Jets News 12-8

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Jets’ Consultant Takes a Closer Look

By BEN SHPIGEL

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – In his 49th season of coaching, Tom Moore described himself as a “football junkie.” And for football junkies, this is the best time of year. The postseason is near. Every play of every game is magnified, particularly for teams seeking a playoff berth, teams like the Jets.

“It’s fun being where the action is, if you want to know the truth,” Moore said.

For the next four weeks – and beyond, potentially – Moore will observe all that action from Jets headquarters. He recently accepted what had been a standing offer from Coach Rex Ryan to fulfill

his duties as the Jets’ offensive consultant – scouting opponents, analyzing videotape from games and practices – at their facility instead of from his home in South Carolina.

Having already finished his Christmas shopping, Moore, 73, said he figured, “I’ve got nothing else to do.” His responsibilities will not change, although by being around players and coaches he will be able to offer immediate suggestions at practice or in meetings, as opposed to sending in his thoughts via fax.

As did Ryan, Moore took special care to quash the perception that his increased visibility indicates dissatisfaction with the offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Moore said that Schottenheimer was doing a “tremendous job,” adding that his own role is “very, very limited” and has been since training camp. Moore added, “I strictly observe.”

On Sunday, Moore observed from the coaches’ booth at FedEx Field, watching the Jets defeat the Redskins while wearing a headset. He witnessed an offensive performance indicative of the Jets’ season, with Mark Sanchez efficient and productive early in the first quarter and late in the fourth quarter but ragged and erratic in between.

Even so, it is Moore’s nature to accentuate the positive – his theme song, he said – and his personality has endeared him to throughout the locker room. His influence has been felt with the tight ends, particularly Dustin Keller, and in the red zone, where the Jets have drastically improved their efficiency.

“He’s one of the best offensive minds and football minds I’ve really been around,” Sanchez said. “He just has a different way of saying things sometimes. He has a way of just keeping you calm. He reminds you of hat you can do to get better and he’s just a calm presence that I just think is good for our offense.”

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NY Jets' Jeremy Kerley hopes to regain grip on special teams role; Joe McKnight returns to practice

Kerley loses job as punt returner after fumbling punt Sunday

BY Kevin Armstrong

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Wednesday, December 7 2011, 11:11 PM

Hagen, Kevin Freelance NYDN

Jeremy Kerley can't afford to drop ball - literally or figuratively - if he wants to return any more punts for Jets.

Jets rookie Jeremy Kerley remains optimistic that he will be able to regain the confidence of special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff. That is in light of losing his punt return responsibilities to safety Jim Leonhard after fumbling a punt in Sunday’s win.

“I see myself as one of the sure-handed guys on this team, so for me to drop a punt, it definitely hurts,” Kerley said. “But it happens. So it’s something you’ve got to learn from and just move on.”

Kerley, who started the season as the punt returner, had missed the previous two games due to an MCL injury, but maintained that he felt “100% healthy.”

“I can make all of the cuts that I need to,” Kerley said.

The Jets special teams, meanwhile, lead the league with six fumbles on returns and have lost a fumble in each of the last four games.

The Jets rank eighth in the league with 8.5 yards per punt return. Kerley returned 18 punts for 159 yards. His long was 53 yards.

“I mean, Jimmy can do the job, he can take over the role, too,” Kerley said. “The coaches have trust in him, I have trust in him, so it is what it is.”

ELBOW ROOM

Joe McKnight (elbow) was knocked out of the Redskins game due to a hyperextension of his right elbow, but he made it back to practice Wednesday.

He wore a compression sleeve on the arm, but went through drills with fellow tailbacks. McKnight considered himself “day by day.” Rex Ryan said he was uncertain whether McKnight would be able to go against the Chiefs on Sunday.

MOORE THAN EVER

Brandon Moore (hip) missed practice. Moore, who has started 121 consecutive regular-season games at right guard, all with the Jets, underwent hip surgery during the offseason but recovered after missing time in training camp.

“We all assume Brandon is going to play,” Ryan said.

Moore has maintained an important role along the offensive line that has played well during the last two weeks. The Jets will face a Chiefs pass rush that had seven sacks last week against the Bears.

DOWN TIME

Ryan listed DL Mike DeVito (knee) as “very doubtful” for Sunday.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-jets-jeremy-kerley-hopes-regain-grip-role-article-1.988482#ixzz1fxPVgm1x

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NY Jets keeping offensive 'mega-consultant' Tom Moore around for rest of season

Peyton Manning's guru to stay with Jets

BY Manish Mehta

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Wednesday, December 7 2011, 10:13 PM

Ron Antonelli/New York Daily News

Tom Moore will be around Mark Sanchez and Jets the rest of the season.

The Jets' silver-haired “mega-consultant” has seen it all and done it all in his 73 years. He’s coached Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, arguably the best receiving tandem in NFL history.

He’s mentored arguably the best quarterback of this generation in Peyton Manning.

Now, Tom Moore will be hanging out with Rex Ryan & Co. for the rest of the season. Last week, Ryan extended an invitation to the “retired” offensive guru with 36 years of NFL experience to temporarily re-locate from his South Carolina home to northern New Jersey near the Jets’ training facility. Moore couldn’t resist.

“Of course, I’m retired. But I’m a football junkie. I’m a lifer,” said Moore, who will be staying at a nearby hotel for the remainder of the season. “The last part of the year gets exciting. I got nothing else to do. Christmas shopping is all done. . . . It’s fun being where the action is, if you want to know the truth.”

Moore had spent the first three months of the season as the team’s off-site consultant, communicating with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer by phone and fax. He insists that he’s merely “observing” at practice and in meetings these days. He visited the Florham Park facility for the second time during the season last week before traveling to Maryland with the Jets for the game against the Redskins on Sunday. He also attended the win over the Chargers before the bye week in October.

Gang Green believes that Moore will make a tangible impact during the stretch run.

“He’s one of the best offensive minds and football minds I’ve ever been around,” Mark Sanchez said as the 7-5 Jets prepare to face the Chiefs at home on Sunday. “He has a different way of saying things sometimes. He has a way of just keeping you calm. He reminds you of what you have to do to get better. He’s just a calm presence that I think is good for our offense.”

Ryan denied the notion that Moore’s stay is an indictment of Schottenheimer, who has been criticized for the Jets’ struggles on offense this season. The Jets rank 26th in total offense (310.8 yards per game).

“The perception is completely false, if that’s it,” Ryan said. “I have great confidence in Brian. This is just a thing that helps. You get a guy with this kind of experience. How can it not help your football team? He’s helped me. So I know he’s helped Schotty. And he’s probably helped (tight ends coach) Mike Devlin. And he’s probably helped (wide receivers coach) Henry Ellard and a lot of guys. So we’re really happy to have him here.”

Said Moore: “I’m just making observations. Brian runs the show. Brian’s done — and is doing — a tremendous job.”

Moore has spent the bulk of his time providing tips for the passing game.

“He sees so many different things on a single play,” tight end Dustin Keller said. “He might have something for me, (Santonio Holmes), (Plaxico Burress) and Mark all to look at. Some type of correction. Just really a great set of eyes to have out there.”

