Jets News 11-4

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NY Jets coach Rex Ryan to star in Adam Sandler movie - as Patriots fan

Brash coach ready for close-up

BY Manish Mehta

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Thursday, November 3 2011, 10:27 PM

Ron Antonelli/New York Daily NewsRex Ryan will play a Patriots fan in an upcoming Adam Sandler movie. Photo by Ron Antonelli/Daily News

Maybe Rex Ryan will get to kiss Bill Belichick’s Super Bowl rings after all.

The brash-talking Jets coach plays, of all things, a New England Patriots fan in an upcoming movie starring Adam Sandler. NFL Network’s Rich Eisen revealed the news on his Thursday podcast that featured Sandler.

Ryan plays a Boston lawyer in “I Hate You, Dad,” which was filmed in Massachusetts last summer.

It’s not Ryan’s first rodeo on the acting scene. Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum had cameos on an episode of “CSI: New York” earlier this year. “He’s my lawyer,” Sandler told Eisen. “My character . . . is kind of a dirtbag guy and he’s in trouble. Rex is an inexpensive lawyer in town. He takes care of me. He’s also a mammoth Patriots fan in the movie.”

Ryan as a Patriots fan?

“We wrote it in the script,” Sandler said. “He was great enough to be loose and funny about it. He talks about (Tom) Brady. He talks about Coach Belichick. He’s really cool.”

As expected, Ryan was fully prepared to take on the role.

“I saw him in the hotel in the morning going to the set,” Sandler said. “I saw Coach running lines with two nice girls that work for the Jets. Just seeing the coach in the lobby doing his lines and memorizing them, closing his eyes. Then he put on a suit. Kind of a goofy suit. And he did great. . . .

He did nail it.”

Sandler, a die-hard Jets fan, also denied rumors that he played a role in trying to recruit prized free agent Nnamdi Asomugha in the offseason. “I don’t think I would have been the go-to guy for that,” Sandler cracked.

To listen to Sandler’s full interview with Rich Eisen, visit http://richeisen.nfl.com

— Mehta

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-jets-coach-rex-ryan-star-adam-sandler-movie-patriots-fan-article-1.972048#ixzz1ck937RWz

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NY Giants, NY Jets games are big matchups in broadcast booth, too

NY Giants-Patriots, NY Jets-Bills are big games in booth

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Thursday, November 3 2011, 10:08 PM

Evan Pinkus/Getty Images

Eli Manning (r.) and Tom Brady have a big matchup Sunday like the broadcast teams working the games.

The Jets and Giants are not alone in facing crucial matchups on Sunday. There will be an intense off-field competition, too.

In the broadcast booth.

In a rare occurrence, CBS and Fox are rolling out their heavy-breathing artillery, their No. 1 NFL teams, to work back-to-back afternoon games played by the locals. Jim Nantz and Phil Simms are up first, yakking Jets-Bills on CBS. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman appear in the 4:15 p.m. act, calling Giants-Patriots on Fox.

Which broadcast team is better?

As much as the suits and broadcasters publicly downplay such matters, talking complete jive about how they respect each other, both No. 1 teams would like to be known as the best in a cutthroat business. Picture this: These mouths looking over their shoulders while patting themselves on the back. Happiness is when the other network’s broadcasters mess up.

It’s even better than being praised by fans or critics.

For many moons, it’s been standard operating procedure for behind the scenes operatives from both networks to dump on the “other” team, pointing out mistakes to members of the media — just in case they were unaware. Or not watching.

Sunday, with appearances made in such close proximity eyeballed by Jets and Giants fans, there will be even more scrutiny — more opportunity to compare and contrast Nantz/Simms with Buck/Aikman.

There will be plenty of time to do it, too. The four broadcasters, preaching to fans in the nation’s biggest media market, will be filling about a 61/2-hour time block. Since both tilts are on the road, 80,000 or so eyeballs who would’ve been inside PSL Stadium won’t be removed from the viewing audience. Both games should record hefty ratings.

For the voices, everything will be intensified. Even during weeks when there is no reason to compare the two network’s No. 1 teams, their words become fodder for further discussion. Even innocuous throwaway lines can spark controversy.

Like a couple of weeks ago, when Nantz brought up the whole Mike (Sports Pope) Francesa-Darrelle Revis interview flap. Nantz, during Chargers-Jets, referred to the pontiff as “the No. 1” sports talk host in New York. This led to Nantz being trashed by Francesa’s WFAN “colleague” Craig Cartoon.

That nonsense is small potatoes compared to a voice offering bad analysis, vapor-locking on a rule, or simply making a miscall. If anything bad goes down Sunday it will be remembered, discussed and dissected all next week.

In the run-up to Week 9, deciding which team is better — Nantz/Simms or Buck/Aikman — is a reach, especially for those of us who are only interested in one thing: What have you done for us lately? The Fox team grades an incomplete. Buck has been out of the football loop, working the

ALCS and World Series.

While he and Tim McCarver were busy canonizing Tony La Russa, Buck — capably replaced by Thom Brennaman — wasn’t getting any reps with Aikman. Buck will be in deep Sunday, not only looking to get back in the groove, but working a game that could trigger visions of one of his memorable performances, when the Giants and Patriots danced in Super Bowl XLII.

With Buck/Aikman having to play catchup, Simms/Nantz receive our always-coveted stamp of approval. Until further notice (or at least until Buck/Aikman work a few more games together), the CBS mouths stand alone on top.

Nantz has always displayed a consistency when it comes to delivering play-by-play. He’s never been about the volume, but still lets it fly enough to let viewers know he actually has a pulse.

His partnership with Simms, in its seventh season, has revealed that Nantz actually has a sense of humor, too, which adds to the broadcasts. He also will mix it up with Simms but never gratuitously.

Simms’ analysis has always been recognized as innovative. His disdain for stating the obvious is apparent. If anything, Simms has developed more of an edge. Many of his opinions go against the grain of traditional analyst “wisdom.” As he advances in age, Simms has become grumpier. This adds more personality to the broadcast.

This side of Simms can appear in other venues. On the most recent episode of Showtime’s “Inside the NFL,” a viewer, “Billy,” emailed urging the suits to fire S imms.

Instead of laughing off the inane suggestion, Simms, defiant, shot back: “Well, let me tell you something, Billy. I just signed a new contract, OK? So I ain’t getting fired. You know what about that contract? It’s guaranteed. Take that, Billy.”

Hot stuff.

Simms will need to bring more fire Sunday for his team to prevail.

In the battle of the megamouths.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-giants-ny-jets-games-big-matchups-broadcast-booth-article-1.972041#ixzz1ck9xSnZg

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NY Jets quarterback Mark Brunell faces huges debts

NY Jets quarterback Mark Brunell in dire financial situation

BY Kevin Armstrong

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Thursday, November 3 2011, 10:10 PM

Antonelli/News

Mark Brunell (l.), Mark Sanchez's backup with the Jets, is reportedly having financial troubles and files for bankruptcy in his home city of Jacksonville.

On Thursday afternoon at the Jets’ practice field in Florham Park, N.J., reserve quarterback Mark Brunell, wearing his red No. 8 jersey, called plays for the second-team offense and dropped back from under center, completing short throws to his receivers.

Afterward, in his quiet corner of the locker room, he was more reticent and declined to discuss his filing for bankruptcy in Jacksonville, Fla.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Brunell said. “No. But thank you.”

Brunell, 41, is in his second year as the veteran backup for starter Mark Sanchez, and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization on June 25, 2010. He has played in three Pro Bowls, owns a Super Bowl ring and earned upwards of $50 million in salary playing for the Packers, Jaguars, Redskins, Saints and Jets during a 19-season career.

Still, his earnings have been lost to a string of poor investments in real estate and restaurants.

According to court papers and a report this week from Action Jacksonville News, Brunell invested his fortune into nine businesses and enterprises, five of which are no longer in operation. There are more than $16 million in claims against the quarterback.

Brunell may have to sell certain assets earned during his college career at the University of Washington, according to court papers. Included on the itemized list of available assets are his 1991 national title ring, three Rose Bowl rings and one from the East-West Shrine game. Two embossed watches are also being put up for sale.

His recent financial records are being watched closely as well. For the month of September 2011, Brunell filed a debtor’s monthly operating report. He listed his salary as $121,530 and had to account for his disbursements ranging from his rent to his charitable donations.

A phone call to the office of Brunell’s attorney, Robert Wilcox, was not immediately returned.

Chapter 11 allows a debtor to reorganize debts under the protection of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. It provides an automatic stay in which judgments, collection activities, foreclosures and property repossessions are suspended and cannot be pursued by creditors on any claim arising before the filing, according to court information.

Brunell, credited with assisting in the development of Sanchez, told the court he plans to be employed as an entry level sales representative for a company in the medical device industry, according to an affidavit. Leon Fowler, the vice president of the company, says he will pay Brunell $60,000 per year.

Brunell is married with four children and plans on returning to the Jacksonville area once he retires.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-jets-quarterback-mark-brunell-faces-huges-debts-article-1.972042#ixzz1ckBVEAjs

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Jets hoping to get first road win this weekend

Thursday, November 3, 2011

BY J.P. PELZMAN

STAFF WRITER

The Record

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FLORHAM PARK – LaDainian Tomlinson doesn’t script the on-the-field pep talks he gives to his Jets’ teammates before every game, although he does spend time thinking about them the night before.

AP

Rex Ryan and the Jets are 4-0 at home, but 0-3 on the road.

The veteran running back might want to bring a notepad to the gathering prior to Sunday’s game at Buffalo, because there’ll be plenty to talk about.

Not only is it a chance for the Jets to perhaps climb into a first-place tie in the AFC East, the visitors also can reverse their recent — and uncharacteristic — road woes.

Counting playoffs, the Jets were 15-7 away from home in their first two years under coach Rex Ryan. But they lost three straight games on the road earlier this season, and will be playing on the road for the first time since that stretch when they visit the Bills on Sunday. The Jets are 4-0 at home in 2011.

Reversing their unfortunate road trend won’t be easy, considering the Bills are 4-0 at home this season, including a “home” win over Washington in Toronto last Sunday.

“We need to win, no question,” Ryan said Thursday. “You’re not going to go anywhere if you can’t win on the road.”

Buffalo will be wearing all-white uniforms, and Bills’ players are encouraging fans to follow suit and create a “whiteout.”

That’s fine, Ryan said, adding, “They’re having a whiteout. Oh, my goodness,” with tongue apparently in cheek. But he said more seriously, “I think we’ll break the trend this week.”

“I’ve always said to be a championship-caliber football team, you have to be able to win games on the road,’’ wide receiver Plaxico Burress said. “You’re not going to blow teams out on the road.

That’s just the way this game is. You have to put yourself in a position in the fourth quarter to win the game.’’

