NFL SEASON PREVIEW

The Jets & Giants kick off the NFL season from radically different perspectives and it's kind of a role-reversal. The G-Men, as it seems to be forgotten, won an historic Super Bowl just 31 months ago. But that seems like ancient history as they creep into this season, seemingly in a Witness Protection Program. No one's talking Giants football.

Meanwhile, the Jets, who haven't won a Super Bowl in 41 years and who have broken their fans' hearts time and again--inspiring the phrase "same old Jets"--have become media darlings and kings of trash talk. A deep playoff run--even a Super Bowl appearance--seem a given.

And looking at the rosters, yeah, there's a reason for the team's respective expectations.

The Giants haven't been the same on defense since the loss of Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnola and the retirement of Michael Strahan. The pass rush that won 'em Super Bowl LXII has rarely been seen. The offensive line, so solid through the 2008 season, wilted last year. The vicious hit Eli Manning took in the pre-season opener vs. the Jets doesn't inspire confidence in the OL. Plus the G-men are playing in was is usually the toughest division in the NFL. There are those who suggest that Coach Tom Coughlin needs a winning season to avoid the hot seat. I don't think that's true as the Giants are a very conservative organization & Coughlin's Super Bowl ring has bought him some time and equity. He'll need that as it sez here that the G-men go 5-11.

Has any coach in pro sports talked more trash than Rex Ryan ? Obviously he doesn't subscribe to the theory "Speak softly and carry a big stick." While confidence is good, trash talk and guarantees never seem to work in sports. Remember Patrick Ewing ?

Of course, it all works out if the Jets win; not so much if they have an underwhemling 8-8 season. Rex kind of painted himself into a corner. Regardless of injuries or blown calls by referees, the Jets kinda have to win. The league is rooting for them to fall on their face, and their are no moral victories.

QB Mark Sanchez threw a ton of interceptions last year and will continue to chuck 'em this year. LaDainian Tomlinson has a ton of tread on his tires. But the Jets are not about their offense. Their defense aspires to be as good as the '85 Bears & the '00 Ravens. Both of those teams won Super Bowls.

We're picking the Jets defense to dominate enough games to take 'em to a 12-4 record and first place in the division. We'll make our playoff picks down the road.

A new era of sorts begins also with the first regular season game of the [still unnamed] new Meadowlands Stadium, which will host the Super Bowl in February 2014.