NY JETS articles 11/8/08

[Kentucky Jet]

... - Football - NFL - St. Louis Rams

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Jackson will stay sidelined

Darby gets start at running back

BY STEVE KORTE - News-Democrat

ST. LOUIS -- Since he was unable to practice all week, St. Louis Rams coach Jim Haslett said Steven Jackson won't play against the New York Jets on Sunday.

"Obvioulsy, he didn't practice, so he won't go this week," Haslett said of Jackson, who has a strained thigh muscle in his right leg.

Jackson officially was listed as doubtful on the Rams' injury report.

On Monday, Haslett mandated that Jackson practice at full speed at least one day this week or he wouldn't play against the Jets.

Jackson didn't take part in even a single play in practice all week, prompting Haslett on Friday to declare Kenneth Darby as the team's starting running back against the Jets.

Haslett said that Antonio Pittman and Samkon Gado also will get some carries.

"All three of them are going to play," Haslett said.

The Rams signed Darby off the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad on Oct. 14.

Darby's NFL experience consists of two carries for nine yards and two receptions for 16 yards as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17 last season.

Darby was a prolific rusher in college. He rushed for 3,324 yards in four seasons at the University of Alabama, ranking him third in school history behind Shaun Alexander's 3,565 yards and Bobby Humphrey's 3,420 yards.

Haslett said he was confident that 5-foot-10, 211-pound Darby could handle the starting role, but he won't be asked to be the focal point of the Rams' offense like Jackson.

"He runs lows to the ground, he's got powerful legs, (he's) smart," Haslett said. "I think this is a good opportunity for him. But, he's not going to carry Steven's load. We're going up against the No. 4 run defense in the NFL, so this will be a great challenge for him."

Darby said he was ready for the challenge.

"Yes, I am ready," Darby said. "I have been preparing for this moment even though I probably knew that I was not going to start or play too much on offense.

"I always prepare each week as if I am going to play."

When asked to compare himself to Jackson, Darby balked.

"I have learned a lot from him since I have been here, so I am not going to compare myself to him because he is a great back," Darby said. "Each back that we have here has their own style of running."

-Asked to describe his running style, Darby said, "I would say that I am pretty much well equipped. I run pretty low to the ground and I have a good leg drive. I am a power and shifty back."

Darby said he's familiar with the Rams' playbook.

"I think I am pretty much acclimated with it," Darby said. "(Running backs Coach) Art Valero is a great teacher. He taught me the system. He gave me good short-cut methods to remembering stuff.

"I think I am pretty well adapted to it now."

Pittman, who injured his hamstring muscle against the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday, was able to participate in practice Friday.

"He's ready to go," Haslett said. "He's fine. It surprised me how fast he came back. He told me he was going to be ready to go all week, and I said, 'You have to go out and practice on Friday,' and he did it."

Pittman wasn't surprised by his quick recovery.

"I am a guy that is always like, 'If it is not broken and I am walking, then I am running.' I am going to go out there and give it all I can," Pittman said.

Pittman said the Rams don't have to treat him gingerly. He can handle a full work load if necesssary.

"I would not put myself out there if I could not do it all," Pittman said.

Running back Travis Minor, who is coming off a concussion, will be held out against the Jets even though he passed his neurosych test on Friday.

Linebacker Chris Draft (broken foot) and cornerback Tye Hill (knee) have been ruled as out against the Jets.

Haslett also said defensive end Eric Moore (spine) would miss the game.

Contact Steve Korte at skorte@bnd.com or 239-2522.

[Kentucky Jet]

JETS: WR Wright becomes special playerBY KATIE STRANG | caitlin.strang@newsday.com

November 8, 2008

From the time he was a walk- on at North Carolina to his tenure as a Jet, Wallace Wright has never been handed any golden opportunities. He's earned them. And he has done so with his skill on special teams.

"That's been the story of my whole career," said Wright, who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2006 after attending rookie minicamp.

Although he is listed as a receiver, Wright has received the bulk of his playing time on special teams, where he has carved a distinct niche. "His speed is his real strength," special teams coach Mike Westhoff said. "As a special teams role player, which is a speed role, he is performing at a high level. He has come very close to making some absolutely dominating plays."

