Jets News 10-12

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Source: Jets trade Derrick Mason to the Texans for conditional seventh draft pick

BY Manish Mehta

The Jets’ made their first significant shake-up of the season by trading veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason tonight. Gang Green shipped Mason to the Texans for a conditional seventh-round draft choice, according to a source.

The Daily News reported on Sunday that Mason, Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress voiced their displeasure with Brian Schottenheimer's offense to Rex Ryan in recent weeks. Although the coach and receivers disputed the report, the team parted ways with one of them five games into the season.

The 37-year-old Mason, who signed a two-year deal in the offseason after being cut by the Ravens, had only 13 catches for 115 yards in four games with the Jets.

He had one catch for seven yards against the Patriots on Sunday. Although rookie Jeremy Kerley appeared to have supplanted Mason in three-receiver sets in Foxborough, Ryan maintained on Monday that "Derrick’s going to still be a part of what we do.”

“I thought Derrick would catch 80-90 balls (this season),” Ryan said. “That hasn’t happened.”

The Jets cut ties with Jerricho Cotchery before Mason was signed to be the team’s No. 3 wideout. But he never seemed to fit into the offense.

Mason made candid and critical remarks following an embarrassing offensive performance in the Jets’ 34-17 loss to the Ravens two weeks ago.

“Obviously, there’s things that have to change,” Mason said after the loss in Baltimore. “There’s some cracks. And don’t nobody really want to identify the cracks. Until we identify the cracks, we’re going to keep having the same problems. Whenever somebody wants to seal up the cracks, then

we’ll continue to move forward as an offense.”

Ryan insisted on Monday that Mason’s lack of playing “had nothing to do with a conversation that he had with the media” after the loss to the Ravens. A source told the News that part of Mason's inability to grasp the playbook and his criticism of the offense contributed to his departure.

http://twitter.com/TheJetsStream

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Ryan made Brady work for this

By Greg A. Bedard

Globe Staff / October 12, 2011

Jets coach Rex Ryan loves to talk up his matchup with Bill Belichick before the Patriots and Jets meet, but don’t let him fool you: It’s Ryan vs. Tom Brady each time, and it continues to be must-see theater.

You just have to wonder whether Ryan has run out of things to throw at Brady. There’s always the kitchen sink.

In the Jets’ upset win in the January playoff game, Ryan confounded Brady with 28 snaps with five defensive backs, and another 28 with six, seven, or eight. Ryan used dime packages (six defensive

backs) on an amazing 18 snaps, which is unheard of.

The Jets played mostly zone defense in that game, and continually rolled coverages to one receiver and then another. Brady said last week it was the most looks he ever had seen in a game.

On Sunday, Ryan raised the ante.

The Jets played with five defensive backs just 11 times. But they played 56 snaps with six or seven defensive backs.

If 18 snaps was a lot to play dime last year, how about 32 this time around?

And, of course, Ryan had his wrinkles. The Jets mixed coverages but played a lot more man-to-man than last season.

And apparently Dick LeBeau stopped by Florham Park, N.J., at some point, because suddenly the Jets morphed into a zone exchange team.

Zone exchange is a quarterback-pressure concept where the defense sends the same number of rushers - four - but they come from unexpected positions.

For example, a linebacker or defensive back may rush the quarterback, but he is replaced in coverage by a player who was lined up on the line.

It becomes a zone blitz when you send a fifth rusher.

The Jets used a zone exchange seven times against the Patriots. That’s a lot.

Last year, the Patriots played the Steelers and Packers , whose defenses are coordinated by LeBeau and Dom Capers, respectively. They are credited for bringing the zone blitz to a different level when they were on the same staff with the Steelers in the 1990s. Both still feature it today.

They combined to send a total of one zone exchange at Brady in two games last year.

The Patriots had some trouble with the concept Sunday, as Brady was sacked twice and knocked down another time. But one of the sacks and the knockdown were wiped out by penalties.

Still, the appearance and frequency of the concept is just another tool for Ryan to throw at Brady, and no one makes him work harder. That’s probably part of the reason Brady seemed a little testy after the game.

That and the fact that the Patriots didn’t have a banner day offensively - if that’s possible with 446 total yards, including 321 by pass (net), and 152 rushing.

The Patriots got 306 yards on the 15 plays that went for 10 yards or more (12 pass, 3 rush).

Of the Patriots’ 81 plays (including penalties), 39 gained 4 yards or fewer. That’s called grinding out a victory, and that’s what Ryan and the Jets want Brady to do. And he did.

Against a better offensive team - one capable of catching passes and throwing an accurate slant - maybe the Patriots lose this game. But the Jets weren’t, and the Patriots didn’t.

Here are the positional ratings from Sunday’s game:

QUARTERBACK Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Of the 43 times Brady dropped back to pass (including penalties), he produced only three negative plays: 1.5 sacks and a high throw to Wes Welker on third and 3 early in the third quarter. And one of the sacks, when Brady held onto the ball for 4.28 seconds, was wiped out by a ticky-tack illegal contact penalty on Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis against Deion Branch. Later in that drive, Brady had perhaps his best throw of the game, from the opposite hash mark and off his back foot, getting rid of it before the six rushers got to him. Brady threw well before Branch had made his cut to the sideline but hit him in stride. In all, we counted seven exceptional throws from Brady and four alert plays, including three crucial pre-play adjustments. Brady wisely stayed away from Revis, throwing only three times for one catch for 4 yards by Welker.

RUNNING BACKS Rating: 4 out of 5

BenJarvus Green-Ellis had a career-high 136 yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns. His running was nearly flawless, especially when you consider that 73 of those yards (53.7 percent) came after first contact, as he broke or eluded eight tackles. He did choose the wrong hole once, and allowed a half-sack and a knockdown in pass protection. But considering Green-Ellis was in on a season-high 61 plays (previous high was 40 against Oakland), that’s a very good day. The direct snap to him on third and 4 from the Jets 46 on the final drive was a perfect call by offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.

The Jets had an undersized end (Jamaal Westerman) and four defensive backs lined up right of center. The Patriots crushed them on a huge play. Stevan Ridley may have been trying a little too hard to repeat his bust-out game against the Raiders because he didn’t exhibit quite the same patience and decision-making after he got the ball (seven carries, 13 yards).

ECEIVERS Rating: 3 out of 5

Tight end Aaron Hernandez gets points just for taking the field with a knee that probably wasn’t quite ready, and making the Jets have to defend him. Hernandez had one exceptional catch of a Brady laser in traffic, but he continued to have trouble run-blocking, which happens healthy or not.

And twice Brady looked to Hernandez to break off his route against all-out blitzes but it didn’t happen. At least on one Hernandez drew a flag. Rob Gronkowski continued to be a bull in the run game (three plus blocks) despite being ill. That was some tough 33-yard catch by Welker in the first quarter, as safety Jim Leonhard, who was late, was charging hard. Welker did have two outstanding run-blocks on the final drive, which made up for two misses in the first half. Branch might not be a threat on a go route, but few are better inside of 12 yards. Ask Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie

OFFENSIVE LINE Rating: 3.5 out of 5

There were a few lapses, which drew the ire of Brady, but for the most part, this unit fared well. Part of that had to do with the fact that the Jets played just six snaps of base defense outside of their 10-yard line or the Patriots’ final drive. When the Patriots did most of their successful running on the final drive, the Jets made the curious choice to play seven defensive backs when they knew the Patriots wanted to grind out the clock. Right guard Brian Waters was brought in for physical games like this, and he delivered with seven exceptional run blocks against two half run-stuffs. Left tackle Matt Light also stood out in the run and allowed only a half-sack. Logan Mankins had a long day against Mike DeVito. Both Mankins and Dan Connolly were asked to execute some very difficult reach blocks (getting in front of a defender that’s lined up away from you) against a Jets alignment that made it tough.

DEFENSIVE LINE Rating: 4 out of 5

The defense almost should be graded on a curve because of the Jets’ performance, but this unit did well. There weren’t many pressures to be had because quarterback Mark Sanchez played skittish and looked to be on orders to throw to his primary read. The player who stood out was end Andre Carter, who had his best game as a Patriot. He was a beast against the run with 3.5 stuffs, three other tremendous tackles shedding blockers, and 1.5 knockdowns. Mark Anderson had two half-sacks (Rob Ninkovich forced Sanchez into the final one) and a run stuff. His first sack was good hustle play getting back up after being blocked. Albert Haynesworth had a knockdown in 21 snaps.

He shoved a few people around otherwise, but Kyle Love (who was handled by center Nick Mangold) does that, too.

LINEBACKERS Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Rob Ninkovich (two half-sacks, tipped pass) was charged with knocking tight end Dustin Keller silly most of the game, which he did very well. Keller was a nonfactor, and taking away Sanchez’s security blanket was huge. Brandon Spikes and Gary Guyton left a lot to be desired against the run. Spikes plays with suddenness and physicality, but he can hit the wrong hole. If he has to move laterally, which the Jets tried to get him to do, he’s in trouble. Guyton is very slow reading his run keys. On Shonn Greene’s 3-yard touchdown, it took Guyton about two beats to realize where the run was going, and by that time it was too late.

SECONDARY Rating: Incomplete

This was akin to arriving for a test but the teacher failed to show up. The Jets just didn’t compete in this area. Why it took them until 7:14 left in the game to throw deeper than 10 yards outside the numbers - as they did on the touchdown to Santonio Holmes (which safety James Ihedigbo failed to cover over the top) - we’ll never know. Sanchez played like a guy who had been beaten up in the previous game, which he was. He can’t complete a slant against zone coverage, there were three dropped passes, and he was staring down his receivers. The Patriots generated only eight total quarterback pressures, so on most plays he had time and soft zone coverage. The Jets just couldn’t execute their rudimentary game plan, although the Holmes touchdown, where Sanchez rolled out against an all-out blitz, was a terrific call by coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Otherwise, the Jets offense is just trying to crawl before it can walk. The secondary missed only one tackle in this game.

That was definitely an improvement.

SPECIAL TEAMS Rating: 2 out of 5

Not a great day for this unit outside of Stephen Gostkowski and Zoltan Mesko (two punts with hang times over five seconds). Welker should have let the first-quarter punt go once he was going to have to slide to catch it. That his fumble was recovered by the Patriots was a big break. Kick coverage struggled, giving up an average of 39.6 on five returns by Joe McKnight, including the 88-yarder. Have to tip the hat to Jets special teams coach Mike Westhoff for throwing in two two-man wedges on that one. The Patriots didn’t have an answer as both Jeff Tarpinian and Ross Ventrone failed to get inside and were taken out by fullback John Conner. Antwaun Molden and Tracy White each had two special teams tackles.

Greg A. Bedard can be reached at gbedard@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @gregabedard.

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Pelzman: Mark Sanchez must trust wideouts

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

The Record

The Jets are reeling from three consecutive losses, but at 2-3, it isn't the time to label Rex Ryan's Super Bowl predictions as inaccurate. Not yet, anyway.

But another one of his boasts already has gone by the wayside.

Ryan said on ESPN before the Jets' preseason opener at Houston that wide receiver Derrick Mason, signed just over a week before, would catch 90 passes.

Maybe he'll do it for Houston instead. The Jets traded him to the Texans on Tuesday night for a conditional draft pick.

It was a pretty lofty prediction, considering Mason had only 61 receptions for the Ravens last season. He had 13 receptions for the Jets through five games, and had only one Sunday at New England because he was benched for much of the game.

"Let's face it, I thought Derrick would catch 80 to 90 balls," Ryan said Monday. "That hasn't happened."

