Midseason Report Card

Wednesday November 4, 2009 11:19 AM By Roderick Boone

They were the toast of the town and the darlings of the NFL, though it seems like light years ago after their recent struggles.

When the Jets got off to that roaring 3-0 start, Mark Sanchez was the steal of the draft who was playing more like a veteran than a rookie and Rex Ryan's brash confidence was considered an asset, not a detriment.

But after dropping four of their last five to head into this week's bye at 4-4, the whispers about Sanchez's arm strength, the size of his hands and his level of readiness have become more prevalent. Ryan all of a sudden didn't know what he's doing, is too cocky and should be taking a more hands-on approach with the offense and special teams, not just leaving his fingerprints on the defense.

This kind of roller-coaster ride probably would make the folks at Six Flags Great Adventure stand up and take notice. It's certainly been an interesting first eight weeks of the 2009 campaign for the Jets.

OFFENSE B-

They are in the middle of the pack in the NFL in overall offense, ranking 16th with their 342.1-yards-per-game average. But the Jets are tops in rushing, gobbling up 177.3 yards per contest, and Thomas Jones is fifth in the league with 704 yards. Mark Sanchez became the first rookie quarterback to open the season with three straight wins but has been up and down, though he's shown bounce-back ability. Braylon Edwards has been a nice addition with 13 catches for 192 yards and two TDs in his four games as a Jet, and Jerricho Cotchery showed he can be a No. 1 receiver. They still have to find a way to get tight end Dustin Keller more involved, which was finally the case Sunday when he was targeted a team-high 13 times and had eight catches. As for the guys up front, the number of pre-snap penalties needs to be curtailed; the offensive line is getting flagged a bit too often for false starts and illegal shifts.

DEFENSE B+

With the exception of giving up the lead three times in the fourth quarter against the Dolphins in the Monday night game in Miami, the defense has played well for the most part. It is No. 2 in the league in yards allowed at 273.4 per game and is fourth against the pass, yielding 165.2 a game. It has given up only seven touchdowns in eight games. After recording only four sacks through the first five games, it picked it up with 10 in its last three. Darrelle Revis, who has two interceptions, continues to be a shutdown cornerback and has locked up some of the league's elite receivers. The inside linebacker duo of Bart Scott and David Harris already has totaled 81 solo tackles and 4.5 sacks. The Jets lost their big man in the middle when Kris Jenkins went out for the season with a torn right ACL, but Sione Pouha and Howard Green have helped fill the void.

SPECIAL TEAMS C

The cold, hard truth is Mike Westhoff's unit has cost the Jets two games. Punter Steve Weatherford's botched hold in overtime against the Bills was a crusher and ultimately convinced Westhoff to go with backup quarterback Kellen Clemens as the new holder. They also didn't get the job done Sunday, letting Ted Ginn Jr. return kickoffs 100 and 101 yards in a game in which the defense held Miami to 104 total offensive yards. Weatherford's punts, which average 41.5 yards, have been adequate and 13 of his 53 punts have been downed inside the 20. Jay Feely is money, making 13 of 15 field-goal attempts. Losing dynamic kick returner Leon Washington for the season with a broken right leg is a big blow and it remains to be seen how well Justin Miller fares. He didn't show a lot of explosiveness in his first game back as a Jet Sunday.

COACHING C+

Rex Ryan has made some good choices, in particular naming Mark Sanchez the starter, and they're finally getting to his "ground and pound" approach. But the tough-talking first-time head coach has to get better at his decision-making and needs to utilize his timeouts better. He sometimes shows too much confidence in his defense and goes with his gut rather than playing the percentages, especially in end-of-game management. Still, the Jets have taken on Ryan's outgoing personality and he's certainly changed the environment around the franchise.

Something tells me you'll need to buckle up during these last eight weeks of the regular season because there are surely going to be a few more bumps along the way as the Jets attempt to end their two-year playoff drought. We'll be keeping tabs the whole way of course, so don't forget to stay locked in on The Boone Docks -- where we'll host a Live Chat here at noon tomorrow -- and with us on Twitter at twitter.com/rodboone.