Wright leads the AFC with 16 special-teams tackles. That includes four tackles on kickoffs inside the 25-yard line, one on a punt inside the 25 and one downed punt inside the 5. He's drawn three penalties - two holds and one illegal block - according to team statistics.

With a receiving corps full of talent, Wright still has assured himself a spot on the roster. Even if he can't break into the rotation at wide receiver, he's made himself valuable.

"You have to be an outstanding member of special teams," coach Eric Mangini said. "That always guarantees that you'll get to go to the game."

"Special teams have always been my niche. I was never gonna be a starter, that was evident," Wright said. "If you're not a starter, you've got to play on special teams."

Notes&quotes: Bubba Franks, David Harris and Eric Smith won't play. Mike Nugent is questionable. Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery, Cody Spencer and Chris Baker are probable ... Rams RB Steven Jackson (quadriceps) will be replaced by Kenneth Darby, who has carried twice for nine yards in his NFL career.

Sunday

Rams at Jets

1 p.m.

TV: Ch. 5

Radio: WEPN (1050)

[Kentucky Jet]

Jets drinking Mangini's martini Saturday, November 8, 2008 BY TARA SULLIVANSTAFF WRITER

FLORHAM PARK

[Kentucky Jet]

Patriots just one of the gang in wide-open AFC East

Associated Press

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Raise your hand if back in training camp you thought every AFC East team would still have a realistic shot at winning the division at the season's midway point.

Yeah, sure you did.

For those who kept their hands in front of them, you're certainly not alone.

A head-spinning sequence of events has reshaped the AFC East, which was ruled for years by New England -- with everyone else quite a few steps behind. Take away Tom Brady from the Patriots, add Brett Favre to the New York Jets and Chad Pennington to Miami, and the division has become a free-for-all.

"There's four teams in this division and they all control their own destiny," Favre said. "It's pretty good."

The Patriots have plenty of company atop the division with the Jets and Bills feeling good about their chances. The Dolphins are one of the NFL's biggest surprises, with Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano quickly turning around a miserable culture of losing.

"It's about as balanced as you can get at this point in the season," Jets coach Eric Mangini said. "We all play each other here throughout the next eight games and that's going to decide it, I think."

Both Miami and New York are 2-1 against division opponents with three games left, and New England is 1-1 with four games left, including two against Buffalo. The Bills have some work to do at 0-2.

"It's not an easy path," Mangini said, "for anybody."

---

New England Patriots (5-3)

Brady's knee injury in the season opener was as catastrophic a loss the Patriots could have imagined. Give them credit for staying competitive with unproven Matt Cassel running the show.

There's no way a team can replace a star like Brady, especially after the record-setting performance he had last year while leading the Patriots through an undefeated regular season. It's like taking Superman away from the Justice League; sure, they can still function and win, but someone's glaringly absent.

Cassel, who hadn't started since high school when he took over in Week 2, has been shaky at best. He's also working with an offense that hasn't had a steady running back all season.

Laurence Maroney was lost early to an injury, and Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan have also taken their turns on the sideline. Throw in BenJarvus Green-Ellis -- undoubtedly one of the best names in sports -- and Kevin Faulk, and Cassel probably isn't sure who's lining up behind him in the backfield anymore.

Cassel knows who he's throwing to, though, and Randy Moss and Wes Welker are still dangerous.

The defense has proven vulnerable, especially with Rodney Harrison out for at least this season. With games against Pittsburgh, Arizona and the rest of the division in the second half, the season may hinge on whether the Patriots' aging linebacker corps and young secondary can make enough big plays to overcome Cassel's mistakes on offense.

Grade: C-plus.

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New York Jets (5-3)

It hasn't been a smooth ride for the Jets, but they appear headed in the right direction -- despite lots of criticism:

-Favre is old and his arm isn't what it once was.

-Favre's not picking up the offense fast enough.

-The running game is inconsistent.

-The playcalling is often frustratingly conservative.

Yeah, that all might be true to an extent, but the Jets have already won one more game than they did without Favre last season. And, in the NFL, that qualifies as progress.