Nor was he going to in an offense that already had Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress, signed six days before Mason was brought into the fold. All three have been No. 1 receivers during their careers. That meant there would be a lot of mouths to feed for quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Very big mouths, at least according to a recent published report (denied repeatedly by Ryan and the Jets) stating that Holmes, Burress and Mason all went individually to Ryan to complain about offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

If fans were allowed to meet individually with Ryan, they would be lining up in droves to vent about Schottenheimer, so much so the Jets probably could charge admission and find a lucrative new revenue stream.

Burress and Mason were new to the offense, which meant they would be learning the Jets' complex playbook on the fly without the usual benefit of spring practices, thanks to the lockout. Plus, Sanchez, still learning in only his third NFL season, would have to get used to the tendencies, likes and dislikes of two new receivers.

So there still is room for improvement in terms of Sanchez's chemistry with Burress. Sanchez supported Schottenheimer when asked about him during Sanchez's weekly radio spot on ESPN Radio.

"I'm totally behind Brian," Sanchez said. "I know the players are and the coaches as well."

Schottenheimer has supported Sanchez as well, even taking the blame for the interception returned for a touchdown Sanchez threw against Baltimore in Week 4, saying he shouldn't have called that sideline route.

But one pass Sanchez threw against New England should give the Jets and their fans hope as the season progresses. His second scoring throw, a 21-yarder to Holmes, was delivered on the money.

And it was thrown before Holmes finished making his cut, as Sanchez trusted him to be there.

That trust comes from working with a receiver for a while. And perhaps Sanchez will start making similar plays with Burress.

If that happens, maybe one of Rex's predictions will come true.

E-mail: pelzman@northjersey.com

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A look ahead: Support for Brian Schottenheimer

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

The Record

Jets (2-3) vs. Dolphins (0-4)

At MetLife Stadium

Monday, 8:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN, Ch. 9; Radio: ESPN-AM 1050

Early line: Jets by 7

Winless Miami comes off a bye week, but has many problems, including the loss of QB Chad Henne to season-ending shoulder surgery. Former Carolina QB Matt Moore will make his first start for the Dolphins as rumors continue to swirl about the job security of embattled coach Tony Sparano. The reeling Jets, losers of three straight, certainly won't overlook the downtrodden Dolphins. Rex Ryan's Jets are 6-9 against the spread as a home favorite, including losses to Miami in each of the last two seasons.

On the hot seat

Brian Schottenheimer: Ryan and QB Mark Sanchez have stated their support for the offensive coordinator, who is catching plenty of heat for the Jets' inconsistent play. Critics believe the Jets emphasized the running game too much in the loss at New England on Sunday, thus missing opportunities to torch the Patriots' suspect pass defense downfield. But to be fair to Schottenheimer, it was Ryan's goal to get the running game established, and it isn't easy to go against the boss' orders.

Game plan

The Jets will have to make the same choice this week, whether to ground and pound or pass more often. Miami is allowing 307 yards per game through the air despite the fact it has been playing from behind most of the time, so those aren't garbage yards. Former Jet-turned-Dolphin again Jason Taylor has one sack. The Dolphins' top RB so far in 2011 has been rookie Daniel Thomas, but he has missed two games with a hamstring injury. He returned to practice Tuesday. The Jets need to contain former Saint Reggie Bush, who has yet to hit his stride, averaging only 3.0 yards per carry.

— J.P. Pelzman

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Stagnant NY Jets offense has trouble on first down against Patriots, converts just 27% on third down

BY Manish Mehta

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Wednesday, October 12th 2011, 4:00 AM

Mark Sanchez and the Jets have trouble on 3rd down, but the bigger problem may be 1st down.

For all the chatter about Mark Sanchez & Co.'s inability to convert on third down in Sunday's loss to the Patriots, the more troublesome issue for the Jets' pedestrian offense is its lack of production on first down. Sure, Gang Green's 27% third-down efficiency contributed to the defeat, but the struggles on first down were worse.

Rex Ryan's team gained just 4.0 yards per play on first down against its AFC East rivals, which contributed to an average of 5.5 yards to go on third down and seven three-and-outs on 11 possessions. Only two teams - the Jaguars and Rams - entered Week 5 with a more inept first-down offense. The Jets' average yards gained on first down were 21% below the league average before Sunday.

Through three quarters on Sunday, Gang Green had averaged only 3.0 yards per play on first down against the league's worst defense. Sanchez had just nine completions for 70 yards entering the fourth quarter. The Jets had only two plays for more than 10 yards through three quarters.

Although Sanchez maintained after the loss that "I think our run game was pretty effective, especially on first down," the numbers suggest otherwise. The Jets rushed for only 3.8 yards per carry on first down last Sunday (14 carries for 53 yards). Through five games, the Jets are averaging 4.49yards per play on first down.

Gang Green's seemingly conservative approach against the porous Patriots defense - the Jets had a 50-50 run-pass split - prompted questions about whether the offense has a clear identity.

Ryan, whose team hopes to end its three-game losing streak on Monday night against the 0-4 Dolphins, dismissed the notion that his team is suffering an offensive identity crisis.

"What's the identity of the New England Patriots?" Ryan said. "They throw the ball all over the place, right? Well, they ran the ball. They're more balanced now. We'd like to be balanced. I think every team in this league would like to be balanced."

NOT-SO-CANDID CAMERA

Four years after the Spygate scandal, the Jets squashed suggestions of impropriety stemming from TV footage of a team employee filming the action from Gang Green's sideline during Sunday's game against the Patriots. The camera man, who was wearing a lime-green vest and press credential, was shown on the CBS telecast.

A Jets spokesman said that the man was a Jets TV employee and was filming for team programming. According to the NFL policy on sideline access, "club video crews and video crews from television stations that produce and telecast club-licensed programming (e.g. coaches' shows, team magazine-style shows, etc.) may also be permitted to have a camera on the sidelines to shoot footage for those club-licensed programs only."

SECONDARY ISSUES

Defensive back Ellis Lankster signed a one-year contract. with injuries to Donald Strickland (head) and Isaiah Trufant (hamstring), the Jets need depth in the secondary. Outside linebacker Eddie Jones was cut. Lankster played well in training camp and in the preseason.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2011/10/12/2011-10-12_first_downers.html#ixzz1aZZN9SF4

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Former NY Jets coach Bill Parcells says quarterback Mark Sanchez can't carry Gang Green yet

BY Manish Mehta

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Wednesday, October 12th 2011, 4:00 AM

Bill Parcells doesn't believe that Mark Sanchez is quite ready to carry the load to help dig the Jets out of their three-game slide.

"He's a developing player, just like all young quarterbacks, and there's going to be some good and some not-so-good," the former Jets and Giants coach told ESPN Radio Tuesday. "Before you can drive a Ford, you have to be able to drive a Cadillac. If they get everything good around him, I think it will go well. Right now, I don't think he can take the team completely on his shoulders."

Sanchez, meanwhile reiterated his support for offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer during his weekly spot on ESPN Radio Tuesday. The Daily News reported Sunday that three Jets receivers had questioned the offense to Rex Ryan in recent weeks.

"I'm totally behind Brian," Sanchez said. "He's done a great job for us....I love our system. I love what Schotty's doing."

HAPPY TOON

Former Jets wide receiver Al Toon, who will be part of the class inducted into the team's Ring of Honor during Monday night's game against the Dolphins, never got a Super Bowl ring with Gang Green. But he did get one this year after the Packers won it all, since he's a member of the team's Board of Directors.

"It's a little strange to have a Packer ring," Toon said in a conference call Tuesday. "It would have been a great opportunity to have a ring as a player."

GAME ON

The Jets donated $150,000 Tuesday to help fund a girls varsity flag football program in New York City public schools... Former Dolphins fullback Lousaka Polite worked out for the Jets Tuesday. No signing is imminent, a source said.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2011/10/12/2011-10-12_parcells_says_sanchez_cant_carry_team_yet.html#ixzz1aZa8NOWI

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Scouting the Dolphins

October, 12, 2011

Oct 12

6:00

AM ET

By Rich Cimini

The early word on the Dolphins, whom the Jets face Monday night at Met Life Stadium:

• They're 0-4, can't score and can't defend the pass. Sounds like they could be a match for the Jets.

• Despite their struggles, the Dolphins have a knack for beating the Jets. They've won four of the last five meetings, with three of those on the Jets' turf. The Dolphins are coming off a bye, which means they've had a chance to rest, get healthier and take a long look in the mirror. Always beware of struggling teams after the bye; they could make wholesale changes. Coach Tony Sparano, hanging by a thread, could be dangerous if he takes a what-the-bleep attitude.

• QB Matt Moore makes his first start, replacing the injured Chad Henne. Moore has a 7-6 career mark, all with the Panthers. He completed 17 of 26 for 167 yards, no TDs and one interception in the Dolphins' last game, a loss to the Chargers.

• Former rent-a-Jet Jason Taylor returns to the place he called home for ... oh, about five minutes.

The New York/New Jersey crowd started to warm to him last season, but you can bet things will go back to normal -- which means they'll be hating on him again. Taylor has one sack as a situational pass rusher. He made headlines recently, when he told a Miami TV station that Henne has more talent than Mark Sanchez.

• So here we go again: The Jets are facing another woeful pass defense (31st, 307 yards per game), which means more debate on offensive philosophy. Do they air it out or stick with Ground & Pound? Know this: The Dolphins have only two interceptions, none by any of their starting DBs.

What happened to the best CB tandem in the league, Vontae Davis and Sean Smith? (That's what they called themselves before the season.) Actually, Davis has been hurt, but there's a chance he could return for this game.

• The Dolphins, under new coordinator Brian Daboll (a former Jets assistant under Eric Mangini), have scored six offensive TDs in four game. No player has more than one. Their best threat, WR Brandon Marshall, has been pedestrian.

• The Fish have a bit of a running-back controversy. Reggie Bush has been the starter even though he has been a major disappointment (119 yards, 3.0 ypc), outplayed by rookie Daniel Thomas (202, 4.9). Don't be surprised if Thomas has a bigger role.

• So you think the Jets have an issue at RT? Check out the Dolphins. Marc Columbo is on pace to allow 12 sacks.

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Mason trade should be a wake-up call

October, 12, 2011

Oct 12

12:06

AM ET

By Rich Cimini

The Jets agreed in principle Tuesday night to trade WR Derrick Mason to the Houston Texans for a conditional seventh-round draft pick, sources said.

Thoughts:

• Can't say I'm surprised. There was speculation circulating around the team Sunday that Mason, demoted in favor of rookie Jeremy Kerley, was on thin ice.

• Did someone say "wake-up call?" Nothing shakes up an underachieving team quite like a firing or, in this case, a trade. A lot of fans wish it could've been O.C. Brian Schottenheimer; you got Mason instead.

• Rex Ryan insisted Monday that Mason's diminished role had nothing to do with the New York Daily News story that said Mason complained to him about Schottenheimer. He also said it had nothing to do with an ESPNNewYork.com report that said the benching was due to critical public comments about the offense.

There are mixed signals on this one. You hear he was dumped because he was struggling with the playbook and didn't know some plays. I don't doubt that for a second, but you're naive if you think that was the only reason. Mason had a reputation in Baltimore for pouting (Ryan, a former Ravens assistant, knew that), and there's no doubt there was some disharmony behind the scenes with the offense struggling.

• The Jets are thin at receiver, with Kerley backing up Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress. If there's an injury, they're in trouble. That tells you just how badly they wanted to get rid of Mason.

And, no, they're not going to trade for a veteran receiver before next Tuesday's trading deadline.

That wouldn't make much sense, would it?