Cotchery Anxious To Get Back...

Friday October 30, 2009 5:16 PM By Kimberley A. Martin

After weeks of being a spectator, WR Jerricho Cotchery is game-ready again...

Cotchery, who's been hampered by a hamstring since the Braylon Edwards trade earlier this month, will finally get his chance to flash his stuff in Sunday's rematch against the Miami Dolphins.

"I can't wait to see that happen," said Jets coach Rex Ryan. "He was having a great year for us before the injury. He was having a terrific year for us, so hopefully we can get him back on track.

"I know (Mark) Sanchez and him really seemed to be on fire there together, so hopefully they don't miss a beat when he comes back."

Said Cotchery: “Watching from the sidelines while those guys go to work, wasn’t fun at all. So it’ll be fun to finally go out there and help them win the game on Sunday.

"It’s going to be like a first game for me all over again. I’m looking forward to it."

WR Brad Smith (quad) will also play this weekend said Ryan.

The Jets' 31-27 road loss to the Dolphins three weeks ago was tough to swallow, especially for the defense. But Cotchery said the entire team failed to get the job done on MNF and is looking forward to some payback.

"This is going to be a good opportunity for us," he said. "They’re coming in here and we have a good chance to go 5-3. We didn’t play our best ball the first time around against them, so we’ve got to make sure we’re locked in and put forth our best effort."

******

In other injury-type news: CB Lito Sheppard (quad) will not play due this weekend. Everyone else, according to Ryan, is expected to play

LB David Harris (wrist), G Brandon Moore (foot), CB Donald Strickland (ankle), LB Bryan Thomas (wrist) and OL Damien Woody (foot) fully participated in practice and are listed as probable.

Cotchery, Smith, WR David Clowney (ankle), DE Shaun Ellis (knee/ankle) and LB Bart Scott (knee) were limited in practice and listed as questionable.

The Reinforcements

Thursday October 29, 2009 5:33 PM By Roderick Boone

After getting gnawed at by the injury bug over the last month or so, it appears as if the Jets are finally getting healthy. And just in time for Armageddon three days from now.

Everyone who's been banged up is practicing once again, including the trio of players who sat out yesterday's session: WR David Clowney (ankle), RG Brandon Moore (foot) and CB Lito Sheppard (quad).

That means the Jets should have their full compliment of players when they tackle the Dolphins at the Meadowlands, save possibly for Sheppard. Rex Ryan still isn't convinced Lito will be be able to go, although he wasn't as definitive today as he was yesterday that Sheppard would be out. Ryan said Sheppard is somewhere between questionable and doubtful.

But even if Sheppard can't play, the Jets will be more than happy to welcome back WRs Jerricho Cotchery (hamstring) and Brad Smith (quad). With both expected to play, it should give the Jets their first real healthy look at their complete wide receiving corps since they traded for Braylon Edwards. Remember, Cotchery came up gimpy in Edwards' first practice on Oct. 8, the day after the Jets landed the big wide receiver in a trade with the Browns.

"That'll be good to see," Ryan said. "I really will be. I think that's going to us a heck of a receiving core. Obviously when got Braylon that really upgraded that receiving core because I really believe you have two No. 1 receivers now with Jerricho, obviously, and with Braylon. Then you've got an emerging guy in David Clowney coming as well. And then you have the multi-dimensional Brad Smith, and then you have Wallace Wright. I think that's an excellent group."

Clowney could get lost in the mix somewhat with the return of Cotchery and Smith. But Ryan said the second-year receiver, aka "Who Can Cover the Clown," remains in the good graces of the staff because they feel he has a better grasp of things. So as for the potential lack of opportunities for The Clown ... 

"I don't think that's going to happen any more," Ryan said. "I think there's a lot of trust now. Our coaches believe that he's going to be where he's supposed to be. David is getting the mental part down. Obviously, he has the physical tools. David gives you a weapon that if you just want to play man free coverage or a single high safety, then he can blow the roof off it. He's proven that. That's going to help us"

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LB Calvin Pace had some pretty harsh words in the aftermath of the Jets' 31-27 meltdown, calling the Wildcat "gimmicky." It was Pace's first game back from his four-game suspension and he was none too pleased with what transpired in the game.

