New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens Open 2010 NFL Monday Night Football Season

Ray Lewis is fired up about starting the 2010 NFL season against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. Never one to mince words, Lewis took part in a conference call with the media and has been trading barbs with his former coach Rex Ryan. Rex Ryan was an assistant coach for the Ravens in the 2001 season when they won the Superbowl 34-7 against the Giants. That year the Ravens defense was feared throughout the NFL, and Ray Lewis was the inspirational leader of the team. Rex Ryan has been trying to play up an inspirational leader of his one in Darrelle Revis, who just signed a long term contract with the Jets. Ray Lewis is not buying it, and has stated that Revis needs to prove it on the field. Lewis also playfully criticized Ryan for looking to far ahead to the Superbowl, as there is still a full season of football to play.

A Tale of Two Quarterbacks
When the Jets and Ravens take the field to open NFL Monday Night Football, they will be a lead by a pair of young quarterbacks. JAMcLynne's NFL Power Ranking Software shows that these two teams are evenly matched on the field with similar defensive and offensive power ratings. The difference in the Monday Night Game will likely come down to the two quarterbacks, and how the perform on the field.

The Jets are lead by second year quarterback Mark Sanchez. Mark Sanchez had a rocky year as a first year quarterback for the Jets. Sometimes he flashed brilliance on the field, while at the same time, he made a few mistakes. Sanchez threw 12 touchdown passes, while being intercepted 20 times. He finished with a 63.0 passing rating.

Joe Flacco will be entering his third year as the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens. The past two seasons have seen a steady improvement in his performance, with an 8 point rise in his quarterback rating. Joe Flacco has matured as a quarterback, and his ratings should improve once again for the third season, making Flacco one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL by years end.

Jets vs. Ravens Pick
Expect the quarterbacks to make the difference in this opening night Monday Night Football Game. The Baltimore Ravens should win and spoil the opening night party of the New York Jets.

When and Where is the First Monday Night Football Game Played?
The Monday Night Football Game between the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens will kick off the NFL 2010 Monday Night Football season at 7 PM Eastern at the New Meadowlands Stadium. Not one, but two games will take place on ESPN to kickoff the 2010 NFL Monday Night Football Season. The second Monday Night Football game takes place between the Chargers and the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The second game will also be aired on ESPN and will start at 10:15 PM Eastern.