Linebacker Jamaal Westerman said he’s noticed players putting in extra time this week, “trying to improve the small things that make us who we are. … You need to keep at it, because this is not a game where you just show up and say, ‘All right, we’re here on Sunday.’ ”

As for why the Jets suddenly have struggled away from home, the former Rutgers standout said,

“We don’t know what [the problem] is, but there’s only one way to remedy it, and that’s just to keep practicing hard and fine-tuning the things that make us, us.”

Westerman said he thinks there has been “more focus” during practice this week.

Tomlinson used the same mantra.

“I think for us it’s about our focus,” Tomlinson said of the road problems, “because for us, the beginning of the game on the road is tough, because the crowd is into it. And lately we’ve turned the ball over early and put ourselves in bad situations at the beginning of the game and really dug ourselves a hole.

“For us,” he added, “it’s all about focus, particularly at the beginning of the game, and starting out fast, and trying to quiet their crowd.”

So the Jets probably cannot afford the four consecutive three-and-out series they had at the beginning of the loss to New England in their most recent road game Oct. 9.

“We just haven’t handled the beginning of the game well,” Tomlinson said, “but I’m encouraged because I think it’s something you can get better at.”

As for his pregame words, “When I start talking, it just comes out the way it comes out.”

The Jets hope LT’s words and the game flow smoothly this time.

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Jets vs. Bills: 3 storylines to watch

RICK STEWART/GETTY IMAGES

Fred Jackson

KRISTIAN DYER/METRO

NEW YORK

Published: November 03, 2011 9:13 p.m.

Last modified: November 03, 2011 9:18 p.m.

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1. Sorry Ms. Jackson, he is for real

Earlier this week, a report came out that the wife of Bills running back Fred Jackson didn’t draft her husband until the fifth round of her fantasy draft, because she didn’t know what type of year he was in for.

It is shaping up to be a career year for him. He is fourth in the AFC with 721 rushing yards and adds plenty to the team with receptions and good blocking in the backfield.

“He continues to amaze me. He’s got all three aspects of the game. He can run it, he can catch it and he can block,” Bills head coach Chan Gailey said.

2. He is a real Harvard man

It was widely known that Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was a cerebral quarterback. He wowed scouts and management types seven years ago before the NFL draft with his intellect and Wonderlic scores, but no one knew if his play in the Ivy League could translate to Sundays.

He’s had plenty of rough patches, but Fitzpatrick would hold onto the starting job. This season, he has 1,739 passing yards including 14 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.

3. Watch out for the bye effect

Now in his third year with the team, head coach Rex Ryan has never won after a bye with the Jets, including a 9-0 clunker in Week 8 last year against Green Bay.

For whatever reason, Ryan hasn’t found the formula for success after a bye week and he offered no specifics this week though the Jets did practice in pads on Wednesday to get the blood flowing again after the layoff.

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Jets Still Looking for Their First Road Victory This Season

By DAVE CALDWELL

Published: November 3, 2011

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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Jets Coach Rex Ryan said Thursday that Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. — the Ralph, as the locals call it — was an intimidating place to play even when the home team, the Buffalo Bills, were not as good as they are now.<p>

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Joe Giza/Reuters

“This is still a tough team on the road,” quarterback Mark Sanchez said of the Jets, who are 0-3 away from home this season.

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The Bills have always played hard, Ryan said, flying around the field kind of like the gusts of wind that always seem to be buffeting the Ralph, which is less than 10 miles east of Lake Erie. Sometimes, he said, there is “snow and bad weather and all that stuff.”

Ryan added: “And that’s certainly something have to deal with. When you go out there, a calm day is probably 20-mile-an-hour winds. It seems like I’ve always been there in worse conditions.”

The forecast calls for Sunday’s game between the Jets and Bills to be played in practically balmy conditions, with a high of 55 degrees and winds a relatively calm 12 miles an hour. But now the Bills (5-2) actually have a good team, and they are 4-0 in home games this season, three at the Ralph, one in Toronto.

The Jets (4-3), meanwhile, have uncharacteristically lost all three of their road games this season, which Ryan said is something that “kind of digs” at him. In Ryan’s first two years as their coach, the Jets won 15 of 22 road games, including four playoff games.

“I think it bothers all of us, because we’ve always played well on the road,” Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson said.

Sunday’s game is on the road against an improved division rival, which all but makes it a must-win, Tomlinson said. It comes after a bye week, and the Jets lost both games that came after bye weeks in Ryan’s first two years with the team.

Ryan said the Jets’ three road opponents this season — Oakland, Baltimore and New England, a combined 9-2 at home — have had something to do with the Jets’ poor road record. This is still inexcusable to Ryan.

“We know we need to win, no question,” he said Thursday. “You’re not going to go anywhere if you can’t win on the road.”

Tomlinson said he would probably point out to his teammates before they take the field on Sunday that the Jets will determine this month if they win the A.F.C. East. After Sunday, they are to host New England (5-2), play at Denver (2-5) and play the Bills at home.

The Jets said practices for the Buffalo game have been relatively sharp. Tomlinson said he thinks the Jets have learned the hard way over the last two years about the perils that await teams coming off bye weeks without intensity. “I think with that type of focus, we will come out and play pretty good,” Tomlinson said.

When reminded Wednesday that the Jets had not won a road game, quarterback Mark Sanchez smiled and said: “Easy, easy. Be easy on us. This is still a tough team on the road. We’re just going to have to play smart.

We can’t have any penalties and we have to take care of the football, and that will really set us free.”

The Jets have six turnovers in three road games, including three fumbles in a rugged 34-17 loss on Oct. 2 to the Baltimore Ravens. The Bills have a plus-9 turnover differential, the best in the A.F.C. and third in the N.F.L.

The Bills’ assistant head coach, Dave Wannstedt, has employed a ball-hawking style on defense.

“He’s probably said a couple of words to them about defense, because that’s his thing,” said Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, who played for Wannstedt at the University of Pittsburgh.

Ryan had heard that the Bills plan to wear all-white uniforms Sunday for the first time at home since 1986. The Bills said they wanted to give their fans a chance to see the team play at least one home game in their all-white uniforms, but Ryan said, laughing, “They’re having a white-out — oh, my goodness." The Jets will dress in the green jerseys that they normally wear at home — where they are 4-0 this year.

Ryan said he thought the Jets would break this recent trend of losing games on the road. He also said his team might derive some motivation from being a slight underdog.

“I think we just need to get off to a fast start,” Jets wide receiver Plaxico Burress said. “You look at their defense and the things that they’ve been doing. They’re a smart group but they’re fast, they’re physical. They’re number one in the league in takeaways. So, that’s just something that we’re definitely going to have to be cognizant about, taking care of the football and trying to get the crowd out of the game early.”

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Jets notes: Joe McKnight honored

Friday, November 4, 2011

The Record

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McKnight honored

Second-year pro Joe McKnight has come a long way from his first minicamp practice as a rookie, when he vomited during the session because his conditioning wasn’t up to par.

McKnight was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for October on Thursday. He had a 107-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at Baltimore on Oct. 2, and is averaging 40 yards on 13 kickoff returns.

Special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff has been surprised by McKnight’s progress, saying, "No, I didn’t expect it," but he added, "He’s believing in his reads [on the returns]. That’s what he’s doing exceptionally well."

"Coach Westhoff believes in me," McKnight said with a smile, "so if he believes in me, I know I can do it because Coach Westhoff doesn’t give anybody the time of day. When he believed in me, that I could do it, that’s when I knew I could do it and go out there and make plays."

DeVito returns

DE Mike DeVito (knee) returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. Coach Rex Ryan said, "I’m not 100 percent sure" that DeVito will play Sunday at Buffalo, but added that he is "encouraged" by the progress he’s making. DeVito missed the win over San Diego on Oct. 23.

Briefs

WR Plaxico Burress was limited in practice because of tightness in his lower back, but Ryan and Burress expect that he will play Sunday. Burress said it was "a little sore." Backup NT Kenrick Ellis (ankle) also was limited. It’s unclear whether he will play Sunday. … Ryan said OLB Aaron Maybin likely would play "a little more" Sunday because he has increased his knowledge of the playbook.

— J.P. Pelzman

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5 questions for ... Eric Mangini

Jets Blog

By JUSTIN TERRANOVA

Last Updated: 8:45 AM, November 4, 2011

Posted: 4:01 AM, November 4, 2011

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Former Jets and Browns coach Eric Mangini talked with The Post's Justin Terranova about Sunday's big matchups between the Giants and Patriots, and Bills and Jets. The ESPN analyst also discussed a possible return to coaching.

Q: What did the Steelers do to beat Patriots?

A: They took what the Patriots gave them: Push them off deep zones, hit the check downs, get to third-and-manageable and keep extending drives. That means Tom Brady's only on the field for 20 minutes. And on defense they did a real good job in passing situations in getting Tom off his spot, and not letting him be comfortable right behind center where he likes to stand.

Eric Mangini

Q: Can the Giants take advantage of that?

A: The Giants have a unique situation where they can generate a pass rush with their down guys and do it really well, and that's going to help. But that pressure has to come up the middle. And the other thing is: If you don't have tight coverage on the receivers, he'll just hit those guys short.

Q: What's been most encouraging about the Jets' past two wins?

A: The most encouraging thing to me is that they are back to the formula they had so much success with in the past. Shonn Greene's yards per carry against the Chargers (5.6) was the same as it was when they beat them in the playoffs two years ago. Even if it's not consistently big chunks, it opens up a lot of things for Mark Sanchez. And Mark is very effective with those types of plays, and they work so much better when you have to honor the running game. They have guys who can kill you off the play-action, whether it's Plaxico Burress, Santonio Holmes or Dustin Keller.

Q: Can the Bills stay in this AFC East race with the Jets and Patriots?

A: I really feel like this is a great benchmark for them. The Patriots game was, too, but now they are going to go against a defense that's really talented. They are going to throw a bunch of different looks at you. The quality of the cornerbacks they have, and this is really important. With New England it was how many points do we need to score, but now you are dealing with a defense that can create a lot of problems.

Q: Can you see yourself staying an analyst or are you determined to get back into coaching?

A: I wanted to take a year to do something different and see what it's like, then really assess things in January when we get to that cycle. But it has been fun, it's been great for me in terms of the opportunity for me and my family. I've got three little guys (ages 7, 5, 3). I can do things with them now that I've never been able to do in the past and that's been fantastic.

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/eric_mangini_86pI1ZKt7rRC7AAI4kemhP#ixzz1ckJIYuyp

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NY Jets believe Buffalo Bills can be exposed on defense in NFL Week 9

Jets think Bills are soft on defense

BY Manish Mehta

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Friday, November 4 2011, 12:55 AM

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Dustin Keller thinks Gang Green can exploit Bills’ overly aggressive defense Sunday in Buffalo.

