Jets Offensive Position Battles Heading Into the Preseason Opener

Let’s take a look at where the Jets offense stands heading into tonight’s first preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.

In honor of Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez, we will use a color code to break things down.

Red: Playing time at the position is wide open

Yellow: Some playing time is open; slight favorites might exist

Green: Little to no playing time is open

Quarterback: Red

Todd Bowles has said this is a wide open competition. Josh McCown, Christian Hackenberg, and Bryce Petty all have a chance to win the starting job. Bowles also indicated preseason play will factor into his ultimate decision.

Running Back: Green

Very little other than lingering injuries could prevent Bilal Powell and Matt Forte splitting the vast majority of backfield responsibilities for the Jets. The competition here is likely for backup spots.

Wide Receiver: Red

This would have been red even before Quincy Enunwa’s injury. Now there might not be a single starting spot guaranteed. Robby Anderson probably begins half a step ahead of the other players, but he could lose full-time status if others stand out in the preseason.

Tight End: Red

Over the last two seasons, Jets tight end might have been the least effective position group any team had in the entire NFL. The Jets don’t have anybody proven at the spot. Austin Seferian-Jenkins is the highest regarded player today, but this should come down to performance.

Offensive Line: Yellow

Kelvin Beachum, Brian Winters, and James Carpenter are locks to start. Wesley Johnson could conceivably lose the center job, but he would probably have to be badly outplayed for that to happen. If all things are close to equal, he probably will be the guy. The only spot where there appears to be a true competition is right tackle with Brandon Shell, Brent Qvale, and Ben Ijalana figuring to be in the mix.