It’s no coincidence that the Jets lead the league in red-zone touchdown efficiency (67.6%) after struggling in that category last season. Moore visited the coaching staff during the lockout and spent time with the Jets during training camp to help them improve in that area. Sanchez admitted that Moore provided feedback during the red-zone game-planning last week. He’s also helped Sanchez recognize “certain tells” from defenses that have aided him with his checks at the line of scrimmage.

Through it all, the players and coaches have repeatedly lauded Moore’s positive reinforcement.

“I can’t stand negativity,” Moore said. “It drives me crazy.”

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Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-jets-keeping-offensive-mega-consultant-tom-moore-rest-season-article-1.988436#ixzz1fxQUD3eZ

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Former NY Jet Thomas Jones a reminder of what Gang Green rushing game used to be

Jets need rushing attack to carry them into playoffs

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Wednesday, December 7 2011, 10:17 PM

Nick Laham/Getty Images

Jets need Green (l.) to push people around if Gang Green is really going to rush into playoffs.

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Darrelle Revis didn’t expect the Jets to be in this situation again — four games left in the season and making a mad dash for the playoffs. It has been the same for the last two years under Rex Ryan.

“I think we have to look at it as it’s the same as it was in the past. It’s the situation we put ourselves in,” Revis said. “We have to find a way to get ourselves out of it. Is this the way I would have predicted us to go? No. Whatever situation you’re in at the time that’s what you have to focus on.”

The Jets being considered among the elite in the AFC ended a long time ago. Losing three straight on the road to Oakland, Baltimore and New England will do that. Now they’re not even the sexy pick for that last AFC wild card. That goes to Denver with Tim Tebow, the flawed NFL quarterback who can’t do anything right except win games.

The prevailing view is that the Jets (7-5) have the inside track because of their “easy” schedule.

However, the Jets lack an important ingredient they had the last two years when they were making those remarkable playoff runs — a dominant rushing attack.

It is the most significant segment of the game that will derail the Rex Ryan playoff express this year.

Just in time to remind them of bygone days is running back Thomas Jones, who comes to MetLife Stadium with Kansas City on Sunday. Jones is the Jets’ last 1,000-yard rusher. They cut him after the most productive season of his career when he rushed for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2009, thinking that Shonn Greene was ready to step in and added LaDainian Tomlinson for veteran help.

Greene and Tomlinson, who rushed for 914 yards last season, were able to carry the load and give the Jets some semblance of a power rushing game last year. But that tandem has not been as forceful this season. And Greene really hasn’t asserted himself as the lead back.

The Jets are ranked No. 24 in the league in rushing, averaging 100.4 yards a game . It is not a healthy number, but they have made it work.

Without a punishing rushing attack, it is smoke-and-mirrors time for the Jets offense. Ryan was being asked on Wednesday about how much he’s going to run the Wildcat, which the Jets took out of mothballs last week against Washington. Like a good magician, Ryan wasn’t going to reveal his secrets.

“Whether we’ll do it going forward, the great thing is they don’t know,’ ” Ryan said. “So opponents have to prepare for it.”

Jones, speaking on a conference call, talked about how much he missed the Jets, how happy he was for his friend and offseason workout buddy, Plaxico Burress, and how much Mark Sanchez has progressed. But he wasn’t going to talk about how much the Jets miss him as they mount this latest playoff run.

“You have to play complementary football to win in this league, especially down the stretch and in the playoffs,” Jones said. “It was important for us to be able to run the ball, but he (Sanchez) made the plays that he needed to make. He made the big throws that he needed to make. He stepped his game up to another level.”

During Sanchez’s rookie season, Jones was one of his biggest boosters. Jones still calls Sanchez “a winner.”

“That means a lot because he knows how things felt my rookie year and how difficult things were at times. I was just trying to stay afloat,” Sanchez said. “We went through a couple of rough spots and him and Al Faneca and Nick (Mangold) . . . were the first to come up to me and just reminded me,

‘Hey you’re our guy. We drafted you for a reason.'”

Sanchez also remembers how fierce Jones was on the football field.

“We’d be running the ball so well and we’d have these quick passes off of run plays,” Sanchez said.

“And instead of handing the ball off I’d throw it and I’d miss Jericho (Cotchery) or Braylon (Edwards).

I remember seeing him jump up and down on the film and getting in my face and say, ‘Hey man, if you don’t hand that thing off and you don’t complete that thing, it’s on. You’d better hand me the ball.’ He’s one of the best players we ever had.”

S ince Jones left the Jets have slowly morphed into something else. They have better weapons at receiver than they do in the backfield. No shame in that, except it puts more pressure on Sanchez.

They forgot that it was the dirty work in the trenches, along with a smothering defense, that paved the way for those late season runs into the AFC Championship games the last two years.

Jones, who has rushed for 10,438 yards, needs eight more to pass Eddie George and 12 to surpass Tiki Barber on the NLF’s all-time rushing list, will remind them of that on Sunday.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-jet-thomas-jonse-a-reminder-gang-green-rushing-game-article-1.988439#ixzz1fxRGmlW7

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Chiefs buzz: Hali’s hand in a protective wrap

Hali has hand in a wrap

Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali, who hurt his right hand in Sunday’s victory against the Chicago Bears, practiced fully Wednesday but wore a protective wrapping on the injury.

Hali’s hand was swollen after the game, in which his team won 10-3 and collected seven sacks — one of which he was responsible for. Hali, who leads the Chiefs with eight sacks, could play with a wrapping or cast if his hand is seriously injured.

Hali wasn’t in the locker room during reporters’ allotted time inside. He was not listed on the team’s official injury report Wednesday, suggesting he’s not in danger of missing Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.

Maybin has career revival

Jets linebacker Aaron Maybin, considered a first-round draft bust after being released following two years in Buffalo, is putting together his most impressive season.

Maybin, the No. 11 overall pick in ’09, had zero sacks and only 15 total tackles in his first two seasons and was let go by the Bills after last season. Picked up by the Jets before this season, he has a team-leading six sacks in nine games, including three the last two weeks.

“We just take guys and really focus on what they can do and not focus so much on what they can’t do,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said. “Obviously, we understand every player has strengths and weaknesses, but we really try to get our guys dialed in on the strengths.”

That strength for Maybin, Ryan said, is as a pass-rushing specialist. The Jets cut him after training camp but brought him back before the third week of the regular season. Ryan said he has begun to see offenses shift to account for Maybin, helping defenders such as Calvin Pace and Jamaal Westerman — who have a combined 7 1/2 sacks this season — find their own pass-rushing lanes.

Ryan confident in stopping offense

Ryan, a former defensive coordinator, said the Chiefs could present several problems for his defense. Among those are the Chiefs’ three running backs — Thomas Jones, Dexter McCluster and Jackie Battle — and a group of wide receivers with plenty of talent.

Still, Ryan said he believes in his defense, ranked seventh in the league by allowing an average of 317.5 yards per game.

“We don’t care who we play. We think we can stop anybody,” Ryan said. “We know it’s going to be a challenge, but again, we’ll face anybody; we don’t care who it is. We’re always confident going in, and we’ll see what kind of challenge they do present.”

Ryan has familiarity with Jones, who played for the Jets in 2009, Ryan’s first season in New York.

Other injuries

Chiefs quarterback Kyle Orton was limited in practice because of his injured finger. Center Casey Wiegmann also was limited because of a finger injury. Linebacker Demorrio Williams was a full participant, despite having a groin injury.

