Jets News 10-19

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Look ahead: Plaxico Burress on the hot seat

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 Last updated: Wednesday October 19, 2011, 9:17 AM

The Record

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Jets (3-3) vs. Chargers (4-1)

At MetLife Stadium

Sunday, 1 p.m.

TV: Ch. 2; Radio: ESPN-AM 1050

Early line: Chargers by 2

San Diego comes off a bye week, just as Miami did a week ago. The similarities end there. The Chargers don’t figure to be part of the Andrew Luck sweepstakes, and are more interested in getting back to the playoffs after missing out last season, when Kansas City won the AFC West. Assuming the Chargers remain the favorite, it would be only the third time the Jets have been a home underdog in the Rex Ryan era. They upset New England in that role each of the past two seasons.

On the hot seat

Plaxico Burress: The veteran WR has only 14 receptions through six games. He and QB Mark Sanchez often don’t seem to be in the same zip code, let alone on the same page. Burress was targeted four times Monday night and had one 16-yard reception, plus he dropped a pass. He has two touchdown receptions, but hasn’t proven to be the red-zone target the Jets hoped. If he could become more productive, it might loosen up opposing secondaries so Sanchez could take more shots downfield to Santonio Holmes.

Game plan

The Jets once again will try to establish their sputtering running game, this time against a Chargers defense that allows 4.6 yards per carry. RB Shonn Greene had 128 rushing yards, including a 53-yard score, in the Jets’ January 2010 playoff win in the last meeting between the teams. The Jets must get some pressure on San Diego QB Philip Rivers, who is completing 67.2 percent of his passes, but has seven picks and only six TD passes. Star TE Antonio Gates, who has missed three games with a foot injury, returned to practice Monday. The Jets must be wary of RBs Mike Tolbert (28) and Ryan Mathews, who have totaled 48 receptions and can turn short passes into substantial gains.

— J.P. Pelzman

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Jets report card

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

The Record

Rushing offense: C-minus

Coach Rex Ryan said he was happy with this aspect of the offense, but it’s hard to see why. Yes, the Jets managed 104 yards as a team, but 63 came in the fourth quarter with the game decided.

Shonn Greene had 34 yards on 12 carries through the first three quarters before tacking on 40 yards in the final period. QB Mark Sanchez’s 5-yard draw play for a TD was the brightest spot.

Passing offense: B

Sanchez was 0-for-3 on third down passes in the Jets’ first four possessions, a major reason all four series went three-and-out. But he finally heated up late in the second quarter and went 4-for-5 for 70 yards on the first touchdown drive. The protection held up and Sanchez was sacked only once.

Santonio Holmes turned a routine crossing pattern into a 38-yard score, but Sanchez and WR Plaxico Burress still can’t seem to get on the same page.

Rushing defense: B-minus

The Jets allowed only 82 yards on the ground after Reggie Bush took a sweep right for 36 yards on the Dolphins’ first play from scrimmage. Rookie NT Kenrick Ellis and DT Martin Tevaseu combined to stop impressive rookie Daniel Thomas for a 2-yard loss on second-and-goal from the 1 in the second quarter, helping to force a Miami field goal. Ellis, playing in his first NFL game, trapped Bush for a 2-yard loss later in the second period.

Passing defense: A

CB Darrelle Revis’ 100-yard interception return for a score was a game-changer, and he added a second pick in the fourth quarter. The pass rush registered four sacks, including two by OLB Calvin Pace and one by OLB Aaron Maybin, who also forced two fumbles. But the Jets were helped by the Dolphins’ ineptitude, including WR Brian Hartline’s third-quarter drop of a potential first down and WR Brandon Marshall’s inability to stay inbounds on what should’ve been a 65-yard TD catch.

Special teams: B-minus

There was a major gaffe on Miami’s second kickoff, as a short kick bounced off blocker Garrett McIntyre and was recovered by the Dolphins. Joe McKnight had one kickoff return for 31 yards, but later fumbled a punt, although he recovered his miscue. K Nick Folk’s 28-yard field goal improved him to 8-for-8 for the season, and P T.J. Conley had one of his better games, averaging a 39.4-yard net and placing three kicks inside the 15, including one at the Miami 5.

Coaching: B

Despite a tumultuous week and a lackluster start, the Jets remained focused, and that’s a credit to Rex Ryan and his staff. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer dialed up some longer pass plays than he did the week before, but his trick plays have suffered since the departure of Brad Smith to Buffalo (RB LaDainian Tomlinson was sacked on a potential option pass to Sanchez). Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s game plan was sound and he and the Jets benefited from Miami QB Matt Moore’s inexplicable decision to keep picking on Revis.

—J.P. Pelzman

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Jets aware Chargers are a serious upgrade

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

BY J.P. PELZMAN

STAFF WRITER

The Record

In the glow of a flawed but needed victory Monday night, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez couldn't help thinking about what was next.

"We're excited for this next week," Sanchez said after the Jets' 24-6 win over Miami. "It's a short week and we've got a big-time opponent coming here next week. … So we're going to be ready."

They need to be, because the Jets' overall performance in Monday's lackluster victory over horrendous Miami probably won't cut it Sunday against visiting San Diego (4-1), which is atop the AFC West.

Granted, the Chargers are similar to the Jets in at least one respect, having done all their damage this season against bad teams. Their one defeat came against AFC East-leading New England, and their four wins are against Minnesota, Miami, Kansas City and Denver, teams with a cumulative record of 4-17.

Then again, the Jets' three losses have been against teams with a combined record of 13-4. Their three victims — Miami, Dallas and Jacksonville — are a combined 3-13.

"I think we can beat a good team," coach Rex Ryan said on a conference call Tuesday, a day off for the players. "I think Dallas is a good team, Jacksonville clearly has had its struggles. I think Miami is much better than [its] record."

Maybe Ryan didn't have time to watch the film of Monday's game, because the Dolphins certainly deserve to be 0-5. The Jets played down to their level at times, but turned it on when they needed to after a first quarter in which they were outgained, 173-10, yet led, 7-3, because of cornerback Darrelle Revis' 100-yard interception return for a touchdown.

The woeful Dolphins proved to be the perfect elixir for a frustrated Jets squad that had endured some sniping in the locker room last week. But can those good feelings carry over?

"I think it gives us a lot of momentum," safety Jim Leonhard said after the game. "Winning cures a lot of things in this league. We're not going to sweep things under the rug, but at the same time, a win just kind of rights the ship and settles everybody down."

