Jets News Articles- 9/15

[Kentucky Jet]

NY POST

PAPER * PATS

BELICHICK HAS FOREVER ADDED AN ASTERISK TO FOOTBALL LEGACY

Bill Belichick's penalty for cheating will go beyond fines and loss of a draft pick. Belichick's image as a football genius now has a crack in it that will never be fixed.

By Mark Cannizzaro

The hoodie now fits better than it ever has for Bill Belichick, who ought to tug that hood over his head in an effort to hide his face in shame, the way the nabbed perps on the TV evening news do while being led from the squad car to the station.

The pervasive fallout from Belichick's Spy-Gate conviction is this: For every one of the three Super Bowls he won with New England and for every genius coaching move he's made along the way, he has now added an asterisk the size of the one that will forever sit next to Barry Bonds' name in the baseball record book.

Belichick has done a disservice to his players who were on those Super Bowl teams, because now he has created a specter of widespread doubt about whether they were won fair and square.

He, too, has done a disservice to his team owner Robert Kraft, who has prided himself on having built what many have called the model franchise in all of sports. That model now has an unsightly crack in it. How, after all, can you have a model franchise if it's coached by a cheat?

Don't be stunned if this isn't the beginning of a divorce between Belichick and the public-relations conscious Kraft, who has already had issues with the way Belichick portrays himself publicly and the way he cloaks his players from the fans via his stringent media policies.

If you're thinking Kraft might pick up that $500,000 fine Belichick incurred, think again. Belichick has shamed the organization so badly he should pick up the $250,000 fine Kraft has to pay the NFL on behalf of the organization.

Don't be surprised if Kraft has decided this is the last straw and parts ways with Belichick after this season. There will likely be an opening inside of Giants Stadium after this season.

Can you imagine Belichick and Eric Mangini coaching in the same city and sharing the same stadium? Sporting intrigue doesn't come delivered in a more delicious dish than that.

The question would be whether the Giants want to get themselves mixed up in that circus - because a circus is what Belichick brought to Foxborough with this mess of his.

Belichick has done a disservice to the three Vince Lombardi Trophies that are displayed in the fancy glassed-in case in the lobby of the team's headquarters at Gillette Stadium. Indelible dirty fingerprints now tarnish those shiny trophies.

Worst of all in this mess is the disservice Belichick has done to himself. He has forever stained his genius tag, added an asterisk to his accomplishments.

And within the ink of that asterisk will be a question asking how smart he really is.

After all, did he need to do this against Mangini, who as his former apprentice knows all of his dirty little tricks and secrets?

Did he forget that the Jets' video director is Steve Scarnecchia, who worked on Belichick's staff for all three Super Bowl seasons and whose father, Dante, has been a Patriots' assistant coach since 1991?

Belichick, after being warned last year by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for the same crime using the same guy shooting the video against the Packers, essentially flaunted his arrogance and power by doing it right under the league's nostrils on opening day against the Jets.

One NFL source told The Post yesterday Goodell felt Belichick doing what he did "was like him giving (Goodell) the finger.''

"If he could have fined him $1 million he would have,'' the source said of Goodell, who fined Belichick the maximum penalty allowed.

At the end of all this, Belichick, who has been made out to be a fool all week as the development unfolded and he was uncomfortably peppered with questions, has embarrassed himself and everyone around him because his arrogance finally caught up to him.

[Kentucky Jet]

A CHANCE OF CHAD

PENNINGTON STILL COULD START

By MARK CANNIZZARO

September 15, 2007 -- Don't rule Chad Pennington out of tomorrow's game against the Ravens.

That message was delivered rather dramatically by how much more mobile and sure on his feet Pennington looked during the 30-minute beginning to yesterday's practice, which is all the media is allowed to watch.

It, too, was a message that came from a source inside Weeb Ewbank Hall, who yesterday told The Post, "Don't rule Chad out" of tomorrow's game at M&T Bank Stadium, where the 0-1 Jets play an angry 0-1 Ravens team in their home opener.

All week, it has been widely speculated - and even reported as a done deal in some places - that Pennington is definitely out and that backup Kellen Clemens will make his first start.

Not so fast. While there remains a good possibility Clemens starts, no final decision has been made, according to the team source, with Pennington still a viable possibility to start.

"He did some stuff (yesterday) and he looked pretty good. I wouldn't rule him out," Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said. "We'll discuss it (today) and see which way Eric (Mangini) wants to go."

Pennington, who suffered a right ankle injury while being sacked early in the third quarter of the Jets' season opener against the Patriots, was planting his feet on three- and five-step drops with much more strength and authority yesterday than he had been in practices earlier in the week.

He walked and even jogged around with barely a hint of a limp.

Pennington looked much more pain-free, mobile and physically capable of running the Jets offense than he did while limping around as he led the Jets to their second touchdown of the game last week.

"He's improved throughout the week," Jets tight end Chris Baker said. "He didn't do very much on Wednesday (in practice), did a little bit more on Thursday and a little bit more (yesterday). It's encouraging."

Pennington, who speaks the reporters only after games and on Wednesdays, was unavailable for comment.

Mangini was asked before yesterday's practice about Pennington's status.

"Chad's moving along in his rehab," he said. "So we'll look at it and see his progress. He's as diligent as ever. We'll make a decision once all the information is in."

Clemens took all of the first snaps during the early drills yesterday. But that could simply be the Jets trying to get him as much work as possible should he have to start tomorrow.

Pennington, who has been doing his usual comprehensive mental preparation for the Ravens all week, is experienced and savvy enough to go through a week without a lot of reps and still perform tomorrow.

The Ravens have been preparing for either Pennington or Clemens.

"There is a clear-cut, bright-line difference between the style of play," Ravens coach Brian Billick said of Pennington and Clemens. "You obviously have to account for the physical skills of the guy that is going to step in. Our defensive guys will look and try to anticipate how the gameplan changes if Clemens is the quarterback versus Chad Pennington."

mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com

[Kentucky Jet]

Chad Pennington likely won't start against Ravens

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BY KRISTIE ACKERT

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Saturday, September 15th 2007, 4:00 AM

Chad Pennington moved better and had taken off the thick, black wrap that had protected his sprained right ankle during practice this week, but he is still unlikely to start tomorrow against the Ravens.

Pennington threw soft passes to receivers and worked on out-pattern passes with wide receiver Laveranues Coles yesterday, but backup quarterback Kellen Clemens took the majority of the reps during the 30 minutes of practice the media were allowed to observe.

Eric Mangini, who intently watched Pennington and Clemens work, said that he would not make a decision about the starter before today.

"Chad is moving along in his rehab," Mangini said before practice. "We'll look at it today and see his progress. We'll see how that goes. I'll make a decision once all the information's in."

Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer added that the decision likely would be made this afternoon.

"I wouldn't rule him out," Schottenheimer said of Pennington. "I think that's something we'll discuss (today)."

It would be the first NFL start for Clemens, a second-year player out of Oregon. Last year, he appeared in two games, and last week, he completed five of 10 passes for 35 yards.

READY TO RUN: Schottenheimer also predicted the Jets' running game would improve. After they traded a second-round draft pick for Thomas Jones in March and then signed him to a four-year, $20million contract, he got only 14 carries for 42 yards on Sunday.