The Jets had three players miss practice Wednesday: defensive lineman Mike DeVito (knee), defensive back Ellis Lankster (low back) and offensive lineman Brandon Moore (hip). Defensive lineman Marcus Dixon (hip), linebacker David Harris (ankle), running back Joe McKnight (elbow) and defensive back Eric Smith (knee) were limited.

| Kent Babb, kbabb@kcstar.com

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/12/07/3308109/chiefs-buzz-halis-hand-in-a-protective.html#storylink=rss#ixzz1fxRtUk56

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Jets line merrier with Moore

Jets Blog

Last Updated: 9:33 AM, December 8, 2011

Posted: 3:17 AM, December 8, 2011

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George Willis

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Blog: By George

It’s usually a good thing when offensive linemen go unnoticed, considering the only time their names are mentioned during a game is when they’ve been beaten for a sack or committed some sort of penalty. But the absence of the Jets’ two starting guards during the media availability session yesterday wasn’t exactly something to celebrate.

Right guard Brandon Moore had missed practice to tend to a surgically repaired hip that flared up after Sunday’s win over the Redskins, while left guard Brian Slauson was getting extended treatment on a knee injury he has been nursing in recent weeks.

Slauson practiced yesterday and will play Sunday against the Chiefs at MetLife Stadium, but the slightest chance of being without Moore could be problematic for two reasons:

For one, the Jets are coming off back-to-back games in which the offensive line didn’t allow a sack.

It’s a significant sign that, perhaps, finally, an offensive line that has been inconsistent for much of the season is starting to function as a cohesive unit. Center Nick Mangold credited the Jets’ intense practice sessions for their recent success, something that could be disrupted if Moore has an extended absence.

“We pride ourselves in keeping Mark (Sanchez) clean and we’ve done a pretty good job,” Mangold said. “There’s plenty of room for improvement but, overall, the guys have really focused in and done some good work during the week, which has paid off on Sunday.”

The second reason Moore’s absence yesterday was alarming has to do with the Chiefs’ pass rush. Kansas City (5-7) may be challenged offensively, but its defense produced seven sacks in the Chiefs’ 10-3 win over the Bears last Sunday. It’s the most sacks the Chiefs have recorded in a game since they got 10 against the Raiders 13 years ago.

Sure the sacks came against a helpless Bears’ offense that has lost its starting quarterback. Still, the Chiefs have a formidable defense that could keep the score closer than the Jets might like. “

They’re obviously doing something right,” Mangold said. “It’s going to take a great effort by us to combat that.”

Chiefs’ rookie linebacker Justin Houston had three sacks, but the player Jets head coach Rex Ryan raved about yesterday was linebacker Tamba Hali, who grew up in Teaneck, N.J., went to Penn State and was the 20th pick overall in 2006. Hali had one sack last week, bringing his season total to eight and his career total to 49 1/2, which ranks fifth in team history.

Though his normal position is right outside linebacker, Hali will attack anywhere along the line of scrimmage and could target right guard if Moore isn’t at full strength.

“The seven-sack performance is an indication of how this team is rushing the passer now,” Ryan said. “The guy you have to have your antenna up for is Tamba Hali and they’ll put him all over the place. We certainly have to know where he’s at.”

If Moore can’t practice, the Jets might also have to scrap plans to expand the Wildcat offense they used last week against the Redskins. It’s crucial the entire starting offense get as many reps as possible with the unique system.

“It’s something that adds to what we already have,” Ryan said of the Wildcat. “Whether we’ll do it going forward, the great thing is they don’t know so opponents have to prepare for it.

If preparation has been the key to the recent success the offensive line has enjoyed, Moore’s absence from any future practices could be a liability Sunday.

The Jets can see the playoff light at the end of the regular season. But the goal is to improve each week to a point where they’re playing their best football when the postseason arrives. If Moore’s hip isn’t an issue, the Jets offensive line looks like it might finally be headed in that direction.

george.willis@nypost.com

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Former Jets RB Jones helped rookies Sanchez, Greene

Jets Blog

By KEVIN KERNAN

Last Updated: 8:52 AM, December 8, 2011

Posted: 2:25 AM, December 8, 2011

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Thomas Jones never wanted to leave the Jets. What he left behind was a huge impression, especially with the rookie quarterback.

“I wasn’t surprised because I knew what was possibly going to happen before the season started, and that’s why I didn’t go to the offseason program because I wanted to just secure my last year there, but it happened for a reason,’’ the Chiefs running back said yesterday of being cut by the Jets in March 2010, coming off a season in which he rushed for a career-high 1,402 yards.

Time and money marches on in the NFL.

“Yeah, it’s strange,’’ said Jones, who will get the chance to show the Jets what they no longer have when the Chiefs come to MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

“I think I need 11 yards to pass Eddie George and Tiki Barber on the all-time list, and that would be really special for me, especially playing with Tiki in college,’’ said Jones, who has 10,438 career rushing yards. “Coming back to New York and hopefully being able to do that would be something special. I still wanted to play in New York City. I didn’t want to leave.’’

Jones’ legacy is in how Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez continues to grow.

“Mark has done a great job. There is a lot of pressure being a quarterback in New York City, and I think everyone knows that,’’ Jones said. “He’s still a young quarterback and he’s still learning. He has a lot of pressure on him, but I think he has responded well.

“He’s a good kid, smart, works hard and has unbelievable ability. It was an honor for me to play with him. I tried to be a friend to him, kind of an older brother to him. I hope he remembers those times because I do.’’

Jones helped guide the quarterback on what to expect each week and in the playoffs.

“I tried to keep him focused on the next game and not be too hard on himself,’’ Jones said. “He’s kind of a perfectionist, and I am a perfectionist so I know how it is, you are your worst critic.

“He took us to the AFC Championship game and then last year they go to the AFC Championship game. He’s a successful quarterback. He’s a winner.’’

To hear that now from Jones, Sanchez said, “means a lot because he knows how difficult things were at times my rookie year. I was just trying to stay afloat.’’

When Sanchez struggled, Jones’ message was “prove them all wrong.’’ Now when a rookie makes a mistake, Sanchez is there to pump him up like Jones was there for him.

“He was a locker-room leader,’’ Sanchez said. “He wasn’t afraid to speak up when it was really important, when something needed to be said. He wasn’t shy.’’

The Jets need the running game down the stretch to make it back to the playoffs and take the pressure off Sanchez.

“I think any offense, it’s important to have a running game,’’ Jones said. “You have to be balanced. [Mark] made the plays he needed to make and stepped his game up to another level.’’

As for Shonn Greene, Jones said, “I love to see young backs like Shonn succeed and do well, we had a great relationship. When he came in his rookie year, I tried my best to help him as much as possible. I felt that was my obligation.

“I always have love for New York City and the New York Jets,’’ Jones said. “I’ve been traded twice and released. I’ve been through every situation you can think of. I had 100 yards in the Super Bowl and I didn’t want to leave Chicago. That’s the business side, but I look at it as a blessing.’’

For Sanchez, the blessing was having Thomas Jones as a teammate.

kevin.kernan@nypost.com

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Consultant' Moore staying with Jets for rest of season

Jets Blog

By BRIAN COSTELLO

Last Updated: 9:00 AM, December 8, 2011

Posted: 2:32 AM, December 8, 2011

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If Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer looks over his shoulder, he’s going to see Tom Moore for the rest of the year.