He kind of admitted today he let his feelings get the best of him, though he didn't necessarily backtrack.

"Emotion, embarrassment," Pace said. "When you go out on any game, especially Monday night, a division game, the level the defense played before I got back, it really wasn't good enough. We didn't get off blocks, didn't make tackles. For whatever reason, we just looked rattled. I think we lost a lot of our poise in that game. As bad as we did, we still had our chance. All we had to do was kind of pull it together, especially that last drive -- find a way to get off the field and we didn't do that."

Pace lit into Dolphins rookie QB Chad Henne after the game. "Against a second-year clown quarterback, we didn’t affect him enough," he said in the quiet Jets' locker room inside Land Shark Stadium. "I guess you have to give him credit. The defense lost the game today."

Henne, who was making his second career start, had a big hand in things that night, completing 20-of-26 attempts for 241 yards and two touchdowns and finishing with a QB rating of 130.4. But there's a reason he was so successful if you ask Pace.

"The fact of the matter, when you have third-and-3, third-and-4, it's not an extremely difficult position to be in," Pace said. "When you think about it, you can check the ball down for 3 yards and when you've got two big running backs, they can fall forward for a yard and start the series right back over. What we have to do is make it third-and-long, so then they've got to go down the field a little bit. We have options. This is what they've been doing all year to people, running the first couple of downs, get seven yards. It's manageable."

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Had a lump in your throat when P Steve Weatherford took off on fourth-and-7 from just inside the Jets' 20-yard line near the end of the first quarter Sunday?

You weren't the only one.

Special teams coach/guru Mike Westhoff said the punt team has "alert" reads it looks at to see if a fake can be executed. But even he had no clue Weatherford was going to dart on his daring run. Unlike the two fake punts the Jets had against the Dolphins in their meeting a little over two weeks ago, this wasn't called by Westhoff.

It was strictly on Weatherford, who's become king of fake punts all of the sudden.

"At first, I wasn't happy," Westhoff said. "I was like, 'What are you doing?' When I took that step, he said, I could just in my peripheral vision, they were just running. They just took off and ran. And instinctively because of the alert, he ran. Now normally, we'd punt the football."  

Weatherford may be fleet of foot, but his hands aren't as consistent as Westhoff would like and that's part of the reason they pulled the plug on him holding on field goals and extra-point attempts and went with QB Kellen Clemens instead.

Clemens' hands are a bit steadier and Westhoff decided to give the fourth-year QB his shot.

"We want to get our best 11 on the field every single chance we get," Westhoff said. "And Kellen deserves a chance to be involved just like everybody else."

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WR Danny Woodhead is slowly grasping things after making the position change from running back. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was complimentary of the fan favorite and said he'll eventually get more work.

Maybe even sooner than we think.

"The good thing about Danny is he is really bright and he can really do both roles, which is a good thing for him and for us," Schottenheimer said. "You can be a little light at one position for a week or two, then have a guy for it. He had a couple of good runs there at the end. He had a great block on Shonn Greene’s late touchdown run late in the game on third-and-seven. He was in the back side and we call it convoy blocking. He came and got all the way to the safety, Michael Huff, and covered him up and Shonn cut back behind him.

"He’s absolutely got a role. He’s going to play and he’ll be involved. You guys obviously won’t know until you see him lined up, but he can do different things."

**********************************************************************************

Doesn't look like Dolphins OLB Jason Taylor is shedding any tears about this potentially being his final game at Giants Stadium. Barring a playoff meeting, this is the 'Fins final trek to stadium that's making way for the $1.4 billion new edifice a Hail Mary away.

Taylor isn't getting too nostalgic, however.

“Nah," he said, "they can turn it into a parking lot for all I care.”

**********************************************************************************

As usual, Kimberley (K-Mart) Martin covers for me tomorrow. She'll update you with all the injury info and any news of the day.