"Thomas is a guy - like a lot of backs - where the more he touches the ball, the better he's going to do," Schottenheimer said. "We want to run the football and we can clearly run the football better that we did last week. There is a commitment to continue doing that."

BIG BIRDS: Ravens LB Ray Lewis (triceps) returned to limited practice yesterday and is expected to play tomorrow. QB Steve McNair (groin) intends to play, but If he can't go, Kyle Boller will start. - Ackert

[Kentucky Jet]

Jets looking forward to Ravens, not back at spygate

-

BY KRISTIE ACKERT

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Saturday, September 15th 2007, 4:00 AM

Eric Mangini discusses the Ravens, not Spygate, in yesterday's news conference.

If only the Jets' defense could be as stingy as Gang Green's coaches and players were with their opinions yesterday. Little was said of the penalties the NFL levied on Bill Belichick and the Patriots Thursday night. But Eric Mangini and his players echoed one theme: We respect commissioner Roger Goodell's decision and are focused on tomorrow's game in Baltimore.

After Patriots employee Matt Estrella was caught red-handed videotaping the Jets' defensive signals last Sunday, Belichick was fined the NFL maximum of $500,000 and the Patriots were ordered to pay $250,000. New England also will lose a first-round 2008 draft pick if it makes the playoffs and second- and third-round picks if it doesn't.

Belichick released a statement on Thursday night accepting responsibility as the head coach and apologizing to Patriot fans. Yesterday, he admitted that the investigation had been a distraction, but kept trying to move the focus forward. "It's taken a little time out of it," he said, "but, you know, we'll be ready (for San Diego tomorrow night)."

Belichick did say that Estrella, whose camera was confiscated while he was on the sidelines last Sunday at the Meadowlands, will not be on the sideline tomorrow night in Foxborough. "We will change our procedure on that," the coach said.

Estrella will not be punished, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said, adding that there was no investigation into claims that the Pats have been doing this for years. "Our goal is to stop this type of conduct going forward and level the playing field," he said.

Meanwhile, Mangini was more interested in talking about how he was getting the Jets ready for the Ravens. "I understand that there is going to be a lot of interest and questions related to the ruling yesterday," he said, opening his daily press conference. "What I can say is that I respect the commissioner's decision, and anything related to the decision is really a league matter. That's all I can say about it."

Jets defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, whose signals were at the center of the controversy, was just as tight-lipped. "That's the NFL office's decision," Sutton said. "We are really not thinking much about that."

The players, who were briefed on answering questions about the ruling, were a little more forthcoming with their reactions - but certainly not by much.

Jets safety Kerry Rhodes thought Goodell's decision was the right one. "The way the commissioner is coming in, if you do something wrong then you are going to be punished," Rhodes said. "This is just another case of that happening and him showing that he is being serious. I think it was justified."

And teammate Jonathan Vilma added that the fine levied on Belichick would hurt even a rich man. "I don't know if it is easy or not, that is a big chunk of change," Vilma said.

But that was about the extent of the Jets' commenting on the loss to the Patriots and the NFL's punishment.

"You can't worry about it," Vilma said. "You can sit there and let four or five games get away from you because you are worried about the Patriots."

The only topic the players were eager to talk about was their support of Goodell and the hard line he has established on discipline. "Since he first stepped into office," said Jets DE Shaun Ellis, "he has done a great job. He's done a great job of setting everyone straight and setting the line that he is not tolerating nonsense acts. It is good for our league."

With Ohm Youngmisuk

[Kentucky Jet]

Dad, professor stick up for 'good kid' video spy

BY CHRISTINA BOYLE in Falls River, Mass., and TRACY CONNOR in New York

DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS

Saturday, September 15th 2007, 4:00 AM

He's at the center of the spy-cam storm swirling around the New England Patriots - with the press camped on his doorstep and fans debating his ethics.

Matthew Estrella, the video assistant accused of helping Patriots head coach Bill Belichick steal Jets signals, is a lifelong New England fan who landed his dream job.

"He's a pretty good kid," his father, Richard Estrella, told The Boston Globe. "I just hope it turns out for the best."

While Belichick and the Pats were hit with $750,000 in fines and other penalties, it's unclear if Estrella will be disciplined.

Estrella, 26, grew up in New Bedford, ran cross-country for the local high school and majored in communications media at Fitchburg State College.

That led to an internship with the Pats in June 2004 and then a staff position as a member of the video team.

The Patriots' media guide says he helps edit game and practice tapes for use by team coaches, scouts and players.

"I'm sure he was doing his job, much as he did when he was here," Charles Roberts, one of Estrella's former professors, told The Globe.

"I don't want Matt to end up taking a hit for anybody," said Roberts, who called the ex-student "a really nice kid."

This week, as the scandal exploded, Estrella kept his game face on.

At daybreak, he left the Falls River home he shares with his wife, Karen, and their bulldog, Cooper, and headed for Foxboro, where the Patriots play.

He didn't return home until 11:30 p.m., and his father said he was busy helping the team prepare for tomorrow's game against the San Diego Chargers.

"He's got a job to do," the dad said. "He's got to get ready for San Diego."

Richard Estrella admitted the furor was a "real distraction" for his son, but suggested his name will be cleared.

cboyle@nydailynews.com

[Kentucky Jet]

Goodell sends out memo that spygames must end

BY GARY MYERS

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Saturday, September 15th 2007, 4:00 AM

Just in case Bill Belichick getting humiliated did not send the proper message to the other 31 head coaches, the NFL sent another memo putting Belichick and everybody else on notice that the spy games must end.

Although there won't necessarily be more league security personnel than usual at tomorrow night's Chargers-Patriots game in Foxboro, it's safe to assume Belichick will be closely scrutinized and all eyes and cameras will be on him rather than Belichick turning his video team's cameras on the Chargers' sidelines.

"The goal is to stop this type of conduct, remove the competitive advantage and level the playing field for all the clubs," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said yesterday.

One GM told the Daily News yesterday that a letter, signed by Ray Anderson, the league's executive vice president of football operations, was received Thursday to reiterate the league's policy on the use of video equipment on game day.

"Please be reminded yet again that a coaching aide, such as a computer or electronic equipment of any kind, other than monitors supplied by the league, are prohibited," the memo said.

It went on to stress that "any use by any club at any time from the start to the finish of any game in which such club is a participant of any communication or information-gathering equipment other than a Polaroid type camera or field phone, shall be prohibited," which includes, but is not limited to, "videotape machines, telephone tapping, bugging devices or any other form of electronic devices that might aid a team during the playing of the game."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell fined Belichick $500,000 and the Patriots $250,000 after it was determined that New England broke league rules by videotaping the Jets' defensive signals before the camera was confiscated before the end of the first quarter last Sunday. Goodell stated it had no impact on the Patriots' 38-14 victory. If they make the playoffs, the Pats will lose their first-round pick in 2008. If they miss them, they will lose their second- and third-round picks. Through trades, they have an extra choice in the first and third rounds.

