I’m excited to be taking in my first live preseason game of the summer, Monday night’s Jets-Texans game in Houston. Sure, it’s only the first tune-up for two largely veteran teams, but there’s constant evaluation going on this time of year, and I’ll pay close attention to a few factors, particularly while the starters are in:

• Wade’s will: How are the Texans adapting to Wade Phillips and his 3-4 scheme? Does Mario Williams look comfortable? Are they getting close to the level of play out of the nose tackle the 3-4 requires? Are we seeing signs of a culture change on defense?

• Air Sanchez: It’s time for the Jets’ aerial attack to evolve in Mark Sanchez‘s third campaign. Without Plaxico Burress and Braylon Edwards, the receiving corps lacks size in this matchup. Has Derrick Mason already picked up the offense? Against what has been a woeful secondary, the Jets should think about a deep shot or two.

• Crowded house: Arian Foster is dinged up, Ben Tate is trying to come back from a major injury and Steve Slaton is trying to stay on the roster. Will Houston’s backfield make a statement in this preseason opener?

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