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Jets' look ahead: Quarterback questions
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Record
Sunday, 1 p.m.
TV: Ch. 5
Early line: Off
For the second straight week, Vegas didn’t put an early number on the Jets’ contest. This time, there are two quarterbacks whose statuses are uncertain. The Jets’ Mark Sanchez (knee), who sat out the win over Tampa Bay, hasn’t yet been named the starter by Rex Ryan. But he is supposed to practice today, and if all goes well should start Sunday. The status of Atlanta QB Matt Ryan (turf toe) is dicier, as he has missed the last two games and might not play this week because the Falcons’ playoff hopes are all but gone.
On the hot seat
D’Brickashaw Ferguson
The fourth-year left tackle is having the best season of his pro career, but will face a challenge against former Jet John Abraham. Abraham, traded by the Jets a few weeks before Ferguson was drafted, is facing his old team for the first time and figures to be motivated. But he is struggling this year after a team-record 16 1/2 sacks in 2008. Abraham has only 3 1/2 sacks and recorded three of them in the first four games.
Game plan
The Jets are tops in the league in rushing, averaging 169.1 yards per game. So even if Sanchez is back, their philosophy won’t change much, especially considering the Falcons are 23rd in the league against the run, allowing 4.3 yards per carry. But at least the potential for big plays should be back after a beyond-vanilla offensive approach at Tampa Bay. The defense must put pressure on QB Chris Redman, a decent backup, and not allow him time to get the ball downfield to his big-time threats, TE Tony Gonzalez and WR Roddy White.
— J.P. Pelzman
Jets News 12/16
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#2
SoFlaJets 
- 2005 Walk-on free agent
- Group: Members
- Posts: 28,403
- Joined: 07-March 05
Posted 16 December 2009 - 07:58 AM
Jets ‘D’ is tops — but record’s a sad footnote
Last Updated: 7:18 AM, December 16, 2009
YES, the Jets’ defense has had a handful of aggravating hiccups this season.
The three fourth-quarter touchdowns allowed in Miami and the meltdown on the Jaguars’ final drive are the two biggest sins.
But it’s time we appreciate the defense Rex Ryan has brought here and the way his players have bought in and performed in their first year in the system.
Through 13 games, the Jets own the NFL’s top-ranked defense — the deepest into a season they’ve had that distinction since their Super Bowl III year.
The 211 points the Jets have allowed are the fewest in the NFL, which is saying something considering it’s better than the likes of the 13-0 Colts and Saints as well as the 11-2 Vikings and 10-3 Chargers.
It’s also saying something considering those 211 points include the seven TDs they’ve allowed on returns, which means the defense has yielded only 162 points in 13 games, an average of just 12.46 points per game.
Here’s a deeper look into just how good this Jets defense has been this season:
* The Jets rank first in pass defense (160.4 yards per game), with the next-best team, the Broncos, allowing 23 more yards per game.
* They’ve allowed the fewest first downs in the league (202), with the Steelers second at 216.
* They’ve allowed the fewest yards per play (4.3).
* They lead the NFL in forcing three-and-out series (52).
* They’re now ranked second in the NFL in third-down defense, allowing opponents just a 33 percent conversion rate. In the last two games, opponents have converted just 1 of 25 third downs against the Jets.
“Pretty much the plan’s in place,” Ryan said. “I thought we’d be kind of in a groove here defensively as the year went on, with people being familiar with our system, understanding this is their defense now. It’s not Baltimore’s defense. It’s the New York Jets’ defense.
“Our guys are getting a great grasp of it. I think we [the coaches] have a great grasp of what our players can do, maybe what the limitations are, but what the strengths are as well. We’re really playing to the strengths of our players right now.”
All the above-mentioned kudos to the defense and what it’s accomplished so far, however, are a sobering reminder of how much better the Jets’ record should be than 7-6, that they should not be in a life struggle to snatch one of the two wild-card spots in the AFC.
“We should be 10-3 or 9-4 right now, but we’re not,” safety Kerry Rhodes said. “We can’t think about that now.”
Mark Sanchez’s four INTs (one returned for a TD) and lost fumble in the end zone for another TD wasted what has been, to date this season, the best job any defense has done against the Saints. The result was a 24-10 loss in which the Jets’ defense allowed only 10 points to the high-voltage Saints’ offense.
* Then came the Monday nighter at Miami, where the Jets’ defense, after having allowed only three TDs in the first three games, gave up three to the Dolphins in the fourth quarter en route to a 31-27 loss that featured a Ronnie Brown game-winning TD with just seconds remaining in the game.
Then there was the exasperating 16-13 overtime loss at home against the Bills, with Sanchez throwing five INTs, including one in OT. Added to that was a Ben Hartsock holding penalty in overtime deep in Buffalo territory that took the Jets out of chip-shot, game-winning FG territory.
* The second loss to Miami, a 30-25 defeat at home, was as mind-numbing as the first one thanks to two 100-plus-yard Ted Ginn Jr. kickoff returns for TDs yielded by a Jets’ special-teams unit that is perennially among the best in the league.
* Finally, there was the 24-22 loss to Jacksonville at home, in which, after yielding only 18 yards of offense in the second half, the Jets’ defense allowed David Garrard to take over possession with 5:04 remaining and march the Jaguars down the field for the game-winning points on the final play of the game.
If the Jets win two of those five blown games, they’re sitting atop the AFC East with a 9-4 record, poised to win the division and host a playoff game.
“Satchel Paige once said, ‘Don’t look back, something could be gaining on you,’ ” Ryan said. “All, we can do is affect the present and the future, so that’s all we’re doing right now.”
‘Feel’ good story
Kicker Jay Feely has been an absolute gem for the Jets since he was signed after Week 1 last season when Mike Nugent was injured.
Feely has become more than just a stop-gap kicker, and his consistency makes you appreciate how crucial it is for a team to have such a dependable foot on its roster.