"I believe that Coach Belichick always tries to do what is best for the team and he is always accountable for his decisions," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said yesterday in a statement. "He has been a very important part of what our organization has accomplished over the last seven years. In this case, one of his decisions has resulted in a severe penalty for our franchise. He has paid a heavy price and so has our organization. He has apologized for his actions. I accept his apology and look forward to working with him as we move forward."

In his statement Thursday night, Belichick said he misinterpreted the league's rule. Asked yesterday how that could happen, he said, "It doesn't matter. We're moving on. The decision has been made. We're moving on."

When asked if Matt Estrella, a 26-year old video assistant, would no longer be on the sidelines, Belichick said, "That's correct."

[Kentucky Jet]

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Jets fans say Belichick deserved worse; Boston says no way

BY CHRISTINA BOYLE in Foxboro, Mass., and KERRY BURKE and RICH SCHAPIRO in New York

DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS

Saturday, September 15th 2007, 4:00 AM

Bill Belichick got off too easy, New Yorkers say. Not so fast, counter their Boston rivals, who insist the Patriots coach is being vilified simply because his team is so good.

A day after Belichick and the New England Patriots were fined by the NFL for spying on the Jets, fans from New York and Boston were split along geographic lines over whether the punishment was appropriate.

"It was a slap on the wrist. Pathetic," fumed David Guzman, a 28-year-old doorman from Washington Heights. "They should've given him the year off."

Belichick was hit with a $500,000 penalty - the largest fine ever levied against a coach - for having employee Matt Estrella videotape the Jets' play calls last Sunday.

The Patriots were also fined $250,000 and stripped of a first-round draft pick.

Amy Kane, 31, of Millis, Mass., said the penalties were too harsh.

"I think they're using the Patriots as an example because ... no one can find a way to stop them," she said.

Dain Barasch, 45, a Long Island carpenter, said a better punishment would've been forcing the Patriots to play their next game at Giants Stadium rather than fining the team a few hundred thousand dollars.

"They make that on beer in an hour," he said.

Laura McHayle, a 44-year-old nurse from Walpole, Mass., disagreed. She said the controversy surrounding her favorite team was overblown.

"I think everybody does it," McHayle said, referring to the taping of other teams' play calls. "It wasn't a problem before. They would have won the game against the Jets anyway."

Back in New York, fans were far less sympathetic, equating Belichick with Tim Donaghy, the disgraced NBA referee who's suspected of betting on pro basketball games.

"He was manipulating the game like that ref in the NBA," said Danny Rodriguez, 28, a legal recruiter from the Bronx. "It discredits the Patriots dynasty and the game as a whole. Who's to say they would've gone to the Super Bowl all those years?"

Several people who posted comments on the Daily News Web site, nydailynews.com, agreed.

"Whatever happened to integrity, honor and our fundamental sense of morality?" wrote cheetahHo. "Again, we are serving up another shameful example of corrupt sports to our kids."

Some readers suggested the Jets should focus on their deficiencies rather than question the integrity of their opponents.

"Same old Jets," wrote randyh44. "You get embarrassed on the field so blame anyone but your inept organization, overchallenged coach and mediocre quarterback."

cboyle@nydailynews.com

[Kentucky Jet]

Most Jets say little about Belichick, Pats'fine

BY TOM ROCK | tom.rock@newsday.com

September 15, 2007

: The NFL bubble has a very thick shell, and not much can pass through it during a regular-season week.

Jets linebacker Bryan Thomas wanted to know what was behind the unusually large media presence in the locker room Friday. Told the cameras were there largely for reaction to the NFL's decision to fine Bill Belichick and strip the Patriots of at least one high-round draft pick for "a calculated and deliberate attempt" to cheat, Thomas could only blink.

"Oh, really?" he asked blithely. "When did this happen?"

Of all the responses the Jets gave Friday - most of them providing little or no substance - perhaps Thomas' will most please Jets brass. While many players simply said they had no opinion on what they all termed "a league matter," Thomas' insentient remark showed how very little of the headline-grabbing story had reached the team's information bunker.

"Coach Mangini does a great job of keeping us focused on our task at hand," receiver Jerricho Cotchery said. "Most of us really didn't understand what was going on. We heard about the discipline. That's as much as we knew of the whole situation."

Eric Mangini smiled and politely refused to answer any number of questions regarding the incident. Up in Foxborough, where Belichick wanted to talk more about the Chargers than the charges, it was a similar standoff. Minus the smile.

"It's over and we're moving on," Belichick said. "That's where we're at. Everything else is in the past."

Not everyone on the Jets was so in the dark. Some had their own subtle opinions on the matter, such as linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who said he didn't think a forfeit would have been the proper response. But he also didn't seem entirely convinced that the illegal camerawork by the Patriots had no effect on Sunday's loss to New England, as the commissioner ruled.

"You still don't know the outcome of the game," he said. "You don't know if we would have won or not. I don't know if they would have won or not either. But that's why I say you can't worry about it. You can sit there in the past and let four or five games get away from you because you are worried about the Patriots."

On Thursday, the commissioner announced he was fining Belichick a league-maximum $500,000, fining the Patriots an additional $250,000, and stripping either a first-round draft pick or a second- and third-rounder in the upcoming draft, depending on whether the Patriots make the playoffs. Several players said they were glad to see Goodell crack down on management and coaches after an offseason handing out severe player punishments.

"Since he first came into office, he's done a great job of handling guys the way he needs to," defensive end Shaun Ellis said. "It inspires us knowing that we're going to have a clean league and we have a commissioner who is stepping in and making sure everything is done right. He's trying to protect the integrity of the game."

Notes & quotes: QB Chad Pennington (ankle) again was limited in practice but looked surprisingly mobile, working on drop-backs and throwing passes. He is listed as questionable for Sunday. "He's Chad," Mangini said of Pennington's week. "He's as diligent as ever." ... Ravens LB Ray Lewis (triceps) practiced for the first time this week and is listed as questionable along with QB Steve McNair (groin), FS Ed Reed (ankle) and CB Samari Rolle (foot). T Jonathan Ogden (toe) missed a third straight practice and is listed as doubtful.

Sunday

Jets at Baltimore

4:15 p.m.

TV: Ch.2

Radio: WEPN

(1050)

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[Kentucky Jet]

Chad can't do what Clemens can

Johnette Howard

September 14, 2007

People act like backup quarterback Kellen Clemens is Chad Pennington's biggest worry, and they've got it all wrong. Familiarity is Pennington's greatest problem. He's had his chances as the Jets starting quarterback and everyone knows what he can do. He's in a sport full of breathtaking physical freaks and he's playing in New York City, a place that not only moves at warp speed, but is built on the idea of being able to get anything you want, when you want it. And in a way, he doesn't completely fit.

All that endless talk that Pennington is so smart is awful nice. But as his increasingly restless critics keep griping, why can't the Jets get a smart guy who can throw the ball 70 yards downfield, too?

It's not completely fair. But that's irrelevant. Pennington has heart and guts and smarts to spare. Yet it seems he'll never be unconditionally loved here.

In another town, say Buffalo or Cleveland, if Pennington had led his team to 10 wins a year ago while playing for a first-year coach, and coming off nearly career-ending shoulder surgery, then finding out he'd be without Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin, he would've been carried off on fans' shoulders. Instead, last Sunday we got the sickening spectacle of seeing an injured Pennington desperately trying to limp off the field on his wrenched ankle before falling to the turf in pain, rolling over, then pulling himself back up again to hop off - all as Jets fans cheered because Clemens was about to jog in.

