Although the Hall of Fame game signaled the official start to the NFL preseason, things really kick off tonight. This evening features a five game slate, including a scrap between the Jets and Browns in Cleveland. New York will barely have had time to let the Brett Favre dust settle when they get things under way with Romeo Crennel's Browns. NFL Betting odds at Bodoglife.com have the Jets as a +3 (Even) road dog in tonight's contest.
While Favre is not likely to suit up for the Jets, they still have plenty of things to look at. Hea
d Coach Eric Mangini will no doubt be keeping a close eye on a defense that will feature at least four new starters. The club was unhappy with their inability to stop the run last season, as well as their lackluster pass rush. Consequently, they drafted Ohio State defensive end Vernon Ghoulston with the sixth overall pick and added former Cardinals linebacker Calvin Pace through free agency. The team also grabbed former Panther standout Kris Jenkins to replace Dewayne Robertson in the middle of their 3-4 scheme.
Offensively, the Jets will be looking for some cohension along the offensive line. The team brought in long time Steeler guard Alan Faneca and Detroit transplant Damien Woody. They will join two solid second year players in tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold as well as six year veteran Brandon Moore.
Cleveland comes into this season with some big expectations after last year's surprising 10-6 finish. Crennel knows what he has on offense with this group and their is no reason that they should not be a dominant bunch in 2008. They will be working in new addition Dante Stallworth at receiver, so he will likely see some action tonight. Stallworth should start the season opposite Braylon Edwards.
Crennel's primary interest tonight, and throughout the preseason, will be his defense. Last year the Browns ranked 30th overall in defense and they allowed 23.9 points per game. The Browns, like the Jets, also run a 3-4 scheme and they added two potentially impact players along the line this off season. The coaching staff is hopeful that Corey Williams (acquired in a trade with Green Bay) and Shaun Rogers (free agent signing from the Lions) can solidify things at the point of attack, and they will be monitoring developments during the early portion of tonight's game.
Game trends: The Jets are 5-2 as an away dog in the preseason since 2003 and they have averaged 16.6 points in their opening away preseason game since 2003. The Browns are 5-3 as a home favorite in the preseason since 2003 and they have averaged 20.2 in their opening home preseason game since 2003.
NFL Betting odds at Bodoglife.com for tonight's game are:
Jets +3 (Even), Total 35 (Over -110)
Browns -3 (-120), Total 35 (Under -110)