There may not be an exact science to deciphering the Bills’ opportunistic defense, but the Jets are well-aware that they can use Buffalo’s aggressiveness to their advantage on Sunday. Although Chan Gailey’s ball-hawking defense leads the league with 14 interceptions and is tied for the most takeaways (18), Mark Sanchez & Co. should be able to capitalize on a unit that gives up 386 yards each week.

“They’re playing sound defense, but they’re also taking a lot of risks,” tight end Dustin Keller said.

“That’s why they’re able to make a lot of these turnovers. If we protect the ball, there’s going to be some opportunities for some big plays.”

The numbers don’t lie. The Bills are 0-15 in their last 15 games when they don’t force a turnover, according to ESPN Stats & Information. However, they’ve made a habit of forcing miscues this season. The Bills already have three pick-sixes. They intercepted Tom Brady four times in a game last month, too.

“I’ll tell you what, it’s not by accident,” Rex Ryan said of Buffalo’s defensive success. “They catch a lot of tipped passes, because they play hard. They run to the football. Things we pride ourselves in, as well, you see it with them. . . . It seems like they attack the football. It’s a ball-hawking group in the back end.”

Said Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer: “It’s risk-reward a little bit. But they do a good job of recovering when they try to take a chance.”

Buffalo’s swarming mentality has helped the Bills shoot up the AFC East standings. Although they’ve added two key pieces in defensive lineman Marcell Dareus and linebacker Nick Barnett, the rest of their players have largely remained the same. The secondary flashes myriad looks, which has contributed to their success, Keller said.

“A couple small factors can make a big difference,” Keller said. “That shows with them. They don’t have a bunch of changes, but clearly they’re playing better football.”

Sanchez credited Bills defenders for playing sound technique more than a free-wheeling, reckless style bent on creating turnovers.

“I think some of the times they’ve just been at the right place,” Sanchez said. “It’s not just them being aggressive (or) jumping routes so much as being in the right place and running their scheme so well and hustling to the football. When they tip a pass, the guy behind them is right there, where maybe in years past they haven’t been. . . . It’s an energized group.”

Gang Green has taken much better care of the ball after being overly generous in the first month.

Ryan’s team has committed just three turnovers in the last three games after having 10 in the first four. The Jets’ revitalized rushing attack has helped Sanchez, who has just one turnover in the past three games after committing nine in the first four.

The Jets’ success on the ground against the Bills — they’ve averaged 279 yards in the last four games against Buffalo — should create play-action opportunities for Sanchez, who hasn’t taken many shots downfield. He should have time in the pocket against a defense that has recorded only 1 4 sacks ( 25th in the NFL).

“I think those big plays will come,” Sanchez said. “That’s great, but at the end of the day, if we’re sustaining 10-, 12-, 13-play drives, that’s just as good as one big-play drive. They do help with momentum, that’s for sure.”

The Bills, of course, have fed off their defensive momentum with aggressive plays. However, they’ve been more vulnerable because of it.

“Sometimes if you don’t make it, sometimes the ball can go by you, but they’re very aggressive,” Ryan said. “They’re not going to change their style.”

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-jets-buffalo-bills-exposed-defense-nfl-week-9-article-1.972104#ixzz1ckK27MhB

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NY Jets punter T.J. Conley welcomes competition from former NY Giants punter Matt Dodge

Former Giant punter Matt Dodge comes in to compete with NY Jets punter T.J. Conley

BY Kevin Armstrong

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Friday, November 4 2011, 1:08 AM

Robert Sabo/New York Daily News

Jets punter T.J. Conley's performance has been "average" according to special teams coach Mike Westhoff.

Jets special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff maintained that he is “not necessarily” pleased with punter T.J. Conley’s production thus far, and brought in former Giant Matt Dodge for a workout last week for a reason.

“I always have my eyes open,” Westhoff said.

Westhoff labeled ’sConley’s performance as “very average,” and noted his interest in Dodge was the result of the punter’s reputation for having a big leg. Westhoff wants Conley to be more consistent. Conley has averaged 43.5 yards a punt this year He and has dropped 13 punts inside the 20-yard line.

“There are some things I’m very happy with and some things I’m up and down with,” Westhoff said.

Dodge was released by the Giants in training camp.

Meanwhile, Westhoff’s return man, Joe McKnight, was named the AFC special teams player of the monthin the AFC. McKnight, who struggled to find a role with the Jets as a rookie last season, returned a kick 107 yards for a score on Oct. 2 at Baltimore. He also set up a touchdown with an 88-yard return the following week in New England.

“It feels good,” McKnight said. “Who knew I’d be in this situation right now? It started off rough last year.”

PLAX WATCHES HIS BACK

Wideout Plaxico Burress was limited in practice Thursday due to tightness in his lower back. Burress received heat treatment and did extra stretching on the sidelines before going through individual drills and running routes for quarterback Mark Sanchez.

“We don’t want to run him into the ground,” Rex Ryan said.

After a slow start, Burress hauled in three touchdown passes in the Jets’ win over the Chargers two weeks ago.

CAPTAIN MAYBIN

Aaron Maybin is enjoying a redemptive season with the Jets after being cut by the Bills, but the bouncy linebacker will not be given a ceremonial start against his former team the way tailback LaDainian Tomlinson got one against the Chargers.

“You’ve got to be a Hall of Famer to do that,” Ryan said.

Ryan suggested that Maybin, like all players facing a former team under Ryan, will serve as a captain at the midfield coin toss Sunday.

After not recording a sack in two seasons with the Bills, Maybin has three sacks in four games for the Jets this season.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-jets-punter-t-conley-welcomes-competition-ny-giants-punter-matt-dodge-article-1.972112#ixzz1ckKjrK4P

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Morning take: Ryan Fitzpatrick will play

November, 4, 2011

Nov 4

8:00

AM ET

By James Walker

Here are the most interesting stories Friday morning in the AFC East:

• Despite being limited the past two days, Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is expected to play with a chest bruise.
  

Morning take: Fitzpatrick took a brutal shot during a screen pass last week against the Washington Redskins. Expect the New York Jets to bring heavy pressure to see if they can rattle Fitzpatrick, as well.

• Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer says Santonio Holmes remains the No. 1 receiver.
  

Morning take: Holmes is off to a slow start and Plaxico Burress caught three touchdown passes against the San Diego Chargers. But Holmes will get his opportunities. It's a long season and the Jets are playing winning football.

• NFL.com reports former New England Patriots cornerback Leigh Bodden visited the Kansas City Chiefs.
  

Morning take: Bodden cleared waivers so New England is on the hook for the rest of his salary. If healthy, Bodden will be a bargain for a cornerback-needy team the rest of the season.

• The Miami Dolphins aren't the only people talking about Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.
  

Morning take: Phil Simms and Peyton Manning are all weighing in. Luck is one of the hottest topics of the 2011 season, and he hasn't played a down in the NFL. Miami needs Luck more than any team.

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LT on Rivers: Hard being ‘the guy’

Jets Blog

By TIM BONTEMPS and MARK CANNIZZARO

Last Updated: 9:51 AM, November 4, 2011

Posted: 1:42 AM, November 4, 2011

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The Jets and Chargers played almost two weeks ago, but the bad blood between LaDainian Tomlinson and his old team is alive and well.

Tomlinson, now in his second season with Gang Green after a stellar nine-year stint with San Diego, told reporters after yesterday’s practice why he felt Rivers isn’t living up to his usual standards this season.

“I don’t know what Philip may be going through right now,” said Tomlinson, who was teammates with Rivers from 2004-2009. “But I will say, to me he seems distracted, for some reason. Like on the sideline, he seems like he’s just distracted.

“And I’ve always said this: It’s hard to be ‘the guy.’ When they say this is your team, it’s hard to be the guy, because you get all the questions of what’s wrong and what’s right.”

When Rivers, who has already thrown 11 interceptions this season, was asked about Tomlinson’s remarks following Chargers practice yesterday, he did his best to defuse the situation.

“I don’t feel that burden, nor has it had anything to do with the struggles,” Rivers told the San Diego Union-Tribune. “People say it’s ‘your team.’ I’ve never bought into that. I don’t know how my role is any different this year than it has been in past years.”

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith, however, was far less diplomatic when asked about Tomlinson’s comments.

“I agree with what [Tomlinson] said about it’s hard being the guy,” said Smith, who released Tomlinson in February 2010.

“But I think it’s a lot harder when it’s no longer your team, and you’re not the guy.”

tbontemps@nypost.com

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Jets must prove they’re champs, not chumps

Jets Blog

Last Updated: 10:11 AM, November 4, 2011

Posted: 1:44 AM, November 4, 2011

Mark Cannizzaro

LaDainian Tomlinson has been in the NFL for 11 seasons and is headed to the Hall of Fame on roller skates, to borrow an oft-used phrase from Bill Parcells. That makes Tomlinson a sage of sorts inside a Jets locker room filled mostly with players much younger and less experienced than he is.

So when Tomlinson speaks, his words carry a certain significance that shouldn’t be ignored.

That’s what made the message Tomlinson delivered yesterday so powerful in its simplicity and clarity while speaking about the crucial stretch of games the Jets face, beginning Sunday in Buffalo.

Tomlinson, who’s not prone to cliché or hyperbole the way so many athletes who like to hear the sound of their voices do, called the game against the 5-2 first-place Bills “do-or-die” in relation to the 4-3 Jets’ chances of winning the AFC East.

“Let’s be honest, this next month is going to tell us if we’re going to be champs of the AFC East,’’ Tomlinson said, referring to two games against the Bills and one against the Patriots in the next four weeks. “That’s the way we need to look at it, starting with this game, because we can’t be champs if we don’t win this game.

“The way we need to think is if we want to win the division, the next month is going to tell us if we will or not. You can really say this is a do-or-die game.’’

As this season approached and since it began, no message from the Jets has been delivered with more regularity and force from Rex Ryan than their goal of winning the AFC East.

Win the division, earn at least one home playoff game and that’s believed to be the magic formula to getting to the Super Bowl for the first time in 42 years. The Jets have hosted exactly one playoff game in the last 12 years. Since 1998, they’ve played in 14 postseason games and had two of them at home.

Tomlinson and the Jets believe they must beat the first-place Bills Sunday to keep their division championship hopes within reach. That means winning on the road for the first time this season.

The Jets’ 0-3 road record this season is particularly perplexing because of how good they have been away from home the last two seasons, winning 15 of 22 games, including the postseason.

The Jets were 5-3 on the road in the 2009 regular season and went 2-1 in the playoffs and they were 6-2 last season and were again 2-1 in the playoffs.

They took pride the last two years in calling themselves “road warriors,’’ taking delight in going into other teams’ houses and messing up the joints, shutting up the home crowds and talking tough on their way out of town.

“You’re not going to go anywhere if you can’t win on the road,’’ Ryan said. “Unfortunately, we’ve lost three games on the road and that kind of digs at us right now. I think we’ll break the trend [sunday].’’