• This is what an opposing personnel executive told me Tuesday about Kerley: "I actually think he can do what Mason does right now."

• The Jets were criticized when they parted ways with veteran leaders such as Jerricho Cotchery and Damien Woody. They released Cotchery, one of the most respected players in the locker room and a Schottenheimer favorite, and brought in Mason -- a bad move for team chemistry.

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Green Lantern: All Hail The ‘Occupy Florham Park’ Movement

If Jets Don't Want A Reputable Offense, Masses Will March Until They Wise Up

October 12, 2011 9:12 AMBy Jeff Capellini, CBSNewYork/WFAN.com

NEW YORK (WFAN) — It’s about to begin.

With all the political unrest in the United States, why shouldn’t it carry over to the sports world?

Born on Twitter, the “Occupy Florham Park” movement is a direct, as of yet non-violent, protest against the Jets and all they stand for when they have the football. Fans are tired of an offense incapable of supporting a defense that seemingly loses years off its life on a weekly basis.

A case can be made that the Jets have not had a vertical passing attack since the days of Kenny O’Brien, Al Toon and Wesley Walker in the late 1980s. What this team has put out there since has been a series of big-name players running in circles that rarely stretch more than 10 yards down field, under the guidance of one lacking offensive coordinator after another.

Since 2006 Brian Schottenheimer has been the man in charge of making the Jets go. The problem, though, has been this offense remaining in neutral far more often than it has ever gotten into any recognizable gear. “Schotty” has often been vilified in the stadium, in the media and online for being the furthest thing from an innovator. Some of it has been warranted and some of it has been the product of misdirected angst.

And while it’s true the Jets made it to the AFC Championship game in both 2009 and 2010 under Schotty’s tutelage, fans have never accepted him as one of their own.

And the reason for this is simple: The Jets always seem to need a month to do what other teams often do in a minute.

I was never a “supporter” of Schottenheimer. I just wrote and tweeted against people who always called for his head when they didn’t consider the circumstances — like injuries or game situations — or simply missed the boat completely as to why the Jets didn’t win.

This season I vowed to give Schotty the benefit of the doubt no matter what. I mean, he was given the keys to a year older and wiser quarterback in Mark Sanchez, was handed an offensive line that once again figured to be among the best in the NFL, was shipped not one or two, but three excellent wide receivers in Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason, and was already familiar with eventual Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson, sturdy and workman-like running back Shonn Greene and more than reliable tight end Dustin Keller.

I mean what was not to like?

When early season injuries and inconsistency plagued the offensive line, I urged caution instead of immediately lambasting the offensive coordinator. I said time and again, let the line get healthy before you kill Schottenheimer. If holes don’t open to run through and protection isn’t there for Sanchez, how could anyone in their right mind expect Schotty to game-plan any kind of offense that would score a slew of points and, probably just as importantly, attain any semblance of balance and rhythm?

Well, with the return of all-everything center Nick Mangold and some soul searching from right guard Brandon Moore and tackle Wayne Hunter, the Jets offensive line returned to form to some degree last Sunday against the Patriots.

But the passing offense was far less scintillating, a running theme in these here parts. Yes, I do realize Sanchez threw for around 700 yards in the Jets’ opening two games and both ended as wins, but I feel like Schottenheimer took shots down field in spite of himself. He couldn’t run the football due to the line’s blocking problems so he did the only thing he could do.

He turned Sanchez loose.

Fast forward three weeks to the New England game. The line was run-blocking well, but the shots down field disappeared — once again until the Jets were forced to do nothing but pass, down 13 points with a little less than a quarter to play.

And Schottenheimer has given no one any reason to believe that line of thinking and play-calling won’t continue until rapture or he’s let go and someone is brought in who understands that this is indeed the 21st century and in the NFL that means throwing the football in a manner that opens up the offense and makes life easier for the running game, not the other way around, as was the case for a great part of the 1960s and ’70s.

Schotty simply never gives you any reason to believe he’ll truly adapt to the new-age NFL or at the very least supplement the Jets’ “ground and pound” approach with deep passes to keep opposing defenses honest.

Now, whether or not you buy Rex Ryan’s missive that in no way did his trio of receivers come to him to complain about the play-calling, something happened. That’s the only real way to explain why a deal to trade Mason, a man with 935 career receptions and plenty of giddy-up left in his 37-year-old caboose, was reached late Tuesday night with the Houston Texans.

The Jets are now one receiver light and more responsibility has been bestowed upon the shoulders of one Jeremy Kerley. The tiny speedster can play the game, no question about it, but on a team built to win yesterday does it make a lot of sense to trust a pint-sized rookie over a hardened veteran like Mason? Especially when your passing offense is already extremely offensive at times?

And while I’m at it, I just wanted to let everyone know that the Jets’ problems are not entirely hinged on play-calling. Sanchez, when given the opportunity throughout his two-plus NFL seasons, has been hit or miss. Of course you expect a rookie or second-year quarterback to force the ball or get happy feet or eat a hot dog on the sideline. It goes with the territory of being young and occasionally clueless. But as a third-year guy, when the world expects you to man up and start to make that ascension into the league’s elite, you can’t have a quarterback who is still telegraphing his passes or locking in on the primary receiver without a bye or leave for his progressions.

Sanchez still does these things, but we forgive him because he’s, again, young and occasionally clueless. What we don’t forgive is Schottenheimer’s inability to fix the problems. I see no way Sanchez will ever become all he can be with Schotty as his primary on-field teacher.

So it really goes without saying something definitely stinks in the Jersey suburbs.

Enter “the movement.”

The fine people of Florham Park and the surrounding areas need not worry about noise or the protesters looking for handouts. We have no intention of turning our demonstrations into the circus that’s transpiring in Manhattan and in other municipalities across the country. We simply want an offense and we’re so determined to get one we’ll camp out for days, weeks and even months to see it done.

The idea of occupying Florham Park has been years in the making. Careful thought and preparation has gone into our decision. While we expect resistance from the security guards at the practice facility we have no intention of getting rowdy. You won’t catch me sneaking in to steal a shower or some practice shorts. Maybe we’ll just have a massive sit-in. Maybe we’ll picket. Perhaps we’ll sing songs about the “Sack Exchange” or re-enact Richard Todd to Jerome Barkum against the Fish at Shea. We may even invite Joe Namath along to run interference and hog all the interviews because, using my most colorful sarcasm, he seems to really believe he has the pulse of this franchise.

Regardless of how we go about our business, we’re going to get an offense.

We expect you, Rex, Mike Tannenbaum and Woody Johnson, to be listening.

Have you not learned anything from the likes of Paul Hackett? No? Well, what you trot out there every Sunday right now isn’t a whole hell of a lot better. The way I see it, the Jets owe us something. Could his name be Anthony Lynn or perhaps Bill Callahan? I don’t know. But as it stands, neither does anyone in the Jets’ braintrust.

We’ve set a date to begin the occupation. The “L7″ tailgate crew from MetLife Stadium has already secured hundreds of tents, grills and Porta-Pottys, plus thousands of pounds of food and gallons of drink to last through the 2015 season. You have until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 17, to show us our offense. If not, we’re coming bright and early Tuesday morning.

You play the 0-4 Dolphins in front of a national audience on Monday night. You have a chance to prove to the world that Schottenheimer is worth Rex’s praise. While naturally the idea that night will be to win the game, I’m going to temporarily shelve my mantra that states there are no style points awarded for a victory in the NFL. On the contrary, under these special circumstances we want all the bells and whistles, plus plenty of touchdowns.

Give us a reason to believe our future is secure. I want to wake up Tuesday knowing I won’t have to watch 5-yard pass patterns run on 3rd and 6 anymore. I want peace of mind knowing you’ll try to set up a screen more than once per game. I damn near expect an occasional bomb. We’d all be really pleased if you did more no-huddle and ran more misdirection instead of trying to bash through the back of Mangold on nearly every first down.

I could go on and on and on.

So, our stance is clear. Give us our offense. Now.

Or let the takeover of Florham Park begin.

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Report: Derrick Mason Trade Due To Shaky Grasp Of Jets’ Playbook

October 12, 2011 9:00 AM

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) – Derrick Mason couldn’t shape up, so the Jets shipped him out.

According to multiple reports, the Jets have agreed to trade the veteran wide receiver to the Houston Texans for a conditional seventh-round draft pick.

The Jets were apparently upset with Mason’s inability to grasp their playbook. The 37-year-old traveled home to Nashville each Monday and Tuesday, the New York Post reported, which “contributed to his difficulty” learning offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s system.

The New York Daily News also cited the receiver’s shaky knowledge as a reason for his departure. The paper reported Mason’s “criticisms of the offense” was another factor that led to the trade.

The deal ends a quick stint in New York for the 37-year-old Mason, who spent the last six seasons with Baltimore, coach Rex Ryan’s former team. He signed a two-year deal with the Jets in early August, choosing them over a return with the Ravens or the Tennessee Titans. He had been released by Baltimore before training camp and was expected to fill the spot of the departed Jerricho Cotchery.

Ryan was excited by Mason joining the team. But the veteran got off to a slow start with just 13 catches for 115 yards, and had just one reception — the only pass thrown his way — on Sunday.

“Let’s face it. I thought Derrick would catch 80-90 balls,” Ryan said on Monday. “That hasn’t happened.”

Ryan explained that Mason saw less time against the Patriots because he wanted to give Jeremy Kerley, a fifth-round pick, more opportunities.

“I just thought we can do some things with Kerley,” he said. “I think we’re excited (with) the way he’s out there on the practice field and we’ll see going forward.”

Mason made some critical comments the previous week, saying the team had “cracks” that needed to be fixed. Ryan insisted that had nothing to do with the decision to have Mason sit in favor of Kerley.

“You guys know I have an open policy with the media,” Ryan said. “I don’t put a muzzle on anybody.”

Mason, along with Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes, were also mentioned in a Daily News report that said the wide receivers had met with Ryan individually during the last few weeks to complain about Schottenheimer.

All three denied the report, as did Ryan — and the team took the rare step of issuing a statement to also say it was untrue.

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Who replaces Derrick Mason for Jets?

October, 12, 2011

Oct 12

8:17

AM ET

By James Walker

The New York Jets traded veteran receiver Derrick Mason to the Houston Texans. The Jets got a conditional seventh-round draft choice in return.

Here are some thoughts on the trade:

Last Sunday's benching against the New England Patriots was a prelude to this trade. Mason, and a lot of Jets, have been unhappy with the way things are going on offense. The Jets are ranked No. 28 offensively. Mason has never been shy to voice his opinions. But the Jets probably felt it was too detrimental for a team which already has a bruised psyche. New York is on a three-game losing streak.

Unless the Jets acquire another veteran, rookie Jeremy Kerley looks to be the favorite to get playing time as New York’s No. 3 receiver. Kerley showed flashes against the Patriots. He had three catches for 35 yards and a touchdown while Mason was benched. The coaches like Kerley's potential. A trade is another possibility. The Jets now lack depth at receiver if there is an injury to starters Santonio Holmes or Plaxico Burress.

I also understand why the Texans would make this move. Mason is a veteran who can help plug the hole for Andre Johnson, who is out for several weeks with a hamstring injury. The Texans didn’t look the same without Johnson in last week’s home loss to the Oakland Raiders. Houston needs some help to win games now.

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If Sanchez doesn’t step up, Jets are doomed

Jets Blog

Last Updated: 2:47 AM, October 12, 2011

Posted: 1:58 AM, October 12, 2011

ON THE JETS

A week after the Jets drafted Mark Sanchez in 2009, he participated in a mini-camp that gave his coaches their first glance at the man they had chosen with the No. 5 pick in the draft.