The Jets have their bye after Sunday's game, so a win would be important to their psyche going into the break.

"We have to win this one against an excellent football team," Ryan said. "In fact, I think we're [two-point] underdogs at our home stadium, which seems really odd to me. But they are an excellent team. They've got a ton of weapons, especially on offense, so it's going to be a great challenge. But again, we definitely need to get this win in our back yard in front of our fans and then have that bye.

… So this is a critical game for us, and we're approaching it that way."

BRIEFS: CB Antonio Cromartie left the Miami game in the fourth quarter with a groin injury, but Ryan expects him to play Sunday. "I think Cro is going to be fine," Ryan said. "It's like a groin pull, but I think he probably could have continued in that game." Ryan said Cromartie, a former Charger, likely will be limited in practice today. … Ryan also expects C Nick Mangold (ankle), who has played the last two weeks, and CB Donald Strickland (concussion) to play Sunday. Strickland missed Monday's game. … Ryan said the chemistry between Sanchez and WR Plaxico Burress is "a little off," but again expressed confidence in the former Giant. Burress had one catch Monday and has only 14 through six games.

E-mail: pelzman@northjersey.com

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Tevaseu Waived, Landolt Released

By Jets Media Relations Department

Posted 1 hour ago

The New York Jets have waived defensive tackle Martin Tevaseu and released tackle Dennis Landolt from the practice squad. The announcements were made by general manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Tevaseu (6'2", 325) made his regular-season debut against Miami on Monday night after he spent the first five weeks of the season on the practice squad. He 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, he was signed to the practice squad two days later and spent all 16 regular-season and the first two postseason games there before being signed to the active roster Jan. 22 and making his NFL debut at Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship Game.

Landolt (6'4", 306) was signed to the practice squad Oct. 5 after being released from New Orleans' practice squad Oct. 1. He was signed to the Saints practice squad Sept. 5 after he was waived by the Jets two days earlier.

Landolt was signed to a reserve/future contract by the Jets on Jan. 24 after he initially joined them as a member of their practice squad Jan. 12. He also spent last season on the practice squads of the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.

A three-year starter at Penn State, Landolt played right tackle before moving to left tackle his senior season, where he was named All-Big Ten first team and Associated Press All-America third team as part of an offensive line that allowed 17 sacks in 13 games.

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Jets’ Rex Sees 10-Catch Games Coming For Plaxico Burress

October 19, 2011 9:06 AM

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) – Where has the Plaxico Burress of old been?

The Jets’ large red-zone target has been quiet this season, despite high hopes from coach Rex Ryan and the rest of the team.

He had one catch for 16 yards in Monday night’s win over the Miami Dolphins. In six games, the wide receiver has only 14 receptions for 218 yards and two TDs.

“I’m not down on Plax whatsoever,” Ryan said on Tuesday. “I think there are going to be times when he will have 10 catches, I truly believe that’s coming.”

Ryan also thought Derrick Mason would come close to 100 catches for New York.

That obviously didn’t work out.

Sure, he’s coming off a long layoff from football because of a 20-month prison sentence, but Burress insisted he would come out and play as if he never left.

Ryan said Plax and quarterback Mark Sanchez just need to fine-tune their chemistry. Once that happens, they’ll be fine.

“It just seems like we’re missing just a little bit,” Ryan said. “It’s just a little off. But I’m encouraged by the fact that, ‘Hey, we’ll keep working.’”

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Rex Ryan: Jets Are 2-Point Underdogs To Chargers? That ‘Seems Odd’

October 19, 2011 9:04 AMNEW YORK (WFAN/AP) – Mark Sanchez and Mark Brunell took playful jabs at each other. There was laughter in a few areas of the Jets’ locker room at MetLife Stadium.

Lots of relieved smiles, too.

The bickering, frustration and increasing threat of the season slipping away were pushed aside by the Jets with a 24-6 victory over the winless Miami Dolphins on Monday night.

“The season’s far from over,” coach Rex Ryan said Tuesday. “We really responded the way I thought we would.”

Was it pretty? Nope. Convincing? Not that either. But they rebounded from a tension-filled week by defeating a team it needed to beat. For a night, at least, everything was back to being OK for Ryan’s feuding Jets.

The Jets (3-3) ended a three-game skid against a much-lesser opponent and were able to put the ugliness of the previous week behind them. But Sanchez and the offense again struggled for a good chunk of the game, and the Jets face a major test against San Diego (4-1) at home Sunday.

As of Wednesday morning, the Chargers were favored to win by two points.

“I think we’re underdogs at our home stadium, which seems odd to me,” said Ryan

So now Ryan and his players know one thing: Vegas thinks the Jets have work to do before they can truly say they’ve turned their season around.

“This is a critical game for us,” he added, “and we’re approaching it that way.”

That’s because New York will head into its bye-week break after the game, and doing it on a two-game winning streak would certainly help keep up the Jets’ morale and their momentum. A loss, and the whispers of frustration could turn into full-blown public gripes all over again.

Worse, the unhappy Jets would have two weeks to let their feelings simmer before they get a chance to take the field again.

“This is a resilient team,” Ryan said. “Obviously, our expectations are set extremely high and we’ve been disappointed by the three-game losing streak, but the season’s far from over.”

No doubt, but things were starting to turn ugly for the Jets last week, when they traded wide receiver Derrick Mason to Houston for what the team said was a lack of production. And then came wide receiver Santonio Holmes calling out the offensive line for the second time this season for failing to give Sanchez enough time to throw the ball deep. A few days later, an agitated Brandon Moore said the comments could have “a fracturing effect” and were not befitting of a team captain, which Holmes is.

“This was key for us,” said Darrelle Revis, whose 100-yard interception return in the first quarter set the tone for the Jets. “Losing, especially in this business, it’s tough.”

Ryan spoke to both players a few days before the game, and then made Holmes and Moore captains for the coin toss. Ryan called the move “just a coincidence” – but was kidding, of course – and both called each other “a good teammate” after the game without saying much about what happened. It was clear, though, that there’s still some tension, even if the Jets believe they’re one big happy family.

“We have a lot more pride in this team,” Sanchez said after the game. “We love this team, we love playing a lot more than that stuff, so we’re not worried about it.”

But if Ryan did solve the woes of an increasingly contentious locker room, next up on the list is trying to figure out why the Jets keep getting off to agonizingly slow starts.