Pennington handled the snub with class. But the incident had to sting badly. If Pennington is healthy (I know . . . insert sarcasm here), he wins games. No matter what happens Sunday when the Jets visit Baltimore - if Clemens gets mauled by the Ravens' ferocious defense, or he if sparks a full-blown quarterback controversy in his first NFL start by throwing for 300 yards and four TDs - the yearning for Clemens over Pennington completely ignores a basic fact of life in the NFL: Just how hard it is to win a game. Any game. The difficulty is especially keen against a talented, smash-mouth, roulette wheel of a defense like the Ravens have.

When Baltimore safety Ed Reed was asked Tuesday if he licks his chops at the thought of a first-time starter like Clemens, Reed shot back, "Always . . . Somewhere in the back of his head he's a little shaken up."

The second-year quarterback has one thing going for him that the 31-year-old Pennington does not. Clemens' athleticism allows him to improvise after the snap, not just before the snap as Pennington does by expertly getting the Jets into the right plays. The sizzle with Clemens is he could have the Jets in the wrong play and still make something big happen with his arm or mobility.

That difference is the oft-overlooked dirty little aside to the surprising 10-6 season that Pennington led the Jets to a year ago. Pennington's uncharacteristically bad ratio of 17 touchdown passes to 16 interceptions exposed him as a man who needs help. He's liable to hurt the team when he tries to do too much.

This season is different for the Jets. Bigger expectations. Tougher schedule. But same Chad. The Jets think they fixed their running back situation by replacing Martin with Thomas Jones, but the offensive line flopped in last week's drubbing by the Patriots. If the offensive line doesn't play better it is fair to wonder how long before coach Eric Mangini decides a more mobile quarterback like Clemens gives the Jets the best chance to win.

Yesterday, Mangini said Pennington is the Jets starting quarterback as soon as he's healthy. Period. The occasional media reports that Mangini has Pennington on a short leash are always just inferred from little snippets. Mangini is so guarded, something like his preseason remark that Clemens reminded him of Tom Brady makes sirens go off. People's heads snap up. Conspiracy theories start to brew.

Mangini's refusal to name Pennington his starting quarterback until the eve of the 2006 regular season was another example. When Pennington was asked just a few weeks ago on Michael Kay's YES Network television show if he ever felt like "punching Mangini in the face" for that indignity, Pennington broke into a now-it-can-be-told grin and said, "Oh, yeah."

But if Pennington were a boxer, he'd be the kind who gamely leads with his chin but cuts too easily. He's wildly respected, sure. And competent, yes. Easy to root for, too. But he is what he is. And given what he's up against, you're never sure it will be enough.

Copyright

[Kentucky Jet]

Notes: Kenyon Coleman comfortable on Jets' defense- NEWSDAY

BY TOM ROCK | tom.rock@newsday.com

September 14, 2007

It didn't take long for Kenyon Coleman to stop being "the new guy" on the defensive front seven. Long before he led the team with 12 tackles against the Patriots, Coleman said he was feeling comfortable not only with the schemes but with the players.

"They're a good group of guys," he said. "Having a lot of familiarity with the system helps with the adjustment."

Eric Mangini said having the ability to watch the former Cowboys backup play in a similar defense was critical in targeting him during free agency. The Jets also received a good recommendation from former Dallas coach Bill Parcells. Coleman took the starting job from Kimo von Oelhoffen in training camp and is the only change on the starting front seven from last year to this year.

"He's been a great addition in terms of the locker room and the value he adds there," Mangini said. "I was pleased with Kenyon in the game and really throughout his time here."

Chad improving

While Chad Pennington looked more spry than he did earlier in the week, he again was listed as limited in practice. Working with a heavy black wrap on his injured right ankle, Pennington still was walking and jogging with a limp but was able to participate in some passing drills with teammates.

If Pennington misses games because of the injury, as it appears he will miss at least this one, will he return to his same position on the depth chart?

"Chad's the starting quarterback," Mangini said when asked the question. "He's the starting quarterback."

Jets streams

Asked what he thinks about Ravens LB Ray Lewis' pregame dance routines, Jets WR Justin McCareins smiled. "I don't want to get Ray -- off," he said ... The Ravens' defense won't be at full strength Sunday, but it will be a force. Lewis (triceps), S Ed Reed (ankle), T Jonathan Ogden (toe) and CBs Samari Rolle (foot) and David Pitman (ankle) sat out yesterday's practice. QB Steve McNair (groin) participated in a limited capacity.

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[Kentucky Jet]

Filibuster!

By Tom Rock

He did everything but read aloud the names of every Jets season ticket holder. Perhaps if he'd had more time to do the research, he would have.

Jets coach Eric Mangini is required to provide the media with 20 minutes of access, and today, when he knew most of the questions would be about the CamScam and the league

[Kentucky Jet]

Ravens passing on QB query

Team yet to decide starter against Jets; McNair questionable

By Jamison Hensley | Sun reporter

September 15, 2007

Judging from practice, it appeared backup quarterback Kyle Boller would start tomorrow against the New York Jets after he ran the Ravens' first-team offense all week.

But Steve McNair isn't counting himself out.

Trying to overcome a groin injury, McNair said yesterday that his availability to play will be a game-time decision.

He is officially listed as questionable on the injury report.

"If I can go out there and still be able to move and not alter my mechanics, I'm going to play. If I can't, I just can't," McNair said after practice. "That's something we'll know in a couple of days."

McNair didn't appear to be in pain while throwing and didn't have any difficulty with his accuracy on shorter throws. A couple of his longer passes tended to sail high, a problem he had in the season opener after injuring the left side of his groin.

The safer option would be to allow McNair to rest for a week because the Ravens are working on a short week (they played Monday night).

But Ravens coach Brian Billick said McNair could play if he threw the way he did yesterday.

"[but Friday] is not the game," Billick said. "So, we'll have to see."

McNair hasn't missed a start in his 17-game regular-season run with the Ravens, but he was sidelined 12 times from 2003 to 2005.

During his time with the Tennessee Titans, he played several times without practicing during the week.

In late 2002, he had turf toe, strained ribs and a sore back. He didn't practice a day in December but led his team to a 5-0 record that month.

At the start of yesterday's practice, McNair did some light throwing. But when the Ravens did team drills, McNair took off his helmet and watched from the side.

As soon as practice ended, McNair worked with some backups on the field, throwing more passes.

"It's sore, but I got a couple of days," McNair said. "It felt pretty good out there today. Hopefully, we'll work the kinks out and continue to get better."

In Monday's season-opening 27-20 road loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, McNair completed 20 of 34 passes for 203 yards. After injuring his groin in the first quarter, he turned the ball over four times (three fumbles and one interception). McNair left the game before the Ravens' final drive.

McNair didn't practice Wednesday and was limited in Thursday's workout. He did his most work of the week yesterday.

"I'm always ready to go, but that's my opinion," McNair said. "It's up to the coaches and the medical staff to make that decision."

Tomorrow's game could be settled between two backup quarterbacks if Boller and the Jets' Kellen Clemens start.