The 73-year-old offensive consultant has extended his stay through the remainder of the season at head coach Rex Ryan’s request.

The company line is not to read into Moore’s stay as a sign that the Jets are losing confidence in Schottenheimer, but the Jets have the 26th-ranked offense in the league and have struggled for long stretches over the last four games.

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“Brian was all for it,” Ryan said. “The perception is completely false if that’s it. I have great confidence in Brian. This is just a thing that helps. You get a guy with this kind of experience, how could it not help your football team? He’s helped me. So, I know he’s helped Schotty, and he’s probably helped [tight ends coach Mike] Devlin and he’s probably helped [wide receivers coach] Henry [Ellard] and a lot of guys. We’re really happy to have him.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Offensive guru Tom Moore (inset) has been brought on as a consultant by the Jets to help QB Mark Sanchez and the offense the rest of the season.

The Jets hired Moore, the longtime offensive coordinator of the Colts, during the offseason after having him visit a few times to work with the offensive coaches. Moore spent training camp with the Jets, then returned to his home in Hilton Head, S.C. From there, he watched game tape and faxed his observations to Jets coaches. He also spoke weekly with Ryan.

Moore returned to New Jersey for the Jets game with the Chargers in October and spent a few days with the coaches during the following bye week.

When he came back last Wednesday, Ryan said he was unsure how long Moore would stay, but then announced yesterday Moore would be here for the rest of the year.

“We’ve wanted him around the whole year all along, but I also recognize that the man is retired and asking him to stay the entire season was not going to be fair to him and his wife,” Ryan said. “He’s here. Everything is OK at home and Tom was like, why not, let’s go for it.”

Moore said he is excited to be “where the action is.”

“

I’d retired, but I’m a football junkie. I’m a lifer,” Moore said.

He emphasized several times that his only job is observing. Moore watched Sunday’s game against the Redskins from the coaches’ box with a headset on. He said he simply gave observations to aid Schottenheimer.

“Brian runs the show,” Moore said. “Brian is the coordinator and has done and is doing, in my opinion, a tremendous job.”

Schottenheimer is in his sixth season running the Jets offense. He is extremely unpopular with the fans, who chanted for him to be fired last season. The Jets gave Schottenheimer an extension in the offseason after the Jets’ second straight trip to the AFC title game. His contract runs through 2013.

The Jets players seem to love being around Moore, and the Jets are No. 1 in the NFL in red-zone efficiency this year, one of the areas they asked Moore to help them in.

“He’s one of the best offensive minds and football minds I’ve really been around,” quarterback Mark Sanchez said. “He just has a different way of saying things sometimes. He has a way of just keeping you calm. He reminds you of what you can do to get better and he’s just a calm presence that I just think is good for our offense.”

Sanchez said Moore tells stories about his days with Terry Bradshaw and the Steelers and Peyton Manning and the Colts that provides laughter and insight.

Both Ryan and Schottenheimer described Moore as one of the most positive people they have been around.

“I can’t stand negativity,” Moore said. “It drives me crazy. I’ve always been positive. I always will be positive. Something positive always comes out of everything.”

The Jets hope something positive comes from his presence.

brian.costello@nypost.com

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Jets guard Moore sits out practice, expected to play

Jets Blog

By BRIAN COSTELLO

Last Updated: 8:52 AM, December 8, 2011

Posted: 2:01 AM, December 8, 2011

The Jets offensive line was missing a key piece at practice yesterday with guard Brandon Moore sidelined because of a hip injury.

Moore had surgery on both hips during the offseason. The Jets did not specify which hip is hurting Moore right now. He missed the beginning of training camp and two preseason games as he recovered.

Jets coach Rex Ryan said he expects Moore, who has started 117 consecutive games, to play Sunday against the Chiefs.

“We all assume Brandon’s going to play,” Ryan said. “He’s played in how many straight games? He’s going to play, I have a feeling.”

Moore was not in the locker room during the period reporters were allowed in. Caleb Schlauderaff is Moore’s backup.

* Ryan did not sound as confident RB/KR Joe McKnight (elbow) or DL Mike DeVito (knee) will be ready for Sunday. DeVito missed Sunday’s game with a sprained left MCL. He did not practice yesterday.

McKnight was able to practice on a limited basis. He did not participate in any contact drills and had a compression sleeve and brace on the elbow. McKnight said he had trouble gripping the ball while wearing the brace and the team was ordering him a custom-made brace that will be more flexible.

He had trouble putting his shirt on.

* Chiefs coach Todd Haley was the Jets receivers coach from 1997-2000. He said yesterday that the Jets wanted to draft Plaxico Burress in 2000, but the Steelers beat them to it.

“We had traded [Keyshawn Johnson] to Tampa, and we were looking for a guy that could kind of fill those shoes,” Haley said on a conference call. “I was disappointed when the Steelers took him.”

The Steelers took Burress with the eighth pick. The Jets had four first-round picks that year, beginning with the 12th.

brian.costello@nypost.com

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/hip_puts_guard_on_sideline_3lSIG8l3DNjqDFJug94lqJ#ixzz1fxUsLdpP

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Jets' Rex Ryan thrilled Tom Moore will stick around until end of season

Published: Thursday, December 08, 2011, 4:00 AM

By Jenny Vrentas/The Star-Ledger

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William Perlman/The Star-LedgerJets wide receiver Plaxico Burress works with offensive consultant Tom Moore during summer camp.

Critical game for Jets and KC Chiefs to stay alive The New York Jets face the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend in East Rutherford. Star-Ledger Jets beat writers Jenny Vrentas and Conor Orr report from the Jets training facility in Florham Park. (Video by Ed Murray / The Star-Ledger) Watch video

When Tom Moore was a kid, his father used to tease him for being eternally positive.

“If you found horse manure in the front yard,” Moore remembers being told, “you’d go around to the

backyard looking for the horse.”

At age 73, the Indianapolis Colts-offensive-guru-turned-Jets-consultant is still the same way. His theme song, he says earnestly, is the old hit with the lyrics “accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative.”

That wouldn’t be a bad mantra for the inconsistent Jets offense, ranked 26th in the NFL, to adopt. Moore will now have plenty of time to be a positive influence on the coaches and players. Coach Rex Ryan announced Wednesday that Moore will remain with the team for the duration of the season.

Moore spent training camp with the Jets and also came up for the San Diego Chargers game in October, but had otherwise been contributing via fax and phone from his home in South Carolina. What changed?

Ryan explained that he wanted Moore around for the full season since the Jets hired him in the offseason, but he also wanted to respect that Moore was retired after more than three decades coaching in the NFL. But Ryan invited Moore up before last week’s 34-19 victory against the

Washington Redskins, hoping he’d agree to stay for the crucial final stretch of the season.

“I feel better when I see him out there with us, and he’s actually with us and not against us,” Ryan said. “So I feel good about that.”

Moore was cavalier and humble about his role, saying he figured he’d stay since his Christmas shopping is all done. He repeatedly called himself an “observer” and emphasized that offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer runs the show.

Moore, who spent 12 years coordinating Peyton Manning and the Colts' offense, is a popular addition among the Jets' fan base. His involvement has drawn speculation that the Jets are not happy with Schottenheimer.

