We’ve really enjoyed the work that Jenny Vrentas has done on the Jets beat in the last few years, and while we’re definitely disappointed she’s moving over to the Giants beat, she filed what will likely be one last fascinating in-depth article about the Jets detailing the pre-game walkthrough (quite literally) routine that Tony Sparano and Mark Sanchez plan to do before each game of the season.

In a league dependent on routines, this is a new one between the new Jets offensive coordinator and his starting quarterback. Sanchez already calls it “one of my favorite things.”

They rehearsed the walk in each preseason game this summer, joined by backups Tim Tebow and Greg McElroy. They will start at the goal line and steadily advance, Sparano referencing his call sheet and Sanchez his wristband, as they move through each phase of the field.

What plays will they use backed up in their own territory? Between the 20-yard lines? In the red zone? At the goal line? Where will they face pressure?

The 100-yard march will reinforce their game plan, and also something else: the relationship between Sparano and Sanchez, which may be one of the most critical factors to a Jets season that has inspired both great curiosity and external skepticism as it opens today.

Brian Bassett, theJetsBlog.com

While that might be the most successful march down the field for the Jets so far this year (heyooooooo!) Sparano’s playcalling is an anomaly at this point since he’s done so little of it since his Dallas days where he called the running game.  So it’s hard to know just what to expect from the Jets this season.  At the same time, it’s almost impossible to discount the steady, demanding and authoritative approach Sparano has taken with the Jets offense.  We’ll see how things go today, but I firmly believe that the offense won’t be afraid to call a play twice in a row if the play worked, but will also have some wrinkles to keep opponents on their toes too.  Most importantly, Rex trusts Sparano is the kind of offensive coordinator he’s wanted on the Jets since the beginning – so the hope is it should work out well for the Jets.