Braylon speaks

Wednesday October 28, 2009 3:51 PM By Roderick Boone

Well sort of.

Braylon Edwards spoke for the first time since he was officially charged with misdemeanor assault on Monday in Cleveland, but didn't say much about his legal situation just as you would expect.

Edwards allegedly punched LeBron James' friend Edward Givens, who's a club promoter, outside a Cleveland night club in the wee hours of Oct. 5. If he's convicted, Edwards could face six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. His arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 17.

"I have lawyers for that, and that’s their job to take care of that," Edwards said when asked about the charges. "That's what they're doing. It’ll be handled the proper way and whenever it’s handled, it’s handled. Right now, I’m focusing on football. That’s what I’m here to do. Those people can take care of that and I can focus on helping this team out."

Edwards, who could face punishment from commissioner Roger Goodell depending on what the league finds out when it looks into the matter, also said he isn't concerned with getting suspended at the moment.

"I’m not worried about anything. I’m just focusing on the game plan, the Miami Dolphins and whatever happens happens," he said. "There’s nothing I can do. All I can do is let my lawyers work the situation. Right now, I’m still on the Jets, and I’m working hard to beat the Dolphins this week."

Asked directly if he threw the punch, Edwards said: "It's still a legal matter. It's still pending. We’ll see what happens with that."

JCo & Smith Are No-Gos...Again.

Friday October 23, 2009 1:10 PM By Kimberley A. Martin

For the second straight week, wide receivers Jerricho Cotchery Brad Smith will not be able to play, said coach Rex Ryan.

CB Lito Sheppard is also ruled out for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders.

JCo is still hampered by a hamstring injury and Smith (quad) may be two weeks away from being game-ready."

Said Rex: "I was hoping Jerricho was going to be able to do it. (But) To make that trip all the way out there...

"We feel it's best he stays back and rehabs. We'll hopefully get him back 100 percent for next week."

WR David Clowney will replace him in the starting lineup.

Added Rex: "As far as Lito, we have to push himm out of this building at night. He's trying to do everything he can. He's just not ready.

"Brad is better. I thought Brad was less likely to play than Jerricho and I'm not sure he'll be able to play next week."

CB Donald Strickland (ankle) and T Damien Woody (knee and foot) are questionable for Sunday, though Rex said he thinks both will play...

WR Braylon Edwards (quad), DE Shaun Ellis (knee), LB David Harris (wrist), LB Larry Izzo (hamstring), LB Marques Murrell (head), S Kerry Rhodes (knee), LB Bryan Thomas (wrist) and WR Wallace Wright (knee) are all probable.

(above, WR Brad Smith runs through drills during the Jets training camp.)

J-Co, Smith return in a ho-hum practice

Wednesday October 21, 2009 4:53 PM By Roderick Boone

After having two days to stew over the unfathomable loss to the Bills at the Meadowlands, the Jets hit the practice field out here at The Hangar today, looking to get back to work and prepare for their Sunday date with the Raiders in Oakland.

As practices go, footage of today's session likely won't be bronzed and kept in a trophy case somewhere if you ask Rex Ryan.

"It just felt a little off today," he said. "It wasn't that the energy wasn't there, it just never seemed dead on. But that's OK because the last few weeks, it seems like it's been dead on. So we'll see if that's a good thing."

Here's a good thing for the Jets: two of their walking wounded practiced somewhat today, although not totally.

WRs Jerricho Cotchery (hamstring) and Brad Smith (quad) didn't do a whole lot in practice, but were on the field and not on the stationary bikes, which shows each is improving somewhat. Cotchery seemed encouraged by his progress and appeared to be moving well during our 40-minute window, as was Smith.

So will J-Co be able to play Sunday?

"It’s probably too early to tell," Cotchery said. "But I know today was a good step for me. So I’m just trying to continue to get better with this thing."

Cotchery was bothered he saw his offense struggling mightily in the passing game Sunday, yet he had that helpless feeling knowing he wasn't able to contribute in any other way than serving as the head cheerleader.