Feely was a big difference in the Jets’ 26-3 win over the Bucs, kicking four first-half field goals to bail out Kellen Clemens and the sputtering offense. The only FG he missed, a 49-yarder in the second half, came after a high snap by James Dearth.
Feely is 25 of 29 on FGs this season, one year after going 24 of 28, so he’s 49 of 57 (86 percent) in the last two seasons.
Oh, yes, and he’s one of the most sure tacklers on the kick-coverage unit, not afraid to deliver a big hit.
“I love the fact that he’s a football player,” Rex Ryan said of the 5-foot-10, 205-pounder.
It all makes it curious why the Dolphins wouldn’t bring him back after he made 21 of 23 FG attempts for them in 2007. Dolphins’ head honcho, Bill Parcells, never a big fan of kickers, didn’t like the fact the outspoken Feely was a team-leader type, and he let him go.
The Jets and Feely thank Parcells for that decision.
G holston or ghost?
What has happened to Vernon Gholston?
The sixth-overall draft pick in 2008, who’s essentially used on special teams, can barely get onto the field on defense. Gholston, who was a terror as a pass rusher at Ohio State, has played in 28 NFL games and is still seeking his first career sack. That’s preposterous.
You have to wonder if, despite the fact that the Jets gave him $21 million in guaranteed money, they might simply cut bait after this season and admit to their mistake.
➤ With a roster spot open, the Jets yesterday filled it by signing running back Chauncey Washington from the Cowboys practice squad.
Last Updated: 7:18 AM, December 16, 2009
YES, the Jets’ defense has had a handful of aggravating hiccups this season.
The three fourth-quarter touchdowns allowed in Miami and the meltdown on the Jaguars’ final drive are the two biggest sins.
But it’s time we appreciate the defense Rex Ryan has brought here and the way his players have bought in and performed in their first year in the system.
Through 13 games, the Jets own the NFL’s top-ranked defense — the deepest into a season they’ve had that distinction since their Super Bowl III year.
The 211 points the Jets have allowed are the fewest in the NFL, which is saying something considering it’s better than the likes of the 13-0 Colts and Saints as well as the 11-2 Vikings and 10-3 Chargers.
It’s also saying something considering those 211 points include the seven TDs they’ve allowed on returns, which means the defense has yielded only 162 points in 13 games, an average of just 12.46 points per game.
Here’s a deeper look into just how good this Jets defense has been this season:
* The Jets rank first in pass defense (160.4 yards per game), with the next-best team, the Broncos, allowing 23 more yards per game.
* They’ve allowed the fewest first downs in the league (202), with the Steelers second at 216.
* They’ve allowed the fewest yards per play (4.3).
* They lead the NFL in forcing three-and-out series (52).
* They’re now ranked second in the NFL in third-down defense, allowing opponents just a 33 percent conversion rate. In the last two games, opponents have converted just 1 of 25 third downs against the Jets.
“Pretty much the plan’s in place,” Ryan said. “I thought we’d be kind of in a groove here defensively as the year went on, with people being familiar with our system, understanding this is their defense now. It’s not Baltimore’s defense. It’s the New York Jets’ defense.
“Our guys are getting a great grasp of it. I think we [the coaches] have a great grasp of what our players can do, maybe what the limitations are, but what the strengths are as well. We’re really playing to the strengths of our players right now.”
All the above-mentioned kudos to the defense and what it’s accomplished so far, however, are a sobering reminder of how much better the Jets’ record should be than 7-6, that they should not be in a life struggle to snatch one of the two wild-card spots in the AFC.
“We should be 10-3 or 9-4 right now, but we’re not,” safety Kerry Rhodes said. “We can’t think about that now.”
Mark Sanchez’s four INTs (one returned for a TD) and lost fumble in the end zone for another TD wasted what has been, to date this season, the best job any defense has done against the Saints. The result was a 24-10 loss in which the Jets’ defense allowed only 10 points to the high-voltage Saints’ offense.
* Then came the Monday nighter at Miami, where the Jets’ defense, after having allowed only three TDs in the first three games, gave up three to the Dolphins in the fourth quarter en route to a 31-27 loss that featured a Ronnie Brown game-winning TD with just seconds remaining in the game.
Then there was the exasperating 16-13 overtime loss at home against the Bills, with Sanchez throwing five INTs, including one in OT. Added to that was a Ben Hartsock holding penalty in overtime deep in Buffalo territory that took the Jets out of chip-shot, game-winning FG territory.
* The second loss to Miami, a 30-25 defeat at home, was as mind-numbing as the first one thanks to two 100-plus-yard Ted Ginn Jr. kickoff returns for TDs yielded by a Jets’ special-teams unit that is perennially among the best in the league.
* Finally, there was the 24-22 loss to Jacksonville at home, in which, after yielding only 18 yards of offense in the second half, the Jets’ defense allowed David Garrard to take over possession with 5:04 remaining and march the Jaguars down the field for the game-winning points on the final play of the game.
If the Jets win two of those five blown games, they’re sitting atop the AFC East with a 9-4 record, poised to win the division and host a playoff game.
“Satchel Paige once said, ‘Don’t look back, something could be gaining on you,’ ” Ryan said. “All, we can do is affect the present and the future, so that’s all we’re doing right now.”
‘Feel’ good story
Kicker Jay Feely has been an absolute gem for the Jets since he was signed after Week 1 last season when Mike Nugent was injured.
Feely has become more than just a stop-gap kicker, and his consistency makes you appreciate how crucial it is for a team to have such a dependable foot on its roster.
Feely was a big difference in the Jets’ 26-3 win over the Bucs, kicking four first-half field goals to bail out Kellen Clemens and the sputtering offense. The only FG he missed, a 49-yarder in the second half, came after a high snap by James Dearth.
Feely is 25 of 29 on FGs this season, one year after going 24 of 28, so he’s 49 of 57 (86 percent) in the last two seasons.