The Jets, en route to consecutive AFC Championship game losses, have played six postseason games in the last two years under Ryan and all have been on the road, something Ryan believes has been the only thing preventing them from getting to the Super Bowl.

The Jets’ uncanny prowess on the road the last two years defined them as a dangerous, tough-minded team, one no one wanted to play in the postseason. Unless they turn things around on the road this season, beginning Sunday in Buffalo, there might be no playoff games for them -- home or away.

“We’ve got to stop this road streak; we need to have a good ride home on the airplane,’’ defensive tackle Sione Pouha said.

“It bothers all of us,’’ Tomlinson said. “Trust me, it’s on our minds. With that type of focus I think we will come out and play good.’’

mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com

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Bills receiver boasting like Jets

Jets Blog

By BRIAN COSTELLO

Last Updated: 10:02 AM, November 4, 2011

Posted: 1:41 AM, November 4, 2011

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Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson added a little spice to Sunday’s Jets-Bills game, saying it’s Buffalo’s time to rule the AFC East.

“I don’t want to say [the Jets are] too much of a hype, because they’ve gotten it done,” Johnson told the Associated Press. “I think it’s our turn now. It’s our turn to show that we’re going to come in and try to take over this division and make this run be for real.”

Johnson wore a T-shirt this week in Buffalo with “Fitzpatrick-Johnson 2012: Yes We Can” written in red, white and blue across the chest in reference to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and himself.

“Yes we can. Yes we can get to the playoffs, we can get to the Super Bowl,” Johnson said.

“Whatever they say we can’t, we can.”

The Bills are 5-2 and share the AFC East lead with the Patriots. This game with the 4-3 Jets holds huge implications for the playoff race.

*

Coach Rex Ryan said outside linebacker Aaron Maybin will play more this week as he learns more of the playbook. But Maybin will not be starting against his former team like LaDainian Tomlinson did two weeks ago against the Chargers.

“Are we doing him like we did LT?” Ryan asked. “No, you’ve got to be a Hall of Famer to do that.”

*

Ryan is teaming up with Adam Sandler for a new movie in which the coach will play a Patriots fan.

The actor told NFL Network’s Rich Eisen for his podcast yesterday that Ryan will play a Boston-based “inexpensive” lawyer in the still untitled movie.

With AP

brian.costello@nypost.com

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/johnson_bills_takin_over_east_SrqPl1CKAFeyWb0Ka08XEM#ixzz1ckO3UdFY

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Westhoff getting big returns from Jets special teams

Jets Blog

By BRIAN COSTELLO

Last Updated: 9:58 AM, November 4, 2011

Posted: 1:47 AM, November 4, 2011

Mike Westhoff learned to adapt 25 years ago when Don Shula hired him to coach the Dolphins’ special teams. This was Shula Version 3.0, with Dan Marino, Mark Duper, Mark Clayton and the highest-scoring offense in the NFL.

“He was such a believer in being able to take what you have and deal with it,” said Westhoff, now Jets special teams coach. “He did it on a grand scale as a head coach. Don, when he had [Larry] Csonka and [Jim] Kiick and those guys, they were the best running team in the NFL. All of a sudden he has Marino, and he’s throwing the ball all over the lot. That philosophy I got first from him.”

Westhoff has used that philosophy since joining the Jets in 2001 to adjust his kickoff return game no matter who is back there. That is evident again this season as the Jets’ kick return unit is first in the NFL with an average return of 30.3 yards after losing Brad Smith to the Bills in the offseason and switching from Antonio Cromartie to Joe McKnight three weeks into the season.

McKnight was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for October yesterday. The award reflects not just what McKnight has been able to do but also the wizardry of Westhoff and the skill of the 10 blockers in front of him.

“I look at it as the Jets are the special teams [players] of the month,” Westhoff said Thursday.

“There’s a lot of guys who have really contributed to it. They have really blocked well. Joe’s running at full speed, and he obviously gets the credit. But to me, there’s a whole lot of people involved in it.”

It starts with Westhoff drawing up the returns. Each week, he works on about 15 returns, knowing he will only get the chance to run two or three. Westhoff approaches the returns like he is drawing up an offensive running play. He uses blocking schemes you would hear in any offensive meeting room

-- traps, double teams, setting the edge.

The next element of the returns comes in the personnel. Westhoff believes he has identified the ideal player for each position in the return. The trick is finding them on the roster. The current return team features only two drafted players. The rest are backups that he melds together.

McKnight, who returned a kickoff 107 yards for a touchdown in Baltimore last month, is averaging 40 yards a return. The NFL record is 41.06 by the Packers’ Travis Williams in 1967. The second-year running back from USC gained confidence after getting Westhoff’s support.

“If he believes in me, I know I can do it because Coach Westhoff doesn’t give anybody the time of day,” McKnight said. “When he believed in me -- that I could do it, that’s when I knew I could do it and go out there and make plays.”

In practice, the Jets run returns at full-speed to simulate the game. When it comes to Sunday, players say they are not surprised by anything. This season, Cromartie replaced Smith as the team’s primary return man. When he suffered bruised ribs against the Raiders in Week 3, McKnight replaced him.

“It doesn’t alter anything,” said Marcus Dixon of when they switch return men. “It doesn’t matter who is back there. ... Shoot, Rex can go back there and run a kick return back.”

The transition from Smith to McKnight (via Cromartie) has been as smooth as the one from Leon Washington or Justin Miller or Chad Morton before that.

“[Westhoff] is probably a Hall of Fame special teams coach,” Ryan said. “If they start putting assistant coaches in the Hall of Fame, I think you’d start with my dad [buddy Ryan] and him. And I mean that.”

brian.costello@nypost.com

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/special_philosophy_0CF9QE6c9sErhLgKWX90ZK#ixzz1ckOlflXc

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Philip Rivers, Chargers GM Return Fire At Jets’ Tomlinson

November 4, 2011 9:20 AM

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LaDainian Tomlinson (credit: Al Bello/Getty Images), Philip Rivers (credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) – LaDainian Tomlinson thinks San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers “seems distracted,” and was stunned Monday night when his former teammate fumbled a snap near the end of regulation of an overtime loss to Kansas City.

Tomlinson, in his second season with the Jets, wouldn’t speculate Thursday when asked if Rivers is struggling because he’s not healthy. He said it could be the result of the pressure of being a leader.

“When you’re in your prime, everything slows down,” said Tomlinson. “When you’re in your prime, you really see the field well. You’re in control out there. I don’t know what Philip may be going through right now.

“But I will say, to me, he seems distracted for some reason. It just seems like he’s distracted. And I’ve always said this: `It’s hard to be The Guy on the team.’ When they say this is your team. It’s hard to be that guy now. Because you get all the questions of what’s wrong and what’s right. Then, you get your teammates that expect certain things from you. When that doesn’t happen, you get strange looks in the locker room. So it’s hard to be that guy when it’s your team. So that may have a little bit to do with what’s going on.”

Rivers, who has thrown an NFL-high 11 interceptions, dropped the snap against the Chiefs that cost the Chargers in a 23-20 loss. Tomlinson couldn’t “believe that just happened,” and had never seen Rivers do that.

“Based on what you told me, he has to be speaking from experience,” Rivers responded, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith also fired back at the Jets’ veteran running back.

“I agree with what LT said about it’s hard being the guy,” he said. “But I think it’s a lot harder when it’s no longer your team, and you’re not the guy.”

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Plaxico Burress Bothered By Sore Back, Should Be Fine For Jets-Bills

November 4, 2011 8:53 AM

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(credit: Nick Laham/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) – Plaxico Burress was limited in practice Thursday because of tightness in his lower back, but the wide receiver is expected to be fine to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Jets coach Rex Ryan admitted Burress has been bothered by it at times during the season.

“We don’t want to run him into the ground,” said Ryan. “We want him to be 100 percent when we play on Sunday.”

Burress, who grabbed three touchdown passes against San Diego in Week 7, expects more success — though not necessarily for himself — in the red zone.

“All it does is open up things for guys like Dustin and Santonio and all those guys,” he said, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. “It’s going to be interesting to see how those guys are going to play us in the red zone. We’re going to go into the red zone, call the same plays, and just adjust to the flow.”

Defensive linemen Mike DeVito (knee) and Kenrick Ellis (left ankle) practiced on a limited basis after sitting out Wednesday.

DeVito, a starter at defensive end, missed the Jets’ last game before the bye-week break against San Diego. Ryan says he was encouraged that DeVito had no setbacks after working out Wednesday. Ellis, a rookie defensive tackle, was injured in the 27-21 win over San Diego.

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Dyer: Jets Looking For Their ‘Who’s Your Daddy’ Moment

November 4, 2011 6:57 AM

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(credit: Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

By Kristian Dyer

The statement needs to be made because it hasn’t been yet. The Jets need a “Who’s you daddy” moment this Sunday against the Bills.

It won’t be easy, it never is in the NFL unless you’re playing the Dolphins or a team that has Tim Tebow as its quarterback, but the Jets surprisingly face another “must-win” game in Buffalo. Their previous two games were labeled the same way and both were needed wins to salvage a season that seemed destined to slip away from hope. This game is all about making right a season with so much promise.

How they’ve gotten to this point has been a hard road.

Before they packed their bags and let the bye week take them away from northern New Jersey, the then struggling Jets had an emphatic second half in a Week 7 comeback victory over the Chargers.

The win propelled the Jets to 4-3 and sent them on their way with all sorts of good vibrations. They had won two in a row now and seemed to be out of a funk that mired them just a few weeks earlier in a three game losing streak. Momentum seems to be back with the Jets but now, however, the hard work needs to be done.

Their biggest enemy this week may in fact be themselves.

It would be easy for complacency to set in. After all, the Jets are coming off a bye week and they could have gotten a little fat in their time away. The Jets haven’t lost in their last two games and it has been three weeks since they tasted defeat in a Week 5 loss at New England. It could seem like this team is better than their 4-3 record and things could appear better than they actually are in a tight division.

Coasting, could be very much on the mind of the Jets. It could also be disastrous.

While the start of the season hasn’t quite panned out for the Jets, who endured the aforementioned losing streak and haven’t fully lived up to their potential, the next month of games can get them right where they want to be. There’s this Sunday in Buffalo against the surprising Bills, a team who at 5-2 have ridden an identity without superstars to a strong start to the season.

Then next week they host New England, a game that could well shape the divisional race. In successive weeks there is a trip to Denver and a home game against the Bills, closing out a busy November; this time next month, we will know if the Jets are the contender they’ve claimed to be this year or the pretenders they’ve been their previous 51 years of playing football.