“He’s got a little swagger in him,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said then. “It’s easy to follow someone who has confidence in himself.”

That swagger and that confidence, if it every truly existed, has vanished. In his third season, Sanchez appears to be overwhelmed by expectations, unsure of how to handle veteran receivers and unable to take the next step in his development.

Mark Sanchez

Of all the questions surrounding the Jets right now, and there are enough to fill a Jeopardy game board, the biggest is this: How good is Mark Sanchez?

At times, he looks like the franchise quarterback Jets fans have been waiting for since Joe Namath went to Los Angeles. At others, he looks like the second coming of Richard Todd.

The 24-year-old has played 36 regular-season games, a decent sample size. He has 37 touchdowns and 38 interceptions. He has completed 54.7 percent of his passes. Basically, the definition of mediocre. He does have four playoff victories, but the Jets need more from him in the four months leading up to January.

Sanchez did walk into a difficult situation with the Jets. Most quarterbacks selected high in the draft join bad teams. The Jets traded up to get Sanchez at No. 5, and he walked into a veteran team that had won nine games the year before. Unlike Matthew Stafford or Cam Newton, Sanchez had to navigate a locker room filled with veterans.

The Jets also made the decision to play Sanchez immediately rather than allow him time to watch.

Aaron Rodgers, who did not start until his fourth season, experienced his growing pains in a classroom. Sanchez has gone through his on national TV.

In some ways, Sanchez is a lot like Mets third baseman David Wright. Both had the team’s hopes pinned on them the second they walked through the door. They tantalized with some big moments, but both leave fans questioning if they can ever live up to their original dreams for them.

This season, the training wheels were supposed to come off. Ryan talked about “airing it out” and the Jets brought in veteran receivers Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason, hoping for more three-receiver looks.

Through the first four weeks, the Jets stuck with that plan with mixed results. Sanchez had two games with more than 300 yards passing, but he also threw five interceptions. The team went 2-2, with neither loss falling on Sanchez’s head. The defense blew the Raiders game and the offensive line cost them against the Ravens. But that Ravens game rattled Ryan enough that he proclaimed the team would go back to running the ball last week, despite the Patriots being ranked last in pass defense.

For three quarters Sunday, Sanchez threw short passes and handed the ball off. He had 70 yards passing before the numbers got padded in the fourth quarter with the team trailing by 13 points.

If the Jets are going anywhere this season, Sanchez is going to have to lead them. It is time for offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to put his trust in Sanchez. Let him throw the ball down the field. Take some chances. Sanchez looks most comfortable in late-game situations when he’s running the no-huddle. Schottenheimer needs to find a way to recreate those situations earlier in games.

Most of all, the Jets need to restore the swagger and confidence they saw in Sanchez when they drafted him. After Sunday’s game he stood in a corner as Ryan talked to reporters. Still in uniform, Sanchez looked like a Pop Warner player waiting for his ride home.

“We’re used to winning and we haven’t been on a three-game skid like this in a while,” Sanchez said. “We’re going to see what a lot of guys are made of on this team.”

Starting with you, No. 6.

Schedule foretold slump

At 2-3, the panic button is being pressed all over Jets Nation, but there needs to be some perspective on the team’s three-game losing skid. The Jets just went through the toughest stretch on their schedule.

When the schedule was released in April, the three straight road games jumped off the page. It turned out to be even worse for the Jets than anticipated. The Raiders are better than people thought they would be. The Ravens defense put on a clinic. And the Patriots offense is an early-season machine, as usual. The Jets also endured the first two-legs of this road swing without center Nick Mangold.

“It was a tough stretch,” left guard Matt Slauson said. “All three teams are really good teams. But that isn’t an excuse. We need to win on the road. We need to win against the good teams. If we don’t win against good teams, we aren’t going to go anywhere.”

Slauson is right. But the schedule dictates more in the NFL than any other league. The Jets need to fatten up when they face inferior teams and win their home games. They have done that so far, and now the winless Dolphins come to MetLife Stadium.

Spygate sequel gets squashed

The website Pro Football Talk started a mini-controversy yesterday that the Jets quickly squashed. T

he site put up a screen grab of a Jets employee shooting video from the sideline during Sunday’s loss to the Patriots.

The Jets said in an email that the cameraman “works for Jets TV ... and shoots footage for our team programming.”

So, any hope of “Spygate 2” by Patriots fans were crushed.

* The Jets signed cornerback Ellis Lankster, according to his agent, and waived linebacker Eddie Jones. The team lost cornerbacks Donald Strickland (head) and Isaiah Trufant (hamstring) in Sunday’s loss.

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/if_sanchez_doesn_step_up_jets_are_ErmVtoYw1jsSicIGN0yutI#ixzz1aZex5okY

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Despite denials, deal suggests Derrick talked his way off Jets

Jets Blog

Last Updated: 8:48 AM, October 12, 2011

Posted: 1:46 AM, October 12, 2011

You can criticize Jets coach Rex Ryan for his bravado. You can tweak him about his expanded waistline. You can chide him about most anything.

But if you’re one of his players, you can never — ever — suggest his team is lacking unity. This is one thing Ryan simply does not tolerate.

The comments receiver Derrick Mason made after the Jets’ emasculating 34-17 loss to the Ravens two weeks ago on national television when he said there were “cracks” on the team that need fixing,

suggested the very poison Ryan detests.

So Ryan and the Jets fixed one of those cracks last night when they shipped Mason to the Texans for an undisclosed draft pick.

This move came two days after Mason essentially was benched against the Patriots, not playing until the third quarter. That came a week after Mason’s comments following the loss to the Ravens.

Ryan has denied the comments had anything to do with Mason’s demise, but don’t believe that. The foundation of Ryan as a coach is unity among his players, and when there is a hint of a breach in that unity, it’s like a shot to his solar plexus.

So Ryan, whose 2-3 Jets undeniably are in crisis as they prepare for Monday night’s must-win home game against the Dolphins, had to make this move.

Good for the Jets for even getting a draft pick out of the deal, even though they’re going to take a hit on his $1.4 million salary on the cap.

The Jets’ decision was made easier by the fact rookie Jeremy Kerley delivered such a promising performance against the Patriots, catching three passes, including his first NFL touchdown.

But Mason, who was signed as a free agent in the offseason and had a history with Ryan with their time spent together in Baltimore, was supposed to be the No. 3 receiver. Before the season, Ryan predicted Mason would catch 90 passes this season, yet he has produced just 13 nondescript receptions for 113 yards and no touchdowns.

“Let’s face it, I thought Derrick would catch 80 to 90 balls, but that hasn’t happened,” Ryan said Monday.

Ryan steadfastly has denied a recent report Mason, Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress all, at separate times, approached Ryan to complain about offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and his system — something the three receivers denied as well. Mason, in fact, called his diminished playing time against the Patriots a “coincidence” in relation to the report, but he was cryptic about whether he and Ryan spoke before the game about the change in his role.

He kept saying, “You have to ask coach about that.”

That is never a good sign.

The likelihood is the receivers didn’t go to Ryan to complain, but clearly there has been some angst behind the scenes with players frustrated by the rudderless offense without an identity.

Mason just happened to be the first player to suggest that publicly, and now he’s gone.

mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/despite_denials_deal_suggests_derrick_gdqsetqa8GKqKWvaPAJTgK#ixzz1aZfnkOl1

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Chaos At Camp Ryan

10.12.11 Written by Big Daddy Drew

Mark Sanchez: Oh wow, Shonn. We’re in some serious trouble here!

Shonn Greene: Yup.

Mark Sanchez: Three losses in a row! Man, we suck right now!

Shonn Greene: Yup.

Mark Sanchez: And you know what the worst part of it is? I think it might be my fault.

Shonn Greene: Yup.

Mark Sanchez: I feel like I’m losing the team. I feel like everyone has lost faith in me.

Shonn Greene: Yup.

Mark Sanchez: What’s up with you, Shonn? You seem awfully curt today. Just a bunch of one-word answers.

Shonn Greene: Yup.

Mark Sanchez: Oh, God. You, too? I’ve lost you, along with everyone else! OH NO! I can’t believe I’ve managed to lose my best friend in all this!

Shonn Greene: Best friend? The hell you talking about?

Mark Sanchez: We’re not best friends?

Shonn Greene: Nope.

Mark Sanchez: I thought we were best friends!

Shonn Greene: Nope.

Mark Sanchez: Christ, everything I’ve ever believed in has been a lie! What if I’ve been fooling myself this whole time? What if I’ve never been worth a damn? This is a spiritual crisis, Shonn!

Shonn Greene: Yup.

Mark Sanchez: Maybe a trip to see “Mamma Mia!” would help get my head straight. Sometimes, it just feels so good to get away and lose yourself in ABBA.

Shonn Greene: (shakes head)

Mark Sanchez: I thought you liked musicals!

Shonn Greene: Nope.

(ground rumbling)

Mark Sanchez: Maybe coach will have it sorted out. I need help!

(door flies open)

Ryan: HOW THE **** YOU DOIN’, BOYS?

Sanchez: Hey, Coach!

Ryan: Oh, men. Oh… men. Men, I’m not going to sugarcoat it, because things that are sugarcoated are delicious. WE ARE sh*t. We are a big green turtle that poked out of a dirty Russian war criminal’s a$$hole and broke off down into a puddle of cold piss. I took a sh*t this morning, men. Big sh*t. HUGE sh*t. The kind of sh*t that makes you wonder if you just lost a vital organ. And all I could think about while that turd was running a go route was, “THIS IS US.”

Sanchez: So what can I help do about it?

Ryan: You, personally? Uh… well… uh…

(door flies open)

Silky Garrard: Hello. I was told to be here at this facility at 3PM today, which is why I’m here at 5:46PM.

Sanchez: Wait a second. What’s he doing here?

Silky Garrard: Sir! SIR! Take a seat, my Chicano friend. I know just the kind of entertainment you Latin men require. You must be tired. You must be aching after a long day working in the fields, picking organic blueberries for the local Trader Joe’s shipping facility just so you have enough money to send back to your five hundred family members down in Chiapas. I know your struggle all too well. Your hands must look GHASTLY, as if they were chewed on by a very large dog. I do not blame you for coming to me and asking for the companionship of my fine, fine, FINE ladies.

Business has blossomed ever since the Jaguars so rudely showed Silky Garrard the door. Such a frugal enterprise down there. Wayne Weaver would only buy a woman from me if I let him pay with used waffles. Now, to show you your options for the evening’s latex party…

Ryan: Hold up, Silky. We don’t need the hookers. Yet. We need you for something else first.

Sanchez: Oh, God! You’re replacing me! That’s it, isn’t it? He’s here to take the starting job!

Ryan: Now, don’t go sh*ttin’ your pantalones, Mark.

Sanchez: And you called me MARK! Oh, sweet Jesus! I’m not even worthy of a racist nickname anymore! I’M sh*t! I’M a$$! I need ABBA now more than ever!

Ryan: Hold on a goddamn second.

Sanchez: This is not all my fault, you know! Ask the wideouts!

(opens door to wideout room, where Plaxico, Santonio, and Mason are all punching Brian Schottenheimer in the nuts)

Ryan: God dammit, BREAK IT UP! BREAK IT UP! We do NOT punch members of the coaching staff in the nuts here! Except Alosi, because he’s a sh*thead.

Mason: You’re not throwing the ball to the wideouts enough!

Ryan: You got a smart mouth on you, Mason. I brought you in from Baltimore because I thought you were a WINNER. Instead, all you do is bitch about your grandkids not calling you!