Oh, yes, and he’s one of the most sure tacklers on the kick-coverage unit, not afraid to deliver a big hit.
“I love the fact that he’s a football player,” Rex Ryan said of the 5-foot-10, 205-pounder.
It all makes it curious why the Dolphins wouldn’t bring him back after he made 21 of 23 FG attempts for them in 2007. Dolphins’ head honcho, Bill Parcells, never a big fan of kickers, didn’t like the fact the outspoken Feely was a team-leader type, and he let him go.
The Jets and Feely thank Parcells for that decision.
G holston or ghost?
What has happened to Vernon Gholston?
The sixth-overall draft pick in 2008, who’s essentially used on special teams, can barely get onto the field on defense. Gholston, who was a terror as a pass rusher at Ohio State, has played in 28 NFL games and is still seeking his first career sack. That’s preposterous.
You have to wonder if, despite the fact that the Jets gave him $21 million in guaranteed money, they might simply cut bait after this season and admit to their mistake.
➤ With a roster spot open, the Jets yesterday filled it by signing running back Chauncey Washington from the Cowboys practice squad.
#3
SoFlaJets
- 2005 Walk-on free agent
- Group: Members
- Posts: 28,403
- Joined: 07-March 05
Posted 16 December 2009 - 08:00 AM
Top-flight corner Darrelle Revis having one of greatest seasons in New York Jets' history
When you're talking about the greatest single-season performances in Jet history, the names of Joe Namath, Don Maynard, Wesley Walker, Joe Klecko, Mark Gastineau, Al Toon, Vinny Testaverde and Curtis Martin come to mind immediately.
Namath passed for 4,007 yards in 1967...Maynard caught 71 for 1,434 the same year ... Walker averaged 24 yards per catch in '78 ... Klecko recorded 20-1/2 sacks in '81 and Gastineau set a league record with 22 in '84 ... Toon caught 85 passes in '86 ... Testaverde threw 29 touchdown passes in '98 ...Martin won the NFL rushing title in '04.
And now it's time to put Darrelle Revis in that elite company. What he's doing this season at cornerback is just flat out ridiculous.
More than his impressive numbers (six interceptions, 27 pass break-ups, one TD), Revis has dominated each week by shutting down the opponent's best receiver. Do you know how big that is for a defense? It's like playing with 12 guys. The defense can take that "extra player," who ordinarily would be doubling the No. 1 receiver, and use him to blitz the quarterback or double another player.
Revis is the main reason why the Jets are No. 1 in total defense and No. 1 in pass defense. Klecko, arguably the greatest defensive player in team history, agreed that Revis' season should be ranked among the best in Jets annals. "If not the best season of all, I know it has to be right up there," he told the Daily News Tuesday. "In the second game of the season, the way he played (Randy) Moss, I remember saying to my son, 'This is the Jets' MVP right now.' And it was only the second game.
"It's no mystery why the Jets are (No. 1) in defense," added Klecko, who has watched every Jets game. "They lost, conceivably, their best player (Kris Jenkins), so how are they still on top? They're No. 1 for one big reason - Revis. He takes away the big receiver in everybody's offense, just takes them out of the equation. The explosive teams become pretty normal when that happens to them."
Revis deserves consideration for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, along with Packers CB Charles Woodson (eight interceptions, two TDs, two sacks), Saints S Darren Sharper (eight interceptions, three TDs), Broncos LB Elvis Dumervil (league-high 15 sacks) and Vikings DE Jared Allen (12-1/2 sacks).
It's apples and oranges when comparing defensive backs and pass rushers, but here are a few things to note: Dumervil has compiled 8-1/2 sacks against terrible teams; Allen got 7-1/2 sacks in two games against the Packers, whose offensive line was in shambles at the time and Sharper has slowed down considerably after a hot start
There's no scientific way to grade cornerbacks, but here's one way to view Revis:
In the nine games in which he was matched against a premier No. 1 wideout (Moss, Terrell Owens, Andre Johnson, Steve Smith, et al), those receivers combined for only 254 yards - about 360 less than their combined averages in all other games. So you could say Revis has saved the Jets about 360 yards through the air, which can be loosely translated into at least four or five touchdowns. Get the picture? He's good, real good. "He's so instinctive, like Champ Bailey and Ty Law," said Klecko, who came away impressed after meeting Revis for the first time before the Jets' recent game in Toronto. "He really understands the game, which is amazing, as young as he is."
Gang hopes Greene will get a grip
Is Shonn Greene a fumbler? Based on his college career, no. In 307 carries last season at Iowa, he lost only two fumbles. But he already has lost three as a rookie, in only 71 rushes, and Tuesday the Jets signed RB Chauncey Washington. He had been on the Cowboys' practice squad. Interesting. Washington, a seventh-round pick of the Jaguars in 2008, isn't a threat to Greene, but his presence could be a message.
The Jets were so high on Greene they traded up to grab him in the third round (they gave him a first-round grade), but his small hands concerned some league scouts. At the scouting combine, his hands were measured at only 8-1/2 inches. Could that explain his ball-security issues? Stay tuned.
The Jets will see an old friend Sunday, DE John Abraham. GM Mike Tannenbaum caught some heat for trading Abraham for a first-round pick in 2006, but that pick turned out to be C Nick Mangold, who probably is heading to his second Pro Bowl. Abraham's numbers are down, but he has 34 sacks in three-plus seasons in Atlanta....Below-the-radar players who deserve Pro Bowl consideration: LB David Harris (5-1/2 sacks), RG Brandon Moore, RT Damien Woody and Jay Feely (25-for-29 on FGs). Moore and Woody have allowed only a half-sack and 2-1/2 sacks, respectively, according to STATS, LLC. That, coupled with the Jets' No. 1 ranking in rushing offense, should make them candidates.