What Sunday in Orchard Park represents is a chance for the Jets to take down the upstarts of the division, their pesky neighbors to the north, and reestablish themselves in the division along with a firmer grasp on their playoff positioning. The Patriots appear to be a lock for the postseason but with two head-to-head match-ups over their next four games, the Jets can deal the Bills a deadly blow for the playoffs.

That’s what this game is about for the Jets, who must realize that despite the fact that they righted the ship over their past two games, there is still plenty of work to be done. Sunday afternoon against the Bills represents a chance to make a statement that, despite their mediocre record and the fact that they are muddled in the middle of the conference, they are that team that still has Super Bowl ambitions – realistic ambitions at that.

And it’s all up to the Jets to make the Bills acknowledge them as their “daddy.”

Kristian R. Dyer covers the Jets for Metro New York and contributes to Yahoo!Sports. He can be followed at twitter.com/KristianRDyer

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Palladino: The Work Will Come for Jets’ Unhappy Santonio Holmes

November 4, 2011 8:22 AM

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(credit: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

‘From the Pressbox’

By Ernie Palladino

Ernie is the author of “Lombardi and Landry.” He’ll be covering football throughout the season.

Wide receivers are funny people.

The all want the ball in their hands, all the time. And most of them, when it doesn’t arrive regularly, go into a pout.

That’s sort of what Santonio Holmes is doing right now. With just 22 catches for 311 yards and three touchdowns over the first seven games, he actually had to pick his words carefully the other day when asked about what appears to be a reduced role.

He eventually said the right thing — “We’re here winning games right now. We’re 4-3 right now, and that’s pretty much all I can ask for at this point.” — but he would have done well to drop the pregnant pause before answering.

Saying the right thing should be automatic for veterans like Holmes, especially in this day and age where a quarterback’s favorite rests on game plan, coverage, productivity, and especially injury. Those priorities change every week, and Holmes, a team captain and leader, is old enough to know better.

Instead, his measured tones indicate that he’s sulking, and the last thing the Jets need as they take their two-game winning streak into tough Buffalo is an unhappy receiver. So what that his 41 targeted passes rank third behind Dustin Keller’s 46 and Plaxico Burress’ 45? The fact is, with nine games left, Holmes is going to get more than his fair share of opportunities, especially when, or if, Mark Sanchez really heats up and gets his team consistently into the Red Zone.

After all, Burress and Keller aren’t going to catch all the scoring passes.

“I think teams know about Santonio, so they know (No.) 10 is just a baller,” Sanchez said. “And they want to keep him from getting the ball.”

At the same time, Sanchez said he’s not in the business of placating his pass-catchers.

“We’re in the business of winning,” he said. “Whether it’s rushing 100 times a game, is that the quarterback’s favorite game? No, probably not, but we win.”

This is where Rex Ryan’s recent proclamation that the Giants will return to the “Ground and Pound” game that took them to two AFC Championship games comes in. Perhaps he’s taking a page from the Giants’ book.

If you remember, they beat the Bills 27-24 while rushing for 122 yards. Ahmad Bradshaw carried 26 times for 104 yards and three touchdowns in that one. The Giants’ run-pass ratio was an ideal 33-32, and it certainly helped that Eli Manning threw no interceptions and that Bradshaw popped off 30-yard run at a most opportune time in the fourth quarter.

Ryan, Brian Schottenheimer, and Sanchez could well use the same blueprint at Ralph Wilson Stadium, especially since there are some weather concerns going into the game. But that doesn’t mean that Shonn Greene and Joe McKnight — being rewarded with an increased role in the offense — are going to be strictly ground-bound. The tight end Keller could see plenty of business, and

Holmes will be looked upon to provide that occasional downfield shot. And a running back they can split wide in the passing game, will add a bit more unpredictability.

We all know what Holmes can do in the attacking zone. He would have had four touchdowns, in fact, had Nick Mangold’s hold not nullified a 23-yard TD reception in the first quarter against the Chargers. He just wants more chances.

They all do, however. San Francisco great Jerry Rice was legendary for his occasional pouts when Joe Montana or Steve Young turned their affections to someone else. And he still wound up with plenty of catches — an NFL record 1,549, in fact.

We’re not putting Holmes in that class. Probably never will.

We’re just saying, be of good cheer, Santonio. The work will come. In the meantime, keep the pouts down and the wins up.

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Jets’ Rex Ryan In Adam Sandler Movie As… ‘Mammoth’ Patriots Fan?!

November 4, 2011 8:54 AM

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Rex Ryan (credit: Jim Rogash/Getty Images) , Adam Sandler (credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) – It looks like Rex Ryan will kiss Bill Belichick’s rings after all.

In character, that is.

Ryan is teaming up with Adam Sandler for a new movie in which the Jets coach plays – get ready for this – a New England Patriots fan.

Sandler told NFL Network’s Rich Eisen for his podcast Thursday that Ryan is a Boston-based “inexpensive” lawyer in the movie titled “I Hate You, Dad.”

The funny man said Ryan was “loose and funny” about playing “a mammoth Patriots fan.”

“We wrote it in the script,” said Sandler. “He was great enough to be loose and funny about it. He talks about Brady. He talks about coach Belichick. He’s really cool.”

That’s sure to be a strange sight for Jets fans.

Sandler, whose upcoming movie “Jack and Jill” will be in theaters on Nov. 11, is an avid fan of Gang Green who has attended several games.

“I saw (Ryan) in the hotel in the morning going to the set,” Sandler said. “I saw coach running lines with two nice girls that work for the Jets. Just seeing the coach in the lobby doing his lines and memorizing them, closing his eyes. Then he put on a suit. Kind of a goofy suit. He did great. … He did nail it.”

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Shonn Greene Looks Like Strong Fantasy Play This Week

by John B on Nov 4, 2011 10:24 AM EDT

Chris Trotman - Getty ImagesMore photos »

It feels like the Jets are starting to get their groove back in the run game. After some ugly early season output, things are rounding into form. Shonn Greene had his strongest game of the season last time out against the Chargers.

This week the Jets face Buffalo, a team with one of the worst statistical run defenses in the league. It is a team that could very well be without its best lineman, Kyle Williams.

For what it is worth, the Jets have had a lot of recent success running it against Buffalo. I am not sure how relevant this is because there are many different players and coaches now. I do think if the Jets block the way they have been the last few weeks, there are going to be running lanes.

Greene is a guy who hits his holes hard and runs through arm tackles. I could also see the Jets trying to emphasize the run game to control the ball and keep Buffalo's high powered offense off the field.

Greene would probably be my top Jets recommendation to play in fantasy this week.

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Schwartz: Jets Vs. Bills Preview

November 4, 2011 10:13 AM

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(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) | (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

By Peter Schwartz

It’s amazing what a difference three weeks can make.

Three weeks ago, the Jets were stumbling through a three game losing streak with another trip to the playoffs looking like a long shot. But, after consecutive wins over Miami and San Diego, followed by a bye week, the Jets are back in business as they head into Sunday’s game against the Bills in Orchard Park.

All of a sudden, the Jets find themselves just one game behind the Bills and Patriots for first place in the AFC East.

A pretty good position to be in considering everything that has happened this season.

“Yes, shoot, yes,” said head coach Rex Ryan. “Would we like to have a better record? Absolutely, we would, but we don’t. We’re 4-3, but we have it right in front of us. This is what I talked about before. The teams you have to beat are right in front of you, so we’ll know. These next few weeks are going to be critical for us.”

The next month will be a critical stretch for the Jets. After the Bills, the Jets will host the Patriots before traveling to Denver, on a short work week to meet the Broncos. The Jets will conclude the month of November with a rematch with Buffalo Thanksgiving weekend at MetLife Stadium.

“Obviously it’s huge,” said safety Jim Leonhard. “You can’t say enough about how important these next three, four games are for us. So we need to come out of this bye strong. We can’t afford to come out flat. We need to carry over that emotion that we’ve been playing with before the bye.”

The Jets primary focus right now is Sunday’s game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Bills are off to a surprising 5-2 start and the play of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is a big reason why. He has thrown 14 touchdown passes this season and recently signed a new long-term contract.

However, he has thrown seven interceptions so the Jets will try to force him into some mistakes.

“He’s a good quarterback,” said linebacker Calvin Pace. “He’s efficient. He doesn’t make mistakes.

He scrambles around if need be. I just think what they’re doing on offense fits him and he’s making the most of it.”

The bigger concern for the Jets will be shutting down running back Fred Jackson. He ranks fourth in the NFL with 721 rushing yards and is tied for fifth with six touchdowns.

Jackson is coming off a brilliant performance against the Redskins when he totaled 194 yards from scrimmage.

“(Jackson) has run the ball on almost everybody,” said Ryan. “He’s made some huge plays, too. Not just in the running game, but in the screen game. So, we have to be really ready for him. He’s probably, if you’re talking an MVP of their team, it’d have to be him, I’d think.”

Offensively, the Jets have to be extremely careful on Sunday. While the Bills defense is ranked 26th in the NFL giving up just under 386 yards per game, they are an aggressive group that has been forcing turnovers.

The Bills lead the NFL with 14 interceptions and are tied for first with 18 total takeaways.

Buffalo’s defense has come a long way since last season.

“Well, they’re just playing a lot smarter and are just playing a lot better,” said Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. “And those two additions of their draft pick (Marcel) Dareus and (Nick) Barnett at linebacker make them an already good unit, really good. So we need to play smart, can’t give them anything and we have to be in it for all four quarters and not let up.”

The Jets have had plenty of success running the ball against Buffalo in recent years and they should be able to produce on the ground this week. The “ground and pound” offense has returned over the last couple of weeks.

Shonn Greene is coming up off a 112-yard performance against the Chargers. Look for Joe McKnight to get some touches. In last year’s regular season finale, McKnight rushed for 158 yards against Buffalo.

NOW THEY HAVE TO FACE HIM

When Brad Smith was a Jet, they had the luxury of having one of the top kick returners and wildcat specialists in the NFL. Smith was one of many Jets free agents when the lockout ended and they wanted him back. But they put Smith on hold when they went on a failed pursuit of free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. Smith didn’t feel like waiting so he signed with the Bills.

Sunday, he’ll face the team that drafted him.

“It’s going to be crazy,” said Smith. “It’s kind of a surreal experience. “Knowing those guys and playing with just about all of them, I expect to hear something from Bart (Scott), Eric Smith, (Calvin) Pace, David Harris and those guys. It should be fun.”

Joe McKnight has done a very good job returning kicks for the Jets, but Gang Green hasn’t had the wildcat success without Smith.

With the Bills, Smith has 5 catches for 43 yards, 19 rushes for 84 yards and a touchdown and 5 kickoff returns for 103 yards.

Obviously, it’s a huge game for the Jets. At the very least, a victory ensures the Jets of a chance to tie the Patriots for first place next Sunday night. Gang Green will certainly be bleeding a little blue on Sunday as the Giants take on the Pats in Foxboro.