“The perception is completely false, if that’s it,” Ryan said. “I have great confidence in Brian. This is just a thing that helps. You get a guy with this kind of experience, how could it not help your football team?”

Moore was first brought in as a guest speaker during the lockout, covering several topics including how to improve red-zone efficiency. The Jets lead the league in red-zone efficiency after 12 games, scoring a touchdown on 67.6 percent of trips inside the 20-yard line. Tight end Dustin Keller said that’s not a coincidence.

Moore is helping in other ways, too. He has an easy demeanor on the field, quietly beckoning players over to make suggestions Keller said are “always beneficial.” Moore has spent a good deal of time in the quarterbacks’ room — his expertise is the passing game — and quarterback Mark Sanchez said he is fun, insightful and calming.

During grinding film sessions, Moore is known for perking up the room with a story about Terry Bradshaw or Manning, quarterback greats he has coached. Sanchez said Moore has particularly helped by alerting him to tendencies and tells by the opponent, which allows him to make better checks at the line of scrimmage.

“He’s one of the best offensive minds and football minds I’ve ever been around,” Sanchez said. “He has a different way of saying things sometimes, he has a way of just keeping you calm. He reminds you of what you have to do to get better. He’s just a calm presence that I think is good for our offense.”

During the Redskins game, Moore was in the booth, wearing a headset so he could hear the play calls. He didn’t step in with game management — “everything’s in Brian’s hands,” Moore said — but Keller said Moore did send down in-game tips to him via tight ends coach Mike Devlin.

Will Moore help with game planning for this week’s Kansas City game? Ryan said that’s up to Schottenheimer.

Moore praised Schottenheimer for doing a “tremendous job” — an example of Moore’s positive feedback that players and coaches have fed off of.

“It’s fun being where the action is, if you want to know the truth,” Moore said, adding later: “It’s a privilege for me to be here. Anything I observe, if I can help on one single play, it would mean a lot to me.”

For more Jets coverage, follow Jenny Vrentas on Twitter at twitter.com/Jennyvrentas

Jenny Vrentas: jvrentas@starledger.com

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Morning take: Carter returns to Washington

December, 8, 2011

Dec 8

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By James Walker

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

• New England Patriots defensive end Andre Carter is excited to play his former team: the Washington Redskins.
  

Morning take: Carter gets a return trip to Washington and will be excited for this game. He’s quietly been one of the best free-agent additions for New England in a class that included flops Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco.

• Why were the Buffalo Bills reportedly interested in Green Bay Packers backup Graham Harrell?
  

Morning take: I'm not sure about this one. Buffalo probably was just looking for depth behind Ryan Fitzpatrick and took a look at Green Bay's practice squad. But it's interesting nonetheless.

• The New York Jets will keep offensive consultant Tom Moore on full-time.
  

Morning take: This is not a good sign for offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. The Jets have not performed well offensively and wants to have another experienced voice involved.

• With Matt Moore, the Miami Dolphins came out on top with their quarterback search this season.
  

Morning take: With names like Kyle Orton, David Garrard and Carson Palmer being mentioned, who would have thought the best quarterback for the Dolphins this year was the No. 2 guy already on the roster? It's a great story, but will it continue in Miami beyond this season?

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Mark Sanchez Ready To Leave Lumps Behind, Lift Jets To Playoffs

December 8, 2011 9:13 AM

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NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — In a season filled with boos and criticisms, Mark Sanchez refuses to listen to any of it.

The Jets quarterback has too much on the line to give in to anyone who points out the things he can’t do. As far as the Jets are concerned, he has been exactly what they’ve needed in the fourth quarter lately.

“He’s a winner and he finds ways to raise his level of play and the level of play of his teammates around him,” coach Rex Ryan said earlier this week. “Everybody believes that we’re going to get it done and that’s just how Mark plays.”

There are still struggles and frustrating moments, but Sanchez again is playing his best with the game — and the season — on the line. He has 10 fourth-quarter comebacks — including the last two weeks — or overtime victories, and became just the fifth quarterback in the Super Bowl era to earn 30 victories in his first three NFL seasons.

Sanchez humbly credits almost everyone other than himself for being in a group that includes Dan Marino, Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan, saying he has been “fortunate” to be on teams with strong offensive lines, receivers and defenses.

“I think, as grateful as I am, you’re just kicking yourself because there were a couple of games that you wish you could’ve won,” Sanchez said Wednesday. “We’ll keep piling up victories if we can and keep pushing toward our goals.”

Those are: winning the rest of their games, making the playoffs, returning to the AFC championship game for the third straight year and reaching the Super Bowl. Still, Sanchez knows there’s plenty to improve on. While they scored three touchdowns in the last 5 minutes of a 34-19 win at Washington on Sunday, the Jets were brutal in the third quarter.

They gained 39 total yards on 20 plays, got two first downs — one on a penalty — and went 1 of 6 on third down. Sanchez was 5 of 13 for 19 yards in the quarter, and New York showed no indication it was about to have an offensive outburst.

“We’re there in spurts, I think,” Sanchez said. “We kind of took that third quarter off and really hurt ourselves.”

But how could that be, especially for a team so desperate for victories?

“I don’t know the reason for it, but we sure weren’t on the same page,” Sanchez said, pointing out the Jets’ three third-quarter penalties and an ill-advised timeout called by him. “We just weren’t sharp. That’s not the stuff you want to put on film. We can’t afford to play like that at any point in the game because it will get you beat. We found a way to win, and that was important, but we just can’t take plays off like that.”

Sanchez shoulders most of the blame, as he usually does, but it hasn’t been all him. Not that anyone would think otherwise based on the negative comments directed at him.

“I think that comes with just playing in this market, and that’s understood when you get a chance to play here,” he said. “I take all the praise and criticism, and you know, find a happy medium there, because it’s never as good or bad as you think, or as anybody says. You just try to stay in the middle.”

Even if it isn’t as easy as that sounds. Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs will mark the first home game since Sanchez was booed in pregame introductions. Two wins — and fourth-quarter rallies — later, there might be a different reception from Jets fans this time around.

“I haven’t thought about it until you brought it up, so I don’t know,” Sanchez said.

His teammates were quick to come to his defense after that incident two weeks ago, saying it wasn’t fair to the quarterback. Sure, he hadn’t been playing great, they said, but neither had the rest of the team.

Well, the offensive line hasn’t allowed a sack the last two games, the running game has gotten a bit of a jumpstart again, and that’s all helped Sanchez offer a winning reminder of how cool, calm and collected he is under late-game pressure. His 30-yard laser to Santonio Holmes to put the Jets ahead Sunday started the fourth-quarter surge and got the critics off his back — for at least a few days.

“Everybody is going to struggle in this league, there’s no doubt,” Ryan said. “But he’s the type of guy that can pick himself up, elevate his play and everybody (else), we’re a team now that we expect it. He’s done it so often that we just expect it.”

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Right guard Brandon Moore had missed practice to tend to a surgically repaired hip that flared up after Sunday’s win over the Redskins, while left guard Brian Slauson was getting extended treatment on a knee injury he has been nursing in recent weeks.

That's some top notch reporting right there.

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Kerley wants back in

December, 8, 2011

Dec 8

9:29

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By Rich Cimini

Rookie Jeremy Kerley, who fumbled away his punt-returning job to sure-handed Jim Leonhard, is hoping to reclaim the gig some day soon.