Mason: **** you!

Ryan: Keep it up. I’ll ship you to HOUSTON. See what life is like working for Gary ******* Kubiak.

You blow games with five seconds left and Kubes gets Dep all over you! And Wade steals lunches!

Mason: I’ll take it, BITCH. I’m outta here.

(traded to Houston)

Ryan: God dammit, we’re falling apart here!

Silky Garrard: That’s why you need the comfort of a good, strong bitch.

Ryan: That’s true, Silky. I like where your head is at. BUT WE NEED TO FOCUS FOR A MOMENT HERE! I need everyone to take a knee!

(everyone takes a knee)

Sanchez: Actually, can we stand? This is really uncomfortable.

Santonio: Yeah, this floor is concrete and sh*t.

Ryan: Stand, sit, stick your thumb up your butt, WHATEVER. Just gather in my general vicinity.

(everyone gathers round)

Ryan: I told you I wouldn’t sugarcoat it and I haven’t. We all suck right now. I’ll take the blame for it.

Schottenheimer will take the blame for it. sh*t Taco over there will take the blame for it.

Sanchez: Hey, I have a nickname again!

Ryan: SHUT UP. Look, I don’t always have the answers. And I’d be a sh*t leader if I pretended I did.

You’d know I was bullsh*tting you, and I will NEVER bullsh*t you boys. We’re ******* up right now. But it’s not like we haven’t played like sh*t in the past, am I right? We figured it out after a while, and we got back to winnin’ games and bangin’ strippers. But we only figured it out because we stayed TOGETHER. None of this girly finger-pointing dogsh*t. You can blame me all you like, and I can blame you all I like. But it ain’t gonna do us any good, now will it? It’s not gonna magically get us to stop ******* up.

Sanchez: But then… how do we stop ******* up?

Ryan: Well… I think that we… We probably ought to… You know, there’s a good bit of tape we could study… OH **** IT. JUST BRING OUT THE HOOKERS.

Silky Garrard: Your wish is my command.

(brings out the hookers)

Silky Garrard: I was feeling a certain Asian flair today. These girls just arrived from Myanmar in an airtight shipping container. They may be a touch light-headed. They were not given names at birth, only three-letter passcodes. RFQ over there likes dolls and having her hair pulled. FGP has never spoken a word in her life. She might have brain damage. Prices have been tattooed on their fannies.

Ryan: (hands out cash) Go, men! GO! Do what you have to do!

(everyone has sex with a hooker)

(ten minutes later)

Ryan: Does everyone feel better?

Sanchez: My penis itches.

Silky Garrard: That’ll happen.

Ryan: What about you, Dichabod? You happy now?

Santonio: Well, I…

Ryan: Oh! Oh! Oh, Dichabod Crane took a ride on the Orient Express! THAT’S GREAT ******* HUSTLE!

(slaps Holmes on penis, HARD)

Santonio: Ouch!

Ryan: ******* BRING IT IN, MEN.

(everyone brings it in)

Ryan: Listen, let’s not get lost in our own asses here. It’s early. And did you see who we’re playing this week? We’re playing the DOLPHINS. They’re ******* sh*ttier than we are! All it takes is one win, men. All it takes is one goddamn little win to make it all right. One win, and suddenly our differences don’t seem so big. One win, and suddenly pussy tastes just a little bit sweeter.

Santonio: Speaking of tasting pussy, I think I might have some kind of sexual gum infection now, Coach.

Ryan: Quiet! I’m getting in a rhythm here. One win, men. One win and you’ll remember how the **** it’s done. You’ll remember that you are WINNERS. That you are all eight-tentacled, whale-raping seabeasts! That you can still FIGHT AND **** AND KILL. You like fighting and ******* and killing, don’t you?

Everyone: Yes!

Ryan: I’m glad we’re going through this right now, men. I truly am. It’s a ball-check moment for all of us. I look around this room and I see men who are hurt, and angry, and want to strangle a stray cat.

I like that. I like that this has pissed you off, because right now I’M SO GODDAMN PISSED I COULD TEAR OUT NACHO’S HEART AND ******* EAT IT. AND I MIGHT, BECAUSE THEN I COULD BENCH HIS a$$.

Sanchez: Hey!

Ryan: This is the moment that we’re gonna look back on. When we’re sitting on top of the ******* world in February, we’re gonna point to this month right here and said THIS is when our balls dropped. When we became the anger. When we became the red blood fog that consumed cities whole. WHEN WE BECAME ******* DEATH. ARE YOU READY TO BECOME DEATH?!

Everyone: YES!

Ryan: ARE YOU READY TO COME ******* CORRECT??!!!

Everyone: YES!

Ryan: ARE YOU READY TO REST YOUR BALLS ON THE CHIN OF VICTORY??!!!

Everyone: YES!

Ryan: ARE YOU ******* READY TO MUTILATE AND DISMEMBER??????

Everyone: YES!

Ryan: ******* HANDS IN!

(hands in)

Ryan: We’re gonna get that one ******* win, and then we’re all gonna go back upstairs and enjoy

Round 2 with Silky’s finest!

Silky: You get 10% off your second insertion.

Ryan: ******* WIN ON THREE! ONE TWO THREE!

Everyone: WIN!

Ryan: Do you take a credit card?

Silky: Cash or coke only, please.

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B&C Morning Show: Jets’ Ship Takes On Water; Boomer Breaks Down Weather Patterns

October 12, 2011 7:00 AM

Craig has been worried about the Jets for awhile now, but in light of recent events his level of concern is steadily rising.

Before introducing Jerry Recco and allowing him to begin his update, Craig talked about the Jets’ ship taking on water and Boomer agreed that the recent chain of events and how they have turned out for Rex and the Jets are certainly not good.

Then Jerry began his update talking about the Jets and their trade of Derrick Mason after just 5 games with the team. We heard an audio cut of Mason following the Jets’ Week 4 loss to the Ravens and his comments were very telling. From there we heard about a changing of the guard in Denver, as the Broncos will turn the QB reigns over to the ever popular Tim Tebow.

Keeping the NFL theme going, we heard a comment for Giants co-owner John Mara on the Super Bowl being in New York on February 2, 2014. Mara claimed ‘historically its warmer on the 2nd.’ Craig tried to make sense of the weather observation, while Boomer got busy tracking weather patterns.

Then we got a recap of the Tigers 5-2 win over the Rangers, in Game 3 of the ALCS and heard from the game’s hero Miguel Cabrera who led Detroit to their first win of the series. Before long

Boomer got back onto the weather patterns before Jerry squeezed in some Yankees news involving Joe Giradi making excuses for a couple of high paid players and how 12 year veteran AJ Burnett is still a work in progress…

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Jets must turn it around immediately

October 11, 2011 9:54 PM By RODERICK BOONE roderick.boone@newsday.com

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan walks off

Newsday columnist Roderick Boone Roderick Boone

It's been a rough three weeks for the Jets away from MetLife Stadium.

The journey began with a disappearing act in the Black Hole in Oakland, followed by a crabby dud in Baltimore. Then came Sunday's deflating defeat, a win so sweet for the Patriots that it apparently still had Bill Belichick feeling chipper Monday.

So now the Jets find themselves mired in a three-game losing streak, and some people already are beginning to shovel dirt on them. Think about it: If Tony Romo doesn't make two inexplicable mistakes in the fourth quarter of the opener, the Jets could be staring at a 1-4 start.

A few weeks ago, who would have thought Monday night's date with the 0-4 Dolphins would turn out to be so critical? But the Jets will be 0-2 in the AFC East if they lose the second game of a stretch in which they play four of five against division opponents.

That's why they have to turn this around immediately. Otherwise, they might have no tiebreakers within the division, which would make it nearly impossible to make the playoffs. Here are three things the Jets have to do to reverse course:

Plug the defensive leaks

Letting the Raiders' Darren McFadden rip them to shreds for 176 yards and that 70-yard touchdown on which the Jets lost containment was bad enough. But letting New England's BenJarvus Green-Ellis carve them up for a career-high 136 yards is a sign they have deeper issues within a run defense allowing 134.8 yards a game.

Before this season, the Jets allowed three 100-yard rushers under Rex Ryan, and it's now happened twice in three weeks. They also must shore up the middle of the field. Teams are picking on safety Eric Smith, and he's not handling it consistently enough, with the latest example coming Sunday on Wes Welker's 73-yarder when Smith was out of position.

They also have to get off the field more often in third-down situations, in which the Patriots were 7-for-14.

Adjust quicker on 'O'

Too many times, it seems as if the Jets don't switch up their game plan on the fly. Part of the problem could be related to their identity crisis, wanting to pound the ball with the run one week, then have Mark Sanchez pass frequently the next. They were as balanced as they've been all season against the Patriots, yet it still was fruitless.

They have to find a way to take better advantage of their mismatches, incorporate all their weapons into the mix and run the ball effectively while also maintaining a constant rhythm. All of that will help protect Sanchez, who's taken a beating and has gotten a case or two of happy feet.

Get it to Dustin

It's no coincidence that, typically, when Dustin Keller is a force, the Jets are a hard team to beat.

After leading them with 249 yards and two touchdowns on 16 receptions during the first three weeks, the tight end has been a non-factor of late. He has three catches for 19 yards in the past two games, and was targeted only twice against the Patriots in part because Keller said he was being rerouted after he got off the line. "Once you see something like that," he said, "you see it for the rest of the season."

No one is saying force the ball to him, but it goes back to adjustments. There has to be a way to keep him involved on a weekly basis, because the Jets have outside threats in Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress. Keller is extremely key to their success and they have to get him the ball.

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AFC East QBR rankings: Brady then...

October, 12, 2011

Oct 12

11:30

AM ET

By James Walker

There's been a lot of great quarterbacking in the AFC East, according to the Total Quarterback Rating system. Three quarterbacks in the division are ranked in the top 10 this season.

Here is the latest QBR standings:

Brady

Brady

1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Stats: 1,874 yards, 14 touchdowns, six interceptions

QBR: 84.2 (No. 2 overall)

Thoughts: It's no surprise Brady is tops in the AFC East. Brady is very close to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the top overall spot. If not for one bad game in Buffalo, Brady would be in the lead. Brady is seeing the field well. He’s completing nearly 68 percent of his passes.

2. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills

Stats: 1,233 yards, 10 touchdowns, four interceptions

QBR: 73.1 (No. 5 overall)

Thoughts: Fitzpatrick is having the fifth best season of any quarterback, according to the QBR. The thing I like about Fitzpatrick most this year is even his mediocre games aren’t meltdowns. The last two weeks he’s been average but only threw one interception in 61 pass attempts. Fitzpatrick tends to be streaky. So Bills fans have to hope he stays on the good side of his streakiness.

3. Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins

Stats: 868 yards, four touchdowns, four interceptions

QBR: 62.2 (No. 8 )

Thoughts: I like the strides Henne was making this season. But he wasn’t the eighth-best quarterback before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Winning has to account for something. Henne wasn’t necessarily losing Miami games, but he wasn’t winning them, either. Something worth noting is Henne averaged 7.5 per rushing attempt. He added that element to his game to help move the chains. Henne will be a free agent after the season.

4. Mark Sanchez, New York Jets

Stats: 1,171 yards, eight touchdowns, five interceptions

QBR: 23.1 (No. 31)

Thoughts: I always thought Sanchez got a bad rap in the QBR. Sanchez has struggled at times. But is he the second- or third-worst quarterback in the NFL, as the QBR suggests? I don't think so. Sanchez is on pace for career highs in yards (1,171), completion percentage (56.1), touchdowns (eight) and passer rating (80.4). He has two 300-yard games this season. But he's also had some duds and needs to work on his consistency.