A Jets win and Giants win would create a three way tie atop the AFC East.

And just a few weeks ago, Jets Nation was thinking the worst.

MAYHEM RETURNS TO ORCHARD PARK

Former Bills first round pick Aaron Maybin certainly had this game circled when he re-joined the Jets. The Bills chose Maybin with the 11th overall pick in the 2009 draft but was released this past training camp after two unproductive seasons in Buffalo.

“That’s the organization that brought me in (to the NFL),” said Maybin. “It means a lot. It means bragging rights. It means a lot to me and to the guys in this locker room.”

Maybin has found a home with the Jets as a pass rushing specialist and special teamer. In four games with the Jets, Maybin has recorded three sacks and three forced fumbles.

So is he eager to show the Bills that they made a mistake in giving up on him?

“No,” said Maybin. “(Revenge) doesn’t play. I’m trying to go out there and win a football game. It’s just another game to me.”

Hmmmm. Let’s see what he does if he gets a sack or two.

Hey, you can’t blame him for being excited about the game. Everybody would love to prove to a former employer that they made a mistake.

THE JETS/BILLS SERIES

The Bills lead the all-time regular season series 53-47 but the Jets have won five of the last six meetings including a sweep last season by a combined score of 76-21. The only blemish over the last three years was a 16-13 overtime loss to the Bills at the Meadowlands on October 18th, 2009 when Mark Sanchez threw five interceptions.

Gang Green has won three straight road games against Buffalo including a victory over the Bills in Toronto back in 2009.

The AFC East rivals have met once in the playoffs with the Bills beating the Jets 31-27 in the 1981 Wild Card Playoff Game at Shea Stadium.

With two wins in a row, the Jets are on the road to recovery. Now, with some of the top teams in the AFC coming back to them, they have a real shot hear to get on a playoff run. In fact, they are very much alive for a division title as they trail the Bills and Patriots by just a game.

Other than the Sanchez interception fest at Giants Stadium back in 2009, the Jets have had plenty of recent success against the Bills. Buffalo has played well this season but I think this will be another coming out party for the Jets. They are starting to run the ball effectively and they always run the ball well against the Bills.

Jets 24 – Bills 17

That’s all for now. Enjoy the game. Check back Monday for more!

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Motorola XOOM Scouting Report - Week 9

By Chris Brown, Lead Journalist

Posted 52 minutes ago

• 
  

Top 3 Individual Matchups

1 – Stevie Johnson vs. Darrelle Revis – The Jets have had Revis follow the opponent’s number one wideout all over the field, and the Bills aren’t expecting any different on Sunday. Chan Gailey will likely have something drawn up however, to get Johnson some playmaking opportunities.

2 – Marcell Dareus vs. Nick Mangold – The level of competition goes up considerably this week for Buffalo’s top rookie as he faces the Jets Pro Bowl center. Mangold might not quite be 100 percent, but he’s a big step up from last week. Dareus’ confidence is high after a breakout performance last week.

3 – Scott Chandler vs. Eric Smith – For the first time in a while New York’s defense will need to be aware of a tight end threat. The Jets in seven games have allowed 36 receptions for 451 yards and a touchdown to tight ends. Chandler has six touchdown catches in seven games.

Bills Top 2 Advantages

Good advantage – 1^st down – Buffalo’s offense leads the league in average first down yardage gained as they roll up better than seven yards per first down (7.09). Though the Jets are 12^th in the NFL in number of first downs allowed per game, the Bills ability to set up short down and distance on second and third down, could help to neutralize New York’s pass rush.

Best advantage –Run game – The Jets have been uncharacteristically leaky against the run this season allowing ball carriers to get to the edges and make yards allowing almost 127 yards a game on the ground. Fred Jackson is as slippery as they come and largely responsible for Buffalo’s fifth-ranked rushing attack.

Bills Number 1 Must

Protecting the ball – This is a common key for any NFL game, but in the Bills-Jets matchups it’s been even more pronounced. In the last six matchups with Buffalo, New York has posted a 5-1 record. In the Jets five wins they have lost the ball a combined four times to Buffalo’s astounding 17 giveaways in that span. Even in their last three home games against the Jets (all losses) the Bills have had seven turnovers to New York’s one. Ball security and coming out ahead in the turnover battle is essential if the Bills are to post a victory.

Scouting Eye

Run game revival?

The Jets were all enamored with opening up their offense with spread formations, but it wasn’t working early in the season. In their last outing they got back to their run-to-set-up-the-pass approach and were effective against San Diego in a 27-21 victory. New York got a season-high 112 rushing yards from Shonn Greene in the win boosting the Jets average rushing total, but it’s still under 100 yards per game (92.4). Knowing the Jets have averaged 279 rushing yards per game in their last four meetings with the Bills it’s likely that New York will try to grind out yards again Sunday in an effort to set up play action.

Red zone improvements

Despite reaching the AFC Championship game for a second straight season in 2010, the Jets struggled mightily in the red zone scoring touchdowns just 40 percent of the time last season (20-50). That was worst in the AFC and ranked 30^th in the league. The Jets set out to improve that production and through their first seven games are noticeably improved. New York ranks fourth in the AFC and sixth in the league in red zone touchdown percentage. They’ve converted touchdowns on 13 of their 21 opportunities (62%). Plaxico Burress was signed almost solely to help Mark Sanchez in the red zone and he finally paid dividends in Week 6 with three red zone touchdown catches in their win over San Diego.

Field position edge

The Jets have always had accomplished special teams units under Mike Westhoff and this year’s edition has been just as productive. Leading the league in kick return average due in large part to Joe McKnight’s gaudy 40 yards per return average, the Jets return team provides their offense with a league best average drive start of their own 27.6-yard line, a full six yards above the league average (21.6). Only four of their 22 kick returns this season have fallen short of their own 20-yard line.

Meanwhile their kick coverage unit has been almost as good. New York has the best kick coverage unit in the AFC and only St. Louis (18.3) has a lower opponent’s average drive start than that of the Jets (19.5). And New York hasn’t been forcing touchbacks to get that low opponent drive start figure. Only nine of their kickoffs have gone for touchbacks, which is second fewest in the league. Forced to cover most of the time the Jets have a league-leading 14 tackles inside the 20.

Keller quietly leading

Jets tight end Dustin Keller is quietly leading the team in receptions (25), receiving yards (372) and receiving average. A reliable target for Mark Sanchez, Keller has also had a couple of big games against the Bills including his two-touchdown effort in a 38-14 win over Buffalo at Ralph Wilson Stadium last season. Keller has a pair of touchdowns on the season good for third most on the club.

Run ‘D’ slipping?

The Jets have been one of the top 10 run defenses for each of the past two seasons, but with Kris Jenkins retired and Shaun Ellis in New England, New York’s run front doesn’t appear quite as stout.

New York is ranked 25^th against the run with setting the edge one of the more noticeable problems. The loss of OLB Bryan Thomas to an Achilles injury in Week 3 has been costly as the Jets have not been as consistent forcing ball carriers back inside. As a result committing more players to coverage against a spread offense like Buffalo’s may not be feasible as it will leave the Jets more vulnerable to big plays by Fred Jackson.

Road woes

Under Rex Ryan the Jets have performed very well on the road. In his first two seasons at the helm Ryan’s club has compiled a road record of 15-7 counting four road playoff victories. This season has been a different story. Heading into Sunday’s game the Jets have yet to win on the road. They come to Ralph Wilson Stadium with an 0-3 record away from MetLife Stadium. The problem is a huge disparity in points allowed. In New York’s four home games their defense has allowed an average of just 13.5 points. On the road this season the Jets are giving up an average of 32.6 points per game, almost a 20-point difference.

Buffalo Chips

Quote of the Week

“We have great character on this team. That’s what I like about us. We don’t worry about what the guys are saying on TV about whether we’re real or fake. We know we’re real so we’ll just keep battling and try to win these games.”

--ILB Nick Barnett

Stat of the Week

The Jets are 0-2 under Rex Ryan coming off the bye week.

Milestones in reach

Scott Chandler needs one touchdown reception to set a franchise mark for most touchdown catches in a season by a tight end (7).

Ryan Fitzpatrick needs one touchdown pass to tie Doug Flutie (47) for fifth most in team history.

David Nelson needs one reception to record a new single-season career high (31, 2010).

George Wilson needs one interception to set a new single-season career high (4, 2009).

Final note

The Bills have scored 20 points or more in each of their first seven games this season. Their average point total against the Jets in their last eight meetings is 15.5 points per game.

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by Cody Normand

November 4, 2011

10:59 am 0 comments

The “ground and pound” attack has been the adage of the New York Jets offense, but this year, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has asked his third year quarterback to throw the ball 30 to 40 times a game.

In Mark Sanchez’s first two seasons, he averaged 27 passing attempts per game. In 2011, Sanchez’s average has jumped to 34. The Jets running game is nowhere near what it has been over the past two years and Sanchez has been forced to throw the ball more often.

“Whatever it takes to win, whether it means throwing for 300 yards or running the ball more. It doesn’t matter to me what we do as long as we are winning games,” Sanchez said during a press conference prior to Week Four’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

The problem for Sanchez is that the only way the Jets are going to win is based on how well he performs. Sanchez has a 55.8 completion percentage this season, an NFL 28th best. Needless to say, completing 55 percent of his passes will not get the Jets very far. Sanchez also has 12 touchdowns and 6 interceptions on the season. While those numbers aren’t terrible, he is going to have to limit the number of turnovers if he wants a shot at a ring.

If you look at the past five Super Bowl champions, the quarterback was the MVP for their team four out of five times- Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Eli Manning, and Peyton Manning. Ironically, the lone non-QB MVP was Santonio Holmes in Super Bowl XLIII. Now ask yourself this question- is Mark Sanchez the MVP for the Jets?

The NFL has transformed into a quarterback driven league and teams are only as good as their quarterback. In order for the Jets to take the next step towards the Super Bowl, Mark Sanchez is going to have to turn his game up a notch and prove the doubters wrong.

Despite the criticism, Sanchez says he feels comfortable throwing the ball and has matured over the past few years.

“I feel more comfortable and really trust my eyes. Sometimes I feel too comfortable and feel like I can throw anything,” said Sanchez.

Often reffered to as the “Sanchize,” Jets fans are tired of losing in the AFC Championship game.

Sanchez will be under a lot of pressure for the rest of this season to get over the hump and become the franchise player that the fans and organization were hoping for.

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Rex Ryan responds to Rob Ryan

November, 4, 2011

Nov 4

11:00

AM ET

By James Walker

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan rarely passes up an opportunity to respond to trash-talking -- even if it's from his twin bother. That was the case again this week as Rob Ryan started from friendly banter.

Rob Ryan, the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, recently said he will be a better head coach than Rex Ryan, who's led New York to back-to-back AFC title games.

