The New York Jets host the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium, Sunday September 22nd. Not only is this a divisional opponent, recent history goes way past a rivalry. The 2013 NFL Draft class will be judged upon EJ Manuel Vs. Geno Smith (at least for NY Jet and Buffalo Bills fans). These are the first two quarterbacks chosen in this draft class, with the Jets passing on Manuel with the 9th and 13th overall picks. After the Jets unloaded Darrelle Revis for a 1st round pick, newly hired Jets General Manager, John Idzik was forced into an awkward situation. He was the man who traded ‘the best Corner Back in the NFL’ to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a 2013 1st round pick (13th overall), and had to replace him ASAP.
Trading away Revis (widely considered the best cover corner in the NFL, before and after his ACL tear), the Jets selected Dee Milliner. Milliner was scouted at the best CB in this years draft class, but after his first 2 professional games, he has shown just how much Revis meant to the Jets defense. Yes, Antonio Cromartie has been playing ‘lights out’ so far this season, but Dee Milliner has failed to live up to expectations; forcing the Jets to bench him in the second half of last weeks loss to the New England Patriots.
Yes, the Jets needed to replace Revis, but while Manuel and Smith are in the league critics will judge who made the right choice. Both rookie quarterbacks have been impressive 2 games into their rookie campaign, but after the Jets passed twice on Manuel, GM John Idzik as well as Geno Smith will be judged on who made the correct pick. Their first showdown will give some insight into this, but it will not be truly known until about 4 years from now.
The Jets Vs. Bills will be a battle; not to mention a very important divisional game. With the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins both at 2-0, this is viewed as a must win for both teams. We will get our first look at if the jets regreat the choice to pass on Manuel, or if Geno Smith is truly their ‘QB’ of the future.
Justin Lerner: PureSportsNY