New York opened with four straight three-and-outs for the second consecutive game and failed to get a first down until the first half was nearly over.

“It’s crazy,” Ryan said. “It kind of blows me away.”

Once they got that initial first down, the offense finally got going and had a few nice drives the rest of the way against Miami.

“Believe me, we search for answers, but I’m just not sure,” Ryan said, adding that he might suggest having the scoreboard operator put a “2″ up under the quarter indicator when the game starts.

“We’re going to make some calls, do different things,” he said. “I’m at a loss. It just seems strange. … I don’t know, drink coffee? I don’t know what it is. We’ve got to find something.”

The Jets’ much-maligned offensive line, particularly right tackle Wayne Hunter, finally played a solid game. Struggling running back Shonn Greene had a pedestrian performance, with 74 yards rushing on 21 carries, but Ryan acknowledged he would like to see him get 25 attempts a game.

With a shortened work week, the Jets will get busy in a hurry to look to improve on what they did against the Dolphins and come up with a solid game plan against the Chargers. For the record, New York’s three wins have come against opponents with a combined three victories. Their three losses – all on the road – are against winning teams who are a combined 13-4.

“We have to win this one,” Ryan said. “We definitely need to get this win in our backyard in front of our fans.”

Notes: Ryan expects CB Antonio Cromartie (groin), C Nick Mangold (right ankle) and DB Donald Strickland (concussion) to play against the Chargers. … DT Kenrick Ellis, the team’s third-round pick, had three tackles in his NFL debut. … LB Aaron Maybin, who forced two fumbles against Miami, is tied with Detroit’s Kyle Vanden Bosch for the NFL lead with three.

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Early scouting report on the Chargers

October, 19, 2011

Oct 19

6:00

AM ET

By Rich Cimini

Quick thoughts on the Jets' next opponent, the Chargers:

1. For a change, the Chargers (4-1) are off to a good start. Historically under Norv Turner, they

come out of the gate stumbling and bumbling. But they've been helped by a soft schedule, as they beat the Vikings, Chiefs, Dolphins and Broncos. Combined total record: 4-17. They're coming off a bye.

2. The big storyline is LaDainian Tomlinson, the legendary ex-Charger who was cut by his forever team after the 2009 season. This is a bigger story in San Diego than New York, Tomlinson facing his old team for the first time,, but, hey, we all love a good revenge angle, don't we?

3. There are two other notable San Diego connections: CB Antonio Cromartie (traded after the '09 season) and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, a former Chargers QBs coach. This is a big game for the Schottenheimer family. The Chargers unceremoniously fired Brian's father, Marty, and there has to be some bad blood. When the Jets upset the Chargers in the '09 AFC divisional playoffs, Rex Ryan sent a game ball to Marty -- a classy gesture that meant a lot to Brian and his dad.

4. QB Philip Rivers is a terrific player, but he isn't having a Rivers-like year. He has only six TD passes, seven interceptions and an 87.6 passer rating.

5. Another big matchup for CB Darrelle Revis. This time, it's Vincent Jackson, who's averaging 17.7 yards per catch and already has seven receptions of 20+ yards.

6. Second-year RB Ryan Mathews, drafted to replace Tomlinson, is the 10th-leading rusher in the league with 413 yards and a 4.9 average. He and Mike Tolbert comprise a formidable backfield tandem, with Tolbert leading the team with 28 receptions.

7. The Chargers are sixth in passing offense (293.4 yards), ninth in rushing offense (122.8), second in passing defense (179.6) and 17th in rushing defense (113.6)

8. Talented TE Antonio Gates, out three games with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, returned to practice on a limited basis Monday and is hoping to play this week. That could be a key to this game. As everybody knows, the Jets struggle against athletic tight ends.

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NY Jets' Rex Ryan concerned team isn't favored over Chargers on betting line - and they shouldn't be

Filip Bondy

Wednesday, October 19th 2011, 4:00 AM

Nuts and Bolts

Who should be favored in this Sunday's meeting between the Jets and Chargers?

Duh, the 4-1 Chargers not the 3-3 Jets

Forget the records, the Jets are the better team

It's going to be close, I'll take whoever gets the points

Rex Ryan sounds surprised that the Jets are two-point underdogs at home this Sunday to the San Diego Chargers, as if his team carries the same weight it did two months ago.

"Seems kind of odd to me," he said Tuesday.

It isn't odd at all. Bookies have too much at stake to be fooled by a stumble-out-of-the-gate victory over the Miami Dolphins. They know that Philip Rivers isn't Matt Moore; that Rivers completes 67% of his passes and doesn't always throw at the guy covered by Darrelle Revis. They also see that the Jets start chronically slow, can't run against anyone, feature an erratic young quarterback who isn't allowed to try too much, and haven't beaten a solid opponent all season.

The Jets are a 3-3 team facing a 4-1 team. Simple math. As Bill Parcells always reminded us, you are your record. Nothing more or less. And with his most important game of the season five days away, Ryan probably should be more concerned with his team's multiple shortcomings than about getting the short shrift on a betting line.

The Jets may not be able to catch New England, considering their own schedule. They can still salvage this season, still follow their annual, circuitous path to the playoffs via the wild card. One of the two conference wild cards likely will go to either Pittsburgh or Baltimore. After that, the AFC is a jumble this season, a welcome mat for any team capable of a winning year. The Jets can manage that. But right now, the way they're playing, the Jets look more 7-9 than 9-7. The maligned offensive line gave Mark Sanchez plenty of time on Monday night, a marked improvement. Yet the Jets still didn't muster much of a running game, and Brian Schottenheimer slowly shifted some of the rushing load away from Shonn Greene. Greene has demonstrated neither power nor intuition this season.

"The more carries he gets, the better he gets," Ryan said, predicting the future, while ignoring the fact that aging LaDainian Tomlinson is now taking a share of the handoffs.

Then there is the unexpected issue of readiness, or un-readiness. The Jets started yet another game on Monday as if they were just waking up from a six-day sleep. Maybe Joe Namath is right about them, or maybe it was the sight of those hapless Dolphins. Ryan jokes he may give them more coffee. Something needs to change.

Meanwhile, Sanchez and Plaxico Burress are demonstrating all the chemistry of oil and water. "Just seems like we're missing a little bit, just a little off," Ryan said. "Maybe we come off him a little early, check down. The timing isn't right."

