioner (Roger) Goodell, we have determined the best course of action for the safety and well being of all is to move the game to Monday night.”
A Jets home game in the newly named MetLife Stadium, there will be emotions to be settled on the field.
From a Plaxico Burress reunion with the team he helped win a championship, to a rivalry that Rex Ryan has taken personally over the last two seasons, the match up is sure to be interesting.
“I don’t think it will be weird,” Giants quarterback Eli Manning said of playing against Burress. “You play in this league long enough, you’re going to play against some [former] teammates. I haven’t seen him in a long time so looking forward to seeing him before the game or after the game on Saturday.”
Ryan played his starters for an entire half in the previous preseason victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, so expect a good preview of the week 16 game between the two New York teams. They have not met in the regular season since October 7, 2007, a 35-34 Giants win.
Last preseason, on August 16th, the Giants defeated the Jets 31-16 in a game that was highlighted by now second year receiver Victor Cruz’s performance. His six receptions were good for 145 yards and three touchdowns. Cruz is expected to have more of a role in the Giants’ offense this year.
The Jets offensive line will see a challenge in the form of Justin Tuck, an annual force at defensive end, along with Jason Paul-Pierre, playing in place of injured Osi Umenyiora. Paul-Pierre has been effective so far in the preseason, with two sacks in the preseason opener against the Panthers.
Combining for 23 sacks in the 2010 season, the duo is one of the best pass rushing tandems in the entire league. Mark Sanchez has had some trouble staying on his feet over the last two games and veteran guard Rob Turner went down with an injury, so the battle of the lines will be one to keep an eye on.
The same will be in the case on the other end of the field, as the Jets’ rookie defensive linemen are being trusted to step up this season. Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson and defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis will both see a lot of playing time and are new faces in a recently lacking Jets pass rush.
With just a couple weeks until the regular season begins, it is time to start fine-tuning all phases of the game. Fans should be in full force as they are both located locally and the teams share the second-year MetLife Stadium.