Sanchez will likely start vs. Falcons
Unless QB Mark Sanchez (sprained knee) suffers a setback today in practice, the feeling around the team is that he will start Sunday against the Falcons. Sanchez was telling people Tuesday that he's good to go.
When you're talking about the greatest single-season performances in Jet history, the names of Joe Namath, Don Maynard, Wesley Walker, Joe Klecko, Mark Gastineau, Al Toon, Vinny Testaverde and Curtis Martin come to mind immediately.
Namath passed for 4,007 yards in 1967...Maynard caught 71 for 1,434 the same year ... Walker averaged 24 yards per catch in '78 ... Klecko recorded 20-1/2 sacks in '81 and Gastineau set a league record with 22 in '84 ... Toon caught 85 passes in '86 ... Testaverde threw 29 touchdown passes in '98 ...Martin won the NFL rushing title in '04.
And now it's time to put Darrelle Revis in that elite company. What he's doing this season at cornerback is just flat out ridiculous.
More than his impressive numbers (six interceptions, 27 pass break-ups, one TD), Revis has dominated each week by shutting down the opponent's best receiver. Do you know how big that is for a defense? It's like playing with 12 guys. The defense can take that "extra player," who ordinarily would be doubling the No. 1 receiver, and use him to blitz the quarterback or double another player.
Revis is the main reason why the Jets are No. 1 in total defense and No. 1 in pass defense. Klecko, arguably the greatest defensive player in team history, agreed that Revis' season should be ranked among the best in Jets annals. "If not the best season of all, I know it has to be right up there," he told the Daily News Tuesday. "In the second game of the season, the way he played (Randy) Moss, I remember saying to my son, 'This is the Jets' MVP right now.' And it was only the second game.
"It's no mystery why the Jets are (No. 1) in defense," added Klecko, who has watched every Jets game. "They lost, conceivably, their best player (Kris Jenkins), so how are they still on top? They're No. 1 for one big reason - Revis. He takes away the big receiver in everybody's offense, just takes them out of the equation. The explosive teams become pretty normal when that happens to them."
Revis deserves consideration for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, along with Packers CB Charles Woodson (eight interceptions, two TDs, two sacks), Saints S Darren Sharper (eight interceptions, three TDs), Broncos LB Elvis Dumervil (league-high 15 sacks) and Vikings DE Jared Allen (12-1/2 sacks).
It's apples and oranges when comparing defensive backs and pass rushers, but here are a few things to note: Dumervil has compiled 8-1/2 sacks against terrible teams; Allen got 7-1/2 sacks in two games against the Packers, whose offensive line was in shambles at the time and Sharper has slowed down considerably after a hot start
There's no scientific way to grade cornerbacks, but here's one way to view Revis:
In the nine games in which he was matched against a premier No. 1 wideout (Moss, Terrell Owens, Andre Johnson, Steve Smith, et al), those receivers combined for only 254 yards - about 360 less than their combined averages in all other games. So you could say Revis has saved the Jets about 360 yards through the air, which can be loosely translated into at least four or five touchdowns. Get the picture? He's good, real good. "He's so instinctive, like Champ Bailey and Ty Law," said Klecko, who came away impressed after meeting Revis for the first time before the Jets' recent game in Toronto. "He really understands the game, which is amazing, as young as he is."
Gang hopes Greene will get a grip
Is Shonn Greene a fumbler? Based on his college career, no. In 307 carries last season at Iowa, he lost only two fumbles. But he already has lost three as a rookie, in only 71 rushes, and Tuesday the Jets signed RB Chauncey Washington. He had been on the Cowboys' practice squad. Interesting. Washington, a seventh-round pick of the Jaguars in 2008, isn't a threat to Greene, but his presence could be a message.
The Jets were so high on Greene they traded up to grab him in the third round (they gave him a first-round grade), but his small hands concerned some league scouts. At the scouting combine, his hands were measured at only 8-1/2 inches. Could that explain his ball-security issues? Stay tuned.
The Jets will see an old friend Sunday, DE John Abraham. GM Mike Tannenbaum caught some heat for trading Abraham for a first-round pick in 2006, but that pick turned out to be C Nick Mangold, who probably is heading to his second Pro Bowl. Abraham's numbers are down, but he has 34 sacks in three-plus seasons in Atlanta....Below-the-radar players who deserve Pro Bowl consideration: LB David Harris (5-1/2 sacks), RG Brandon Moore, RT Damien Woody and Jay Feely (25-for-29 on FGs). Moore and Woody have allowed only a half-sack and 2-1/2 sacks, respectively, according to STATS, LLC. That, coupled with the Jets' No. 1 ranking in rushing offense, should make them candidates.
Sanchez will likely start vs. Falcons
Unless QB Mark Sanchez (sprained knee) suffers a setback today in practice, the feeling around the team is that he will start Sunday against the Falcons. Sanchez was telling people Tuesday that he's good to go.
#4
SoFlaJets
- 2005 Walk-on free agent
- Group: Members
- Posts: 28,403
- Joined: 07-March 05
Posted 16 December 2009 - 08:01 AM
Shonn Greene takes a break from grid to help at Daily News-City Harvest food drive
Jets rookie running sensation Shonn Greene showed off some of his nonfootball moves Tuesday to boost the Daily News-City Harvest food drive.
A couple from Albany and some German tourists flocked to an East Side firehouse bearing gifts of canned goods and nonperishable items.
In return, Greene autographed dozens of pictures, hats, footballs and personal paraphernalia.
Longtime Jet fan Robert Burns - "since Joe Namath" - finished a 16-hour shift as a guard at the Coxsackie Correctional Facility near Albany and made the three-hour trip with his wife and mother.
"I've been to Mets games in Queens and Jets games in Jersey, but this was my first visit to Manhattan," he said, after his wife and mother deposited a load of canned food.
"It was worth it."
Teresa Bach, 24, an airport worker from Frankfurt, Germany, on her third visit to New York, said she knew a lot about soccer, but not much about American football.