"It was tough to watch and you have to sit there and watch it," he said. "You are not in position to do anything about it, just sit there and watch what’s going on and not be able to help the team. That's tough to sit there and watch. So that’s why my main focus right now is just trying to get as healthy as possible, so I can get back out there and help us win some games."

If Cotchery does play this week, it would continue the maddening game of addition and subtraction the Jets seem to be unwillingly playing over these last few weeks.

CB Lito Sheppard apparently had a setback Sunday with his quad. He got pulled out in the fourth quarter because the staff didn't think he was moving around well, and it doesn't look like it's healing so far. That means there's a real good chance Sheppard will sit out his fourth game.

Said Ryan: "I don't feel confident that he'll be playing this week."

The same can't be said about CB Donald Strickland. He's been out for a month with a high right ankle sprain and he's champing at the bit to get back out there and add a little more hard-hitting funk to the defense.

"Today was a good day," he told me. "I went out there and probably felt about 85 percent. But I think as the week goes on, I'll have more confidence in it."

Speaking of confidence, the Jets say they still have it despite the happenings over the last three weeks. They've been grounded a bit as the bandwagon slowly unloads, and there's only one thing that's going to cure their ills.

"This team," Ryan said, "we're in need of a win bad."

*************************************************************************

As for other injuries, RT Damien Woody didn't practice because of a foot and now a knee injury. LB Marques Murrell practiced, but was limited with a possible concussion.

Shaun Ellis (knee) was also limited.

*************************************************************************

Rookie QB Mark Sanchez was probably the happiest guy of all to hit the practice field today. He's obviously coming off that killer five-interception performance accompanied by a 8.3 quarterback rating and vowed the debacle is already behind him.

"Life goes on," he said. "You've got to move on for the sake of my team and for the sake of myself. You've got to bounce back and we're already into practice now. So I was just happy to get back out on the field."

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Saw a spectacular grab in practice by Braylon Edwards. He made an unbelievable one-handed catch on a Kellen Clemens pass with his left hand, almost vacuuming in the ball like his hands were made of suction cups. It was a thing of beauty.

He's on the daily injury report for the first time as a Jet with a quad injury and was limited in practice. But it's really because he's been getting treatment on it.

Expect him to play Sunday.

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We spoke with DE Richard Seymour, the former Patriot, on a conference call. He had some interesting things to say, such as when he was asked about what he thought Rex meant when he said he was going to simplify things for the rookie QB. 

"I translate that into running the football," Seymour said with a laugh. "When you look at it, why not?"

Then there was this zinger thrown at Giants LB Antonio Pierce, who said after the Giants clobbered the Raiders 44-7 two Sundays ago that the game was more like a scrimmage.

Seymour's response? 

"To be honest, I could really care less about what that guy said," Seymour said. "I think they got what they deserved this week. I’m not sure how many points the Saints scored on them, but if  I‘m not mistaken it was half a hundred points. So I think he got enough to chew on himself with that."

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We caught up with DB James Ihedigbo, who had that silly unsportsmanlike penalty on the opening kickoff of overtime that backed the Jets up 14 yards. He threw an elbow at the Bills' Derek Fine -- Murrell also appeared to take a shot at him prior to Ihedigbo -- and Ryan indicated Monday that Ihedigbo could be facing some disciplinary action from the team.

Well, turns out Ihedigbo and Murrell were fined $5,000 each by the league and the plan is for them to be inactive and not travel with the team to Oakland.

After reviewing the play in film study, Ihedigbo, who we spoke to before we learned of the fines, said he was a bit taken aback at what he did.

"I just looked at it like, 'Whoa, did I really do that?' " Ihedigbo said. "It's uncharacteristic for me as a person to even attempt to do something like that. So I lost my cool for a split second. That happens in a game, especially in overtime when it's a heated situation and we're trying to get the score to win. That stuff, it happens and you've got to learn from it and move forward."

*************************************************************************

Rex reiterated he isn't about to change from his blunt, confident approach even with his team's struggles. That's good news to the players, who take their cue from their playful, trash-talking coach. 

