Rookie Jeff Cumberland in training camp. (Photo from jetsInsider.com)

I have the Bengals as one of my picks for the Andrew Luck Sweepstakes this year. Anyone disagree?  I didn’t think so.

That being said, let’s all gather together and repeat the phrase, “Preseason Games Do Not Matter”.  Anything can happen and in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that teams get a chance to see their new guys, test out packages and plays and get a feel for how these things perform is live game situations. Its not really about getting a win, although it is very nice.

Thank you for entertaining my mini-rant.

Rather than give a complete game preview, I am going to highlight the Jets players you should keep your eye on this Sunday and give you a preview of what to expect:

-Due to injuries, you can once again expect to see a lot of Greg McElroy (Please please be careful with Mark Sanchex, Rex).  I really enjoyed watching McElroy in the game vs. Houston and I am looking forward to seeing what he’s got.

-The running game will primarily be LT, Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight (Shonn Greene is out).  However, McKnight will likely be limited considering he suffered a concussion less than a week ago.  In other words: It’s going to be all about Bilal Powell.  Powell was great on Monday and this will be a chance for him to possibly earn that #3 spot.

-As signs point to Plaxico Burress making his first apperance as a Jet, after sitting out Monday due to an ankle injury. I know just about everyone will be tuning in to watch that.

Elsewhere, Jeremy Kerley (who has likely already solidified his place on the roster) will join Patrick Turner, Dan De Palma, Scotty McKnight, Courtney Smith and Logan Payne as they all try to earn a permanent spot in the receiving core.  (See injury notes below on Derrick Mason, who is questionable).

-Jeff Cumberland was very impressive on Monday and led the team in receiving yards (77).  According to Jenny Vrentras of The Star-Ledger, Cumberland has also been practicing double tight end sets with Keller. Perhaps we will see some of these on Sunday?

-All eyes will be on the Offensive Line, who are struggling with depth issues.  I’ll highlight a few guys to check out my eyes will be on the unit in general.  Seven sacks cannot happen again.

• Matt Kroul is making the switch from defense to offense.  Might want to check him out.  Robby Felix may also play, as he needs experience.
• To the dismay of many, Vlad Ducasse will be starting at RG.  This is his chance to do something. (Other than what he did last week).

-Perhaps we should focus our positive energy on the defensive side of the ball and check out Josh Mauga and Kenrick Ellis, who both showed incredible promise in Monday’s game.  Mauga will be starting in place of Bart Scott and I hope to see him follow up last week’s performance and impress us even further.  Rookie Muhammed Wilkerson has been constantly talked up by Rex Ryan (and he performed well on Monday) but it was Ellis who really impressed.

-Kyle Wilson looked good last week and Im sure he will get some good time, as Ryan will want to continue to look at him.  S Brodney Pool lead the team in tackles last week and has been performing well in camp.

-If you glance down at the injury report below, you might be inclined to side with my most recent theory that the Jets should just sit as many starters as the can afford to sit in an effort to avoid further injuries. There are several positions where we simply cannot afford to lose any more guys.

As for the Bengals, all eyes will be on rookie Quarterback Andy Dalton.  Personally, I am anxious to see how A.J. Green performs against the Jets secondary, as it will be a big test for him.

The Bengals defense was a hot mess last week and I expect them to try and work on their issues.

I don’t anticipate this being much of a fight as I do not think very highly of the Bengals this year.  This will be an excellent opportunity for the Jets to see what they’ve got out of their younger and less experienced players as the match-ups are good on both sides of the ball.  Just remember: It’s only a preseason game.

Jets: Who is In and Out

• RB Shonn Greene will be out for Sunday’s Game due to a low-grade skin infection.  LT will be the starting running back.
• RB Joe McKnight (concussion) will play.
• QB Mark Brunell is still nursing his finger and now has a calf injury as well. He is considered questionable.
• G Tevor Canfield (knee) is out for Sunday (and was not present at the Jets facility Friday) and obviously, OL Robert Turner is out as well (broken leg).
• RG Brandon Moore (hip) is out. Vlad Ducasse will start in his place.
• DT Marcus Dixon (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday.
• LB Bart Scott (left leg) is out and Josh Mauga will start in his place.
• WR Derrick Mason (knee) is considered questionable for Sunday.
• DT Sione Pouha (left knee) will also be out Sunday and either Martin Tevaseu or  Kenrick Ellis will start in his place.