Here was Rex Ryan's response:

"Hopefully one day we get to find out. I hope he does get the opportunity to be a head coach. Rob is a great coach, and he certainly wants that opportunity, as every coach in this league wants that opportunity. But you know what, at the end of the day, he's not going to be quite as good as his brother. I don't know, because all I'm doing is basing it on facts. When we were kids, my batting average was a little higher than his, okay. The only thing he's got on me is probably test scores, academic test score, but other than that, from an athletic standpoint or something like that, I think I've always been able to be just a little bit better. But I hope he gets that opportunity. I'm sure he'll be a great head coach, I really do."

Rob Ryan has been rumored to be a potential candidate for the Miami Dolphins if they choose to look for a hot assistant coach.

Two Ryans in the AFC East? How wild would that be?

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Rex Ryan responds to Rob Ryan

November, 4, 2011

Nov 4

11:00

AM ET

By James Walker

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan rarely passes up an opportunity to respond to trash-talking -- even if it's from his twin bother. That was the case again this week as Rob Ryan started from friendly banter.

Rob Ryan, the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, recently said he will be a better head coach than Rex Ryan, who's led New York to back-to-back AFC title games.

Here was Rex Ryan's response:

"Hopefully one day we get to find out. I hope he does get the opportunity to be a head coach. Rob is a great coach, and he certainly wants that opportunity, as every coach in this league wants that opportunity. But you know what, at the end of the day, he's not going to be quite as good as his brother. I don't know, because all I'm doing is basing it on facts. When we were kids, my batting average was a little higher than his, okay. The only thing he's got on me is probably test scores, academic test score, but other than that, from an athletic standpoint or something like that, I think I've always been able to be just a little bit better. But I hope he gets that opportunity. I'm sure he'll be a great head coach, I really do."

Rob Ryan has been rumored to be a potential candidate for the Miami Dolphins if they choose to look for a hot assistant coach.

Two Ryans in the AFC East? How wild would that be?

I've been predicting this for months. Man I hope not

[Bleedin Green]

I've been predicting this for months. Man I hope not

Well it would certainly be entertaining, and besides, Rex can continue his undefeated streak against his brother in the NFL.

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Plaxico Burress, Mike DeVito, Kenrick Ellis practicing for Jets

Published: Friday, November 04, 2011, 11:42 AM Updated: Friday, November 04, 2011, 11:48 AM

By Jenny Vrentas/The Star-Ledger

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Noah K. Murray /The Star LedgerWR Plaxico Burress was limited with lower back tightness yesterday but was back on the practice field today.

All of the Jets' injured players were on the practice field today: WR Plaxico Buress (low back), DL Mike DeVito (knee), NT Kenrick Ellis (ankle) and CB Isiah Trufant (hamstring).

That's an encouraging sign for this week's game at Buffalo, though the team won't announce until later the players' participation or status for Sunday.

All four players were limited in practice yesterday. During the portion of practice open to the media, each participated in position drills and Burress took some r

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DeVito, Ellis participate in position drills

November, 4, 2011

Nov 4

11:36

AM ET

By Mike Mazzeo

DT Mike DeVito, DE Kenrick Ellis and WR Plaxico Burress all participated in position drills during the portion of Friday's practice open to the media. All three were limited on Thursday.

HC Rex Ryan remains hopeful that DeVito (sprained knee) can play. Ellis (sprained ankle) may be questionable. Burress (low back) has been receiving heat treatment.

CB Isaiah Trufant (hamstring) also participated in position drills. He was limited on Thursday as well.

• The Jets played Adamaz's rap song "Do The Mark Sanchez" during practice.

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Time for Jets to show, not tell, vs. Bills

Gang needs to send a message by giving Buffalo the back-to-reality treatment

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By Rich Cimini

ESPNNewYork.com

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Gang Green Report: Can't Sleep On Bills

In this week's edition of "Gang Green Report" the Jets are coming off the bye and it's a dangerous week. The Bills won't be the easy win the Jets are used to and Fred Jackson will test their defensive prowess

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- They tell us they won't suffer the usual post-bye hangover, no way, not the way Rex Ryan worked them after their six-day vacation.

They tell us their once-vaunted running game is back to being vaunted.

They tell us their run defense isn't nearly as bad as the numbers, that it's just a matter of cleaning up a couple of technical issues.

They tell us they're ready to take the East.

On Sunday, tell turns to show.

For the first time in what seems like a decade, the New York Jets face the Buffalo Bills in a legitimately big game. They met in 2008 with the same records as now -- 4-3 and 5-2, respectively -- but this just seems bigger, doesn't it?

Five things to watch

1. Rust in the rust belt. The Jets are coming off a bye week -- a six-day vacation, courtesy of Rex Ryan -- and this team's recent history isn't good in these situations (0-2). Sloppy tackling, dropped passes and a lackluster start usually are signs of a post-bye hangover -- although the Jets usually start slowly, so it might be hard to tell the difference. The coaches cranked up the intensity in practice with the hope of avoiding this malady.

2. Shonn vs. Fred. This game could be decided by which running back has the better day, Shonn Greene or Fred Jackson. Greene is coming off his best game, but Jackson is coming off several good games. He leads the league with five 100-yard rushing days and could be trouble for the Jets' leaky run defense. Conversely, the Jets have dominated in the previous four meetings, averaging 279 yards per game on the ground.

3. Get physical. The Bills use a quick-rhythm passing attack, with Ryan Fitzpatrick in shotgun, throwing off three- and five-step drops. Of his 229 pass attempts, 174 went less than 10 yards in the air, according to ESPN Stats and Information. The best way to disrupt his timing is to jam the receivers at the line of scrimmage. The Jets' corners thrive in press coverage, but they have to watch the penalties (see: Antonio Cromartie) if the officials call a tight game.

4. Limit mistakes. QB Mark Sanchez has cut down on his turnovers (only one in the last three games), but this will be a challenge because the Bills live off taking the ball away. They have 18 interceptions, tied for the league lead -- and they've returned three for touchdowns. Ball-hawking S George Wilson (four interceptions) is having a Pro Bowl-caliber year.

5. Dueling Wildcats? Brad Smith still is doing his thing in the Wildcat, except now he's doing it for the Bills, not the Jets. The Jets haven't replaced Smith in the Wildcat (Jeremy Kerley didn't fare too well early in the year), but don't be surprised if they use Joe McKnight. Ryan said McKnight will get more touches, and it would be typical Ryan to unleash a new Wildcat on the same day they face the old one.

-- Rich Cimini

For the reborn Jets, winners of two straight after a turmoil-laden, three-game losing streak, it's Showdown No. 1, with No. 2 looming in seven days -- a home date against the New England Patriots. By the time they get through with the top two teams in the AFC East, the Jets should know if they're still in contention for the division or relegated to a wild-card chase -- or praying for a miracle.

Time is starting to become an issue. The season will be over faster than a Kardashian-Humphries marriage.

"It's huge," Dustin Keller said of the two-game test. "We basically hold our own fate. We have an opportunity to take first place in the AFC East. As long as we handle business, we can do that.

We're more than capable."

What makes this such a fascinating matchup is the recent history between the Jets and Bills. The Jets have won five of the last six meetings, and the only reason it wasn't six for six was because Mark Sanchez threw five interceptions in an overtime loss they should've won by three touchdowns.

None of the holdover players will admit it publicly, but they've always considered the Bills a gimme.

As retired Jets tackle Damien Woody said this week, "We felt we could physically impose our will on the Bills -- I mean, physically beat them. That's just a fact, and we backed it up."

The Jets still feel that way, but the Bills aren't pushovers anymore. They're like the school geek that went home for the summer and pumped iron, returning in the fall with biceps.

Unexpectedly, the AFC East has become a three-team race. The Jets can't afford to let another team get between them and the Patriots. They need to send a message to the Bills, giving them the back-to-reality treatment.

But can they?

As much as the Jets have owned the Bills, this is going to be a difficult game because it will highlight two strengths-turned-weaknesses -- running the ball and stopping the run.

In the previous four meetings, the Jets produced area code-type numbers on the ground -- 273, 276, 249 and 318. All told, they outrushed the Bills in those games, 1,116-416, but that was then.

The Jets' running attack has slipped, although they're coming off a season-best performance and hope to build on that momentum.

They will hit the Bills with a heavy dose of Shonn Greene, sprinkling in some Joe McKnight as a runner and receiver -- a new wrinkle. Let's face it, the Jets could sign Freeman McNeil out of retirement and still would put up 150 yards against the undersized Bills, ranked 20th in run defense.

If the Jets don't, if they get punched by the punching bag, it's an ominous sign.

The bigger challenge might be on the defensive side, trying to stop Fred Jackson from going Thurman Thomas on them.

Jackson is a do-everything back, with five 100-yard rushing games and a ton of yards after the catch. In fact, his YAC ranks third among all pass catchers in the AFC. Ryan called Jackson the Bills' MVP.

Even though Ryan Fitzpatrick and the spread passing attack grab most of the headlines, the Jets' No. 1 concern is Jackson. Tackling will be critical. Teams coming off a bye tend to get sloppy, and there's no room for sloppiness against Jackson, who gets most of his yardage against five- and six-man boxes.

That's the dilemma when facing the Bills: They spread you out with three, four and sometimes five receivers, in shotgun, and run Jackson against a smaller, pass-oriented defense. That approach caused problems for the Jets against the Patriots.

Week 9: Jets at Bills

Gang Green visits Buffalo in an AFC East showdown.

One difference: The Patriots had Tom Brady, the Bills have Fitzpatrick -- and the Jets are willing to live with the ball in Fitzpatrick's hands. They also figure they'll be able to disrupt the Bills' quick-rhythm passing game by mugging the receivers at the line of scrimmage.

Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine conceded "it's weird to say," but "we're going to dare a spread offense to throw" in certain situations.

"Barry Sanders rushed for over 2,000 yards without a tight end," Pettine said. "There are some people that think a spread offense, they only think passing, and I don't think that could be further from the truth."

The Jets may have to over-compensate because they know they're not as stout as in the past, especially on outside runs to the right side of the defense. The Jets have allowed an average of 127 rushing yards per game, 25th in the league.

This is a scary matchup for the Jets because the Bills have the ability to turn it into a basketball game; the Jets prefer a boxing match on both sides of the ball.

These aren't the old Bills. Are these the Same Old Jets? In this case, that wouldn't be a bad thing, because the Same Old Jets would crush the Bills, flex their muscles and love talking about it.

Follow Rich Cimini on Twitter: @RichCimini

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Joe McKnight showing he's something special

Originally published: November 3, 2011 9:49 PM

Updated: November 3, 2011 9:53 PM

By RODERICK BOONE roderick.boone@newsday.com

Photo credit: Getty Images | Joe McKnight #25 of the New York Jets in action against the Miami Dolphins. (Oct. 17, 2011)

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Tracking Mark Sanchez TDs at MetLife Stadium Jets blog: The Boone Docks

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Joe McKnight leaned on the inside of his locker, flashing a toothy grin as he pondered the winding path he's traveled since the Jets drafted him 19 months ago.