"It's great, everything trickles downhill," LG Alan Faneca said. "So if you start sending the, 'Oh - - - - here we are, here we go' kind of mentality or you start tweaking and changing things and running around like a chicken with your head cut off, that's when it's not good."

Braylon: No problem with LeBron

Saturday October 17, 2009 11:00 PM By Roderick Boone

LeBron James called Braylon Edwards out last week after an alleged incident outside a Cleveland nightclub, saying he believes the wide receiver is jealous of him and some of his associates. But Braylon Edwards says he doesn't have a problem with the Cavaliers superstar, despite what James may think.

"I've never crossed paths with Braylon before but it seems like there is a little jealously going on with Braylon and me and my friends," James told the Cleveland Plain Dealer last week. "I have no idea why. I've never said anything to Braylon at all. For him to do that I think is very childish. My friend is 130 pounds. Seriously, it is like hitting one of my kids or something like that. It doesn't make sense, but the right people will take care of it."

But Edwards, who had only previously publicly addressed the notion he doesn’t like James by disputing the claim with a post on his Twitter page, said he has no issues with the NBA’s reigning MVP.

“There was never anything with him, never will be anything with him,” Edwards told me. “I have nothing but respect for him. He’s a great player and we don’t even play the same sport.”

So why does King James have that perception of Edwards being envious of him?

“Beats me,” Edwards said. “I try to stay away from it because to me it’s not that important. I’m focusing on more important things, which is the Jets winning, getting on the same page with my quarterback. So I pay that no attention. I’ve said what I’m going to say and I’m not going to go above and beyond to try to say anything else.

“It is what it is.”

Will the Jets get back in the mix here in Week Six?

Saturday October 17, 2009 4:04 PM By Roderick Boone

Does anyone out there think they realistically won't with the Buffalo Bills coming into town?

After two straight losses and that, of coures, includes Monday's gut-wrenching defeat to the Dolphins in Miami, the Jets were ready to play this game two days ago. The guys on defense are especially eager for tomorrow's 4:15 p.m. kickoff at the Meadowlands.

“It’s time to go to work,” LB Bart Scott said in what was probably the quote of the week. “I can’t wait to hit somebody. I can’t wait to step out there and see somebody in another jersey so all this pain and all this embarrassment that I’m feeling, I can inflict it on someone else.”

So here come the 1-4 Bills, who should provide the Jets with exactly they need to get that nasty South Florida taste out of their mouths: a reeling team that's in complete shambles to pound into submission. But don't expect Terrell Owens & Co. to completely lay down.

They're coming in believing they can actually pull out a win, despite everything that's working against them. Their coach is on the hot seat, their offensive line is inexperienced and has been Scotch taped together because of all the injuries they've suffered, their offense stinks and they can't stop the run on defense.

Apparently, none of that matters. On any given Sunday, right?

"Obviously every opportunity that we have on Sunday, we have the opportunity to go out there and win a ball game, and this is no different for us," Owens said. "They just had a game Monday night so hopefully we can take advantage of that, with the lack of rest. Other than that, we’re still upbeat."

Of course, tomorrow also serves as the home debut for Braylon Edwards. He immediately added the big-play capability we had been talking about when the Jets acquired him, reeling in five passes for 64 yards and a TD on Monday night. He's excited about playing in front of his new home fans for the first time.

"I’m really looking forward to it, man," he told me. "I can't wait to go out there and feel the energy. I have a feeling it’s going to be a good game for us as a team. I have a good feeling the fans are going to show a lot of love. So I really just want to go out there and play well for them. It should be fun, though. I’m going to go out and play loose, play relaxed and let it go."

Edwards won't be the only one playing loose. With two tough games to put behind them, the Jets will be all over the Bills in this one. They are embarking on a stretch of three games before their Nov. 8 bye that should all be winnable, beginning with tomorrow's contest and then continuing against in Oakland next weekend before their Nov. 1 rematch with the Dolphins at the Meadowlands.