Nothing is quite right. And because of that, the Jets have beaten nobody of substance this season. Their three victories have come against teams with a combined mark of 3-13. The Cowboys are talented, sure, but they shoot themselves in the foot with unerring accuracy. Now the Jets get San Diego, a legitimate playoff team. They get the Chargers at home, which should make a difference.

"We can beat a good team," Ryan said Tuesday. "This is a critical game for us, and we're approaching it that way. We have to win this one."

The bookies don't think they will. They make the AFC finalists an underdog in their own building.

"If we play to the best of our abilities, I think we'll come out on top," Ryan said.

The guarantees are sounding a little less certain these days, a bit more humble. Ryan sees the same things we do, all the tentative plays on offense and occasional glaring breakdowns on defense.

Still, the coach says things will get better. Greene will run for more yards. Burress will make more catches. The Jets will wake up on time on Sunday, instead of in the second quarter.

A lot has to improve in a hurry. The Dolphins were just the Dolphins, a dysfunctional offense wrapped around a demoralized defense. The Jets get no points from the bookies for that win. They need to beat the Chargers, get ready for what's ahead during a bye week.

They won't play the Dolphins again until New Year's Day, and by then it may be way too late.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2011/10/19/2011-10-19_sorry_rex__all_bets_off.html#ixzz1bEkpnUl1

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Confidence restored for NY Jets after Monday night win over Dolphins, but questions still linger

BY Manish Mehta

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Wednesday, October 19th 2011, 4:00 AM

For all the feel-good unity in every corner of the Jets' locker room in the aftermath of their Monday night win over the hapless Dolphins, none of it matters if Gang Green doesn't beat the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. The Jets needed to restore their confidence by snapping their three-game losing streak, but the 4-1 Chargers will be their first true test since their recent woes.

Plenty of questions remain. The Jets are 3-0 against losing teams with a combined 3-13 record and 0-3 against winning teams with a combined 13-4 record. The Chargers, coming off their bye week, are a mirror image, having won their four games against teams with a combined 4-17 mark.

The Jets' repeated slow starts on offense are the most puzzling question surrounding Rex Ryan's team. The Jets have started the past two weeks with four consecutive three-and-outs. They've had 11three-and-outs on their last 22drives. Gang Green's offense has just 14 points on 22 first-quarter drives this season. "It's crazy," Ryan said. "It kind of blows me away. We search for answers....I'm just not sure. I'm at a loss. It just seems strange. But once we get past that stage and we start having a little success, then we start moving the ball effectively. I think that's certainly a challenge to us. I don't know. Drink coffee? I don't know what it is. We've got to find something."

The typically stout defense has also been shaky at times. On Monday, it allowed 173 yards in the first quarter before yielding just 135 for the rest of the game.

"There's been a little bit more bending than we really want to do," safety Jim Leonhard said. "We got a win, which is huge, but we're not going to overlook what happened in the first quarter....We're not going to sweep things under the rug, but at the same time, a win just kind of rights the ship and settles everybody down."

Ryan added that he isn't overly concerned that Plaxico Burress hasn't been more involved in the offense so far. Burress, who had one catch for 16 yards Monday night, has only 14 catches for 218 yards this season. Although Mark Sanchez is looking in Burress' direction - he has targeted him 37 times in six games - their chemistry is "just a little off," Ryan said. Sanchez has connected with Burress on 37.8% of those targets.

"I'm not down on Plax whatsoever," Ryan said. "I think there are going to be times when he will have 10 catches. I truly believe that is coming. It takes a while to get a feel for a guy. I think the chemistry is there. It's just a matter of fine-tuning just a little bit more....As the season goes on, you're going to see better and better chemistry and having the ball thrown to Plax more."

BLOCK PARTY

After a week when Santonio Holmes called out the offensive line, Ryan said his unit did "a tremendous job" in pass protection against the Dolphins. Ryan also believed that the "offensive line has taken too much of the heat" this season.

GOING GREENE

Ryan admitted that he'd like Shonn Greene to get about 25 carries a game. Greene rushed for 74 yards on 21 carries (3.5 yards per carry) against Miami, but nearly half of them (34) came on the Jets' final drive during garbage time.... Antonio Cromartie (groin pull) and Nick Mangold (ankle) will be limited in practice Wednesday, but are expected to play Sunday, Ryan said.

ISLAND HOPPING

According to Pro Football Focus, Darrelle Revis was thrown at 14 times by the Dolphins. The All-Pro cornerback, who had two interceptions, including a 100-yard TD return, had been thrown at 14 times in the first five games combined. Opposing quarterbacks have a 4.9 rating when throwing at Revis... Jets waived DT Martin Tevaseu and released OL Dennis Landolt from the practice squad...

Ryan praised third-round pick Kenrick Ellis, who had three combined tackles and one for a loss in his pro debut. Ellis' trial on a malicious wounding felony charge stemming from an incident at Hampton University was moved from Nov. 28 to Feb. 7, 2012, according to online court records.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2011/10/19/2011-10-19_confidence_restored_for_ny_jets_after_monday_night_win_over_dolphins_but_questio.html#ixzz1bEm6Hto3

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Hunter giving Jets protection

By MARK CANNIZZARO

Last Updated: 8:33 AM, October 19, 2011

Posted: 1:19 AM, October 19, 2011

Somewhat lost in the Jets' 24-6 win Monday night was the performance of right tackle Wayne Hunter, who stifled Dolphins linebacker Cameron Wake, one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Wake had just two tackles and no sacks.

Hunter, who came under fire early in the season, was awarded a game ball for his performance, according to Ryan.

"He struggled early [in the season] against [Dallas'] DeMarcus Ware, but everyone struggles with that guy," Ryan said. "[Hunter] has really come on and the job he did against Cameron Wake. . . .

He got a game ball for that performance. That's an outstanding pass rusher and Wayne took him most of the night one-on-one.

"Everyone knows the kind of player Wayne is, but it's great to see."

*

The Jets came out of the game relatively healthy, but cornerback Antonio Cromartie suffered a groin pull in the second half.

"Cro is going to be fine," Ryan said. "He probably could have continued in the game. I expect he probably will be limited as the week goes on."

Center Nick Mangold played with his high ankle sprain and is sore. Ryan said Mangold will play against the Chargers, but likely will be limited until Friday's practice.

"He's a tough guy overcoming that high ankle sprain," Ryan said.

*

Rookie Kenrick Ellis made his NFL debut Monday night and made three tackles, including one for a loss on Reggie Bush.