When she walked past Engine Co. 8/Ladder 2 at 165 E. 5lst St., she and her mother, Renate, spotted the football player signing autographs and couldn't resist. They promptly rushed to a nearby grocery and brought back a number of food cans.
"Now I know who he is," she smiled after getting Greene's signature on a Daily News photo.
Channel 11 has been a big supporter of the News-sponsored drive, and its veteran weathercaster Irv Gikofsky, known as "Mr. G," slid into a seat next to the Jet.
Three female accountants came by and let out a mild cry of recognition - not of Greene, but of Mr. G. They bought groceries to get both men's signature.
Now in its 27th year, the joint food drive aims to collect 1 million pounds of food to feed New York's hungry.
Jets rookie running sensation Shonn Greene showed off some of his nonfootball moves Tuesday to boost the Daily News-City Harvest food drive.
A couple from Albany and some German tourists flocked to an East Side firehouse bearing gifts of canned goods and nonperishable items.
In return, Greene autographed dozens of pictures, hats, footballs and personal paraphernalia.
Longtime Jet fan Robert Burns - "since Joe Namath" - finished a 16-hour shift as a guard at the Coxsackie Correctional Facility near Albany and made the three-hour trip with his wife and mother.
"I've been to Mets games in Queens and Jets games in Jersey, but this was my first visit to Manhattan," he said, after his wife and mother deposited a load of canned food.
"It was worth it."
Teresa Bach, 24, an airport worker from Frankfurt, Germany, on her third visit to New York, said she knew a lot about soccer, but not much about American football.
When she walked past Engine Co. 8/Ladder 2 at 165 E. 5lst St., she and her mother, Renate, spotted the football player signing autographs and couldn't resist. They promptly rushed to a nearby grocery and brought back a number of food cans.
"Now I know who he is," she smiled after getting Greene's signature on a Daily News photo.
Channel 11 has been a big supporter of the News-sponsored drive, and its veteran weathercaster Irv Gikofsky, known as "Mr. G," slid into a seat next to the Jet.
Three female accountants came by and let out a mild cry of recognition - not of Greene, but of Mr. G. They bought groceries to get both men's signature.
Now in its 27th year, the joint food drive aims to collect 1 million pounds of food to feed New York's hungry.
#5
SoFlaJets
- 2005 Walk-on free agent
- Group: Members
- Posts: 28,403
- Joined: 07-March 05
Posted 16 December 2009 - 08:04 AM
NFL's Defensive Player of the Year -- is it Charles Woodson, or Darrelle Revis?
By Star-Ledger Staff
December 16, 2009, 3:30AM
The NFL Defensive Player of the Year award hasn’t gone to a cornerback since Deion Sanders won it in 1994 and Rod Woodson the previous season. And despite pass-rushers Elvis Dumervil of the Broncos (15 sacks) and Jared Allen of the Vikings (12½), and stoppers in the middle like Patrick Willis of the 49ers (league-high 132 tackles), two cover guys — the Jets’ Darrelle Revis and the Packers’ Charles Woodson — are making strong arguments to end the 15-year drought.
DARRELLE REVIS
THE CASE FOR
Plays on an island in the Jets’ blitz-heavy scheme and has six interceptions and 30 passes defensed, both team-highs. Is a great cover corner and will tackle in run support. The Jets rank first in the NFL in total defense (264 yards per game allowed) and pass defense (160.4 ypg allowed), largely because of Revis.
SIGNATURE GAME
Nov. 29 vs. Carolina
The 5-11, 198-pound Revis has spent the season shutting down bigger receivers. He proved against the Panthers that he could shut down the smaller, quicker guys as well — holding the speedy Steve Smith to one catch for 5 yards (he was targeted six times). Revis intercepted two passes, returning one that bounced off Smith’s heel for a 67-yard TD.
AGAINST THE BIG BOYS
Revis has gone against Andre Johnson (Texans), Randy Moss (Patriots) twice, Marques Colston (Saints), Terrell Owens (Bills) twice and Steve Smith (Panthers). He has given up just two TDs this season — to Moss and the Dolphins’ Ted Ginn, Jr. Owens had just six catches (he was targeted 17 times) for 44 yards in two games.
CHARLES WOODSON
THE CASE FOR
The most complete cornerback in the NFL (some argue he is more a corner/safety hybrid) has seen his career reborn the past four seasons in Green Bay — and is better than ever at age 33. His eight interceptions tie a career-high, and he is second on the Packers with 61 tackles. He also has two sacks and four forced fumbles.
SIGNATURE GAME
Nov. 15 vs. Dallas
The second of his two forced fumbles — a strip-sack of Tony Romo — was immediately converted into a TD and a 17-0 lead. With the Cowboys at the 1 and trying to get back into the game, Woodson laid out for an interception that showed he has the hands of a receiver. He also had eight solo tackles — including two behind the line of scrimmage.
AGAINST THE BIG BOYS
This is the most significant gap in Woodson’s résumé. He made up for the only big gain given up to the Cowboys’ Roy Williams by stripping Williams of the ball. Calvin Johnson of the Lions was thrown to 12 times in Week 12 and had just two catches. But Woodson hasn’t faced nearly the caliber of game-changers that Revis has this season
By Star-Ledger Staff
December 16, 2009, 3:30AM
The NFL Defensive Player of the Year award hasn’t gone to a cornerback since Deion Sanders won it in 1994 and Rod Woodson the previous season. And despite pass-rushers Elvis Dumervil of the Broncos (15 sacks) and Jared Allen of the Vikings (12½), and stoppers in the middle like Patrick Willis of the 49ers (league-high 132 tackles), two cover guys — the Jets’ Darrelle Revis and the Packers’ Charles Woodson — are making strong arguments to end the 15-year drought.