A second-round pick in 2006, Clemens is expected to make his first NFL start in place of injured Chad Pennington (ankle). Boller is 18-16 as a starter, but he hasn't started a game since January 2006.

The Jets have prepared to face either McNair or Boller.

"It's more challenging when you don't know who the starter is [because] you have to put a little more time into both guys," Jets coach Eric Mangini said. "It's like an injury situation. You just adjust, and this week it's the quarterback."

Said Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma, "For us, we've got to cater to their offense and just understand who's in the game and the differences that each quarterback brings to the game."

jamison.hensley@baltsun.com

[Kentucky Jet]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/bucky_brooks/09/14/WeekTwo/index.html?eref=si_nfl

NY Jets at Baltimore

Jets' Game Plan

1. Feed Thomas Jones. Despite facing a vaunted Ravens' run defense, the Jets should feed Thomas Jones the ball repeatedly. That'll keep the Jets' offense balanced and eventually open up their passing game. With Kellen Clemens making his first start, it is important that the Jets not fall into a one-dimensional game.

2. Take advantage of Clemens' arm. The Jets' passing game is best described as a "dink and dunk" system with Chad Pennington under center. Expect to see a different passing game with Clemens in the lineup. His strong arm allows for more vertical throws to Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles. Taking more shots down the field should result in more points for the Jets.

3. Blitz Steve McNair. Expect to see the Jets bring pressure up the middle as they attempt to rattle McNair early. His groin injury could limit his mobility.

Ravens' Game Plan

1. Commit to the Running Game. The Ravens get into trouble when they deviate from their winning formula. (great defense+ solid special teams +strong running game= win) Brian Billick gets enamored with the pass and forgets to hand the ball off to Willis McGahee repeatedly. Facing a mediocre front seven, the Ravens should go back to pounding the football. McGahee has a history of success versus the Jets and Billick should give him the opportunity to wear down the defense.

2. Avoid silly mistakes. Despite their numerous turnovers on Monday night, the Ravens still had a shot to win at the end. McNair had a hand in most of the mistakes and should take a more conservative approach this week. By throwing the ball away or taking the sack, he will keep his team in the game.

3. Confuse Clemens. Rex Ryan's defense is licking its chops with the prospect of Clemens making his first start. Given Clemens' inexperience, the Ravens will break out all of their complicated blitzes to daze and confuse him.

[Kentucky Jet]

Jets defend their offense

By BRIAN HEYMAN

THE JOURNAL NEWS

(Original publication: September 15, 2007)

HEMPSTEAD - Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens stood side by side, lofting pass after pass. Then, on an adjacent field, Pennington and Clemens took turns dropping back from the 8 without a defender in sight. Pennington threw a scoring strike to Laveranues Coles. Then Clemens hit on a replay.

Soon after that, Pennington jogged up a small hill to get back to the other field during this Jets practice session yesterday at Hofstra. The quarterback still seemed to be favoring his bad right ankle a bit thanks to that Jarvis Green sack in last Sunday's 38-14, opening-day debacle vs. the Patriots. But he was moving better, and that big black wrap from the previous two days was nowhere to be seen.

So what did it all mean? Hard to say. Reporters didn't get to watch 11-on-11 drills. Coach Eric Mangini said a final decision still had to be made on tomorrow's starter in Baltimore, and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said not to rule Pennington out. But multiple reports have Clemens starting. And the injury report stated that Pennington worked on a limited basis in practice and listed him as questionable.

The state of the offense for this game is also listed as questionable. All the Jets have to do is bounce back against the NFL's top-rated defense from a year ago, and do it behind a line that has struggled and a second-year pro with all of 11 regular-season passes to his credit, 10 of them coming in relief last week. Or maybe with a not-quite-fully-mobile Pennington.

"Whoever ends up starting for us, the Ravens are a terrific defense," Schottenheimer said. "They play with a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of energy. They have multiple looks. It'll be quite a task for us."

The Jets managed just 227 yards against New England. The line yielded five sacks. The left side was particularly vulnerable, with D'Brickashaw Ferguson still having difficulty at tackle and with Pete Kendall air-brushed out of the big picture at guard.

"The offense is fine," Schottenheimer said. "I'm not worried about the offense at all. We did some good things last week, we did some bad things last week. Hopefully we've corrected a lot of the bad things."

One bad thing was they fell behind 28-7 in the third quarter, so they had to de-emphasize the running game, a partial factor in Thomas Jones' quiet, 14-carry, 42-yard debut.

"Thomas is a guy, like a lot of backs, where the more he touches the ball, the better he's going to do," Schottenheimer said. "We want to run the football. We can clearly run the football better than we did last week."

A lot of fans at the Meadowlands cheered the moment the guy throwing the football changed, when Pennington hopped off and Clemens trotted in.

"He's really always approached the game in his mind as being the starter," Schottenheimer said about Clemens.

Jones still sees a lot of promise for his new offense.

"I think we have a really good offense when we're hitting on all cylinders and everyone is focused on their job and executing," Jones said.

That's what it figures to take against a raging Ravens defense that yielded just 236 yards in a 27-20, six-turnover loss at Cincinnati on Monday night.

"It's a good challenge for us," wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery said. "It's good to see the progress that we're making. I think it was a good week of practice. I think we're ready to play."

Notes: According to commissioner Roger Goodell, the Patriots' tab for trying to steal the Jets' defensive signals came to a forfeited No. 1 pick if they make the playoffs or a lost second- and third-rounder if they don't, plus a $250,000 team fine and a $500,000 fine for coach Bill Belichick. Jonathan Vilma commended the message sent to coaches. "They can be penalized for their actions," the linebacker said. "Everyone has to be accountable for their actions and take responsibility for what they do." Vilma called Belichick's fine "a good chunk of change." Mangini predictably said little. "What I can say is that I respect the commissioner's decision," he said, "and anything related to the decision, anything associated to the decision, is really a league matter." ... Besides Pennington, also questionable are Jones, guard Brandon Moore and defensive backs Andre Dyson, Justin Miller and Eric Smith.

[Kentucky Jet]

Ravens' Lewis still super

Seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker a major worry for Jets

Saturday, September 15, 2007

BY M.A. MEHTA

Star-Ledger Staff

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- He inflicts the kind of bone-crunching, jaw-rattling pain that makes opponents wish they'd either thrown on a few more layers of protection or said a few extra Hail Marys on Sunday morning.

When Ray Lewis -- past-his-prime Ray Lewis -- hurls his 32-year-old body into you, the message is crystal clear: He's still the nastiest man on the NFL's scariest defense.

Lewis, the anchor of a Baltimore Ravens defense that hopes to feast on the Jets tomorrow, plays with the same reckless abandon that has turned him into one of the most dominant middle linebackers in NFL history.

"He's bringing everything he has when he's hitting you," wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery said yesterday after practice at Hofstra University. "That's what the old-school linebackers are known for. If you want to know how to play linebacker, look at Ray Lewis."

The Jets' offensive line -- which gave up five sacks and nearly sent Chad Pennington to the ER in its Week 1 loss to the Patriots -- faces the gargantuan task of trying to slow down the seven-time Pro Bowler.