New York spent $140 million in the offseason, bringing in lots of big-name talent and then trading for Favre -- instantly making them relevant again.

Favre has 12 interceptions but leads the AFC in completion percentage, recently shedding his gunslinger image for more of a game manager role. No matter how far they fall behind, the Jets believe Favre's presence alone gives them a chance to win.

The defense has been the biggest boost, with Kris Jenkins a huge -- pun intended -- presence. The 360-pound nose tackle has become a disruptive force, chomping down on opponents' running games while freeing others to put pressure on the quarterback.

Throw in the playmaking Calvin Pace, Darrelle Revis and Kerry Rhodes, and the Jets are no longer pushovers.

Grade: B-minus.

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Buffalo Bills (5-3)

Who are the real Buffalo Bills?

Are they the guys who jumped out to a 5-1 start and had lots of people calling them the favorites to win the division? Or are they the team that has looked sloppy and mistake-prone in the last few weeks?

Well, the offense has regressed, with Trent Edwards affected by an offensive line that has been hit by injuries and poor play. The Bills have allowed 23 sacks, three fewer than they did last season, and Edwards has thrown three interceptions and lost two fumbles the last two games.

Lee Evans is off to the best start of his career, but has no one to complement him with Josh Reed out with a foot injury. Marshawn Lynch has six touchdowns, but hasn't had a 100-yard rushing game. That's all led to an easy formula for opposing defenses: Put as much pressure on Edwards as you can because the ground game isn't working.

The defense has been decent, but the pass rush has been ineffective, in part because of an injury to Aaron Schobel. Buffalo needs to get more pressure on quarterbacks with just three sacks in the last four games.

Of course, the Bills have lots of time to turn things around, but four games against divisional opponents is a daunting task.

Grade: C-plus.

---

Miami Dolphins (4-4)

Finally, there's some sanity in South Beach.

After years of running through coaches and quarterbacks, the Dolphins might just have something here.

Heck, they're even talking playoffs.

Parcells came in as Miami's vice president of football operations, and went to work right away. He got rid of Cam Cameron, who went 1-15 in his only season, and popular Dolphins players Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas, brought in the unproven and somewhat unknown Sparano and then signed Pennington to be his quarterback.

So far, so good.

Pennington has been everything he was for the Jets when he was healthy: smart and efficient. The receiving corps is the team's thinnest area and Pennington doesn't have any true deep threats, but the Dolphins have made up for that by using the Wildcat offense that has become the latest craze to sweep the league.

The Dolphins may be too inconsistent to truly think about the postseason, but consider this: Other than its three divisional opponents, Miami plays Seattle, Oakland, St. Louis, San Francisco and Kansas City -- a combined 9-31 -- in the next eight weeks.

As improbable as it seemed in July, it could come down to Pennington vs. Favre on Dec. 28 for the division crown.

Grade: B-minus.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

[Kentucky Jet]

http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/articles/show/2638-o-line-progress-report-we-ve-made-strides-

[Kentucky Jet]

http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/articles/show/2642-military-salute-at-today-s-practice-sunday-s-game

[Kentucky Jet]

Press conference with Brian Shottenheimer

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I found this on my Fantasy site. Enjoy the long read.

On Jerricho Cotchery

[Kentucky Jet]

Recco Report: Jets v. Rams Preview

Jerry Recco

jets@wfan.com

New York, NY (WFAN) -- I feel like I wrote this blog a few weeks ago. Does the Oakland game ring a bell? Well here we are, the Jets are getting set to play the 2-6 Rams at home with a road game in Foxboro just days away.

All week I tried to get a feel in the locker-room about how the team is looking at this game and I came away with one constant-- the idea that the Rams went to Washington and beat the Redskins on top of beating the Cowboys. This seemed to catch the Jets eye. Darrelle Revis, Kerry Rhodes & Shaun Ellis all made a point to highlight those two games. Yes, last week's Rame game (they were blown out by the Cardinals) doesn't help the argument but at least the Jets have seen this team hit on all cylinders on tape.

