National Football League

Jets, Giants have new players in key roles

Published Aug. 16, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

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For the Jets, who technically were playing a home game, it was the start of the second full season with Mark Sanchez as their starting quarterback. Sanchez, who had surgery on his left knee back in February, made a bad mistake early when he tried to force the ball to veteran RB LaDainian Tomlinson between two defenders. That pass was intercepted by veteran S Antrel Rolle, a free-agent acquisition by the Giants earlier this year. Sanchez other than that bad mistake, played pretty well, going 13-17 for 119 yards along with a TD pass and that one interception. He displayed very good poise during his play in the first half. His counterpart, Eli Manning, did not perform well before leaving the game with a gash to his head.

Tomlinson, who signed with the Jets after playing the past eight years for the San Diego Chargers, figures to be a third down back with his new team in addition to being second-year RB Shonn Greene’s backup. A team source said the decision to make Greene the starter this early in his career was easy because he’s built well for their power rushing attack.

Rolle, who spent the past five years with the Arizona Cardinals, will give the Giants badly needed stability at free safety. It’s amazing how good he has become considering he started off his career as a cornerback.

Not playing in the game for the Giants was new starting MLB Keith Bulluck, who spent the past 11 seasons with the Tennessee Titans. But Bulluck will be playing inside for the first time in his career. He played at WLB with Tennessee.

One player who really stood out for the Giants, who won the game 31-16, was undrafted free agent rookie Victor Cruz. The former University of Massachusetts wideout made several spectacular catches during the first few weeks of training camp, and carried over that fine play with a huge game against the Jets. While he did his damage against backups, his six receptions for 145 yards and three scores performance will also catch the eye of other teams around the NFL. His one-handed catch for a 64-yard touchdown has to be seen to be believed.

With all of new these new faces in new places and new positions, it will be interesting to see how they all fit in this season.
 

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