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Ravens: Mason coming home...again

Seems like only yesterday that we were awaiting the return of receiver Derrick Mason to M&T Bank Stadium for the game between the Ravens and the Jets. Now, it looks like Mason will play in consecutive games at M&T -- consecutive for us, not him.

Mason reportedly has been traded to the Houston Texans to fill the void left when top receiver Andre Johnson went down with a severe hamstring injury. It's a little surprising that the Jets were so quick to get rid of him, though he probably ruffled some feathers when he complained publicly about the Jets offensive issues.

It looks like a good move for Mason. The Jets were considered a Super Bowl contender when he signed with them, but their postseason hopes hit a rough patch with a string of losses to the Raiders, Ravens and Patriots. The Texans are in better shape in the standings (3-2), but their nice start has been stunted by the loss of Johnson and a season-ending injury to defensive star Mario Willliams.

Still, the Texans remain in decent position to reach the playoffs from the AFC South with the Colts in crisis and a remaining schedule that is not particularly challenging. Mason will certainly help add some continuity to Matt Schaub's passing attack and help the Texans battle with the Tennessee Titans for divisional supremacy.

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Al Toon's Time with the Jets: 'Awesome'

By Eric Allen

On Monday night at halftime of the game against the Dolphins, the membership in the Jets' Ring of Honor will swell to 10 with the induction of the four members of the Class of 2011 — LB Larry Grantham, RB Freeman McNeil, DE Gerry Philbin and WR Al Toon. Over five days we'll present a profile on each player along with a slideshow recalling their playing careers and audio of a news conference each player had with reporters this past week. Today: Al Toon.

Al Toon may not have been a burner, but he raced to immediate production after the Jets selected him in the first round, No. 10 overall, out of Wisconsin in 1985.

“My first five years with the Jets were fast and furious. We had a lot of success, being a three-time MVP in consecutive years," he said of winning that team honor in 1986, '87 and '88. “I had a lot of success, led the AFC in receptions one year, and my kid was born. A lot of great things happened. It was an awesome time playing for the Jets.”

After a solid rookie season, Toon had a tremendous three-year run, averaging 82 receptions, 1,073 yards and six TD receptions.

“I came in from the University of Wisconsin, which was a run team. We were a little bit more of a passing team my last few years," Toon said. "But to step on the field in New York and the Meadowlands and have the ball come 14, 18 yards downfield ... I got to make it my thing and that was pretty awesome for a guy coming from a running team.”

The Jets won 11 regular-season games in Toon’s first pro season as the 6’4", 200-pounder was Ken O’Brien’s second-favorite target with 46 receptions. Then Toon became "the man" and led the Green & White in receptions from 1986-91.

“As a player for the Jets in the early Eighties, and more specifically as an offensive player, you couldn’t have asked for anything more,” he said. “I had a great quarterback in Kenny O’Brien who had a cannon for an arm, and his accuracy was impeccable.

“Then having some stud running backs in the backfield like Freeman McNeil and Johnny Hector, and Mickey Shuler at tight end was extremely well respected. And my partners in crime — Wesley Walker, JoJo Townsell and Kurt Sohn early on," he recalled. "There were some guys out there who could put some points on the board. Our offensive line was great at the time. Kenny was protected and it allowed us to get the ball downfield. It was an exciting time for me.”

"It Was a Cool Time"

Toon would appear in three playoff games his first two seasons, catching nine balls for 93 yards in the AFC Wild Card loss to the Patriots on Dec. 26, 1985, then combining for nine catches, 141 yards and one score as the Jets beat the Chiefs the following year on Wild Card Weekend before falling in an overtime heartbreak at Cleveland.

“I think we had a little bit of a chip on our shoulder and we had some characters on the team. It’s an entertainment business and characters are good, especially when they’re producing — the Mark Gastineaus, the Joe Kleckos, the Wesley Walkers, the Freeman McNeils,” Toon said. “You name it and they were there. To be a part of that and growing up and maturing in the game, it was a cool time.”

New York’s AFC representative would attain only one more winning season before Toon retired in 1992. Football is not a forgiving game, and the excellent Jets wideout absorbed multiple concussions and a lot of punishment during his 110 games (107 regular season, three postseason).

But almost two decades since his retirement, he’s feeling good and recently celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary with his wife, Jane. Their son, Nick, followed his dad’s footsteps and is a standout receiver at Wisconsin. They have a pair of daughters also in Big Ten athletics as Kirby, a sophomore at Wisconsin, and Molly, a sophomore at Michigan, are volleyball participants. A third daughter, Sydney, resides in Middleton, Wis., with her parents and also plays volleyball.

An active businessman, Toon is an investor in a Burger King group and a landscaping company called Olson Toon. He helped start a bank in 1995 and Capital now has two branches in Madison, Wis.

And Toon, who is a member of the Green Bay Packers board of directors, ironically now has a championship ring.

“It’s a little strange to have a Packers ring. Obviously I’m honored to have it, but it would have been a great opportunity to have a ring as a player,” he said. “I’ve been blessed with the honor to have been asked to be on the board of the Packers.”

Important Brick in the Jets' Tower

Al Toon will always be a New York Jet, though, and he’ll enter the team’s Ring of Honor on Monday Night at halftime of the Jets' game against the Miami Dolphins.

Almost 20 years retired, I can look back at it and feel like you were at least one brick to building the Jets’ tower, building the Jets’ arch and building the Jets’ legacy,” he said. “I applaud Mr. Woody Johnson for embracing the alumni and starting to bring us back to the game because it was a big part of us and who we are.”

Toon, who finished his career with 517 receptions, 6,605 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 19 100-yard games, also set the franchise mark of 101 consecutive games with at least one reception.

“It was a significant accomplishment in retrospect, knowing how hard it is to stay on the field. My goal as a player and as an athlete was not to have super-high highs and super-low lows,” he said. “I tried to be consistent so the coaches, the players and your teammates — and even yourself — you don’t overburden yourself with anxiety.”

Once a wide-eyed rookie looking at his new locker, Toon has no need for angst anymore. It’s time to take a bow for a job well done.

“It doesn’t really hit you until you walk to your locker and see your nametag up: '88 Toon,' " he said. "I was fortunate to be around for eight seasons and have some success as a player and generate an Al Toon fanbase."

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AFC East rookie rankings

October, 12, 2011

Oct 12

1:10

PM ET

By James Walker

Five weeks are in the books. So let's check the top rookie performers so far in the AFC East.

1. Mike Pouncey, C, Miami Dolphins

Drafted: First round

Stats: Four starts

Skinny: Pouncey has been one of the few consistent bright spots for the Dolphins (0-4). Miami's offensive line has underachieved, particularly in pass protection. But the Dolphins have had some success running between the tackles, and Pouncey is the primary reason.

2. Daniel Thomas, RB, Dolphins

Drafted: Second round

Stats: 42 carries, 202 rushing yards

Skinny: Thomas missed two games with a nagging hamstring injury. But he has been great when healthy. He averages 101 yards rushing per game. Thomas is the future for Miami at tailback. He has a good combination of vision, explosiveness and strength.

3. Nate Solder, OT, New England Patriots

Drafted: First round

Stats: Four starts

Skinny: Solder fits the Patriots' mold well. He has been consistent and versatile. Solder hasn't missed a beat playing right tackle for the injured Sebastian Vollmer. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has only been sacked eight times in five games.

4. Marcell Dareus, DT, Buffalo Bills

Drafted: First round

Stats: 11 tackles, one sack

Skinny: Dareus' stats don't stand out. But he's getting a lot of playing time and making key plays for Buffalo. His pass deflection against Brady led to a key interception return for a touchdown in Week 3. When Dareus isn't getting to the quarterback, he's batting balls down at the line of scrimmage.

5. Stevan Ridley, RB, Patriots

Drafted: Third round

Stats: 25 carries, 161 rushing yards, one touchdown

Skinny: Ridley is part of New England's tailback committee. He's been productive when his number is called. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry. Ridley is a strong runner who moves the chains.

Honorable mentions: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, New York Jets; Jeremy Kerley, WR, Jets; Chris Hairston, OT, Bills

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Mike Tannenbaum cites on-field performance as reason for Derrick Mason's trade

Published: Wednesday, October 12, 2011, 12:45 PM Updated: Wednesday, October 12, 2011, 1:50 PM

Jenny Vrentas/The Star-Ledger By Jenny Vrentas/The Star-Ledger

Mike Tannenbaum said the principal reason the Jets traded Derrick Mason to Houston yesterday was the receiver's on-field performance.

"Suffice it to say, things didn’t work out on the field with Derrick," the Jets GM told reporters at the team facility today. "We were committed to trying to make it work, getting him to play better on the field, at a level he was accustomed to and what were were expecting."

Tannenbaum said Houston called yesterday with an offer and the process moved quickly. He declined to specify if or since when the Jets had been shopping Mason, saying only that "conversations happen a lot at this time of year" with the trade deadline approaching.

Both Rex Ryan and Tannenbaum spoke to Mason last night, and Tannenbaum said Mason was "initially surprised." He also said Mason, who had 13 catches for 115 yards in five games with the

Jets, did not ask for an out.

After the Baltimore game, Mason cited some "cracks" in the Jets offense that someone in the organization needed to "man up" and fix. Tannenbaum said these comments after the Baltimore game "had nothing to to do" with the trade nor were any other off-the-field concerns a factor.

"He would have been here had not Houston had called," Tannenbaum said. "He would have been here for the balance of the season; he has a contract for next year. The fact that Rex knew him was one of the reasons we went after him."

Tannenbaum also said the development of rookie receiver Jeremy Kerley, and as well as the team's budget and the opportunity to stockpile a conditional draft pick, played into the decision to agree to the trade. If they had cut Mason, the Jets would have been on the hook for his fully guaranteed veterans' salary, but a trade takes the balance of his pay off the Jets' books.

After Mason and Santonio Holmes' public comments after the Baltimore loss, and a recently Daily News report that said Mason, Holmes and Plaxico Burress went to coach Rex Ryan to question offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's system, Tannenbaum said he understands the perception may be Mason was exiled for creating discord in the building.

"It may look one way; we can't control that," Tannenbaum said. "What we can control is what's best for the Jets."

Mason had been slow to pick up the Jets' playbook, as reported in Monday's Star-Ledger.

Tannenbaum declined to discuss specifically why Mason was slow to come along with the team, or if his permission to visit his family in Nashville each week contributed.

"Why he wasn’t successful on the field, there are probably a lot of factors that could go into that," Tannenbaum said, adding later: "When he came here, everybody was on the same page of the expectations. The on-field performance wasn’t to the level that I think he had hoped or we had hoped, and I’ll just leave it at that."

The Jets currently have four healthy receivers on their roster: Holmes, Burress, Kerley and Patrick Turner. Logan Payne is recovering from preseason surgery on a dislocated wrist. Tannenbaum said the Jets are "comfortable" with the players they have at the position but did not rule out adding depth.

Despite the three-game skid and an offensive identity crisis, Tannenbaum is optimistic the team will right its course.

"Where our offense is right now, we've certainly been inconsistent, but I'm really encouraged by what's going on in the building, and I think those inconsistencies are going to be addressed," he said. "At times, I think our offense has looked productive, efficient; at other times, we've seen it, it hasn’t been up to the level that we hope for and expect. But with that said, I believe in the guys in the locker room, I believe in our coaching staff, the same coaches that have brought us to two AFC Championship Games. We have to get those inconsistencies addressed."

