Photo: Nick St. Denis The Jets' defense got deeper and likely a little better this offseason. The offense, on the other hand, has a very similar look from a personnel standpoint, at least in terms of the starters, but it is in the middle of a big change in philosophy. Oh, and a guy named Tim Tebow is in the mix.
Here's your five-question training camp primer for the Jets:
Where does Tebow fit in?
Tebow's label is "backup quarterback," but quarterbacking is likely the last thing he'll be doing. Tebow will run offensive coordinator Tony Sparano's Wildcat package and will supposedly serve as the special teams unit's personal protector on the punt team.
The media will make a big thing out of Tebow "pushing" starting signal-caller Mark Sanchez, but Tebow will be focused on etching a role anywhere he can, while Sanchez continues to run the regular offense.
Does Hunter remain the starter at right tackle?
Jets coaches insisted earlier in the offseason that Hunter is the unquestioned starter at right tackle despite his shortcomings (to put it lightly) last season. However, Gang Green didn't have any competition for Hunter at that time.
The Jets added Panthers 2008 first-round pick tackle Jeff Otah to the mix earlier this week via trade, but Otah was placed on the PUP list for the start of training camp. If he gets up to speed any time soon, Otah can and will challenge Hunter for his job.
How does the safety position shape up?
Gang Green picked up a pair of solid veteran safeties in former Dolphin Yeremiah Bell and former Redskin LaRon Landry via free agency. Bell is nearing the end of his career but led the Dolphins in tackles last year. The hard-hitting Landry, if he can stay healthy, could be a major force for Gang Green.
Landry was taken off the PUP list early in training camp, which is a positive sign. Eric Smith, a starter from last year, will be the team's third safety, and Jim Leonhard, who started at the beginning of the season but was lost for the second straight year to injury, remains unsigned.
Does McKnight take on Tomlinson's role?
Once again, Shonn Greene enters camp as the supposed No. 1 running back. This year, the Jets would like him to live up to that. LaDainian Tomlinson wasn't going to return and ended up calling it career, leaving a void in the offense for third-down pass-blocking and pass-catching out of the backfield.
The top candidate to take over that role is third-year back Joe McKnight, who faces somewhat of a pivotal season. He got a little bit of experience in that spot last season, and the Jets hope he soaked up enough from Tomlinson to be a solid spell for Greene and a difference-maker when Sanchez drops back.
How quickly does Coples develop into a true starter?
The Jets drafted their second defensive end in the first round in as many years, taking Quinton Coples in 2012 after selecting Muhammad Wilkerson in 2011. Jets coach Rex Ryan pretty much made Coples a starter earlier in the offseason.
Coples has ridiculous physical attributes and sound fundamentals to be a difference-maker in the pass rush. If the Jets want to return to being a fierce offensive front in order the allow the back end of the defense a little more freedom, they'll need Coples to hit the field at 100 percent by opening day.
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