Jets Break Out Tape For Opener 4-0 Preseason Has New York Thinking Big Against Seattle

The New York Jets confronted their first regular-season opponent Wednesday. The Seattle Seahawks, whom they face Sunday, were only on tape - but flickering dangerously.

“I’ve been watching films of the Seahawks all summer,” coach Bill Parcells said. “They’re active on defense. They’ve got a new owner. They’re getting a new stadium. Their fans are excited.”

But so are the Jets. Their 4-0 preseason may be behind them, but the good memory lingers.

“It’ll be pretty cool to see how it shows up Sunday,” said left guard Lonnie Palelei, one of 14 Jets starters who will be in different positions from last season’s opening-day lineup.

Another eager Jet will be Keyshawn Johnson, the wide receiver who is happiest when someone is throwing him the ball. He sees himself as the team’s main aerial threat. But Parcells indicated Wednesday that he will use a three-man receiver rotation of Jeff Graham, Johnson and Wayne Chrebet.

Parcells wants to keep the sometimes fragile Graham healthy, and he wants to keep the sure-handed, precise Chrebet and the dangerous Johnson in the game.

In a sense, the closely watched battle between Johnson and Chrebet for starting time is being defused by Parcells.

“Everyone’s waiting to see how much Keyshawn is going to play,” Parcells said. “But Graham, Keyshawn and Wayne - until other guys are ready, we’ll play them equally.”

Johnson, who enjoys outtalking his opponents when they face off at the line of scrimmage, said he doesn’t expect the talkative Shawn Springs to say much to him Sunday.

Springs, a cornerback, was the Seahawks’ top pick. He tried to talk the Jets into taking him with their overall No. 1 before the draft. Instead, the Jets traded the pick.

“I know Shawn talks a lot, but he knows I do, too,” Johnson said. “He knows about me and I know about him. He’s not going to say much.”

On defense, Parcells has appointed Otis Smith as his right cornerback. Smith faces quality receivers in a Seattle attack that is enhanced by Chris Warren.

“They’ve got Joey Galloway, Mike Pritchard and Brian Blades, who’s more of a slot receiver,” Smith said. “They’re pretty loaded.”

Galloway’s status is uncertain. He has a sprained foot and did not practice Wednesday.