DARRELLE REVIS
THE CASE FOR
Plays on an island in the Jets’ blitz-heavy scheme and has six interceptions and 30 passes defensed, both team-highs. Is a great cover corner and will tackle in run support. The Jets rank first in the NFL in total defense (264 yards per game allowed) and pass defense (160.4 ypg allowed), largely because of Revis.
SIGNATURE GAME
Nov. 29 vs. Carolina
The 5-11, 198-pound Revis has spent the season shutting down bigger receivers. He proved against the Panthers that he could shut down the smaller, quicker guys as well — holding the speedy Steve Smith to one catch for 5 yards (he was targeted six times). Revis intercepted two passes, returning one that bounced off Smith’s heel for a 67-yard TD.
AGAINST THE BIG BOYS
Revis has gone against Andre Johnson (Texans), Randy Moss (Patriots) twice, Marques Colston (Saints), Terrell Owens (Bills) twice and Steve Smith (Panthers). He has given up just two TDs this season — to Moss and the Dolphins’ Ted Ginn, Jr. Owens had just six catches (he was targeted 17 times) for 44 yards in two games.
CHARLES WOODSON
THE CASE FOR
The most complete cornerback in the NFL (some argue he is more a corner/safety hybrid) has seen his career reborn the past four seasons in Green Bay — and is better than ever at age 33. His eight interceptions tie a career-high, and he is second on the Packers with 61 tackles. He also has two sacks and four forced fumbles.
SIGNATURE GAME
Nov. 15 vs. Dallas
The second of his two forced fumbles — a strip-sack of Tony Romo — was immediately converted into a TD and a 17-0 lead. With the Cowboys at the 1 and trying to get back into the game, Woodson laid out for an interception that showed he has the hands of a receiver. He also had eight solo tackles — including two behind the line of scrimmage.
AGAINST THE BIG BOYS
This is the most significant gap in Woodson’s résumé. He made up for the only big gain given up to the Cowboys’ Roy Williams by stripping Williams of the ball. Calvin Johnson of the Lions was thrown to 12 times in Week 12 and had just two catches. But Woodson hasn’t faced nearly the caliber of game-changers that Revis has this season
#6
SoFlaJets
- 2005 Walk-on free agent
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Posted 16 December 2009 - 08:06 AM
Jets' Sanchez to test knee
By Dennis Waszak Jr. • The Associated Press • December 16, 2009
NEW YORK — Injured Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez will practice this week, but coach Rex Ryan is still deciding what the rookie's status will be for Sunday's game against the Falcons.
Ryan said Monday he wants to see how Sanchez and his sprained right knee get through Wednesday's practice before deciding on who will start on Sunday at the Meadowlands.
Ryan hoped to split the snaps with the first-team offense between Sanchez and backup Kellen Clemens, who started in his place in the Jets' 26-3 road victory over the Buccaneers last Sunday.
"I have confidence," Ryan said of Sanchez. "I thought he would play last week at the beginning of the week, but I was wrong. I think we made the right decision."
There were no medical setbacks, Ryan said, and the coach felt Sanchez would be able to play against Atlanta.
Sanchez didn't make the trip for the game at Tampa, Fla., so he could rehabilitate the sprained posterior collateral ligament in his right knee 10 hours a day at the Jets' practice facility.
"Those three extra days of treatment I think are going to help Mark," Ryan said. "We'll see what it's like on Wednesday."
Sanchez didn't practice last week after being injured in the win over Buffalo in Toronto on Dec. 3. He was upset by Ryan's decision — although he said he understood it.
Ryan said Sanchez spent some time Saturday at owner Woody Johnson's farm in New Jersey, "probably to get away from things.
"I think he just wanted to go shoot something," Ryan said with a big laugh, when asked what prompted that visit. "No, I don't know. To be honest, I have no idea."
On Tuesday, the Jets signed running back Chauncey Washington, who played with Sanchez at Southern California. Washington was taken from the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad.
By Dennis Waszak Jr. • The Associated Press • December 16, 2009
NEW YORK — Injured Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez will practice this week, but coach Rex Ryan is still deciding what the rookie's status will be for Sunday's game against the Falcons.
Ryan said Monday he wants to see how Sanchez and his sprained right knee get through Wednesday's practice before deciding on who will start on Sunday at the Meadowlands.
Ryan hoped to split the snaps with the first-team offense between Sanchez and backup Kellen Clemens, who started in his place in the Jets' 26-3 road victory over the Buccaneers last Sunday.
"I have confidence," Ryan said of Sanchez. "I thought he would play last week at the beginning of the week, but I was wrong. I think we made the right decision."
There were no medical setbacks, Ryan said, and the coach felt Sanchez would be able to play against Atlanta.
Sanchez didn't make the trip for the game at Tampa, Fla., so he could rehabilitate the sprained posterior collateral ligament in his right knee 10 hours a day at the Jets' practice facility.
"Those three extra days of treatment I think are going to help Mark," Ryan said. "We'll see what it's like on Wednesday."
Sanchez didn't practice last week after being injured in the win over Buffalo in Toronto on Dec. 3. He was upset by Ryan's decision — although he said he understood it.
Ryan said Sanchez spent some time Saturday at owner Woody Johnson's farm in New Jersey, "probably to get away from things.
"I think he just wanted to go shoot something," Ryan said with a big laugh, when asked what prompted that visit. "No, I don't know. To be honest, I have no idea."
On Tuesday, the Jets signed running back Chauncey Washington, who played with Sanchez at Southern California. Washington was taken from the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad.
#7
SoFlaJets
- 2005 Walk-on free agent
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Posted 16 December 2009 - 09:01 AM
Where's AFC East in Pro Bowl balloting?
December, 15, 2009 By Tim Graham
The NFL on Tuesday released the leading Pro Bowl candidates by position in each conference, but where do various AFC East players rank?
With a week of fan voting left, let's take a look at where AFC East players rank within the conference. The fan vote comprises one-third of the selection process. The coaches and players submit their choices next week. Pro Bowl rosters will be announced Dec. 29.
