New York Giants
Last Season: 7-9, 3rd in the NFC East
Key Additions: Big Blue becomes Big New. The team signed star CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (who played for the Broncos in this year’s New Jersey Super Bowl), RB Rashad Jennings and several offensive linemen. With the retirement of offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, the G-Men brought in ex-Packer Ben McAdoo as his successor.
Key Departures: Defensive captain Justin Tuck headed west to the Raiders, WR Hakeem Nicks signed with the Colts and DT Linval Joseph became a Viking. Veteran offensive linemen David Diehl and Chris Snee, both instrumental in the Giants’ two recent Super Bowl victories, hung up their helmets.
Player to Watch: Slot receiver Victor Cruz. The fan favorite from Paterson has the quick moves and sure hands to excel in the Jints’ new uptempo offense. His chemistry with QB Eli Manning makes him a frequent target, and with the added protection from WR Odell Beckham Jr., a first-round draft pick, Cruz should have lots of space to move—and salsa.
Opener: September 8 at Lions, 7:10 pm.
New York Jets
Last Season: 8-8, 2nd in the AFC East
Key Additions: WR Eric Decker (another Bronco who played in Super Bowl XLVIII) could become the top target for QB Geno Smith. If Smith, a second-year pro, falters, veteran QB Michael Vick, picked up from the Eagles, could send him to the bench.
Key Departures: Jets fans are not likely crying over the loss of QB Mark Sanchez, who signed with the Eagles. Antonio Cromartie, once a wrecking ball at corner, signed with the Cardinals. WR Santonio Holmes was cut and has yet to sign with another team.
Player to Watch: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson. The Linden native has matured tremendously in his four years with Gang Green. Last season he was ranked ninth best pass rusher in the league and 15th best overall defensive end. Expect him to come barreling through offensive lines at every oppotunity. QBs beware.
Opener: September 7 vs. Raiders, 1 pm.
Philadelphia Eagles
Last Season: 10-6, won the NFC East
Key Additions: Two former Saints, RB Darren Sproles and safety Malcolm Jenkins. Sproles should click in second-year head coach Chip Kelly’s offense. Jenkins brings speed and smarts to the defensive backfield.
Key Departure: One of the biggest stories of the off-season was the release of WR DeSean Jackson. Jackson was a major offensive weapon in 2013, with 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns. But the Eagles could not tolerate his off-field antics—missing meetings, bickering with coaches, alleged gang ties. He’ll get a shot of revenge catching passes for the Redskins.
Player to Watch: Nick Foles. The City of Brotherly Love fell hard for its new signal caller, and the QB is eager to prove his breakout season wasn’t a fluke. Last year, Foles set a single-season NFL record for TD-to-interception ratio of 27 to 2 and was named MVP of the Pro Bowl. He could be a headache for defenses for years to come.
Opener: September 7 vs. Jaguars, 1 pm.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Last Season: 6-7 overall; 3-5 in conference.
It’s Academic: Newly minted members of the Big Ten, the Scarlet Knights are hungry. The competition will be intense—but heh, this is Jersey’s team, so watch out. Kyle Flood has guided Rutgers to bowl appearances in each of his first two seasons as head coach.
Players to Watch: DT Sebastian Joseph was the most-talked-about scout team member last year and is prepared to brawl with senior Kenneth Kirksey for the starting nose tackle spot. HB Paul James and TE Tyler Kroft earned First Team All American Athletic Conference Honors last season as sophomores and look to build on their accomplishments.
Head of the Class: QB Gary Nova lost his job last season to Chas Dodd, but is expected to step up this year.
Opener: August 28 at Washington State, 10 pm.