"He gets to the ball very fast," said offensive lineman Brandon Moore. "He is one of the fastest guys running sideline to sideline and is good at sniffing blocks, getting off of blocks and not allowing guys to get to him. It's going to be a big challenge keeping up with him and chasing him around. His instincts give him an advantage over a lot of guys."

How vicious does Lewis hit?

Well, the 6-1, 250-pound wrecking ball nearly knocked himself out of the Ravens' season-opening loss to the Bengals. The 12th-year pro strained his right triceps after leveling wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the first quarter, but simply wrapped it up, played the rest of the game and led the team with 11 tackles.

Lewis squelched any rumors that he might miss this week's game by proclaiming himself ready to go despite being listed as questionable on yesterday's injury report. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year has been rejuvenated since suffering shoulder and hamstring injuries in recent years.

Translation: He'll be a huge problem for Eric Mangini's club tomorrow.

The Jets offense -- which struggled mightily (227 yards) against the Patriots -- faces the top-ranked defense from a year ago with second-year QB Kellen Clemens making his first NFL start. Lewis, of course, is still the headliner on a unit sprinkled with Pro Bowlers.

"Ray's versatility, instincts and knowledge of things allows us to do a lot of the things that we do," Ravens head coach Brian Billick said. "Some of the exotic things we do is because Ray covers you up on the inside."

Mangini, a former offensive assistant/quality control coach on the Ravens staff in 1996, has seen Lewis' impact up close.

"He was an impressive guy as a rookie in terms of his command of the huddle, in terms of his presence," Mangini said. "You sensed it. You felt it the second he hit the field. And he continues to be that guy. He's a very effective leader."

Mangini had little to say yesterday about NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's decision to punish Bill Belichick and the Patriots for last Sunday's spying incident.

"What I can say is that I respect the commissioner's decision and anything related to the decision, anything associated to the decision, is really a league matter," Mangini said, a statement repeated throughout his news conference. "That's all I can say about it. I hope you can respect that."

Jets players supported Goodell's decision.

"It's good to let the coaches know that they can be punished -- they can be penalized -- for their actions," linebacker Jonathan Vilma said. "Everybody has to be accountable and take responsibility ... $500,000 hurts 90 percent of the people. ... That's a good chunk of change."

Said safety Kerry Rhodes: "If you do something wrong, then you are going to be punished. This is just another case of that happening and (Goodell) showing that he is being serious. I think it was justified."

Mangini refused to name his starting QB for tomorrow's game, but Kellen Clemens continued to work with the first team in the 30-minute part of practice open to the media.

Pennington (ankle), who practiced on a limited basis and is listed as questionable, showed some progress and did some light throwing.

Thomas Jones (calf), Andre Dyson (foot), Justin Miller (thigh), Moore (shoulder) and Eric Smith (thigh) are listed as questionable on the injury report. ... Ravens QB Steve McNair (groin), S Ed Reed (ankle) and CB Samari Rolle (foot) practiced on a limited basis yesterday and are listed as questionable.

Special teams coach Mike Westhoff will return to the sideline tomorrow after a leg injury forced him to coach from the press box in Week 1.

M.A. Mehta may be reached

at mmehta@starledger.com

[Kentucky Jet]

Mangini makes it clear: Pennington is his QB

BY DAVE HUTCHINSON

Star-Ledger Staff

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- With second-year pro Kellen Clemens poised to make his first NFL start on Sunday against the Ravens, coach Eric Mangini, who again refused to name a starter, said emphatically that Chad Pennington would still be the starting quarterback if he misses the game because of his injured right ankle.

"Chad's the starting quarterback," Mangini said yesterday. "He's the starting quarterback."

Clemens, who has thrown just 11 NFL passes, again took reps with the first team yesterday during the 30-minute period open to the media. Pennington did some light throwing and took a few reps with the second-team and seemed more stable on his gimpy ankle, but he won't play against the Ravens.

When asked what kind of vertical element Clemens might bring to the offense, Mangini was uncharacteristically critical, saying that while Clemens did a nice job at times in the preseason, other times his deep balls hung in the air and he was bailed out on great catches by WR Justin McCareins, his favorite target.

Ravens RB Willis McGahee, a Jets killer while with the Bills, has rushed for 705 yards and three touchdowns in six career games against the Jets, including five consecutive 100-yard games.

"I think he just gets up for us," said S Kerry Rhodes. "We're just going to try to get to him early. He's a one-cut guy. He tries to get downhill and attack the hole and try to get as many yards as he can. We want to get him to stutter his feet and not be such a downhill guy."

Added DE Shaun Ellis: "We haven't stepped up against him yet. Some of his best games (a career-high 150 yards in 2006) have come against us."

DE Kenyon Coleman had a career-high 12 tackles against the Patriots last week. Former Jet DE Kimo von Oelhoffen, whom Coleman replaced, had just 26 tackles in 16 starts last season.

Ravens QB Steve McNair (groin) practiced on a limited basis and it appears doubtful that he'll play Sunday. If he can't go, Kyle Boller will start. ... S Ed Reed (ankle) didn't practice but is expected to play. ... The Ravens are an NFL-best 42-14 at home since 2000 and M&T Bank Stadium is among the loudest in the league.

A vote at the NFL owner's meetings last spring to allow one defensive player to have a radio device put in his helmet, much like the quarterback, was voted down by two votes. It received 22 votes; 24 of 32 are needed. In the wake of the Patriots stealing the Jets' defensive hand signals, that proposal may pass next year.

[Kentucky Jet]

By KAREN CROUSE

Published: September 15, 2007

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., Sept. 14

[Kentucky Jet]

Are Belichick and others smart, or sports cheats?

BY MARK HERRMANN | mark.herrmann@newsday.com

September 15, 2007

The real question of the week was not whether Bill Belichick and the Patriots went over the line when they used a camera to spy on the Jets. The important question is, where is the line?

Or, to put it another way, it is not whether cheating is wrong, it is: What really constitutes cheating?

That is the pertinent issue of the day, and not just because the renowned coach was busted by the NFL to the tune of $500,000. It is because his wasn't the only cheating scandal of the week, and, in terms of financial wallop, it was not close to being the biggest.

The McLaren team in Formula One auto racing was docked $100 million Thursday for having spied to get technical secrets from the Ferrari team. Oops.

Also, at the Women's World Cup soccer tournament, Denmark team officials found two men hiding behind a two-way mirror, waiting to eavesdrop on a strategy meeting. Double oops.

All of this James Bond stuff (or in the bumbling Patriots' case, Inspector Clouseau stuff) makes you question the adage that says sports are supposed to build character. It also makes you realize that as technology keeps evolving, the line between right and wrong has to be rewritten and reinforced every day.

Most of all, it makes you wonder what's cheating and what isn't.

Why is it OK to use your eyes and ears to try to steal signs, but not a viewfinder?

Why is Gaylord Perry, the spitball king, a charming rogue and Barry Bonds a pariah? I'm not arguing with those characterizations, by the way, but I am asking why we feel so strongly about them.

Is it gamesmanship when our team does it and dirty pool when anyone else does?

Take a little quiz. The answer has to be yes or no in each case, no hedging. Decide if each of these is cheating:

Smearing pine tar on your hand so you can get a better grip on the baseball.