Quarterback
2. Tom Brady, Patriots (622,916)
Comment: He's the only AFC East player in the top 10 of overall voting. Brady has the fourth-most votes of any quarterback behind Drew Brees, Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.
Running back
None.
Comment: Ronnie Brown generated some votes early in the process, but now that he's done for the year, he has fallen out of the top five. I'm surprised Ricky Williams or Thomas Jones isn't on the list. Williams is 25 yards from another 1,000-yard season, and Jones is carrying the Jets' offense.
Fullback
3. Sammy Morris, Patriots (77,663)
5. Tony Richardson, Jets (70,183)
Comment: Ravens back Le'Ron McClain is way ahead with 160,915 votes.
Wide receiver
3. Randy Moss, Patriots (522,035)
5. Wes Welker, Patriots (313,641)
Comment: How in the world Welker isn't higher, I have no clue. The guy only leads the NFL in receptions, is second in yards and is incredibly fun to watch. Other than that, he offers nothing.
Tight end
None.
Comment: No AFC East tight end deserves to be in the top five.
Center
5. Dan Koppen (124,727)
Comment: Jets center Nick Mangold is elite, but he somehow doesn't rate among the fans. Colts center Jeff Saturday is winning a landslide with 448,406 votes.
Guard
1. Alan Faneca, Jets (232,097)
5. Logan Mankins, Patriots (104,836)
Comment: Faneca has gone to eight straight Pro Bowls and appears to be headed to another.
Tackle
1. Jake Long, Dolphins (214,924)
2. Matt Light, Patriots (152,749)
Comment: Long is comfortably ahead of the rest of the field. No sign of D'Brickashaw Ferguson despite Rex Ryan's declarations he and Long are the best in the NFL.
Defensive end
None.
Comment: Ex-Patriots star Richard Seymour is fourth with 127,258 votes, but Colts sackmaster Dwight Freeney won't be caught. Freeney has 416,693 votes so far.
Defensive tackle
1. Vince Wilfork, Patriots (221,195)
Comment: Wilfork is leading a tight race over Casey Hampton of the Steelers (about 5,500 votes separating).
Outside linebacker
5. Joey Porter, Dolphins (136,022)
Comment: James Harrison of the Steelers is in first place, well ahead of Broncos star Elvis Dumervil.
Inside linebacker
3. Jerod Mayo, Patriots (98,601)
Comment: Jets linebacker Bart Scott was in the top five but dropped out. Strange that only one member of the NFL's top-rated defense is in the top five at any position.
Cornerback
3. Darrelle Revis, Jets (188,824)
Comment: Revis might be having the best season of any cornerback, but Broncos veteran Champ Bailey is the people's choice with an insurmountable 344,646 votes. Former Patriot Asante Samuel leads the NFC with 258,751.
Strong safety
3. Brandon Meriweather, Patriots (71,986)
Comment: Steelers icon Troy Polamalu, what with all that hair and the Head & Shoulders commercials, is winning the popularity contest by a heavy-duty margin.
Free safety
None.
Comment: Bills rookie Jairus Byrd, with eight interceptions, isn't on the ballot because he wasn't a starter when it was compiled. Bills fans need to submit more write-in votes.
Kicker
2. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (90,087)
Comment: Gostkowski is too far behind former Patriot Adam Vinatieri. The injured Colts kicker is leading the way with 143,299 votes.
Punter
5. Chris Hanson, Patriots (50,839)
Comment: Raiders punter Shane Lechler has twice as many votes as Hanson. The Bills' Brian Moorman, one of the NFL's top three or four punters, isn't in the AFC's top five.
Kick returner
4. Wes Welker, Patriots (76,324)
Comment: Darren Sproles has separated from Joshua Cribbs and Eddie Royal and has twice as many votes as Welker.
Special teamer
None.
Comment: Patriots receiver Sam Aiken was in the top five for a second or two, but has dropped out.
December, 15, 2009 By Tim Graham
The NFL on Tuesday released the leading Pro Bowl candidates by position in each conference, but where do various AFC East players rank?
With a week of fan voting left, let's take a look at where AFC East players rank within the conference. The fan vote comprises one-third of the selection process. The coaches and players submit their choices next week. Pro Bowl rosters will be announced Dec. 29.
Quarterback
2. Tom Brady, Patriots (622,916)
Comment: He's the only AFC East player in the top 10 of overall voting. Brady has the fourth-most votes of any quarterback behind Drew Brees, Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.
Running back
None.
Comment: Ronnie Brown generated some votes early in the process, but now that he's done for the year, he has fallen out of the top five. I'm surprised Ricky Williams or Thomas Jones isn't on the list. Williams is 25 yards from another 1,000-yard season, and Jones is carrying the Jets' offense.
Fullback
3. Sammy Morris, Patriots (77,663)
5. Tony Richardson, Jets (70,183)
Comment: Ravens back Le'Ron McClain is way ahead with 160,915 votes.
Wide receiver
3. Randy Moss, Patriots (522,035)
5. Wes Welker, Patriots (313,641)
Comment: How in the world Welker isn't higher, I have no clue. The guy only leads the NFL in receptions, is second in yards and is incredibly fun to watch. Other than that, he offers nothing.
Tight end
None.
Comment: No AFC East tight end deserves to be in the top five.
Center
5. Dan Koppen (124,727)
Comment: Jets center Nick Mangold is elite, but he somehow doesn't rate among the fans. Colts center Jeff Saturday is winning a landslide with 448,406 votes.
Guard
1. Alan Faneca, Jets (232,097)
5. Logan Mankins, Patriots (104,836)
Comment: Faneca has gone to eight straight Pro Bowls and appears to be headed to another.
