Jets' biggest issues, questions entering preseason opener vs. Falcons | Sam Darnold, Chris Herndon

By Darryl Slater | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Jets on Friday host the Falcons in their preseason opener at MetLife Stadium, as Josh McCown, Teddy Bridgewater, and Sam Darnold continue to compete for the starting quarterback job. So what are the biggest issues, questions, and storylines we will be watching in Falcons-Jets on Friday? Let's take a look.

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AP Photo

This will be Darnold's NFL debut ... at least in preseason action.

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PUNT RETURN SITUATION

Expect Andre Roberts to be the first returner out there, on punts and kickoffs. But Trenton Cannon and Lucky Whitehead are very much in the mix for both jobs, as well. So who will look the steadiest in the preseason opener against the Falcons? Remember, Cannon is a rookie who didn't return punts in college, but has been solid so far through early training camp practices.

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STARTING OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

The Jets' starting outside linebackers figured to be Jordan Jenkins and Josh Martin. And they indeed got the work with the starters to begin training camp. But Jets coach Todd Bowles has tinkered a bit with his underachieving outside linebacker/edge rusher roles in recent days, working undrafted rookie Frankie Luvu and Brandon Copeland with the starters. So who starts in the preseason opener? Ultimately, expect Jenkins and Martin to be the starters come Week 1. But Luvu and Copeland have a shot at being situational pass rushers.

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WHO IS THE LEFT TACKLE?

It remains to be seen if left tackle Kelvin Beachum (foot) will be available in Week 1, come Sept. 10 in Detroit, or if his current injury is just a training camp ailment. Ben Ijalana figured to be the backup left tackle, but the Jets in recent days have given some first-string practice run to Brent Qvale, who is normally the backup right tackle. Would Qvale or Ijalana be the guy if Beachum can't go in Week 1? The Jets are trying to determine that.

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John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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CAN TRENTON CANNON STAY HOT?

With Eli McGuire (fractured foot) sidelined (but not for the season), the Jets are seeking a No. 3 running back. Thomas Rawls has been brutal, and also is now injured. He probably will get cut, at this rate. Meanwhile, Cannon has impressed Jets teammates with his quickness and burst. Not bad for a Division II rookie whom the Jets drafted in the sixth round, with their final overall pick. How will he fare in the preseason opener?

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WHO WILL BE OUT?

We know McGuire is out, obviously. Expect these notable players to also be sidelined for the preseason opener: cornerback Parry Nickerson (hamstring), tight end Jordan Leggett, wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (thumb), Beachum (foot). Not ideal for Leggett, who is engaged in a position battle (more on that in a bit).

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CAN JETS LIMIT PENALTIES?

This has been a continuing storyline for the Jets, early in training camp. Some practices have been good. Others not so much. Bowles continues to have players do pushups (except for the offending player) when their side of the ball is flagged. Now that actual (well, preseason) game action is beginning, will the Jets be able to limit their penalties? Penalties were a huge issue for them last season.

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CAN CHRIS HERNDON SEIZE THE MOMENT?

The Jets love their rookie tight end's potential as both a pass catcher and blocker. He has displayed sure hands throughout training camp. Strong hands, too. And tight ends coach Jimmie Johnson noted that Herndon played in a pro-style offense in college at Miami, so he is used to in-line blocking. With Leggett sidelined, this is a chance for Leggett to make a big leap forward in the tight end battle.

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Matt Stypulkoski | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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QB BATTLE

Expect McCown to play very well, and for Bridgewater and Darnold (especially Darnold) to play a bunch. This one game won't determine the outcome of the quarterback competition, of course. But it is important. Click here to read what the Jets need to see from Darnold in the preseason opener.

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WHAT WILL TERRELLE PRYOR SHOW?

The Jets' big-bodied free agent wide receiver acquisition finally showed a little something in practice this week, with a beautiful, one-handed grab. The Jets have cautiously worked Pryor back from offseason ankle surgery. How will Pryor ultimately fit into the Jets' receiver room? Can he surpass Enunwa and/or Jermaine Kearse in the pecking order? Proving time starts now for Pryor, as offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates evaluates him.

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NATHAN SHEPHERD WORKING WITH STARTERS

Another interesting Division II player. The Jets drafted him in Round 3, and they are giving him every opportunity to win the starting defensive end spot opposite Leonard Williams. So it could be up to Shepherd to help draw double teams away from Williams. Big task. Would the rookie be up to it? Shepherd will get a chance to show against the Falcons that his college-to-NFL learning curve maybe isn't as steep as most people thought.

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BATTLE FOR DEPTH IN SECONDARY

The Jets know their top three cornerbacks are Trumaine Johnson, Morris Claiborne, and Buster Skrine (slot). Nickerson probably will be the backup slot corner. Juston Burris and Darryl Roberts are currently the backup outside corners, but second-year pro Derrick Jones has played well in camp. Can he become a second-stringer? And what about the backup safety spot (or spots)? Terrence Brooks, J.J. Wilcox, and Doug Middleton are competing for one or two roster spots there, behind Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye.

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Darryl Slater | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DarrylSlater. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.

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