"Who would've known I would be in this situation right now?" the second-year running back said Thursday. "It started off rough last year, a rough, rough start."

But this year certainly has been a different story for McKnight, who was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month Thursday, getting recognized for his stellar play on Mike Westhoff's unit. McKnight leads the NFL with a 40.3-yard kickoff return average and recorded the Jets' longest play in franchise history in their Oct. 2 loss in Baltimore, returning a kickoff 107 yards for a touchdown.

McKnight also had an 88-yard kickoff return a week later against the Patriots, proving he could handle that role once Antonio Cromartie got banged up in Oakland on Sept. 25. This from a guy who had all kinds of problems last season.

His roller-coaster campaign began with vomiting episodes at rookie minicamp. Three months later, he failed his conditioning test heading into training camp. He spent the first three weeks of the season on the inactive list before finally getting his shot in Week 4 in Buffalo against the Bills, the team the Jets meet Sunday in an AFC East matchup.

So initially, not even Westhoff envisioned McKnight would be this good so soon.

"No, to tell you the truth, I didn't expect it," the longtime special teams coordinator said. "Now, as I watched him develop and I saw how hard he worked in practice and you do see that speed and ability, then yes. Then I believed that he could do it.

"The thing that Joe has done the best is he is believing in his reads."

But it's Westhoff's belief in McKnight that has the 23-year-old's confidence sky high.

"Coach Westhoff believed in me," McKnight said, "so if he believes in me, I know I can do it because coach Westhoff doesn't give anybody the time of day."

McKnight's role soon could be expanding beyond special teams. He practiced with the wide receivers Thursday and could get an increased number of reps on Sunday. "Absolutely," offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said. "Whether it's Wildcat, whether it's different things, I think there's definitely a place for Joe and he definitely has his plays tagged. Whether they all get called or not, that's a different thing."

LaDainian Tomlinson constantly has been in McKnight's ear, trying to help him see the kind of player he can be.

"I said, 'Joe, you can do something that none of us other backs can do,' '' Tomlinson said. "You can return, you can line up at receiver, you can line up in the backfield and run the football. Me and Shonn [Greene] can't do that. But that's how he has to think of himself'."

That's fine with McKnight, who still is finding his niche.

"I had to kind of find myself with what kind of role I can take on this team," he said. "Me just moving around, that's a role I would love to take and it's going well for me right now."

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Final Word: AFC East

November, 4, 2011

Nov 4

1:30

PM ET

By James Walker

Here are five nuggets of knowledge about Week 9:

Rex Ryan versus Buffalo: The New York Jets should feel very confident facing the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. New York swept the Bills last season by a combined score of 76-21, and Ryan is 3-1 all-time against Buffalo since 2009. On paper, the Jets have plenty of good matchups against the Bills. New York is one of the few teams talented enough and deep enough at defensive back to defend Buffalo's spread offense successfully.

[+] Enlarge

AP Photo/Bill KostrounRex Ryan and the Jets swept the Bills last season by a combined score of 76-21.

Winless on the road: The Jets remain one of seven NFL teams yet to win a road game. New York is 0-3 away from Met Life Stadium and losing by an average margin of 12 points. The Jets have to turn that around if they want to remain in playoff contention. New York (4-3) is just one game behind the New England Patriots (5-2) and Buffalo (5-2) in the AFC East. The Bills are 4-0 at home, which includes last week's win in Toronto, Canada, over the Washington Redskins.

Protecting Sanchez: New York's offensive line is playing better. But it faces Buffalo's front seven, which is coming off its best performance of the season. The Bills recorded an astounding 10 sacks against Washington, which was the second most in franchise history. The Jets have allowed 16 sacks of quarterback Mark Sanchez in seven games. New York allowed only 27 sacks all last season.

Slowing down the Pats: What's happened to the New England Patriots’ high-scoring offense? The Patriots have scored their lowest point totals of the season the past two weeks. New England scored 17 and 20 points against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, respectively. That has many wondering whether teams have finally figured out quarterback Tom Brady and Co. The Patriots were fortunate enough to get a late touchdown against Dallas to pull out a 20-16 victory. But opponents are not giving up huge yards and are controlling the clock against New England. Look for Sunday's opponent -- the New York Giants -- to have a similar game plan.

Thunder and lightning: The winless Miami Dolphins (0-7) have been unable to get their running-back duo of Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas on the same page. Sometimes that's been because of injuries and other times it was questionable game plans and play-calling. But this week is a good opportunity for Bush and Thomas to help Miami. The Kansas City Chiefs have the NFL's 22nd-ranked run defense. Bush is coming off his first 100-yard game this season, and Thomas (hamstring) is expected to return. Miami's best chance to pull the upset is for Bush and Thomas to run wild against the Chiefs, who are coming off a short week of preparation.

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Jets coach Rex Ryan talks about role as Patriots fan in upcoming Adam Sandler movie

Published: Friday, November 04, 2011, 1:38 PM Updated: Friday, November 04, 2011, 2:13 PM

By Conor Orr/The Star-Ledger

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William Perlman/The Star-LedgerRex

Ryan said that he got a kick out of the script when he read it for the first time.

In an upcoming Adam Sandler movie called "I hate you, Dad," due out in 2012, Rex Ryan makes a cameo appearance as a Boston-based lawyer and big-time New England Patriots fan.

"I'm not going to make a guarantee that there's an Oscar coming, but (Robert) De Niro, Ryan, I don't know, you'll have to see the movie and see what you think," Ryan said.

The movie actually does not feature De Niro -- the IMDB page lists Susan Sarandon, Will Forte, James Caan, Andy Samberg and Vanilla Ice as some of the actors involved -- but Ryan said he got a kick out of the script when he read his role.

He said his suit in the movie indicates his Patriots fanhood.

"I do respect (New England) but that was what was so fun about (the movie)," Ryan said. "When I read (the script) I was like 'Oh my gosh,' it was great, it was a lot of fun being on that set. I will say this: it's way more work than I thought it would be. I thought you would go in there and rattle off a few lines and that would be it....I felt like a player just run that play again, run that play again."

Jets safety Jim Leonhard said it wasn't a big stretch for Ryan, and that Sandler probably just wanted to give him a role he felt comfortable with.

"My reaction is that any time they put an amateur into a movie they just give him an easy role, something that's natural to them" Leonhard said. "I think it's pretty obvious over the last couple years he's proven to be a big Patriots fan, a big Tom Brady fan and (Bill) Belichick fan, so they just give him what he knows.

"He really doesn't have to go out of character too much and I'm pretty sure he's Rex Ryan in the movie and he didn't even get a fake name."

Sandler spilled the news of Ryan's cameo in a podcast with NFL Network’s Rich Eisen yesterday. Ryan's part was written into the script and he has several lines about Brady and Belichick. Sandler said Ryan took his cameo very seriously, seeing him run through lines with two Jets staffers in the hotel lobby before shooting.

The movie was written by David Caspe, Ken Marino and David Wain and directed by Sean Anders and John Morris .

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Jets' Plaxico Burress, Mike DeVito, Kenrick Ellis questionable for Bills game

Published: Friday, November 04, 2011, 1:29 PM Updated: Friday, November 04, 2011, 2:06 PM

By Jenny Vrentas/The Star-Ledger

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Andrew Mills/The Star-LedgerDL Mike

DeVito injured his knee in practice before the Chargers game and sat out that week.

Starters WR Plaxico Burress (low back) and DL Mike DeVito (knee), along with NT Kenrick Ellis (ankle) and CB Isaiah Trufant (hamstring), are questionable for the Jets' game at Buffalo this weekend.

All four players were limited in practice today.

Burress was added to the injury report Thursday and still had soreness in his back today, coach Rex Ryan said.

"You think he'll be fine, but sometimes those backs are troublesome," Ryan said. "So hopefully he's feeling good when we play on Sunday."

Ryan said DeVito and Ellis will likely be game-time decisions.

"I don't feel great about it right now," Ryan said. "If we were going to play tomorrow, I would say probably not."

DeVito injured his knee in practice before the Chargers game and sat out that week. Ellis left the San Diego game in the first quarter.

LB David Harris (ankle), DL Marcus Dixon (knee), C Nick Mangold (ankle), OLB Calvin Pace (groin) and DL Ropati Pitoitua (knee) practice fully and are probable for Sunday.

Ryan also said TE Shawn Nelson, a former Bills player signed on Monday, will not be ready to play against his former team this week.

For the Bills, T Demetrius Bell (shoulder), CB Aaron Williams (chest) and DT Kyle Williams (foot) are out; T Chris Hairston (ankle) and LB Chris Kelsay (calf) are questionable; and QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (chest), WR Donald Jones (ankle), G Andy Levitre (shoulder) and RB Johnny White (illness) are probable.

[flgreen]

Jets' Plaxico Burress, Mike DeVito, Kenrick Ellis questionable for Bills game

Published: Friday, November 04, 2011, 1:29 PM Updated: Friday, November 04, 2011, 2:06 PM

By Jenny Vrentas/The Star-Ledger

Share Print

Andrew Mills/The Star-LedgerDL Mike

DeVito injured his knee in practice before the Chargers game and sat out that week.

Starters WR Plaxico Burress (low back) and DL Mike DeVito (knee), along with NT Kenrick Ellis (ankle) and CB Isaiah Trufant (hamstring), are questionable for the Jets' game at Buffalo this weekend.

All four players were limited in practice today.

Burress was added to the injury report Thursday and still had soreness in his back today, coach Rex Ryan said.

"You think he'll be fine, but sometimes those backs are troublesome," Ryan said. "So hopefully he's feeling good when we play on Sunday."

Ryan said DeVito and Ellis will likely be game-time decisions.

"I don't feel great about it right now," Ryan said. "If we were going to play tomorrow, I would say probably not."

DeVito injured his knee in practice before the Chargers game and sat out that week. Ellis left the San Diego game in the first quarter.

LB David Harris (ankle), DL Marcus Dixon (knee), C Nick Mangold (ankle), OLB Calvin Pace (groin) and DL Ropati Pitoitua (knee) practice fully and are probable for Sunday.

Ryan also said TE Shawn Nelson, a former Bills player signed on Monday, will not be ready to play against his former team this week.

For the Bills, T Demetrius Bell (shoulder), CB Aaron Williams (chest) and DT Kyle Williams (foot) are out; T Chris Hairston (ankle) and LB Chris Kelsay (calf) are questionable; and QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (chest), WR Donald Jones (ankle), G Andy Levitre (shoulder) and RB Johnny White (illness) are probable.

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