Even on an expected raw, dreary day without WRs Jerricho Cotchery and Brad Smith -- David Clowney and Wallace Wright should be able to step in perfectly fine -- the Jets will have more than enough to get the job done. I even believe they'll finally get their sporadic ground game going against the Bills, who have the 29th worst rushing defense in the league.

Jets 20, Bills 6.

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All right, time for the good stuff and to unveil this week's picks.

We'll start with straight up record first. I've been on a pretty good run over lately, following up a mediocre 9-7 record in Week Three by going 11-3 and 9-5 over these last two weeks. In all, I'm 53-13 in picking games straight up.

As for the always-tougher picking against the spread, I finally got tripped up in my Best Bets last week when Pittsburgh didn't take care of business versus the Lions.

Here's the standings through the first five weeks of our panel of 'experts' and the Best Bets record is in parentheses.

Tom Rock 47-28-1 (4-1)

Bob Glauber 42-33-1 (2-3)

Yours truly 39-36-1 (4-1)

Ed McNamara 38-37-1 (1-4)

Washington (+6.5) over Kansas City, 'Skins straight up; Houston (-5) over Cincinnati, H'Town straight up; Pittsburgh (+14) over Cleveland, Steelers straight up; Baltimore (-3) over Minnesota, B'More straight up; Jacksonville (+9.5) over St. Louis, Jax straight up; New Orleans (+3) over Giants, Saints straight up; Carolina (+3.5) over Tampa Bay; Carolina straight up; Green Bay (+13.5) over Detroit, Pack straight up; Philadelphia (+14) over Oakland (BEST BET), Who do you think?; Seattle (+3) over Arizona, 'Hawks straight up; New England (+9.5) over Tennessee, Pats straight up; Chicago (-3.5) over Atlanta, Bears straight up; San Diego (+3.5) over Denver, Bolts straight up.

Enjoy the games.

Live chat with Rod Boone

Thursday October 15, 2009 9:44 AM By Mike Rose

Rod Boone talks Jets today in a live chat at 1 p.m. Whatever the topic -- the Bills, the two-game losing streak, Braylon Edwards, Mark Sanchez, the defense -- Rod has the answers.

Back to work at The Hangar

Wednesday October 14, 2009 4:47 PM By Roderick Boone

They said they've officially moved on, putting the excruciating 31-27 defeat on the back burner.

The Jets are over it (kinda) and aren't thinking about the Dolphins any longer as they returned to the practice field today, looking to erase the visions of that nightmarish defensive performance.   

It's all about the hapless 1-4 Buffalo Bills, who limp into the Meadowlands Sunday with a makeshift offensive line, a coach who's on a seat that's hotter than South Florida summer day, a disgruntled they-can't-get-me-the-darn-ball Terrell Owens and ... Should we really go on?

But the Jets are focused on bouncing back and putting and end to their two-game losing skid that has people burning the skin off their knees as they jump off the bandwagon.

"I'm excited about this opportunity to get back playing in front of our fans and to try to right our ship a little bit," Rex Ryan said. "The way we are going to respond in the only way we know how, and that's by working and pulling together and get back to what got us there in the first place. And that's the enthusiasm, the passion and playing with the emotion that we quite honestly demand from each other."  

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CBs Lito Sheppard (quad) and Donald Strickland (ankle) are both making progress, and they practiced in a limited capacity today. While Strickland's status will depend on how well his ankle responds over these next three days, Sheppard definitely should play this week.

He said he actually could've played against the Dolphins (which is what I thought given how he looked in practice Thursday) but the staff wanted to give him some extra time to make sure he's totally healed.

Last thing they want is to have the injury linger.

"You obviously want to get out there as soon as you can, but you want to be smart with it," Sheppard said. "And I think that was this decision this past week. We felt Miami was probably going to be a run first team, so we didn't necessarily need me to stress it and get out there and do something crazy. So we gave it that extra day or so and I'm looking forward to getting out there this week."

I also caught up with Strickland. He and I had a laugh about the coincidental nature of him missing the last three weeks -- right after I wrote this story about him. But he's been agonizing about not being able to play, especially when he sees that the physicality he brings to the table could be the element the defense has needed over these last two games.