[Bleedin Green]

AFC East rookie rankings

October, 12, 2011

Oct 12

1:10

PM ET

By James Walker

Five weeks are in the books. So let's check the top rookie performers so far in the AFC East.

1. Mike Pouncey, C, Miami Dolphins

Drafted: First round

Stats: Four starts

Skinny: Pouncey has been one of the few consistent bright spots for the Dolphins (0-4). Miami's offensive line has underachieved, particularly in pass protection. But the Dolphins have had some success running between the tackles, and Pouncey is the primary reason.

2. Daniel Thomas, RB, Dolphins

Drafted: Second round

Stats: 42 carries, 202 rushing yards

Skinny: Thomas missed two games with a nagging hamstring injury. But he has been great when healthy. He averages 101 yards rushing per game. Thomas is the future for Miami at tailback. He has a good combination of vision, explosiveness and strength.

3. Nate Solder, OT, New England Patriots

Drafted: First round

Stats: Four starts

Skinny: Solder fits the Patriots' mold well. He has been consistent and versatile. Solder hasn't missed a beat playing right tackle for the injured Sebastian Vollmer. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has only been sacked eight times in five games.

4. Marcell Dareus, DT, Buffalo Bills

Drafted: First round

Stats: 11 tackles, one sack

Skinny: Dareus' stats don't stand out. But he's getting a lot of playing time and making key plays for Buffalo. His pass deflection against Brady led to a key interception return for a touchdown in Week 3. When Dareus isn't getting to the quarterback, he's batting balls down at the line of scrimmage.

5. Stevan Ridley, RB, Patriots

Drafted: Third round

Stats: 25 carries, 161 rushing yards, one touchdown

Skinny: Ridley is part of New England's tailback committee. He's been productive when his number is called. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry. Ridley is a strong runner who moves the chains.

Honorable mentions: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, New York Jets; Jeremy Kerley, WR, Jets; Chris Hairston, OT, Bills

So just to be clear, 2 backup RBs who have played in two games a piece, are more of a "top performer" than a starting DE? That's some top notch journalism there.

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So just to be clear, 2 backup RBs who have played in two games a piece, are more of a "top performer" than a starting DE? That's some top notch journalism there.

James Walker is much worst then Cimini. For some reason he hates the Jets. I have yet to see even one favorable, or fair article from him

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Despite missing practice, Rex Ryan thinks C Nick Mangold will play Monday

Published: Wednesday, October 12, 2011, 3:32 PM Updated: Wednesday, October 12, 2011, 4:09 PM

Conor Orr/The Star-Ledger By Conor Orr/The Star-Ledger

Rex Ryan didn't seem fazed about having starting center Nick Mangold off to the side at practice today.

Along with DT Ropati Pitoitua (knee) and S Donald Strickland (head injury), Mangold worked with trainers and did some light jogging and agility drills. Ryan, though, thinks he'll be on the field

Monday against the Dolphins.

"I expect him to play," Ryan said.

As for Pitoitua, he said it was a second-degree PCL injury to his right knee. He had an MRI on Monday but doesn't expect to be sidelined for a long period of time.

"Just trying to get some work done on it this week and we'll see what happens," he said. "See how I feel in a week."

Pitoitua sustained the injury on the same play where he recorded his sack on Sunday against the Patriots. He originally thought it was a bruise but got it checked out on Monday morning after noticing some swelling when he woke up.

On DB Isaiah Trufant (hamstring), Ryan does not expect him to play on Monday. Trufant was not out on the field today.

* * *

The Jets have moved DT Martin Tevaseu up to the active roster from the practice squad to complete the 53-man roster.

* * *

WR Logan Payne (wrist) said he expects to get his cast off tomorrow and return to practice the week after the bye.

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Jason Taylor's intensity still boils, even as hatred for J-E-T-S cools

By Omar Kelly, Staff Writer

4:52 p.m. EDT, October 12, 2011

DAVIE—

Jason Taylor's blood no longer boils every time he hears a New Yorker chant "J-E-T-S: Jets – Jets – Jets."

After going behind enemy lines last season his perspective has been altered.

When former team czar Bill Parcells turned his back on Taylor, throwing the NFL's active sacks leader into the arms of his rival by denying him a contract offer, he did more than make the best of a difficult situation.

He made friends.

The hatred has been numbed -- hostility harnessed. The animosity replaced by understanding.

That's what happens when a Dolphin gets infected with Gang Green.

"For six months of my life [the Jets] were my team, for the other 14 and a half it wasn't," said Taylor, who was welcomed back to the organization he's played 13 of his 15 seasons this summer by

General Manager Jeff Ireland and coach Tony Sparano, who wanted him to serve as a pass rushing specialist, player mentor, and locker room guidance counselor.

"The rivalry is still there. I understand who I play for. But do I view the [Jets] organization a little differently? Actually, I do see them in a very different light having been around some of the people," said Taylor, who contributed 36 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumble for the Jets. "But again, on Sunday it's the opponent, the enemy, the rival. The fire is still there to beat them."

Taylor's fire to be one of the NFL's most forceful pass rushers also continues to burn. But his three tackles and one sack in four games proves he hasn't exactly performed up to his standard.

He's had spurts in games, but there are instances where he's playing like a 37-year-old.

Taylor will be the first to admit he has to work harder to maintain a forceful presence. But the competitive drive still burns, and so does the desire to win despite the team's 0-4 start.

That's part of the reason Sparano wanted him in the Dolphins locker room and on the sidelines, where Taylor's constantly challenging himself and his teammates.

"I just think the guy brings an awful lot to a football team and a football franchise," Sparano said.

"On the field. Off the field. Every way imaginable. The guy is one of my favorite players."

Taylor's fond of Sparano too, and realizes he needs to do more for a team that has generated just six sacks in four games.

One of those six belongs to Taylor, and moved him out of a tie with Lawrence Taylor and Leslie O'Neal, giving him sole possession of eighth play on the NFL's all-time leading sacker list, which the league officially began recording as a stat in 1982.

"My goal was to pass LT so I could talk trash to him on the golf course, but he tells me all the time sacks didn't count in his rookie year," Taylor said of Lawrence Taylor, the former New York Giant legend.

Taylor is aware 2011 this might be the final chapter on his accomplished career. He compares this stage of his life to when his mother was wrapping the vacuum cord around her hand.

"Eventually they are going to pull the plug on you," he said before being asked what's next.

After all these years the one thing Taylor's learned is to stop making plans about his post-career life.

"I plan on getting on my boat. Pushing off and letting it go, and whatever land it bumps up against we'll live there," Taylor said. "There are some opportunities business wise and with television. If those opportunities are still there we'll explore them. If not I'll be out fishing somewhere."

Until then he'll continue fishing for sacks, and Dolphins victories.

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Chance to Dance: Kerley's Role Expands

By Andrew LeRay

The tides of change swept through the Jets’ receiving corps on Tuesday night, leaving rookie WR Jeremy Kerley the heir of an important role. With the trade that sent Derrick Mason to the Houston Texans for an undisclosed draft pick, Kerley steps into Mason’s former position as the third wideout.

“Not a lot of people can say they not only played but started in the NFL,” said a gracious Kerley. “So I’m definitely excited.”

Kerley is coming off a game where he showed glimpses of the threat he can be for the Jets offense.

He caught his first career pass, a 9-yard touchdown, in the 30-21 loss at New England. He added two more receptions to end the day with three catches for 35 yards.

“What he did in the Patriots game, we saw it coming on the practice field,” said head coach Rex Ryan. “It’s hard to ignore the plays he’s making. We’re excited about Jeremy.”

As a rookie, Kerley has already garnered a reputation as a hard worker with oozing potential. He has been used primarily as a punt returner and ranks 10th in the NFL with an 11.4-yard average.

“Now we’re going to get to see a little bit more of him,” said TE Dustin Keller. “I think everyone’s going to be surprised at how productive he’s going to be.”

Bursting onto the scene this summer, Kerley immediately showed he was ready to contribute in the NFL.

“Coming in as a rookie, he had an outstanding training camp,” said CB Darrelle Revis. “When his number got called the other day, he stepped up and made plays. We have a lot of confidence in him, and he has confidence in himself.”

Kerley’s quiet confidence and humility has helped him absorb the advice of veteran Jets, molding him into a better player and person. Mason in particular was a role model.

“He was a teacher on and off the field,” said Kerley. “He definitely helped me out on my game. He’s a great player, and he’ll be great in Houston.”

Kerley learned about the trade last night while reading his Twitter feed. Skeptical, he didn’t know what to make of the news until he received definitive word from Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum.

“He said, ‘Are you ready to be the man in the third spot?’ And I put two and two together,” said Kerley.

For a rookie who won't turn 23 until next month, he already has the maturity of a savvy veteran.

Although his role has changed, his perspective has not.

“Like I’ve always said, this is a game,” he said. “It’s something where we wake up and we love to play every day. I just try to go out there and have that in the back of my mind. When things get tough, when things get hard, that’s the first thing I think about; just having fun and playing the game.”

Kerley was certainly having fun on Sunday when he caught his first career TD pass, but for some reason, he wasn’t able to celebrate.

“If you saw, I kind of froze up a little bit in the end zone,” he said. “I had a dance I wanted to do, but I caught the ball and my mind went blank. That was my welcome to the NFL.”

As far as what that dance would have looked like …

“I can’t tell you. That’s for next time.”

Only five games into his career, there will be many more “next times” for Kerley.

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Tevaseu Signed, 2 Added to Practice Squad

By Jets Media Relations Department

Posted 14 minutes ago

The New York Jets have signed defensive lineman Martin Tevaseu from the practice squad to the active roster and have added wide receiver Michael Campbell and safety Tracy Wilson to the practice squad. The announcements were made by general manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Tevaseu (6'2", 325) joins the active roster after spending the first five weeks of the season on the practice squad. He initially entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Cleveland Browns last season before joining the Jets as a free agent July 20 and appearing in all four preseason games. After he was waived by the Jets on Sept. 4, 2010, he was signed to the practice squad Sept. 6 and spent all 16 regular-season games and the first two postseason games there before being signed to the active roster Jan. 22 and earning his NFL debut at Pittsburgh in the AFC

Championship Game.

Campbell (6'2", 205), released from the Jets practice squad Oct. 5, rejoins the team after initially signing as an undrafted free agent July 27 and spending preseason with the club. He played in 43 career games (19 starts) at Temple, totaling 1,253 yards and 83 receptions. As a senior, he led the Owls with 724 receiving yards on 45 receptions.

Wilson (6'2", 203) originally signed with the Jets as a free agent Aug. 24 after he was not selected in the 2011 supplemental draft. He appeared in the team’s final two preseason games before being waived Sept. 3. In three seasons at Northern Illinois, he played in 32 games (17 starts) and amassed 171 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries and one interception.

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Rex's Wednesday News Conference

By Jets Media Relations Department

Transcript of head coach Rex Ryan's news conference following Wednesday's midday practice at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center:

We made the trade, Derrick Mason going to Houston. Just a few thoughts that I had on Derrick. I have a ton of respect for him, one of 18 receivers in the history of this game to go over 12,000 yards. He’s closing in on 1,000 receptions. I always had a ton of respect for Derrick, and still do, as a player and a person. With that, though, we made the decision to move on from Derrick, to trade him. I think that gives more opportunity. It shows we feel really good about [Jeremy] Kerley. What he did in that Patriot game. We saw it coming on the practice field. It was hard to ignore, the kind of plays he’s making, so we’re excited about Jeremy.