It came out on Friday afternoon that Stephen Jackson will miss the game because of a quad injury that just hasn't gotten better. In his place Kenneth Darby and Samkon Gado will get the reps against one of the top rush defenses in the entire NFL. In eight games this season, the Jets defense has allowed less than 50 yards rushing four times.

This will be the game that Brett Favre breaks out. And I don't mean touchdown passes because he certainly did that against the Cardinals. What I mean is Favre will play a mistake free game with total command of the offense. I expect the receivers to get open and Favre to hit them in stride. Last week he played a fine game but nothing spectacular.

Everyone made a huge deal out of that 8:51 drive to ice the game in Buffalo. They need to back it up on Sunday. Specifically, the offensive line needs to back it up. That game in Orchard Park was the first time all year that they have played a complete game. Do it again and they will have a ton of confidence heading into New England.

Seize the Opportunity:

Finally....2006 was great. Eric Mangini and the Jets took the AFC by storm gaining a wild card berth. It's been a while since the Jets actually challenged for a division title. Take the bull by the horns and beat the stupid Rams. St. Louis is not very good. The stretch run starts Sunday at 1. Get to 6-3 and let's have some fun and hope heading into Foxboro next Thursday night.

I said I won't predict games anymore but what the heck.

Jets 27

Rams 10

[Kentucky Jet]

Dan asked Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington how he would explain to his kids why he was no longer a Jet. Pennington said there's a big difference between business and what happens on the field. On the field is pure ... the rest, not so much.

Pennington says he doesn't compare himself to Brett Favre with the Jets. He says he knows that he's a far different quarterback than Favre.

He also asked Pennington when was the last time he crossed paths with Bill Parcells. He said you hear a lot from Parcells when you win, but not much when you lose.

He said Parcells came in to Miami with general manager Jeff Ireland and they had a vision. And then they mixed in head coach Tony Sparano, who had the same vision. That vision has percolated down to the team.

Pennington also said he loves having Joey Porter on his team. He said a team needs different ingredients and Porter adds a lot of energy.

Pennington was a Rhodes scholar finalist. Dan asked if you could be too smart to play quarterback. Pennington said absolutely. Pennington said you have to play in real time and make plays and not out-think yourself.

From earlier today. Follow the link to listen for yourself.

[Kentucky Jet]

Friday pick-eting and musings about familiar trappings

An ancient paradox:

[Kentucky Jet]

New York Jets not looking past Rams

by M.A. Mehta/The Star-Ledger

Friday November 07, 2008, 7:58 PM

William Perlman/The Star-Ledger

The Jets' Damien Woody says there's no such thing as a "trap game" in the NFL.Damien Woody shook his head and laughed off the question.

He has been through too many battles and seen too many wacky things to press the fast forward-button now.

So, while the Jets' meeting with the Rams (2-6) on Sunday has all the makings of a laugher on paper, Woody isn't about to get his 335-pound body caught in the trap.

He's not taking the bait.

"There's no such thing as a trap game in the NFL," said the Jets right tackle. "That's just talk to me. The difference between the good teams and the so-called not-so-good teams is very slim. They have talented players on their roster."

Maybe so, but the Rams' once high-powered offense is running on empty. Jim Haslett guided St. Louis to wins over the Redskins and Cowboys when he took over as interim coach last month. But the Rams -- who rank 30th in the league in total offense (263 yards per game) and scoring (15.6 points per game) -- have lost their past two games.

All-world running back Steven Jackson will be out with a nagging quad injury. Perennial Pro Bowl wide receiver Torry Holt looks like he's been running in mud. And Marc Bulger has become the poster boy for skittish quarterbacks everywhere.

Translation: The Greatest Show on Turf has left the building.

The first-place Jets (5-3), of course, understand that nothing is guaranteed.

Exhibit A: The head-scratching overtime loss at Oakland three weeks ago.

While Woody took the denial route, coach Eric Mangini preferred a more proactive approach, addressing the importance of not looking ahead to Thursday night's rematch with the New England Patriots or the clash with the unbeaten Tennessee Titans in two weeks. The coaches began preparation for the Patriots Friday, but they don't want the players to even think about it until Monday.