Tackle
1. Jake Long, Dolphins (214,924)
2. Matt Light, Patriots (152,749)
Comment: Long is comfortably ahead of the rest of the field. No sign of D'Brickashaw Ferguson despite Rex Ryan's declarations he and Long are the best in the NFL.
Defensive end
None.
Comment: Ex-Patriots star Richard Seymour is fourth with 127,258 votes, but Colts sackmaster Dwight Freeney won't be caught. Freeney has 416,693 votes so far.
Defensive tackle
1. Vince Wilfork, Patriots (221,195)
Comment: Wilfork is leading a tight race over Casey Hampton of the Steelers (about 5,500 votes separating).
Outside linebacker
5. Joey Porter, Dolphins (136,022)
Comment: James Harrison of the Steelers is in first place, well ahead of Broncos star Elvis Dumervil.
Inside linebacker
3. Jerod Mayo, Patriots (98,601)
Comment: Jets linebacker Bart Scott was in the top five but dropped out. Strange that only one member of the NFL's top-rated defense is in the top five at any position.
Cornerback
3. Darrelle Revis, Jets (188,824)
Comment: Revis might be having the best season of any cornerback, but Broncos veteran Champ Bailey is the people's choice with an insurmountable 344,646 votes. Former Patriot Asante Samuel leads the NFC with 258,751.
Strong safety
3. Brandon Meriweather, Patriots (71,986)
Comment: Steelers icon Troy Polamalu, what with all that hair and the Head & Shoulders commercials, is winning the popularity contest by a heavy-duty margin.
Free safety
None.
Comment: Bills rookie Jairus Byrd, with eight interceptions, isn't on the ballot because he wasn't a starter when it was compiled. Bills fans need to submit more write-in votes.
Kicker
2. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (90,087)
Comment: Gostkowski is too far behind former Patriot Adam Vinatieri. The injured Colts kicker is leading the way with 143,299 votes.
Punter
5. Chris Hanson, Patriots (50,839)
Comment: Raiders punter Shane Lechler has twice as many votes as Hanson. The Bills' Brian Moorman, one of the NFL's top three or four punters, isn't in the AFC's top five.
Kick returner
4. Wes Welker, Patriots (76,324)
Comment: Darren Sproles has separated from Joshua Cribbs and Eddie Royal and has twice as many votes as Welker.
Special teamer
None.
Comment: Patriots receiver Sam Aiken was in the top five for a second or two, but has dropped out.
#8
Sperm Edwards
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Posted 16 December 2009 - 09:16 AM
Thanks for posting these, SFJ.
JetNation
The embodiment of tolerance and class.
The embodiment of tolerance and class.
#9
SoFlaJets
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Posted 16 December 2009 - 09:17 AM
Sperm Edwards said:
Thanks for posting these, SFJ.
Ithink I'm gonna post a link to the pro bowl voting just to right a wrong being done out there to Revis...friggin Champ Bailey???? seriously?
#11
Klecko73isGod
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Posted 16 December 2009 - 09:55 AM
SoFlaJets said:
Ithink I'm gonna post a link to the pro bowl voting just to right a wrong being done out there to Revis...friggin Champ Bailey???? seriously?
That article about the Pro Bowl balloting pretty much proves that the vast majority of fans just really have no ****ing clue what they are watching on Sundays.
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A RYAN ALWAYS SAUSAGES HIS FROSTED FLAKES
#14
flgreen
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Posted 16 December 2009 - 10:26 AM
Klecko73isGod said:
That article about the Pro Bowl balloting pretty much proves that the vast majority of fans just really have no ****ing clue what they are watching on Sundays.
Laughing
Your right. Just looking at the Jets, IMO Faneca is our weakest OL, and he is picked #1 by the fans.
No Thomas Jones? Only one player on the defense?
Wow, what are they watching?
#15
Bleedin Green
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Posted 16 December 2009 - 10:30 AM
SoFlaJets said:
Ithink I'm gonna post a link to the pro bowl voting just to right a wrong being done out there to Revis...friggin Champ Bailey???? seriously?
That article tells me one thing that I really already knew: the average NFL fan doesn't know ****. This isn't even just about Jets players, but just overall. Its just a ton of voting for whatever name you've actually heard of before. Thank God the players and coaches have a say.
#16
Bleedin Green
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Posted 16 December 2009 - 10:32 AM
Klecko73isGod said:
That article about the Pro Bowl balloting pretty much proves that the vast majority of fans just really have no ****ing clue what they are watching on Sundays.
Aw man, I just agreed with Klecko on something. Crap.
#17
aec4
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Posted 16 December 2009 - 11:13 AM
Klecko73isGod said:
That article about the Pro Bowl balloting pretty much proves that the vast majority of fans just really have no ****ing clue what they are watching on Sundays.
While I agree with your assessment, I see pro bowl balloting differently. (I don't think the fans should vote, to be honest, but that's another story.) Fans vote for who they want to see.. not necessarily the best at a position. In other words, it's a popularity contest.
I personally hope all of our team gets voted in (although it seems like noone will) or gets selected, but NONE OF THEM play. Why? That probably means we're in the Super Bowl the following week.
#18
Klecko73isGod
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Posted 16 December 2009 - 11:19 AM
aec4 said:
While I agree with your assessment, I see pro bowl balloting differently. (I don't think the fans should vote, to be honest, but that's another story.) Fans vote for who they want to see.. not necessarily the best at a position. In other words, it's a popularity contest.
I personally hope all of our team gets voted in (although it seems like noone will) or gets selected, but NONE OF THEM play. Why? That probably means we're in the Super Bowl the following week.
I personally hope all of our team gets voted in (although it seems like noone will) or gets selected, but NONE OF THEM play. Why? That probably means we're in the Super Bowl the following week.
The fan vote does not determine the rosters for the Pro Bowl, if it did, the NFC's entire starting roster last year would have been Washington Redskins.
The fan vote counts for about 10-15% of the final roster determination. The starters are primarily determined by GMs, coaches and players.
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