On what did not work with Mason…

I’m not sure. As we know, I’m on record saying he’s going to catch 80 balls, because that’s the kind of respect I have for Derrick. I know the kind of player that I knew in Baltimore and here. I was excited to bring him in. It’s just one of those things. He was targeted 10 times in, I think the Oakland game, a bunch of catches and things. He’s still got a lot of ability. I think what we saw on the practice field was that Jeremy Kerley, I think, has a lot of ability. When you look at it, even this past week, we wanted to feature Jeremy in there. He was impressive. He was targeted three times, three catches.

You can run reverses, you can do different things with Jeremy. At the end of the day, Houston gave us a call, and we’re like, “You know what, let’s go with Jeremy.” And that’s what we did.

On the perception that there was turmoil between Mason and the coaching staff…

I thought I answered it back then. I had a private conversation with Derrick and it’ll remain that way, but he was not benched because of comments that he made in the media and all that. That is not true.

On whether Mason bought in 100% to the program…

I mean, buying into what? Most guys want to play. In that particular game plan, we were much more — and you guys have all the numbers, I know you do — more regular personnel and two tight ends and things like that. Guys want to play. There’s no question. And then when you look at it, Jeremy had the 18 reps, and I think, Derrick had 6 or 7 reps I’m guessing, or something like that. It wasn’t that he wasn’t buying in. It was just that we saw a lot of Jeremy and we got excited about that.

On why he would give up on Mason after a slow start…

The one thing I wanted to make sure is clear is how much respect I have for Derrick. Always. Before, during and after him being a Jet and everything else. I’ve said, a tremendous player and a tremendous person, but we’re excited about moving forward with Jeremy. I don’t know how else I can tell you that. I think when you see him out there he’s doing a great job as a punt returner. He’s doing a great job as a third receiver.

On why he didn’t make Kerley the number three receiver and keep Mason…

You could do a lot of things.

On whether it would have been a difficult situation having Mason as a fourth receiver…

I think you’re right. That’s a valid question. It is. You’re fourth receiver primarily is a huge contributor on special teams. Right now, we’re kind of hanging our hat on special teams. That unit is playing spectacularly. They’re playing great. Generally, you want a Patrick Turner, a Brad Smith, Wallace Wright-type guy in your fourth spot, in your fourth and fifth receiver. That’s really what you look for

on your team.

On whether Kerley exceeded his expectations…

I think that’s a fair statement. I think that’s what’s being lost a little bit in this. Jeremy, and we all saw it. I know you guys saw it in training camp. He was impressive from the day he got here and it’s just getting better and better. We’re really excited about Jeremy.

On why the team singled out Mason for his poor performance when the offense as a whole has underperformed…

It’s not like we’re singling out anybody. Quite honesty, I’ve been happy with Plax [Plaxico Burress]. I just think he’s actually going to do this. I mean, he hasn’t played football for two years. I think he’s doing this. Like I say, I’ll go back to what I said about Derrick. I was probably the most excited guy in the building when Derrick decided to sign here. For whatever reason, it didn’t happen. We weren’t getting the balls to him or whatever it is. It’s hard to say. It was more the emergence of Jeremy. It’s a fine line. We’re trying to win now and he’s a young player that’s actually going to ascend. We’re excited about Jeremy Kerley and I think that’s maybe the thing is getting lost here.

On if Mason wasn’t around enough to grasp the playbook…

No, I just think we understood that his home was in Nashville. We were going to allow him to miss Mondays and Tuesdays. The players’ day off is Tuesday. A lot of teams have Mondays off, as well. We were giving him that time to go back home, so that is true, but we did that before we ever signed him.

On his thoughts on the wide receivers’ performance so far…

Look guys, as a football team we’re 2-3 right now. We’re not happy with that obviously. We have higher expectations of ourselves. So that’s the way it is. This team needs a win and the thing that I like about our team is that we put it on our own shoulders. We have a quarterback that puts it on his shoulders. You have a receiver that puts it on his shoulders. The defense puts it on theirs, and that’s it. But it’s collectively, we have to improve this thing.

On if he made an example out of Derrick Mason…

No, I mean one message I think, I’ve had great players in the past that I’ve had to bench. Chris McAllister was a great player, wasn’t playing well and we had to bench him. We made that tough decision. Last year when Kyle [Wilson] was struggling, you know what, we had Drew [Coleman] play.

So I think that’s what it is. One thing is, the best players play and that’s a thing that we’ve always stood by, and that’s what we believe in.

On Mason’s reaction when he told him his role against New England would be diminished...

I’m going to keep my private conversations between Derrick and I.

On if he said anything to Kerley…

Nope. That was an easy answer wasn’t it?

On if he is concerned about the depth at wide receiver…

Well, I think the concern, I can certainly understand. You have four receivers, with Patrick Turner, as well as Kerley as the backups. You have Logan Payne, if we can ever get that cast off of him. He’s working out great, hopefully it won’t be long and maybe he’ll have an opportunity, and we’ll see.

On the extra roster spot and if there is an idea of what would happen…

Not really, because one thing about us, we’re always trying to see about getting our team better, all that. I know Mike [Tannenbaum] and the pro personnel department, they’ll always be looking, trying to develop guys off our own roster. So we’re not going to do anything with that roster spot right now, but we’re not putting a timetable on when we’ll fill that spot.

On if this open roster spot is there for a potential trade…

I would say that we can leave ourselves open for a lot of possibilities.

On if there is a burden of expectation that is going on with the team…

No, I think it’s good to have expectations on your team because you don’t sneak up on anybody in this league. No matter what’s said, yes, we did have a rookie quarterback. You might surprise people in a week or two, but you’re not going to do it throughout a season. And with us, you want to be the team that has the five nationally televised games, you want to be the team that has high expectations, from your fans, from the national media, from everybody because that means you’re good. That’s how we look at it. Now, we haven’t performed to our expectations, our fans’ expectations and all that. We certainly understand that, but this season’s not over. And people want to throw some dirt on us, well, we can affect how this season ends.

On Ropati Pitoitua and Nick Mangold…

I know this is bonus coverage or whatever. Both of them weren’t in practice today. They were off on the side doing things, but both of them seem to be doing pretty well.

On if there are any other injuries…

Well, I think the other injuries, you have [Donald] Strickland had the head deal, and he seems to be doing fine. He passed the how-many-fingers test, how many fingers and all that stuff, today. Kidding, but he seems to be doing all right. And then Ropati [Pitoitua] has a little knee type thing that he got on a sack. He finished the game.

On if there is a story behind Eddie Jones being cut so quickly…

No, I think Eddie was doing good, it’s just sometimes you make moves, up and down guys on the roster, whether they’re active or practice squad. You’d like to get Eddie on the practice squad. The way that is, it’s kind of a floating spot.

On if there is a difference from this three-game losing streak to the ones in 2009…

No, I think anytime you lose three games, you’re miserable and that was the case then. The other thing is though, just like in those games, you couldn’t wait to play, and we have confidence that we can get us a victory. So that’s where it’s all the same.

On if he expects Mangold to play…

I expect him to play.

On Isaiah Trufant’s injury…

Isaiah, that’s one too. He has the hamstring, so I don’t expect Isaiah to play this week.

On if Wayne Hunter has shown signs of improvement…

There’s no question, I think Wayne’s been playing pretty good. We know the kind of ability Wayne Hunter has. So I’m not surprised that he’s playing well.

On if he thinks these next two home games represent a crossroads for this team…

We’re just looking at this game. Quite honestly, you’re talking about a caged animal, sort of speak, in the Miami Dolphins and they’re looking at one when they see us. Both teams have not performed to expectations and can’t wait to play this game, so it should be a physical game.

On how good Darrelle Revis’ closing speed was on the play where he tracked down Wes Welker…

The great thing is we always say they’re not in there until they’re in there. He makes that great play, then we have the, what we thought, was a fumble that was not a fumble. That just shows you that if you get him down, you have opportunities to make play. They are not in there. You don’t make that play that Darrelle made if you don’t have that belief, and that was what was encouraging to me. We, obviously, blew a coverage and Welker made a great play, but Darrelle did. I think Darrelle is faster than people give him credit for. Everybody knows how physical he is and everything else, but he’s got a lot of speed, as well.

On people not noticing how fast Revis is…

This guy can run with any of them. How many guys do you actually see get on top of him? He’s the best in the business.

On what his main message was to the team today…

It’s just that you have to start stacking bricks on Wednesday. You just don’t stack them on game day, and that’s it. That’s how we get better. We will get better by how we hit that practice field and then in the classroom.

[flgreen]

Jets vs. Dolphins, two caged animals

October, 12, 2011

Oct 12

7:26

PM ET

By Rich Cimini

It's a three-game losing streak versus a four-game losing streak Monday night at Met Life Stadium. Rex Ryan offered a more descriptive comparison.

"You're talking about the caged animal, so to speak, in the Miami Dolphins, and they're looking at one when they see the New York Jets," Ryan said Wednesday. "Both teams haven't performed to expectations and can't wait for this game."

ROSTER MOVE: The Jets filled Derrick Mason's spot on the 53-man roster by promoting DT Martin Tevaseu from the practice squad. The Dolphins are a run-oriented team, so maybe this week the Jets decide to dress six defensive linemen. If it's Tevaseu, and not third-round pick Kenrick Ellis, that'll send up red flags.

NICK OK: The Jets weren't required to submit an injury report Wednesday, but Ryan updated the injury situation. C Nick Mangold (ankle) didn't practice at all, but he's expected to play. DE Ropati Pitoitua (knee) also didn't practice, but he should be fine. Surprisingly, DB Donald Strickland (head) practiced. It was feared that he had a concussion, but he passed his tests, according to Ryan.

SPEED: CB Darrelle Revis showed some pretty good burst against the Patriots, chasing down WR Wes Welker to save a TD on Welker's 73-yard reception.

[BroadwayJoe12]

Jets vs. Dolphins, two caged animals

October, 12, 2011

Oct 12

7:26

PM ET

By Rich Cimini

It's a three-game losing streak versus a four-game losing streak Monday night at Met Life Stadium. Rex Ryan offered a more descriptive comparison.

"You're talking about the caged animal, so to speak, in the Miami Dolphins, and they're looking at one when they see the New York Jets," Ryan said Wednesday. "Both teams haven't performed to expectations and can't wait for this game."

ROSTER MOVE: The Jets filled Derrick Mason's spot on the 53-man roster by promoting DT Martin Tevaseu from the practice squad. The Dolphins are a run-oriented team, so maybe this week the Jets decide to dress six defensive linemen. If it's Tevaseu, and not third-round pick Kenrick Ellis, that'll send up red flags.

LOL and there we have it. Who would have thought that it would be Cimini that would have first mentioned it. The guy started the AFC championship game, I don't think it's too insane to think he would be active for game day before a rookie who never had any off-season camps.

[flgreen]

LOL and there we have it. Who would have thought that it would be Cimini that would have first mentioned it. The guy started the AFC championship game, I don't think it's too insane to think he would be active for game day before a rookie who never had any off-season camps.

Yep

If this happens, and I suspect it will, it is going to kick off a fire storm on here. At this point it doesn't mean squat. MTV had a great camp and was one of Rex's favorites.

[BroadwayJoe12]

Yep

If this happens, and I suspect it will, it is going to kick off a fire storm on here. At this point it doesn't mean squat. MTV had a great camp and was one of Rex's favorites.

It's times like these that show the type of fan-base we are, it's frustrating. If this situation does come to fruition, than instead of being excited we have another UDFA who started for us in the championship game work his a$$ off and make the roster, we'd harp on the negative of our Rookie getting beat out by a guy with much more experience. It's a bummer.