New York Jets Week 1 Preview: 4 Important Matchups vs. the Dallas Cowboys

As the anticipation continues to build, the New York Jets prepare for their Sunday night battle with the Dallas Cowboys.

This game will feature a brotherly spar between defensive masterminds—and loud mouths—Rex and Rob Ryan, and should be an entertaining match-up.

On one side of the field we have Rex the head coach, coming in with two consecutive AFC Championship appearances. On the other there is Rob the newly hired defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. This is one of just a few key match-ups to look forward to in Sunday nights contest.   

4. NYJ Special Teams vs. DAL Special Teams

To all of the avid Nick Folk fans who expected this special teams slide to feature the story of Nick Folk facing his former team I present to you my deepest apologies as this slide has nothing to do with the Jets kicker.

Last year the Jets could rely on the speed of Brad Smith. This year they will look to rookie Jeremy Kerley. If Kerley doesn't produce, the Jets have plenty of alternatives. Namely: Kyle Wilson, Joe McKnight, and Antonio Cromartie.

The Cowboys only gave up one return for a touchdown last year, but hopefully the Jets can change that statistic in this weekend's match-up.

On the other side, the Jets must keep the Cowboys explosive punt return squad in check. Last year Dallas returned three punts for touchdowns, Dez Bryant returning two of those.

Barring any mental lapses this is a match-up the Jets should win.

3. Shonn Greene vs. Dallas' Front Seven

The Dallas Cowboys had a subpar pass defense last year, but their run defense was good and should get better with Rob Ryan on the scene.

As Greene looks to embrace the role of first option running back, he faces an uphill battle against the athletic and well organized 3-4 defense of the Cowboys.

When the offensive line opens up some holes, Greene will have to hit those holes and rack up the yards. 

Look for the Jets to try to get Greene going early. If he starts the season well it will bode well for the rest of the year and for the Jets' playoff hopes.

2. New York Defensive Line vs. Dallas Offense

With the loss of longtime Jet Shaun Ellis comes the dawn of a new age for New York's defensive line.

Taken with the Jets first round pick, Muhammad Wilkerson will be an immediate starter at defensive end. Wilkerson has a big frame (6'4" 315 lbs) and scouts say that his game is NFL ready.

The question then becomes: Will Wilkerson and the rest of the defensive line hassle Tony Romo enough to disrupt Dallas' sixth overall passing offense?

Wilkerson and fellow rookie Kenrick Ellis will need to display their athleticism and get to the quarterback.

The bottom line defensively is that the New York Jets are solid at every position except for the defensive line. This is not to say that they are weak in the trenches, but rather that they are unproven and must step up to the challenge this weekend.

1. Mark Sanchez vs. Himself

In this his third season Mark Sanchez must prove that he is capable of the franchise quarterback role.

In past years the Jets have leaned on their defense and running game to avoid putting pressure on Sanchez. This year will have to be different. Sanchez must play like the quarterback that the New York Jets believe he can be.

Despite the playful ribbing about his article in GQ, Rex Ryan has supported Sanchez fully ever since the Jets took him with the fifth overall pick in 2009. The Jets are now ready to be Captain Sanchez's team.

The re-signing of Santonio Holmes brings back a favorite target of Mark's. Expect the chemistry between the two to grow and look for big things out of this tandem in 2011.

This year is a big year for the Jets and a bigger year for their young star quarterback. In order for Sanchez and the Jets to be successful they need to get off on the right foot and take down Dallas in New York. Sanchez's play will dictate the outcome of this game, and also the entire season.