There's no question that Plaxico Burress is the man that the masses most want to see in a Jets uniform.
We'll have to cool our jets a while longer, but another long wait comes to an end on Monday night when the Jets face the Texans. It is the first time they'll play a game since losing to the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game and, they hope, the first step toward another trip at least that far this time around.
With bloated rosters and limited prep time, there won't be a lot of action for the first team Jets on Monday. We'll see Mark Sanchez, Santonio Holmes, Darrelle Revis and other starters for a moment or two, but most of the action will involve players you don't know and won't have a chance to know before they get cut as the team whittles its way down to the final 53.
That doesn't mean tonight's game isn't worth your time, however. Plaxico isn't the only player who has to answer questions about what he's going to bring to the Jets this season, so here are a few other guys worth looking out for as the Jets get their preseason slate underway.
Wayne Hunter/Vladimir Ducasse - Hunter re-signed as a free agent and is ahead of Ducasse at the depth chart at right tackle, the only spot on the offensive line without a returning starter. Hunter's been a versatile backup, but it will still be interesting to see how he handles first-team duties at a spot that's crucial to the rushing attack.
There was hope that Ducasse would be at the position, but the lack of an offseason makes it impossible to switch the position of a second-year player (Ducasse played guard last year) and hand him the starting job. With right guard Brandon Moore out, Ducasse will play a lot and the Jets would like to see something other than an intriguing athlete when he is in the game.
Kyle Wilson - Last year's first-round pick was a disappointment early and a non-factor late as a rookie. You need at least three good corners in today's NFL so Wilson is a key player and a good Texans offense should give us some idea about how far he's come since Year One.
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Jeremy Kerley - The hype machine has been playing his song since the start of camp, making Kerley a must-see in his first game action. Can he really fill Brad Smith's shoes on offense and as a kick returner?
Jamaal Westerman - Rex Ryan's been talking about Westerman as a designated pass rusher, something the Jets desperately need to create pressure without resorting to exotic blitz packages. We'd be remiss if we didn't mention Ryan sang a similar tune about Vernon Gholston not so long ago.
Muhammed Wilkerson - Westerman isn't the only guy the Jets look at as an addition to their pressure packages. Their first-round pick is installed as a starter and generating nothing but raves from those who have seen him in action during practice as he tries to replace Shaun Ellis.
The defensive line as a whole should be worth a long look against the Texans. Houston has a good offensive line and players like Kenrick Ellis, Ropati Pitoitua and Marcus Dixon will get a chance to show they are deserving of time in the rotation.
Josh Alper is a writer living in New York City. You can follow him on Twitter and he is also a contributor to Pro Football Talk.