"I believe that you have to fight human nature," Mangini said. "Everybody recognizes it. You just can't leave it unsaid. So we address it. And make sure that we're always (focusing) in on the job at hand."

The overtime loss in Oakland wasn't the only eye-opener. The Jets also had close calls against the Bengals and Chiefs, teams with a combined two victories.

So, some veterans admitted they don't really care that the Rams defense ranks in the bottom five in nearly every statistical category.

"As you get older, you realize the only game that's important, the only play that's important, is the next one," Brett Favre said. "Eric does a good job (and) this whole organization does a good job of concentrating on the now."

Otherwise, Mangini cautioned, you could find yourself in plenty of hot water.

"If you assign different values to things, you get in trouble," Mangini said. "If you think ahead or focus on what happened in the past, you get in trouble. The best way to move forward, to make progress, to keep pushing, is to win the game that you have that week. That's really all we have to worry about, ever.

"Anything else -- how another team plays, what's going to happen in two weeks, what happened a year ago -- none of that matters."

NOTES

Wallace Wright has carved out a niche on special teams. The reserve wide receiver leads the AFC with 16 special teams tackles. He's had five tackles on punts and kickoffs inside the 25-yard line.

David Harris (groin), Bubba Franks (hip) and Eric Smith (concussion) are out.

K Mike Nugent (thigh) is listed as questionable after limited practice participation Friday, and Jay Feely is expected to handle the kicking duties again.

With Jackson out, St. Louis will use a rotation of former Falcons practice squad player Kenneth Darby, Antonio Pittman (hamstring), who is listed as questionable, and recently signed Samkon Gado. RB Travis Minor (concussion) is also listed as questionable.

Fifty members of the Armed Forces attended practice Friday and will be honored as part of Military Appreciation Day Sunday.

The Jets will hold their annual food drive Sunday. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to all gates.

[Kentucky Jet]

New York Jets News & Notes for Friday

by M.A. Mehta/The Star-Ledger

Friday November 07, 2008, 12:44 PM

Eric Mangini's pre-practice press conference was a bit of a snoozer, but here are a few nuggets from the Jets universe:

The Jets are not interested in free agent cornerback DeAngelo Hall, according to two people familiar with the situation. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on Hall or the Jets behalf. Hall was released by the Raiders earlier this week after signing a 7-year, $70 million deal in the offseason.

***

Mangini helped plenty of praise on Wallace Wright, who has carved out a niche on special teams. The reserve wide receiver leads the AFC with 16 special teams tackles. He's had five tackles on punts and kickoffs inside the 25-yard line.

***

David Harris (groin), Bubba Franks (hip) and Eric Smith (concussion) are out this week... K Mike Nugent (thigh) practiced, but Jay Feely is expected to handle the placekicking duties again.

***

The Rams are down to their fourth- and fifth-string running backs thanks to injuries to starter Steven Jackson (thigh), Antonio Pittman (hamstring) and Travis Minor (concussion).

***

Fifty members of the armed services attended practice today and will be honored as part of Military Appreciation Day on Sunday...The Jets will hold their annual food drive Sunday. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to all gates.

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[Kentucky Jet]

By DAVE ANDERSON

Published: November 7, 2008

The world is still whirling from the presidential election, but at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the voting process has just begun. The 44 members of the selection committee are reducing the preliminary list of 133 modern-era candidates to 25, from which 15 will emerge for the Jan. 31 ballot that will determine the 2009 induction class. And if enough of those 44 selectors finally do the right thing, Joe Klecko will get what he has long deserved, a bronze bust in the Canton, Ohio, pantheon.

Klecko, a Jets defensive lineman feared by opponents and cherished by his coaches and teammates, has been shamefully ignored in the Hall of Fame voting for more than a decade.

At a muscle-bulging 6 feet 3 inches and 270 pounds during his 12 seasons, from 1977 to 1988, Klecko is the only player to go to the Pro Bowl at three different positions: defensive end and defensive tackle in a 4-3 alignment, and nose tackle in a 3-4 alignment. And if it takes a Hall of Fame offensive lineman to know a Hall of Fame defensive lineman, Anthony Mu