"I'll keep catching balls (in practice), keep working hard and hopefully I can take back the job," he said.

Kerley muffed a punt last Sunday against the Redskins, and that was all she wrote. It was the sixth turnover by the Jets' special teams, which leads the league. On Monday, Rex Ryan declared that they'll go back to Leonhard even though Kerley was drafted, in part, because of his punt-returning expertise.

"It's very frustrating," Kerley said. "I see myself as one of the most surehanded guys on the team, so when I dropped the punt, it hurt."

There's been a whole lot of hurting going on. Consider the fumble comparison between the special teams and the offense:

Special teams -- 6 lost fumbles in 92 "touches" (punt returns, fair catches and kickoff return). Average: One fumble for every 15.3 touches.

Offense -- 6 lost fumbles in 753 plays. (Mark Sanchez had five, Dustin Keller one). Average: One fumble for every 120.5 plays.

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Walker's AFC East picks

December, 8, 2011

Dec 8

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By James Walker

The AFC East blog is in a groove picking games in the division. We have hit seven in a row and look forward to Week 14.

We're going to pass on the video this week. But here are our latest picks:

Kansas City Chiefs (5-7) at New York Jets (7-5)

Skinny: The Jets are 5-1 at MetLife Stadium, and I would be very surprised if they blow this one. New York's defense makes Chiefs quarterback Tyler Palko look bad in this one, as the Jets continue their playoff push.

Walker's pick: Jets, 24-7

New England Patriots (9-3) at Washington Redskins (4-8)

Skinny: The Patriots let up on another inferior team (Indianapolis) last week. But I think they learned their lesson. New England owns the fourth quarter to win this one.

Pick: Patriots, 30-17

Philadelphia Eagles (4-8) at Miami Dolphins (4-8)

Skinny: The Eagles are getting healthier and have plenty of talent. But the Dolphins have it going, and I'm riding this train at home until they lose.

Pick: Dolphins, 20-17

Buffalo Bills (5-7) at San Diego Chargers (5-7)

Skinny: The Chargers are coming off a short week, but it doesn't matter. The Bills ran out of gas weeks ago and won't have much for this long road trip.

Walker's pick: Chargers, 28-14

Last week's record: 4-0

Overall record: 8-2

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Jim Trotter>INSIDE THE NFL

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Ranking the NFL quarterbacks from Rodgers to Tebow to Palko

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The Broncos have gone 6-1 with Tim Tebow as the starter this season.

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With a quarter of the season to go, here's where the 32 starting quarterbacks rank ...

1, Aaron Rodgers, Packers: The efficiency he's displaying is jaw-dropping. Rodgers is completing 70.6 percent of his passes, has thrown for multiple touchdowns in every game and can tie the league record for consecutive games with at least two scoring passes if he accomplishes the feat Sunday against Oakland.

Efficiency? He has thrown for 37 touchdowns while being picked off just five times. A perfect passer rating for a game is 158.3; Rodgers' mark is 125.3 for the season. No wonder Green Bay has scored TDs on an NFL-best 34.6 percent of its possessions and, at 12-0, is a legitimate threat to become just the second team to go undefeated en route to a Super Bowl win.

2, Drew Brees, Saints: Brees has thrown 11 touchdowns and only one pick over his last four games, marks that surpass every full-time QB during that time, save Rodgers. You know a QB is playing at an elite level when he's on pace to break Dan Marino's single-season mark for yards passing and also has games in which he throws more touchdowns (five) than incompletions (four), as Brees did against Indianapolis on Oct. 23. Still wondering why New Orleans trails only Green Bay in scoring?

3, Tom Brady, Patriots: He throws three touchdowns for every interception -- 30-10 overall -- and has posted a passer rating above 100 in all but three games. He is interception-free in his last five games and has New England tied with the Ravens, Steelers and Texans for the AFC's best record, at 9-3. More impressive: He has the Patriots 17 points from being undefeated despite playing with the league's last-ranked defense.,

4, Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers: All Roethlisberger does is find ways to lead his team to victories. Pittsburgh has won seven of its last eight in part because its burly passer is playing with great discipline and coming up with key plays in pressure situations. His stats aren't overwhelming -- 19 TDs, 10 INTs -- but the Steelers would not be challenging for the AFC's top seed without him.

5, Tim Tebow, Broncos: He looked so completely lost as a passer after his first two starts this season, I put him 31st in my midseason rankings. But Tebow is a different QB today. He has flourished since the Broncos adjusted their offense to take advantage of his read-option skill set.

Overall, he is 6-1 as a starter, with 11 touchdowns (nine passing) and only two turnovers (one fumble, one INT). But his incredible rise up the rankings is due to him coming up biggest when games matter most: at the end. Review the Broncos' last six wins and you will see Tebow was an integral factor in the outcome, particularly down the stretch. Will it last? Who cares? The rankings are about today, not tomorrow.

6, Alex Smith, 49ers: Thirty-eight pass attempts against the Cardinals. Thirty against the Giants. Thirty-two against the Lions. Yep, keep telling yourself he's just a game manager. You don't go into Sundays with a game plan to put the ball in the hands of Smith if you believe he's nothing more than a game manager.

The 49ers are 10-2 in part because Smith has come through when needed. His numbers aren't great -- 15 TDs, five INTs -- but it's due to the running game being strong and the receiving corps being suspect. (Ted Ginn Jr. is getting looks on the outside, for gosh sakes.) Smith ranks fourth among full-time starters with a 114.1 rating against the blitz (Tom Brady is seventh at 117.2) and he's one of only 10 passers (and five season-long starters) with a 100.0-plus fourth-quarter rating.

7, Tony Romo, Cowboys: Romo has been playing at a high level since Oct. 23, when Dallas discovered a running game in the person of DeMarco Murray. His presence has not only taken pressure off Romo, but set up the downfield, play-action passes that Romo is so good at. Not coincidentally, the Cowboys are 5-2 since Murray moved into the starting lineup -- and would be 6-1, were it not for coach Jason Garrett's mental meltdown at the end of regulation last week in Arizona.

8, Eli Manning, Giants: He has had to shoulder much of the load because of injuries at running back and is on pace to finish with a career-high 589 pass attempts. In his last nine games alone, he averaged 40 attempts. The fact he has gone 11 straight outings without throwing more interceptions than touchdowns -- and has the sixth best TD-to-INT differential, at +12 -- is a testament to his play. Manning has gotten it done most on third down, with a 104.5 rating that ranks fourth among regular starters.

9, Cam Newton, Panthers: The rookie No. 1 pick continues to improve. Instead of forcing passes, as he did on occasion earlier in the year, Newton is taking advantage of his running skills, leading all players with 13 rushing touchdowns, including six in the last three games. As a passer, he has been interception-free in four of his last six outings and picked off only once in another. His play has helped lift the Panthers to two straight wins.

10, Matt Hasselbeck, Titans: His importance transcends statistics. Despite Chris Johnson being MIA much of the year, the line having occasional protection issues and No. 1 wideout Kenny Britt sustaining a season-ending injury in Week 3, Hasselbeck has held the offense together and kept Tennessee in the hunt for a playoff spot -- and, perhaps, the AFC South title. He is eighth among season-long starters with a third-down passer rating of 93.5 and brings a calming presence in times of stress. Definitely one of the better free-agent pickups this year.

