This is a series of articles where I will be presenting my strong plays and weak plays regarding IDP (Individual Defensive Players). I will also include a brief statement as to my reasoning for my projections. This article is for the Thursday night game of Week 1. The remainder of Week 1 will be in another article.

NEW YORK JETS at WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Defensive Linemen

Strong Plays

• John Abraham, Jets - Abraham seems to have solved his breathing and stamina. He should dominate Chris Samuels late in the game, and be good for two sacks.
  
• Bruce Smith, Redskins - The season is young and Smith is in good shape. Testaverde is less mobile than Pennington. Look for a fresh Smith to dominate on the plays he is in.

Weak Plays

• DeWayne Robertson, Jets - Robertson has been struggling to adjust to the pro level. He'll be a star and will start Thursday; he just won't be ready to have an impact.
• Regan Upshaw, Redskins - Upshaw will play, and probably start for the Redskins, but his knees will slow him, and Bruce Smith will likely be in there on the big plays. Don't expect much from Upshaw in the season opener.

Linebackers

Strong Plays

• Sam Cowart, Jets - Cowart has a year under his belt in the Jets scheme. Look for him to take over on the field, especially with MLB Marvin Jones slowed by a hamstring.
• Lavar Arrington, Redskins - You might not see Arrington in as many blitz packages, but you will see him around the field more in defensive coordinator George Edwards new scheme. You will see more tackles from Arrington starting Thursday night.

Weak Plays

• Marvin Jones, Jets - Jones has struggled through training camp with a hamstring problem. We're not sure how effective he will be, or how much he will play. He's a warrior, so he'll start. What happens after the first quarter is a question mark.

Defensive Backs

Strong Plays

• Jon McGraw, Jets - Look for this free safety to have an impact, both in the running game, and in pass defense, His aggressiveness has been compared to the Bucs John Lynch, and he could be one of a few free safeties with a big fantasy impact.
• Champ Bailey, Redskins - Although he's rejecting a contract extension from the Redskins, look for Bailey to prove his worth starting tonight, as he works to elevate his impending free agent status.

Weak Plays

• David Terrell, Redskins - Terrell has been in a battle at free safety with Ifeanyi Ohalete. With the aggressive Matt Bowen winning the strong safety spot, Ohalete could take some precious playing time away from Terrell.