"I didn't even know [bush] was in the game," Ellis said. "I was just trying to make a play and get off the field. It was a very different feeling. My first NFL game. It was magical."

Ryan said he believes Ellis "has got a chance to be really something. It's good to see him have some success."

*

Running back Joe McKnight's role continues to grow. He was mixed into the offense a little bit Monday and caught his first two NFL passes. McKnight, the kickoff returner, also returned some punts.

"He can do a lot of things, and we're starting to see that now," Ryan said. "He made a couple of great catches. He's a matchup nightmare."

*

The Jets waived DT Martin Tevaseu and released tackle Dennis Landolt from the practice squad.

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/hunter_giving_jets_protection_7WtfgYvFGxC1bhUjlu4ytN#ixzz1bEq694Qd

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No matter what Rex says, Jets mired in mediocrity

Jets Blog

Last Updated: 8:14 AM, October 19, 2011

Posted: 12:54 AM, October 19, 2011

ON THE JETS

Maybe Rex Ryan just has a foggy crystal ball.

As usual, the Jets coach predicted big things from his team this year. The Super Bowl talk and boasts about his roster created expectations around the Jets that six weeks into the season appear unrealistic.

At 3-3, maybe this is just what the Jets are: a mediocre-to-pretty-good team. Not an elite team like the Packers or Patriots. Not a sorry team like the Dolphins or Rams. And maybe that’s OK.

It feels like everyone — from Ryan to the fans in the last row at MetLife Stadium — is waiting to see the real version of the team. The version imagined during training camp when there was talk of averaging 30 points per game, Mark Sanchez taking control of the team and Shonn Greene riding shotgun.

But that has not materialized. The Jets offense looks as slick as a 1970 Buick. The defense, while still strong, is not the dominant force it was in Ryan’s first season.

Even with all of these flaws, the Jets still can be a playoff team. Too often we focus on what is immediately in front of our faces instead of looking around the league. The Jets are like 90 percent of the NFL — stuck in the middle.

So far, the Jets have beaten inferior teams. The trick now is for them to steal a few from the good teams on the schedule — starting this week with the Chargers.

“We have to win this one,” Ryan said. “It’s against an excellent football team. I think we’re underdogs at our home stadium, which seems really odd to me, but they are an excellent team.

They have got a ton of weapons — especially on offense.

“We definitely need to get this win in our back yard in front of our fans. . . . This is a critical game for us and we’re approaching it that way.”

Ryan should not be surprised the folks in Vegas don’t think much of his team right now. The Jets have lost every game they’ve played against a team with a winning record. Their three wins have come against teams that are a combined 3-13. The three losses came to teams with a combined record of 13-4.

“I think we can beat a good team,” Ryan said, before defending his team’s wins. “I think Dallas is a good team. Jacksonville has clearly had its struggles. I think Miami is much better than their record.

They have some good players on that team. We’ll see.

“[The Chargers are] just another opponent for us. I recognize the fact that they’re a good football team and all that but if we play to the best of our abilities I think we’ll come out on top.”

No one should write the Jets off before we even get to Halloween. But expectations need to be lowered. Sanchez, in his third year, is not taking the much talked about “next step.” Greene can’t carry the running game. Plaxico Burress promised to look like a 24-year-old on the field. Instead he looks exactly like what he is — a 34-year-old who just served two years in prison.

Ryan’s vaunted defense has given up huge chunks of yardage on the ground. He continually talks about missed assignments and blown calls when the opposition gets long gains, but there clearly are some personnel issues, too.

These issues put the Jets in a group of about four AFC teams that will be fighting for one wild-card spot. If you pencil in the Patriots, Ravens and Chargers to win their respective divisions and give the Steelers one of the wild cards, that leaves the Jets battling the Bills, Raiders, Bengals, and whoever finishes second in the AFC South.

It’s time to get real. This Jets team should be shooting for the wild card, not the Super Bowl.

Causing ‘Mayhem’

The Jets signing of outside linebacker Aaron Maybin looks like an inspired move at the moment.

The Bills castoff had a sack and two forced fumbles in Monday night’s 24-6 win over the Dolphins.

So far, the Jets have just unleashed him as a pass rusher, and it has been effective. Maybin, a first-round bust with the Bills, looks comfortable as a role player with the Jets.

Maybin’s success makes the Jets’ decision to release him at the end of training camp look even stranger. He showed flashes of what he could do in camp, but got caught up in the numbers game as the team formed it’s roster. The Jets re-signed him three weeks ago.

“He’s self-proclaimed ‘Mayhem,’ and I think it’s a pretty good nickname for that kid,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said. “I said to the team, ‘The crazy guy played pretty good for us. ... I love the way he runs all over the place. He has a relentless motor and he’s always thinking about getting those takeaways.”

Gang of tranquility

After Monday’s win, the Jets presented a unified front in saying all of the in-house fighting that went on last week was over. Color me skeptical.

Both Santonio Holmes and Brandon Moore were diplomatic in the locker room, giving what felt like forced answers fed to them by coaches and media relations employees.

If the Jets keep winning, these issues probably will remain dormant. But if this season gets away from them, the finger pointing surely will begin again.

And how long before Plaxico Burress starts complaining about his limited role in the offense?

“Just like in any family, you’re going to have disagreements or whatever,” coach Rex Ryan said. “We just resolve them and move forward.”

It worked Monday against the dismal Dolphins. The true test for this team unity comes when times get turbulent again.

Read more:

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/jets_mired_in_mediocrity_NrVUILP3FqBVN3rENgAQ1J#ixzz1bErJ9298

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Jets can’t afford to sputter early vs. Chargers

By MARK CANNIZZARO

Last Updated: 8:33 AM, October 19, 2011

Posted: 12:39 AM, October 19, 2011

Here is what’s going to happen to the Jets when they play the Chargers Sunday at MetLife Stadium if they start the game as sluggishly as they did in Monday night’s 24-6 win over the Dolphins: They will be down 17-0 in the first quarter.

The 0-5 Dolphins, one of the two worst teams in the NFL, were not capable of jumping on the Jets and their poor start. Miami should have been leading 10-0 in the first quarter, but because of its ridiculous game plan to throw at Darrelle Revis they trailed 7-3 after Revis’ 100-yard interception return for a touchdown.

The 4-1 Chargers will not dish out such free passes.

Though the Dolphins failed to stick it to the Jets early with a quarterback (Matt Moore) who was making the 14th start of his four-year NFL career, the Chargers will bring Philip Rivers, one of the elite quarterbacks in the league.

