CHARLOTTE – While much of the discussion of the Week 1 opener has centered around Sam Darnold and his matchup with his former team, it's time to take a look at what the Jets have assembled under new head coach Robert Saleh.
Only seven Jets players that started in last year's season finale against New England are back as projected starters entering this week.
But the Jets are in rebuilding mode after going 2-14 in 2020 and drafting second overall in the 2021 Draft.
Zach Wilson's debut
Rookie Zach Wilson takes over in New York after an eye-popping senior season at BYU that led to him being drafted second behind Trevor Lawrence in this year's NFL Draft.
Wilson went 15-of-20 for 191 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in two games of preseason action, both wins.
Wilson's draft profile highlighted a player who liked to make plays on the move with arm strength that can stretch the field. Many in the media have already predicted Wilson as a favorite for the AFC rookie of the year award.
Does he have the weapons?
Much of the public critique of the Jets over the last three seasons was that they didn't surround Darnold with enough weapons to make him successful.
So what has changed for the Jets on the offensive side of the ball?
The team signed former Titans first-rounder Corey Davis, a wideout who had 984 receiving yards and five touchdowns last year. They also added Tevin Coleman at running back, a player who had 800 rushing yards for Atlanta back in 2018 before spending the last two years in San Francisco.
The Jets also drafted wide receiver Elijah Moore out of Ole Miss, Moore led all of FBS with 149.1 receiving yards per game in 2020.
The offensive line is largely the same as 2020 with the addition of drafted rookie Alijah Vera-Tucker, who is projected to start at left guard.
How does the defense stack up?
The rush defense was actually quite good in 2020, only giving up 112.0 yards per game, ranking 12th.
The defensive front includes standout Quinnen Williams, a defensive tackle who produced 7.0 sacks and two forced fumbles last year. New York also added Sheldon Rankins from the Saints to go with Bryce Huff, Folorunso Fatukasi and John Franklin-Myers along the front.
New York's secondary remains a big question mark. The Jets allowed 275.6 yards per game through the air last year (28th).
They've added three cornerbacks from the draft (Michael Carter II, Jason Pinnock and Brandon Echols), and signed safety Lamarcus Joyner from the Raiders. And the rest of the secondary, largely rookies in 2020, got a year more experienced.
Carolina is 4-3 all-time against the Jets, featuring a 3-1 record at home and 1-2 mark on the road.
Julius Peppers sacks the quarterback during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Luke Kuechly returns an interception during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Devin Funchess makes a reception during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Kaelin Clay scores a touchdown during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Jonathan Stewart carries the football during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Jonathan Stewart tries to dive over the goal line during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Christian McCaffrey during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Christian McCaffrey breaks a tackle during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Cam Newton runs for a touchdown during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Carolina Panthers' Dwayne Jarrett catches a ball as he falls into the endzone during an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. A penalty was called on the play and the touchdown was called back. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers' Jake Delhomme points during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers punter Todd Sauerbrun (10) reacts as his kick is blocked by New York Jets' Jamie Henderson (23) in the first quarter at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Oct. 28, 2001. The Jets returned the punt for a touchdown.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) is tackled by New York Jets safety Eric Smith (33) and teammate David Harris (52) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers tight end Dante Rosario (88) stiff-arms New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace (97) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets won the game 17-6. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
New York Jets' quarterback Brooks Bollinger (5) is sacked by Carolina Panthers' Kendal Moorehead, center, as Jets' Scott Gragg (74) grabs Moorehead during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Chris Harris tackles New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller (81) as Keller fumbles the ball during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets' Thomas Jones runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Richard Marshall (31) in the third quarter during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets running back Shonn Greene (23) fights for control of the ball against Carolina Panthers' James Anderson (50) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Carolina Panthers' Stephen Davis (48) celebrates his one-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 30-3 win over the New York Jets in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005.(AP Photo/Rusty Burroughs)
FILE - In this Oct. 15, 1995, file photo, Carolina Panthers head coach Dom Capers, center, and linebacker Lamar Lathon (57) celebrate the team's first win, 26-15 over the New York Jets at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Carolina went 7-9 in their inaugural season in 1995 with Kerry Collins leading the way. The Panthers made it to the NFC championship game a season later, losing 30-13 to Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. (AP Photo/Alan Marler, File)
New York Jets' Justin Miller (22) fumbles a kickoff return as he is hit by Carolina Panthers' Ricky Manning Jr (24) during the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 30-3 win in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005. The Panthers forced six turnovers, four of which came on consecutive New York possessions, to pull away after an uneventful first half. Carolina scored 20 points off turnovers.(AP Photo/Rick Havner)
FILE - In this Oct. 15, 1995, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Sam Mills holds the ball high as he reaches the end zone for the first touchdown of the game after intercepting the ball from the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Clemson, S.C. Mills was selected as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2021 on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Ruth Fremson, File)
Carolina Panthers' Stephen Davis (48) runs past New York Jets' Shaun Ellis (92) during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Keary Colbert (83) celebrates his touchdown catch as New York Jets' Justin Miller (22) looks on during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005.(AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers' Ken Lucas (23) celebrates one of his two interceptions with teammate Marlon McCree (27) during the third quarter of the Panthers' 30-3 win over the New York Jets in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005. The Panthers forced six turnovers, four of which came on consecutive New York possessions, to pull away after an uneventful first half. Carolina scored 20 points off turnovers.(AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) throws a pass under pressure during the first quarter against the New York Jets in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New York Jets' Curtis Martin (28) runs past Carolina Panthers' Deon Grant (27) during in the second quarter of the Jet's 13-12 win at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Oct. 28, 2001. Martin ran for 159 yards in the win. (AP Photo/Rusty Burroughs)
New York Jets' Richie Anderson (20) loses the ball as he is hit by Carolina Panthers' Dean Wells (95) in the first quarter at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Oct. 28, 2001. Carolina Panthers' Rashard Anderson recovered the fumble and ran it back 97 yards for a touchdown.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