11, Mark Sanchez, Jets: It has been a tough year for Sanchez, whose mediocre stats have frustrated the Jets' fan base. Last week, some teammates went as far as to publicly ask Jets fans not to boo him at home. Their locals' feelings are understandable on some levels because Sanchez goes through stretches of Ugly Ball and struggles to find a rhythm until things appear too bleak. To wit: In three of the Jets' last four wins, he rallied them from fourth-quarter deficits with touchdown passes that put New York ahead for good. Overall, eight of his 19 TDs have come in the fourth quarter, but only one of his 11 picks.

12, Matthew Stafford, Lions: Like Manning, Stafford has had to carry the offense because injuries have crippled the running game. He has been solid on early downs, but has struggled on third down, completing only 48.4 percent of his passes with six interceptions and six touchdowns. It's not a reach to say the Lions go as he goes: In their seven wins, he has thrown for 21 scores with only six INTs; however in their losses he has only six scores with eight picks. Detroit has lost three of four and five of seven.

13, Michael Vick, Eagles: He has been effective when on the field, and he's expected to return Sunday after missing three games because of fractured ribs. His 11 TDs and 11 INTs aren't impressive until you realize he has had to make most of those plays by himself, because of spotty protection. If he could find a way to make DeSean Jackson relevant again, look out.

14, Matt Moore, Dolphins: Miami has won four of five after losing its first seven, and part of the turnaround can be attributed to the efficient play of Moore, who has thrown for eight scores in his last five games. More importantly, he has done an excellent job of protecting the ball, throwing only one interception in his last five outings. He also has converted eight of his pass attempts on third-and-long into first downs.

15, Matt Ryan, Falcons: Each time it appears Ryan is ready to raise his game, along comes a performance like last week's loss to Houston to remind us that there is a lot of work to be done. Ryan completed just 42.6 percent of his passes with two picks and one score against the Texans. Overall, he has thrown for 19 TDs with 12 INTs. As pedestrian as the numbers might look, though, Ryan has been hurt by inconsistent protection, injuries to his receivers and repeated drops by his wideouts, notably Roddy White, who leads the league in that category.

16, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills: After a strong start to open the season, Fitzpatrick hit a rough patch the first three weeks of November and has been hot-and-cool since. His biggest struggle of late has been downfield throws due to his own inaccuracy, drops by his receivers and spotty protection from his patchwork line. The loss of running back Fred Jackson also cannot be overstated. Is it any wonder the Bills have lost five in a row?

17, Andy Dalton, Bengals: Cincinnati's three losses in four games coincides with a drop-off in play by Dalton, who has thrown for just one score in each of the last three games. This is not a coincidence. Still, the blame doesn't rest solely with the rookie. His protection hasn't been top notch, his receivers have battled injuries at a position that lacks depth, and his level of competition has increased dramatically, with the three losses coming against Pittsburgh (twice) and Baltimore.

18, Philip Rivers, Chargers: For the first time this season, San Diego's trigger man has gone consecutive games without throwing an interception. He also is coming off his first triple-digit passer rating in eight games. Still, these rankings are based on the season, with added weight being given the past four weeks. If Rivers, who leads the league in turnovers, continues to take care of the ball, he will climb the ladder. If not ... you know the drill.

19, Carson Palmer, Raiders: He was at a disadvantage from the start, joining the Raiders midway through the season. And just when he started to develop a rapport with a couple of his receivers -- notably Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford -- they were sidelined by injuries. So was big-play running back Darren McFadden. With them in the lineup, Palmer had nine completions of 25 yards or longer in his first two starts. He has six in the last three.

20, Christian Ponder, Vikings: The rookie first-round pick continues to improve. In six starts he has thrown nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. He makes mistakes, but he also makes plays, with his legs as well as his right arm. A rookie quarterback's best friends are a running game and a stout defense. The Vikings have a running game, but their once-vaunted defense is a shell of its former self.

21, TJ Yates, Texans: The rookie fifth-round pick showed a lot of promise last week in his first career start. Unlike QBs taking snaps in their first season, he didn't look to simply check down to running backs or drop the ball in the flats. He took his shots down the field. Believing you can make plays is the first step to making plays, and Yates appears to have that swag. We'll see.

22, Joe Flacco, Ravens: Baltimore is tied for the best record in the AFC, but Flacco is on pace to throw for his fewest touchdowns since his rookie season in 2008. His 55.3 completion percentage also is a career low. Normally he would be higher in the rankings, but if a player has shown us more but gives us less, it's tough to give him full credit.

23, Dan Orlovsky, Colts: In his lone start last week, he completed 81.1 percent of his passes for 353 yards, two scores and one pick. Is this a blip on the radar of a sign of things to come? History says the former; he had eight TDs and eight INTs in seven previous career starts.

24, Tarvaris Jackson, Seahawks: In a season that started with two rookies and a second-year pro in the offensive line, injured receivers who hindered their ability to work together in training camp, and a new offensive scheme, it's a credit to Jackson that he has remained upright, let alone complete 60 percent of his passes with 10 TDs and 12 picks.

25, Josh Freeman, Bucs: Tampa Bay's third-year pro prides himself on leading his team to wins, particularly with comebacks in the fourth quarter. Well ... the Bucs have lost six straight and seven of eight and Freeman has thrown 10 more INTs than a year ago.

26, Colt McCoy, Browns: In five of his last seven games, he has thrown for fewer than 200 yards, and it's not simply because the Browns lack the weapons to go downfield. McCoy is relying largely on three-and five-step drops and looking to get rid of the ball quickly, not that it's translating into success. Since mid-October, he has thrown just six TDs and six INTs for an offense that ranks 30th overall and 28th in scoring.

27, Caleb Hanie, Bears: In two starts, he has completed 48.3 percent of his passes, with six interceptions and just two touchdowns. Without injured running back Matt Forte to keep the defense honest last week against Kansas City, he threw three picks and no scores. Forte won't be back this week, but linebacker Von Miller is expected to return for the Broncos, who host the Bears on Sunday.

28, Kevin Kolb, Cardinals: It has been a miserable season for Kolb, who was acquired in a major trade with Philadelphia. When he's not taking hits in the pocket, he often appears to be looking for the pass rush. And he definitely appears uncomfortable holding the ball in the pocket. Perhaps Sunday's overtime win over Dallas will boost his confidence.

29, Rex Grossman, Redskins: Good Rex, where have you gone?

30, Sam Bradford, Rams: Healthy Sam, where have you gone?

31, Blaine Gabbert, Jaguars: Gabbert is completing just 49.5 percent of his passes and has eight

TDs and seven picks. Is it wrong to expect more -- even from a rookie QB -- when he has the league's No. 1 rusher in his backfield and consistently is seeing eight- and nine-man fronts? I think not.

32, Tyler Palko, Chiefs: One touchdown drive in three games? Need we say more?

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jim_trotter/12/07/quarterback.ratings/index.html#ixzz1fyA6BISB

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Jets G Brandon Moore absent from second straight practice with hip issue

Published: Thursday, December 08, 2011, 12:38 PM Updated: Thursday, December 08, 2011, 12:47 PM

By Conor Orr/The Star-Ledger

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Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGERBrandon Moore missed his second straight practice yesterday with a hip issue.

