FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Highlighting two players who figure to play integral roles Sunday for the New York Jets against the Cleveland Browns:
Eric Decker, wide receiver: Decker has been overshadowed by Brandon Marshall, but he could be the key to the Jets' passing game in the season opener. Decker said he expects Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden to shadow Marshall. If that's the case, Decker will be covered by the No. 2 corner. Tramon Williams is no slouch, but the Decker-Williams matchup probably will be more enticing to the Jets than Marshall-Haden. If Marshall and Haden play to a stalemate, the onus falls on Decker to win in single coverage. Hey, he's on a roll if you count last season. Remember, he finished with a career game, 11 catches for 221 yards.
Damon Harrison, nose tackle: Big Snacks believes he's the best nose tackle in the league, and he'll get a chance to state his case in Week 1. He'll be matched against center Alex Mack, the glue to the Browns' offensive line. Mack, a first-round pick in 2009, hadn't missed an offensive snap until last Oct. 12, when he broke a leg and missed the remainder of the season. The offense fell off a cliff without him in the middle. With Mack on the field, the Browns averaged 4.4 per rush and 6.0 per play, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Without him, the numbers fell to 3.3 and 4.8, respectively. The Browns have a good line, and they will challenge the Jets' talented defensive line. Harrison has to be ready.