So a repeat performance of Monday night’s early offensive malaise — with the Jets not converting a single first down on offense until six minutes remained in the first half — will prove disastrous against the Chargers. Let’s also not forget that the Jets’ defense started out slowly against the Dolphins, allowing Reggie Bush to gash them running the football and Moore to complete some passes.

This was all on coach Rex Ryan’s mind as he spoke on a conference call yesterday.

“We talk about it, we emphasize it, we just haven’t been flying out of the gates like you’d expect,” he said. “The emotion is there. The intensity is there. But we just don’t seem as sharp as we do in second quarter. It’s been a feeling-out process and we’ve clearly got to get better as a team in the first quarter.

“If you look at the struggles we have — especially on offense — it kind of blows me away,” Ryan said. “We just execute much better when the game gets going.”

For the second consecutive week, the Jets’ offense went three-and-out on its first four possessions.

Last week in New England, they went three-and-out on seven of their 11 possessions.

After whiffing early Monday night, the Jets scored on three of their next four possessions, going 81, 79 and 50 yards to take the 24-6 lead that ended up as the final score. “It was a slow start, but once we got going we got going,” Mark Sanchez said.

With the offense obviously pressing, Sanchez walked up and down the sideline Monday night telling teammates, “Hang in there. Keep fighting. We’re going to blow this thing open, I promise.”

“And we did,” he said. “[The team] answered. It was great. We’re resilient. We battle through adversity.”

Sanchez called the win “big” for the Jets and added, “But we’re not done yet.”

mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/jets_can_afford_to_sputter_early_1hI52zI83M7YkI1FqX1GeJ#ixzz1bEsSOvDE

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Jets signing Burress bust so far

By MARK CANNIZZARO

Last Updated: 8:33 AM, October 19, 2011

Posted: 12:49 AM, October 19, 2011

This is not what the Jets signed up for when they signed Plaxico Burress as their prized offseason free agent acquisition.

This certainly is not what Jets fans envisioned, and it can’t be what Burress expected.

Six games into a season that was supposed to be a big, splashy comeback year for Burress after spending nearly two years in prison on a gun charge, he virtually has been invisible in the passing game.

Other than his blocking, which has drawn raves from coaches and teammates, Burress has been a non-factor. And let’s be honest, the Jets didn’t spend $3 million for his terrific blocking skills.

Considering his reputation as a big-play pass catcher and the fact he had fresh legs from two years of inactivity while behind bars, Burress’ lack of production is nearly as stunning as how poorly the

Jets have played on both sides of the line of scrimmage this year.

Through six games, Burress has caught just 14 passes for 218 yards and scored two touchdowns. In fact, when Derrick Mason was traded last week for his supposed lack of production, he had the same amount of catches as Burress (13) — and Mason was a No. 3 receiver, not a starter like Burress.

Burress’ numbers average out to a paltry 2.3 receptions and 36.3 yards per game. The Jets could have similar numbers from some journeyman free agent who cost them half the money they are paying Burress.

Burress is on pace to catch just 37 passes for 581 yards for the full season. Suffice it to say the 6-foot-5, 232-pound target has not been the pass-catching beast the Jets expected.

Despite Burress’ curious low production, coach Rex Ryan predicted big things to come for him.

“I’m not down on Plax,” Ryan said. “There’s going to be time when he has 10 catches [in a game], I truly believe that. It just seems like we’re missing just a little bit. I really think you’re going to see better chemistry and having the ball thrown to Plax more as the year goes on.”

To his credit, Burress, who has several drops and called himself out for them, hasn’t complained publicly about a lack of passes being thrown his way. He just hasn’t played up to the standards he’s set for himself.

In 2007, his last full season, Burress caught 70 passes for 1,025 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Giants. That was the year he almost single-handedly carried the Giants on his back in their NFC Championship Game win in Green Bay, where he caught 11 passes for 151 yards, and he caught the game-winning TD to beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

The Jets don’t need 11 catches for 151 yards every week from Burress, now at age 34, but they need more than the pedestrian numbers he’s been giving them.

Burress’ lack of production is certainly not all his fault. He’s trying to build a chemistry with quarterback Mark Sanchez, something that took Santonio Holmes some time to do last season. But it is curious why Sanchez doesn’t look Burress’ way more often considering how big a target he is.

Look at what Miami quarterback Matt Moore did with Brandon Marshall on Monday night. He threw a lot of designed back-shoulder passes behind Marshall, who was able to come back and make catches — even with the great Darrelle Revis covering him.

Why the Jets don’t do that with Burress is a mystery. Why Burress has not been featured more in the red zone, where he should be almost impossible to cover on fade routes, is a mystery.

Perhaps Sanchez — who is petrified of throwing interceptions, something that plagued him early in his career — simply hasn’t built that trust yet with Burress.

But the fact is the Jets are two games from the midway point of the season, and it’s time to take the vintage Ferrari out of garage, open it up and see what it’s got.

mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/burress_signing_bust_so_far_D6fMmseQmohFB1JsA9anRM#ixzz1bEuANazA

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Jets sign WR Eron Riley off Broncos practice squad

Published: Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 10:21 AM Updated: Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 10:48 AM

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

WR Eron Riley was undrafted out of Duke in 2009.

The Jets have signed WR Eron Riley off the Broncos practice squad, the team announced.

Riley, 6-foot-3, was undrafted out of Duke in 2009. For the Broncos this preseason, he had six catches for a team-high 187 yards and two touchdowns.

Riley gives the Jets a fifth healthy receiver on their 53-man roster since last week's trade of Derrick Mason. Logan Payne, the sixth receiver, is still rehabbing from preseason surgery on a dislocated wrist but said last week he hopes to return to practice after the Week 8 bye.

The Jets had a vacant spot on their roster after waiving DT Martin Tevaseu yesterday.

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Five-man rush fools 'Fins

October, 19, 2011

Oct 19

10:00

AM ET

By Ian Begley

According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Jets used five or more pass rushers against Matt Moore 14 times on Monday night.

Mostly, the extra pressure worked out for the Jets.

The Jets only sacked Moore once when they sent the extra pressure, but the QB completed just 3-of-14 passes for 60 yards and an interception when facing the extra rush.