Watching the opposing third-base coach from your dugout and trying to decode his signals.

Renting a hotel room overlooking the opponent's practice football field to learn the plays.

Turning up the heat so high that it makes the visitors' locker room feel like a sauna.

Planting a listening device in the visitors' locker room.

Using a telescope from the centerfield scoreboard to get the catcher's signs.

Using the television monitor to read the lips of a defensive coordinator if he isn't smart enough to cover his mouth with a clipboard.

Watching the guy on the mound to see if he is tipping his pitches.

Peeking back from the batter's box to see the location of the catcher's glove.

Relaying location to a teammate at bat while standing at second base.

Taking steroids.

Some of those are against the rules, some aren't. Some are downright commendable, some are iffy. We probably don't all agree on all of them.

Raiders boss Al Davis is more or less respected as a shrewd operator for having gotten into opposing coaches' heads. Jack Murphy, the late sports editor of the San Diego Union (and brother of the late Mets announcer Bob Murphy), once wrote that then-Chargers coach Harland Svare was so convinced the locker room was bugged that he shouted into a ceiling lamp, "Damn you, Al Davis, I know you're up there!"

Davis, a twinkle in his eye, later confided to Murphy, "I tell you this: The thing wasn't in the light fixture."

Other people don't find this business so funny. Al Worth.ington was a pitcher traded to the White Sox late in 1960 and was so offended by the club's scheme of hiding an employee in the centerfield scoreboard to steal signs (not unlike what the Giants reportedly did in the 1951 season) that he quit baseball.

Worthington could not be reached Friday, but he told the Seattle Times in 2003 that his Christian faith couldn't abide it. "January came and I had to make a decision: Go to college or go back [to the White Sox]. I chose to go to college."

He made it back to the majors two years later and had a good career, but he had been willing to chuck it rather than cheat.

Pro golfer Pat McGowan jeopardized his lifelong dream of getting a tour card in 2005. At Champions Tour Qualifying School, he called a two-stroke penalty on himself because his caddie inadvertently touched the cup, an act that no one else saw. McGowan eventually won his place on tour but needed to win a playoff. A football fan, he was more amazed than amused by the Patriots story.

"My first reaction was, 'I'm sure Belichick wouldn't do something knowingly illegal,"' McGowan said from North Carolina Friday. "To me, and to golfers, that's just shocking. To golfers, it doesn't compute."

Then again, Gary Player has noted that some pro golfers have taken steroids -- and someone I know who is in position to know (but not at liberty to say) says Player is correct.

The point is, it is a sliding scale. Unfortunately, "right" and "wrong" usually is determined by whether a person gets caught or not.

Otherwise, conventional wisdom says that if you can get an edge with your own guile, powers of observation or even your own saliva, you get a pass. But if you use electronics or a chemical substance, you have crossed the line.

Let's hope sports can at least keep that line intact. But there sure is a lot of gray area and a lot more questions. Is it cheating to work for a suspected cheater, get a good job out of your relationship with a suspected cheater -- then turn in the suspected cheater when he's suspected of cheating against you?

[Kentucky Jet]

Jets offensive line under the microscope against Ravens

BY KATIE STRANG | caitlin.strang@newsday.com

4:42 PM EDT, September 14, 2007

The Jets offensive line knows they'll be under intense scrutiny this week, but that's nothing new. By now, they're used to it.

After giving up five sacks last Sunday against the Patriots, one of which left starting quarterback Chad Pennington with an injured right ankle, the offensive line can't afford to dwell on their shortcoming, considering the notoriously-tough Baltimore defense they'll be facing this weekend.

"I think, honestly, we're always looked at. We're always under the microscope, despite the situation," said starting left guard Adrien Clarke. "We just have to put it behind us and try to get it done."

After practice Friday, offensive line coach Tony Wise said offensive lineman understand that a heightened sense of pressure is just part of the job description.

"The minute these guys play the position, from high school up, it's always the same. If the quarterback gets hurt, they're coming after the lineman," Wise said. "When things are not going well, they're going to come see us."

When things didn't go well last week and Pennington had to hobble off the field toward the sideline, all eyes turned toward the offensive line, a unit still smarting from the loss of veteran left guard Pete Kendall.

Instead of deflecting blame or shirking responsibility however, some players simplified the problem. Their performance, they said, could be attributed to breakdowns in technique, things that could easily be fixed.

"I know personally, there were some technique mistakes that I made, but after reviewing the tape, I was able to make corrections and put it toward this upcoming game," said left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

"Myself too, it was a lot of technique. Just different placement, a foot here, a hand placement there," said center Nick Mangold.

According to Wise, technique is where the problems start, and hopefully after reviewing those mistakes on film during the week's practice, where they'll be fixed.

"It really all stems from technique from the moment the ball is snapped," Wise said. "No matter if you're off mentally a little bit, if you're technique is good and the guy next to you's is good, you'll sort a lot of things out."

The Jets offensive line will have to get those errors ironed out before Sunday, when they may have the added pressure of protecting backup quarterback Kellen Clemens against a 3-4 Ravens' defense anchored by Pro Bowlers Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

"Regardless of whose back there, our job is to protect him," Clarke said.

If the offensive line fails to do so, however, they know they'll have to bear the burden of blame once again.

"We know it's going to be there," Clarke said. "We just have to deal with adversity and keep moving."

[Kentucky Jet]

I will try to get them at a later time. Enjoy the weekend and Go Jets!

Here is the Bergen record. Just posted it:

FOOTBALL

Hurricane warnings on both sides of ball

Saturday, September 15, 2007

By J.P. PELZMAN

STAFF WRITER

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- No, Sebastian the Ibis won't be at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday. Yet the Jets-Ravens game will, at times, have the feel of a University of Miami alumni event.

On opposite teams at 3-4 inside linebacker will be someone who has become the prototype for the position, as well as someone who often has been compared with him.

Ray Lewis, in his 12th season out of the University of Miami, is an eight-time Pro Bowler who has set the standard at his position. The Jets' Jonathan Vilma would like to reach that level.

And part of Vilma's job Sunday will be to help stop Willis McGahee, another former standout from "The U." who feasted on the Jets during his three seasons in Buffalo before being traded to the Ravens in the off-season.

Vilma often has drawn comparisons to Lewis for his ability to pursue sideline to sideline.

"I'm always flattered to hear that," said Vilma, who is in his fourth season and has been a starter since his second game as a rookie.

"It's different from my point of view when I was 10, 11, 12 years old watching him play and saying, 'I want to be like him' when he was at Miami. It's weird when people say that. You never envision yourself being in that role."

Although they obviously never played together, the two former Hurricanes have developed a relationship.

"I keep in touch with him," Vilma said of Lewis. "He has a house in Florida. He's down there [and] we always talk. [We] just talk shop, talk football, talk 'Canes. It's good when you have two guys who truly enjoy the game and watching the 'Canes. You have fun when you talk to him."

Lewis missed two days of practice this week with a triceps injury but has said he will play. He practiced on a limited basis Friday and is listed as questionable.

Of course, toughness is another trait of Miami linebackers.

"We're all cut from the same mold," Vilma said. "You play hard, you run, you have fun. ... You want to keep the tradition going."