Jets G Brandon Moore (hip) was absent from the portion of practice open to the media. Rex Ryan said yesterday that he still expects Moore to play on Sunday.

Moore had surgery on his hips this offseason.

DT Mike DeVito (knee) was off to the side with the training staff doing some light agility drills. Ryan said yesterday that DeVito is "very doubtful" for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

DL Marcus Dixon (hip), LB David Harris (ankle) RB Joe McKnight (elbow) and S Eric Smith (knee), limited yesterday, were all present today.

McKnight was seen doing all individual drills and carrying the ball with his hyper-extended elbow.

G Vlad Ducasse (knee), RB Shonn Greene (rib), WR Jeremy Kerley (knee), C Nick Mangold (ankle), OLB Calvin Pace (groin), LS Tanner Purdum (low back), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (knee), G Matt Slauson (knee) and DL Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder) were all present.

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Thursday practice report

December, 8, 2011

Dec 8

12:59

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By Jane McManus

No Moore, Brandon Moore that is. The Jets right guard missed the second straight practice with a hip injury. Yesterday Jets coach Rex Ryan expressed confidence that Moore would play Sunday at 1 when the Jets host the Chiefs.

It's no secret that his ability to play is important for the Jets. Caleb Schlauderaff could get the nod if Moore is out. The line struggled early with all of its starters available, but even more so when center Nick Mangold was replaced by Colin Baxter for two games. The other option to backup Moore is Vlad Ducasse.

Cornerback Ellis Lankster was back working with the defensive backs.

Outside on the grass field, DE Mike DeVito worked on the sideline with practice squad tight end Jamarko Simmons.

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Jets' Mike Westhoff defends Jeremy Kerley after muffed punt return

Published: Thursday, December 08, 2011, 5:45 PM Updated: Thursday, December 08, 2011, 6:08 PM

By Jenny Vrentas/The Star-Ledger

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Andrew Mills/The Star-LedgerJeremy Kerley muffed a punt return in the second quarter of the Jets' win against the Redskins.

<img alt="Rex Ryan comments on Brad Smith, more Wildcat plays " width="380" /> Rex Ryan comments on Brad Smith, more Wildcat plays New York Jets head coach, Rex Ryan, talks about incorporating more Wildcat plays that helped the 39-14 win over the Redskins on Sunday. (Video by Ed Murray / The Star-Ledger) Watch video

Rex Ryan announced Monday that the Jets will use safety Jim Leonhard as the punt returner moving forward, after rookie Jeremy Kerley muffed a catch against the Washington Redskins. But special-teams coordinator Mike Westhoff fiercely defended Kerley today, saying the fumble — the Jets' sixth special teams turnover of the season — was not the young receiver's fault.

"He's the only innocent person in the whole play," Westhoff said of Kerley. "Deion Sanders couldn’t have caught that ball, because he had a guy thrown right into his lap."

Westhoff called the play "the absolute singularly most frustrating play I’ve had in a long time." He thought that return could have gone for a touchdown because the Jets were using the perfect call, but said Kerley was never given a chance to catch the ball. According to Westhoff, one player on the Jets' punt return team did not execute his assignment.

Westhoff did not name the player, but it appeared to be CB Kyle Wilson. Wilson was supposed to block the gunner on the left side of the field, WR Niles Paul, but it looked as though Wilson let Paul get inside of him. As Paul sprinted downfield, Wilson gave him a push in the back. Paul then crashed into Leonhard, back in a two-deep returner formation with Kerley, and both flew toward Kerley as he tried to secure the ball.

"You see it happen, and it's very frustrating, and of course that shakes you up," Westhoff said. "It could have been a great confidence builder, and instead it ends up being the other way around. So very, very frustrating thing for me, and no one I've been around has worked any harder (than Kerley)."

So if the fumble wasn't Kerley's fault, then why switch to Leonhard?

Westhoff said Kerley's confidence level and recent knee injury are both factors. And at this point in the season, when there is no margin for error, it makes sense to go with Leonhard's experience and sure-handedness. Westhoff did say Kerley hasn't been ruled out as a returner.

Westhoff's units are perennially among the league's best, so leading the league in special teams turnovers clearly frustrated the coach. Westhoff said each turnover — including one in each of the past four games — is a separate entity with no common thread.

"I've led the league in a bunch of categories, I haven't led in this one yet. So of course it bothers me," Westhoff said. "Sometimes that’s very difficult to control. You work on it, you hope it doesn’t happen, but it happens. It’s frustrating for me, but at the same time, what do you want me to do?

You’ve got to live with it, move on, hope that you’ve improved it, and get better and better. That’s how you deal with it."

For more Jets coverage, follow Jenny Vrentas on Twitter at twitter.com/Jennyvrentas

Jenny Vrentas: jvrentas@starledger.com

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Notebook: No boos for Sanchez

December, 8, 2011

Dec 8

6:41

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By Rich Cimini

The Jets return home Sunday to face the Chiefs, their first home game since QB Mark Sanchez was booed in the pre-game introductions. Rex Ryan said Thursday he will arrange for the offense to be introduced again, which should test his belief that Sanchez won't be booed.

"I think we're going to introduce the offense again this week and I betcha he doesn't get booed this time," Ryan said. "He's had two fourth-quarter wins (against the Bills and Redskins)."

Sanchez insisted Wednesday that he hasn't given it any thought.

"I haven't even thought about it until you brought it up," he told me.

BRANDON SITS: RG Brandon Moore (hip) missed practice for the second straight day, but he's still expected to play. Said Ryan: "If there's one guy that doesn't need to go through practice, it's Brandon." Moore has made 117 consecutive starts ... DT Mike DeVito (knee) is out this week. RB/KR Joe McKnight (hyperextended elbow) was limited in practice, but all signs point to him missing the game. Antonio Cromartie would be the primary kickoff returner.

NOT-SO-SPECIAL K: Rookie DT Kenrick Ellis started last week for DeVito and didn't play well. Ryan offered a rather blunt evaluation, saying, "(It) wasn't great." Don't be surprised if Martin Tevaseu gets the starting nod against the Chiefs. Tevaseu would be out of position; he's better suited to nose tackle.

JERSEY BOY: After Sunday's win, Ryan remarked how they should start selling Aaron Maybin jerseys with "Mayhem" on the back. Sure enough, the jerseys were on sale a couple of days later. Maybin was blown away.

"I've never seen something quite like that, except for Chad (Ochocinco) -- and he changed his name for him to get that on the back," said Maybin, referring to a nickname.

ODDS AND ENDS: The Jets think they have some inside knowledge on Chiefs QB Tyler Palko because their QB coach, Matt Cavanaugh, used to be his offensive coordinator at Pitt. Then again, Palko has been so bad, who needs inside knowledge? ... Replacing OLB Bryan Thomas hasn't been easy; it has been a revolving door. They've gone from Jamaal Westerman to Garrett McIntyre and now back to Westerman, who has replaced McIntyre in the base defense ... TE Matt Mulligan has given the coaches agita because of his penalty problems, but his blocking against the Redskins was close to perfect, according to coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Schottenheimer fired off a nice one-liner at Ryan, who took credit after the game for hatching the idea to use the Wildcat package. Schottenheimer couldn't resist: "Now Rex thinks he's an offensive coordinator. A 1-0 record doesn't make you a coordinator until you've failed miserably and everybody is calling for your head. That's when you're a coordinator."