Here's a breakdown of the opposing quarterback's numbers this season when the Jets send five or more pass rushers:

1st 5 Games Monday

QB Comp pct 54.5 21.4

TD-Int 0-1 0-1

Yds/att 5.8 4.3

REVIS ISLAND: Here's more from ESPN Stats & Information on the Darrelle Revis-Brandon Marshall matchup:

According to their research, Moore took 25 dropbacks with Revis lined up pre-snap on the same side of center as Marshall. Moore threw to Marshall 42 percent of the time on those plays. Revis broke up three of the 10 passes, including his 100-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Marshall caught five balls for 63 yards when targeted with Revis covering him.

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Sanchez beats Brady in QBR

October, 19, 2011

Oct 19

10:00

AM ET

By James Walker

Six weeks into the season, New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez outperformed New England Patriots counterpart Tom Brady. According to the Total Quarterback Rating, Sanchez had a better game in Week 6 by a decent margin.

Sanchez registered a season-high 64.4 QBR in New York's, 24-6, win over the Miami Dolphins.

Sanchez completed 14 of 25 passes for 201 yards and two TDs (one passing, one rushing).

Brady struggled in New England's 20-16 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He registered a 56.8 QBR after completing 27 of 41 passes for 289 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Brady won the head-to-head meeting with Sanchez in Week 5. Brady is No. 2 overall in season QBR at 78.8. Sanchez is No. 30 in season QBR at 27.2.

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Martin, Jets, Fitness Quest Join Forces

By Special Contributor

Posted 13 minutes ago

Fitness Quest, Curtis Martin and the New York Jets have announced the formation of a new partnership with the introduction of the Bio Force Pro Fitness System to the marketplace.

Fitness Quest Inc., a 25-year direct-response marketing veteran specializing in bringing high-quality, high-value home fitness products to its customer base world-wide, has teamed up with Martin, the Jets' star running back from 1998-2006 and fourth-leading rusher in NFL history, to deliver a workout experience to football fans, the fitness-conscious and those looking for a simple, effective get-in-shape solution.

“Our goal was to join forces with the best of the best in designing and marketing the Bio Force Pro Fitness System," said John McCann, president and CEO of Fitness Quest. “The New York Jets, Curtis Martin, and Script to Screen were the perfect partners. Each entity brought the energy, creativity and authenticity to the Bio Force Pro project to ensure its success.”

“I’ve always had a strong work ethic and intense workouts year-round," Martin said. "I looked for a workout solution for home that would be able to substitute for my gym workouts and was unsuccessful. When I was introduced to the Bio Force Pro, I knew it had potential and I was right.

You have to use the best to get the best results and that’s what I found with the Bio Force Pro.

“My commitment to fitness is not limited to my personal health goals,” he continued. “Donating 100 percent of my portion of the proceeds from the sales of the Bio Force Pro to charity is a very important part of this project to me. The personal investment that I made in this project is indicative of my confidence that I will be able to make a substantial investment in the lives of many others with the success of the Bio Force Pro.”

These proceeds will be distributed to several charities that Martin supports through his foundation.

He is the founder and sole funder of the Curtis Martin Job Foundation. Also, he works with single mothers and with Surgicorps International — an organization that sends doctors to third-world countries to perform operations — and helps fight homelessness in New York City.

“Partnering with Fitness Quest on this product was a great decision for the Jets,” said Matt Higgins, Jets executive vice president of business operations. “They possess that rare combination of creative thinking and great execution and with Curtis’ star power are bringing an excellent product to the marketplace.”

To get the product in development, Fitness Quest met with Martin and listened to his key suggestions and feedback to launch the Bio Force Pro System. Script to Screen, a leader among the top infomercial and DRTV production companies, brought its 25-plus years of knowledge to produce the Bio Force Pro infomercial. Script to Screen has helped its clients generate more than $4 billion in sales while winning numerous awards for excellence. Fitness Quest has launched its efforts to raise awareness about the Bio Force Pro through the management of DRTV, radio and print placement as well as retail, catalog, electronic shopping, internet and sales.

For more information about the Bio Force Pro Fitness System, visit BioForcePro.com or find the Bio Force Pro on Facebook. For more information about Script to Screen visit scripttoscreen.com. For the latest on the Jets visit newyorkjets.com, "like" the team on Facebook and follow the Jets on Twitter.

[Bleedin Green]

According to Pro Football Focus, Darrelle Revis was thrown at 14 times by the Dolphins. The All-Pro cornerback, who had two interceptions, including a 100-yard TD return, had been thrown at 14 times in the first five games combined. Opposing quarterbacks have a 4.9 rating when throwing at Revis.

LOL... holy crap, that's just absolutely insane.

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Revis Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Posted by Randy Lange on October 19, 2011 – 11:10 am

A crowning touch to Darrelle Revis’ outstanding effort against Miami on Monday night is the announcement this morning that Revis has been named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week.

Revis’ 100-yard interception-return touchdown with 5:52 left in the first quarter gave the Jets a 7-3 lead that they never lost en route to their 24-6 triumph over the Dolphins, their AFC East rivals whom they hadn’t beaten at home since 2007.

The return was the longest INT-return TD in a home game in Jets franchise history. It also was the eighth play of 100 yards or longer in franchise history and equaled the longest INT-return TD in team annals, Aaron Glenn’s 100-yard return of a Dan Marino pass at Miami in 1996. Coincidentally, Glenn was at MetLife Stadium on Monday night to see his record matched.

In the fourth quarter Revis added a second interception of Matt Moore and on the night in his “heavyweight battle” with WR Brandon Marshall, he had four pass defenses, his first four-PD game since 2009.

This is Revis’ second Player of the Week award. His first came after the 2009 Week 12 victory over Carolina, when he posted the second INT-return TD and the second two-pick game of his career in the 17-6 win over the Panthers. He also was named the December/January AFC Player of the Month later that season.

We’ll have some comments from Darrelle from the Jets’ locker room a little later today on this blog.

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Jets steal WR from Broncos practice squad

October, 19, 2011

Oct 19

12:27

PM ET

By Rich Cimini

Turns out the Jets did have interest in a Broncos wide receiver, after all. But it wasn't Brandon Lloyd, who was traded Monday to the Rams. It was Eron Riley, whom they signed Wednesday off the Broncos' practice squad.

The journeyman receiver is on the Jets' 53-man roster. Riley (6-3, 210) was a pre-season star for the Broncos, catching six passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns, including a 43-yard scoring grab from Tim Tebow. Riley closed the preseason with a three-catch, 144-yard game against the Cardinals, but didn't make the team and was added to the practice squad.

