CHI at NYJ: 3 things you need to know
Two teams heading in opposite directions are set to clash at MetLife Stadium on Monday night. The Chicago Bears are riding high after one of their most impressive wins in recent years, scoring 21 fourth-quarter points to earn a 28-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers and spoil their opponents' first game at their new stadium. Conversely, the Jets blew an 18-point lead to lose 31-24 at home to the Green Bay Packers and leave their fans saying "same old Jets."
Here are three things you need to know:
The rise of Geno
Second-year Jets passer Geno Smith's improved play is one of the NFL's most under-reported stories this season. Smith was frequently terrible as a rookie, but he looks calmer and more confident this year. If not for an ill-advised timeout called by the Jets bench that wiped out a beautiful 37-yard touchdown pass by Smith last week, we could be discussing him as the leader of an undefeated team.
Smith's only previous appearance on Monday night was perhaps the best game of his career. He threw for 199 yards and three touchdowns in a 30-28 road victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5, 2013.
Decker dinged up
Things will be significantly more difficult for Smith if top target Eric Decker is unable to play. The veteran is battling a hamstring injury.
Decker compiled 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns with the Denver Broncos last season, but many wrote him off as a product of Peyton Manning's offense and a No. 2 receiver at best.
The Jets didn't see it that way, giving Decker a fat contract in free agency and making him their clear-cut No. 1. The decision looks wise, as Decker has produced 137 yards receiving and a touchdown despite frequent double coverage in two games this season. He's unquestionably Smith's preferred passing option.
Santonio seeking revenge?
Despite a lack of talent at wide receiver, the Jets showed no interest this offseason in bringing back mercurial wideout Santonio Holmes. Though both he and Jets head coach Rex Ryan insist they got along during Holmes' s four injury-marred seasons with the team, numerous reports say the two frequently butted heads.
Holmes sat on the open market without generating much interest from teams until the receiver-needy Bears added him to their roster in mid-August. Since then, the Bears have had only glowing things to say about the former Super Bowl MVP.
With Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery both battling minor leg injuries (each played though the injuries in Week 2), Holmes could be asked to play a big role Monday. The Jets secondary was exposed by Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, and the Bears certainly have the firepower to see similar success.