New York Jets NFL Preseason Opener: Five Things to Watch For

Shortly after his Jets lost the 2010 AFC Championship Game to the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Rex Ryan addressed the New York media and stated,

"Let's come back hungrier than ever," he said. "Let's go take this thing. Let's try to get a home game. Let's play this game in front of our fans and our stadium, the New Jets Stadium. That is going to be the name of it when we play in it. I can't wait. We get our stadium and we are not the visitors in our stadium. This is our stadium. We are the biggest show in town and that's what it's going to be."

That show starts on Monday night, when the New York Jets kick off their preseason when they face their co-tenant and rival, the New York Giants, in what will become the first American football game ever held at New Meadowlands Stadium. Ryan has made it pretty clear whom he feels is worthy of top billing in the new stadium.

With all of the brash words and bold Super Bowl predictions from Ryan, the time is now for the New York Jets to start walking the walk that their coach has talked. 

With that said, let's take a completely Darrelle Revis-free look at the "New York Jets Preseason Opener: Five Things to Watch For"- enjoy! 

5. The Battle at the Fullback Position

Rookie fullback John Conner has impressed during training camp.

When the Jets re-signed free-agent fullback Tony Richardson during the offseason, they did so with the intent of him being the starter and mentor to rookie fullback John Conner.

However, Conner has quickly asserted himself during training camp and is looking like a real threat to Richardson for the starting fullback position. 

4. The Kicking Game

Kicker Nick Folk must return to old form.

When the Jets allowed veteran placekicker Jay Feely to leave for the Arizona Cardinals, a huge void was created that they are hoping to fill with former Dallas Cowboys' kicker Nick Folk.

Folk's audition starts Monday night.

3. Mark Sanchez and the Passing Game

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 24: Quarterback Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets throws a pass in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts during the AFC Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 24, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by A

With a year of NFL experience under his belt, quarterback Mark Sanchez will get his first opportunity to throw to the likes of LaDainian Tomlinson, Santonio Holmes, Laveranues Coles, and Braylon Edwards during real-game situations. 

Will offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer let his young QB air it out?

Jet fans hope so.

2. Another LT Hits the New York Stage

There's a new LT on Broadway and his name is LaDainian Tomlinson.

New York Jets fans will get their first, non-scrimmage view of future Hall-of-Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson. 

It is only fitting that the New York Giants will be the opponent who will welcome the new LT to town. 

1. New Meadowlands Stadium

New Meadowlands Stadium.

No matter what happens during Monday night's game between the Jets and Giants, the true star of the game between the two foes is the new shared home of New York's football teams.

New Meadowlands Stadium is everything it's been advertised to be and more.

It's just time for the nation to see it.