Riley, an undrafted free agent out of Duke in 2009, also has spent time on the Ravens and Panthers practice squads.

The Jets now have six receivers on the roster, although Logan Payne (wrist surgery) hasn't played and still isn't practicing.

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Jets' Nick Mangold, Antonio Cromartie sit out practice

Published: Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 1:22 PM Updated: Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 1:36 PM

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

Jets C Nick Mangold (ankle) and CB Antonio Cromartie (groin) will not participate in practice today.

Mangold was not out on the practice field during the portion of practice open to the media.

Cromartie and CB Isaiah Trufant (hamstring) did stretching and warm-ups with the team but were not in uniform and did not join position drills.

Coach Rex Ryan said Tuesday he expected Mangold and Cromartie to be at least limited early in the week but both should play vs. San Diego.

DL Ropati Pitoitua (knee) and CB Donald Strickland (concussion), who sat out Monday's game, were participating in position drills today.

WR Eron Riley, signed off Denver's practice squad to the Jets' 53-man roster, was on the practice field wearing No. 19.

The Jets were not in pads today, perhaps due to the quick turnaround from the Monday night game.

* * *

CB Darrelle Revis, who picked off Miami QB Matt Moore twice in the Jets' 24-6 win Monday night, was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

* * *

Sunday's game against the Chargers will be Lupus Awareness Day, hosted by The Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR) and the Atlantic Health Jets Women’s Organization (AHJWO). Jets owner Woody Johnson founded ALR in 1999, when his daughter was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease.

Purple lupus awareness bracelets will be distributed, and fans can make donations at the stadium gates or by texting LUPUS to 85944 (a $10 donation).

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Mangold still sitting out Jets practice

| More Print

1:35 PM, October 19, 2011 ι By BRIAN COSTELLO

Jets center Nick Mangold was not on the practice field during the portion of practice open to the media Wednesday. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie was stretching with the team, but did not have a jersey on and did not take part in positional drills.

Mangold is still dealing with a high right ankle sprain, but has played in the past two games. Jets coach Rex Ryan said he expected Mangold would be held out of practice Wenesday, and then be limited later in the week.

Cromartie pulled his groin Monday night against the Dolphins, but both he and Ryan said he should be able to play Sunday against the Chargers, his former team.

Cornerback Isaiah Trufant also stretched with the team but did not have a jersey on. Trufant pulled his hamstring last week.

*

The Jets added some depth to their wide receiving corps this morning, signing Eron Riley off of the Broncos practice squad. An undrafted free agent out of Duke, Riley spent time on the Ravens and Panthers practice squads.

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/jetsblog/mangold_still_sitting_out_jets_practice_7qhaNLelAtVDqeU6SEaxDM#ixzz1bFhDo4gs

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First Look: San Diego Chargers

by Bassett on October 19th, 2011 at 11:30 am

For the Record: San Diego is 4-1, in first place by half a game in the AFC West.

Last Game: After facing a team coming off their bye week, the Jets will face yet another team coming off the beach, while the Jets fight a short week after the MNF game. In their last game the Chargers staved off the surging Denver in their 29-24 victory over the Tebow’d Broncos.

Who’s Hot: San Diego ranks 12th in the NFL in points per game, averaging 24.0. Ryan Matthews has combined for over 650 yards from scrimmage in the first five games for the Chargers. Vincent Jackson has piled up 408 yards on 23 receptions.

Who’s Not: Antonio Gates has been a mainstay of the Chargers offense for years, but has struggled with his ability to get healthy this season. Gates practiced on Monday, but it’s hard to know just yet whether he’ll be ready to play on Sunday.

Key Stat: Six touchdowns, seven interceptions. This year Philip Rivers has had trouble keeping the ball out of opponent’s hands. Over his career, Rivers has averaged better than a 2:1 touchdown to interception ratio. Expect that with some downtime and Antonio Gates likely to come back to the field that those numbers will markedly change.

Coachspeak: Norv Turner on his team’s offensive line troubles this year – “The way we throw the ball and the things we’re going to do, we’re going to have some sacks. We’ve had three or four that were back luck. I think we’ve established our toughness up front; we’ve been physical running the ball. The biggest thing we’ve done in four of our five games is that, when we’ve had to make a play, we’ve made a play.”

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Sanchez-Fitz-Moore Watch

October, 19, 2011

Oct 19

1:30

PM ET

By James Walker

We continue the "Sanchez-Fitz-Moore Watch," as all three quarterbacks were in action this past weekend.

After watching all three play in person on Sunday and Monday, here are the latest grades from the

AFC East blog:

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills

Result: L, 27-24 against Giants

Stats: 21 of 30, 244 yards, two TDs, two INTs

QBR: 61.6

Analysis: Fitzpatrick is playing decent football but not to the same level that he played the previous three weeks. His grade would be better if not for two costly mistakes against the New York Giants that led to Buffalo losing its second game in three weeks. I think the loss of speedy receiver Donald Jones has really hurt Buffalo's passing game. The Bills rarely go deep anymore, and teams are catching on to it. Fitzpatrick and the Bills’ offense need to adjust during the bye week.

Walker's grade: C+

Mark Sanchez, New York Jets

Result: W, 24-6 against Dolphins

Stats: 14 of 25, 201 yards, two TDs (one passing, one rushing)

QBR: 64.4

Analysis: Sanchez got off to a slow start but eventually warmed up in the second half. Sanchez misfired on several opportunities and failed to lead the Jets to a first down until the second quarter. The second half Sanchez seemed more comfortable and set his feet on a few good throws. He's still not playing consistent enough to be great teams. But Sanchez did get the victory.

Walker's grade: C+

Matt Moore, Miami Dolphins

Result: L, 24-6 against Jets

Stats: 16 of 34, 204 yards, two interceptions

QBR: 13.8

Analysis: Moore had two weeks to prepare for the Jets but still looked shaky. His accuracy was off overall and he couldn’t make a play on third down or in the red zone. I’m still confused that Moore chose to attack Jets Pro Bowl corner Darrelle Revis so much. That wasn’t wise. Revis picked Moore off twice, including a 100-yard touchdown return that change the momentum of the game. Moore needs to play better to get the Dolphins in the win column.

Walker's grade: D+

This week’s winner: Fitzpatrick and Sanchez (three points)

Third place: Moore (three points)

Overall standings (second quarter)

First place: Fitzpatrick and Sanchez (six points)

Third place: Moore (one point)