Conversely, Vilma would like to stop a trend Sunday when his college teammate McGahee is on the other side of the line of scrimmage.

The former Bill has rushed for 663 yards and three touchdowns in his last five games against the Jets, averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

He was particularly effective last season, rushing for 265 yards on 42 carries, a 6.3 average. McGahee had 77 yards on 19 carries in the Ravens' 27-20 loss to Cincinnati on Monday night.

"He hits the hole real hard and fast," defensive end Shaun Ellis said. "We just have to do a great job of getting off our blocks and getting our hands on him."

Vilma and McGahee have engaged in playful pregame trash talking in the past, but Vilma said they haven't spoken recently.

"You see him make guys miss," Vilma said of McGahee as a Raven. "You see him run through guys. He still looks the same."

Vilma and the Jets hope his results are different this time.

BRIEFS: QB Chad Pennington practiced on a limited basis Friday and is listed as questionable. Although his right ankle appears to be healing quickly, it still appears that Kellen Clemens will start Sunday. ... SS Kerry Rhodes said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's sanctions against New England for its videotape spying were "justified" and DE Shaun Ellis said Goodell "has done a great job of setting everyone straight and setting the line that he is not tolerating nonsense."

E-mail: pelzman@northjersey.com

[awats]

Dad, professor stick up for 'good kid' video spy

BY CHRISTINA BOYLE in Falls River, Mass., and TRACY CONNOR in New York

DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS

Saturday, September 15th 2007, 4:00 AM

He's at the center of the spy-cam storm swirling around the New England Patriots - with the press camped on his doorstep and fans debating his ethics.

Matthew Estrella, the video assistant accused of helping Patriots head coach Bill Belichick steal Jets signals, is a lifelong New England fan who landed his dream job.

"He's a pretty good kid," his father, Richard Estrella, told The Boston Globe. "I just hope it turns out for the best."

While Belichick and the Pats were hit with $750,000 in fines and other penalties, it's unclear if Estrella will be disciplined.

Estrella, 26, grew up in New Bedford, ran cross-country for the local high school and majored in communications media at Fitchburg State College.

That led to an internship with the Pats in June 2004 and then a staff position as a member of the video team.

The Patriots' media guide says he helps edit game and practice tapes for use by team coaches, scouts and players.

"I'm sure he was doing his job, much as he did when he was here," Charles Roberts, one of Estrella's former professors, told The Globe.

"I don't want Matt to end up taking a hit for anybody," said Roberts, who called the ex-student "a really nice kid."

This week, as the scandal exploded, Estrella kept his game face on.

At daybreak, he left the Falls River home he shares with his wife, Karen, and their bulldog, Cooper, and headed for Foxboro, where the Patriots play.

He didn't return home until 11:30 p.m., and his father said he was busy helping the team prepare for tomorrow's game against the San Diego Chargers.

"He's got a job to do," the dad said. "He's got to get ready for San Diego."

Richard Estrella admitted the furor was a "real distraction" for his son, but suggested his name will be cleared.

cboyle@nydailynews.com

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Estrella bound by the rules as well? Didn't he know what he was doing was in violation? He's 26 and a college grad., he's not 16. I don't know how much he's paid for video taping the games, but I imagine he's making a comfortable living. He doesn't have to be fined, but (I think he should be) he should at least be severely reprimanded. Remember, he was the person who was caught and escorted out of Lambeau Field last season. He's not a kid to feel sorry for, he's a cheat, just like Belichick.

[Maxman]

I think the league is less concerned with him obviously. He will be tarnished by this but clearly he was just following orders.

[JetCane]

I think the league is less concerned with him obviously. He will be tarnished by this but clearly he was just following orders.

[awats]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jets fans say Belichick deserved worse; Boston says no way

BY CHRISTINA BOYLE in Foxboro, Mass., and KERRY BURKE and RICH SCHAPIRO in New York

DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS

Saturday, September 15th 2007, 4:00 AM

Bill Belichick got off too easy, New Yorkers say. Not so fast, counter their Boston rivals, who insist the Patriots coach is being vilified simply because his team is so good.

A day after Belichick and the New England Patriots were fined by the NFL for spying on the Jets, fans from New York and Boston were split along geographic lines over whether the punishment was appropriate.

"It was a slap on the wrist. Pathetic," fumed David Guzman, a 28-year-old doorman from Washington Heights. "They should've given him the year off."

Belichick was hit with a $500,000 penalty - the largest fine ever levied against a coach - for having employee Matt Estrella videotape the Jets' play calls last Sunday.

The Patriots were also fined $250,000 and stripped of a first-round draft pick.

Amy Kane, 31, of Millis, Mass., said the penalties were too harsh.

"I think they're using the Patriots as an example because ... no one can find a way to stop them," she said.

Dain Barasch, 45, a Long Island carpenter, said a better punishment would've been forcing the Patriots to play their next game at Giants Stadium rather than fining the team a few hundred thousand dollars.

"They make that on beer in an hour," he said.

Laura McHayle, a 44-year-old nurse from Walpole, Mass., disagreed. She said the controversy surrounding her favorite team was overblown.

"I think everybody does it," McHayle said, referring to the taping of other teams' play calls. "It wasn't a problem before. They would have won the game against the Jets anyway."

Back in New York, fans were far less sympathetic, equating Belichick with Tim Donaghy, the disgraced NBA referee who's suspected of betting on pro basketball games.

"He was manipulating the game like that ref in the NBA," said Danny Rodriguez, 28, a legal recruiter from the Bronx. "It discredits the Patriots dynasty and the game as a whole. Who's to say they would've gone to the Super Bowl all those years?"

Several people who posted comments on the Daily News Web site, nydailynews.com, agreed.

"Whatever happened to integrity, honor and our fundamental sense of morality?" wrote cheetahHo. "Again, we are serving up another shameful example of corrupt sports to our kids."

Some readers suggested the Jets should focus on their deficiencies rather than question the integrity of their opponents.

"Same old Jets," wrote randyh44. "You get embarrassed on the field so blame anyone but your inept organization, overchallenged coach and mediocre quarterback."

cboyle@nydailynews.com

The Jets do focus on their deficiencies, and try to put an improved product on the field each week. However, when the opponent is actually stealing your signals and knows every move you are going to make before you even set up, it's a little difficult to put them into practice. The Point is, that the Patriots probably would have won the game anyway, but the score may not have been so lopsided. Also, by cheating, the Patriots took away the slim chance of the Jets actually winning the game. The finality of Bellichick's actions will not be played out until the end of the season and at next years draft. No one is questioning the integrity of the Patriots players, it's their coach. Our coach may be young , but he is not over challenged. He plays the hand that's dealt him. We are a couple of years away from being an elite team, but when we get there, we will be SB bound.

[awats]

I think the league is less concerned with him obviously. He will be tarnished by this but clearly he was just following orders.

The league certainly doesn't have to deal with him anywhere near how they dealt with Bellichick, but he still should be dealt with. He's not going to be on the sidelines during the game tomorrow night between the Patriots and the Chargers. Maybe that's enough. I would be hard pressed to trust Bellichick again, and I feel the same way about him. Keep him in the editing room for showings before and after the games.