Ten things to take from Jets vs. Giants

The yapping is mostly fun, mostly good-natured and mostly entertaining, but let's face it: The Jets and Giants arguing back and forth about which is New York's team is mostly silly, irrelevant and pointless. At least for now, in the run-up to a game that doesn't count.

So for all of Rex Ryan's bluster about this being a Jets town and Justin Tuck's contention that he'll always consider MetLife Stadium as Giants Stadium, tonight is really about the more serious football issues confronting both teams as they prepare for the regular season.

Ten things that matter most:

1 Shonn Greene's running. The Jets' third-year tailback needs to get going and establish a tone for the season. Ryan keeps referring to Greene as his "bell cow" running back, but Greene hasn't lived up to that billing as the Jets' pounding, every-down back. He comes off a foot infection and misssed last week's game. Time for the Ground-and-Pound to start gearing up.

2 Aaron Ross' coverage.The fifth-year Giants cornerback has been beset by injuries the last two seasons. He now finds himself in a starting role with the injury to Terrell Thomas and, before him, first-round corner Prince Amukamara. Ross was solid last week against the Bears with two passes defensed and two tackles. Big spot here as he goes against Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes. We'll also get a look at how safety Antrel Rolle does as a nickel corner.

3 Brandon Moore's blocking.The veteran guard makes his preseason debut for the Jets after recovering from offseason hip surgery. The drop-off from Moore to second-year guard Vladimir Ducasse has been huge, and the Jets' running game no doubt will improve with Moore back. This guy is one of the league's most underappreciated interior linemen. It also helps that Nick Mangold returns from a neck stinger.

4 Eli Manning's passing.It has been a listless preseason for Manning, who has made more news with his "I'm an elite QB, just like Tom Brady" quotes than his passing. Disturbing stats that need improvement: He has completed only 48 percent of his passes and averaged a meager 4.6 yards per attempt to go with a 61.1 rating.

5 Mark Sanchez's passing. Sanchez, his teammates and coaches say this will be the year he makes his biggest improvement yet. Still early, but you have to be encouraged by his preseason so far: .667 completion percentage, 115.7 rating, no picks. Big test Monday night against a quality defense.

6 Brandon Jacobs' resurgence.Does he look like a different back this preseason? You bet. Upset about losing his starting job to Ahmad Bradshaw last year, Jacobs is running with much more authority, at 7.1 yards per carry. With Bradshaw (back) hurting, it won't be a surprise to see Jacobs take over.

7 Calvin Pace's pass rushing. The outside linebacker crushed Manning in last year's preseason game, knocking the quarterback's helmet off and opening a gash on his forehead. But that might have been Pace's most impactful play last year, and the Jets need him to step up in a big way. Yes, he played much of last year on a bad wheel because of a broken bone in his foot, but before that, he hadn't lived up to the $42-million contract the Jets gave him in 2008. If Pace wants to remove the "soft" label, this is the year to do it.

8 The Giants' third receiver / tight end situation.Domenik Hixon? Victor Cruz? Devin Thomas? It's a compelling race to see who ends up No. 3 behind Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham. Monday night could be the tiebreaker. We'll also continue to see if the Giants find a tight end to replace Kevin Boss or if they have to go the trade / waiver wire route. Hey, Travis Beckum, show something!

9 The Jets' kicking competition.Nick Folk is trying to hold off Nick Novak, and it could come down to what happens Monday night and Thursday vs. the Eagles. Folk is 3-for-4 on field-goal tries and Novak has made both his attempts. It has been a closer competition than expected.

10 The Giants' punting competition.It's either second-year punter Matt Dodge, who hasn't lived down his inability to punt away from the Eagles' DeSean Jackson last season, or former Jets punter Steve Weatherford. One advantage for Weatherford: He can hold on kicks.