"I always play with passion and energy and just try to contribute the best I can," he told me. "If they can feed off of that and it excites the defense to play more aggressive and stuff, then I'm all for it. But I felt we were a little lax [against Miami] watching the game on TV and we just didn't come out and play sound defense. So we definitely have to get back to the way we were playing the first three weeks and I think we are more than capable.

"It's all about how you rise after you fall, so I think this was a chin check for us to get things back in order and get back to where we know we can play."

So exactly how did the right ankle feel?

"It feels pretty good," Strickland said. "I'm sure it will be a little sore tomorrow, but if I can overcome that, I think it should be a good week."

As for the rest of those on the injury report, WR Jerricho Cotchery's status remains in limbo, as we stated in the Q&A that ran in today's paper. He was one of three players who didn't practice today.

DE Shaun Ellis (bruised knee) and WR Brad Smith (quad) also didn't practice.

***************************************************************************

WR Braylon Edwards continues to get his shine on, even in practice. Rex gave Edwards some props, noting that he's making some spectacular grabs out there on the practice field.

"It's ridiculous," Ryan said. "Now it's like, 'Are you kidding me. Shouldn't we put a red jersey on him?' Let's not touch that guy."

Edwards told me: "I feel good. I'm going out there and working as hard as I can. I dove for a pass and guys were saying, 'Don't dive, save that for the game.' The biggest thing for me is this is still like an interview process. Although it was an OK game this past Monday, I feel like I'm still trying to prove that it was a good move bringing me here, that I belong, that I can help the team out and that's all I want to do.

"So I'm going to just go out there every day and work as hard as I can." 

***************************************************************************

Ryan mentioned on a conference call with us yesterday that he thought the scout team didn't do a great job of preparing the team last week, specifically Friday. He thought the scout team players -- with the exception of rookie LB Matt Kroul -- weren't playing at the level he would have liked.

"So we'll give him my parking spot," Ryan cracked, referring to Kroul. "He may have it for a while because he practices his tail off."

Anyway, I wonder if it was any sort of message being sent to the scout team today because guess who was pretending to be Bills DE Aaron Schobel, wearing a No. 94 jersey and all during our 40-minute window?

Go ahead, one more guess. Give up?

Ok, it was LB Vernon Gholston.

"You are just trying to give the best look you can," Gholston told me. "And for me, not only giving the look as the Bills this week, going in there as 94, but getting some work for myself. I've started a couple of games and you've got good players going up against our offensive line and starting offense. But the biggest thing is going out there and trying to give a look for those guys, getting them prepared, simulating game speed in practice."

***************************************************************************

Two quick reminders, beginning with our Live Chat at 1 p.m. tomorrow to talk all things Jets. Make sure you're here. 

The second is don't forget to follow me on Twitter.

Will everything jive in Week Five?

Sunday October 11, 2009 11:22 AM By Roderick Boone

Greetings from South Florida.

Hard to believe we are already a quarter of the way through the season, but here we are embarking on Week Five.

The Jets were finally about to have their full compliment of players, welcoming Calvin "The Gazelle" Pace back into mix following his four-game suspension. But with the addition of Pace could come a few big subtractions after some injuries to key players cropped up at the end of the week.

With WR Jerricho Cotchery's status up in the because he's nursing a hamstring injury, the availability of S Kerry Rhodes (knee) and RT Damien Woody (ankle) in question, and CBs Lito Sheppard (quad) doubtful and Donald Strickland (ankle) out, it's hard to get a true gauge at the moment of just what to expect tomorrow night.

But the Jets have been waiting to get back out there and wash that nasty taste left in their mouths following their 24-10 defeat in New Orleans a week ago. They've been champing at the bit, probably even moreso now that they have a gift to unwrap in WR Braylon Edwards, picked up Wednesday from the Browns in exchange for WR Chansi Stuckey, LB Jason Trusnik and third- and fifth-round draft picks.

Edwards gives the Jets that element the offense has been lacking, someone who draws consistent double teams to open things up for others in the offense. Besides J-Co, TE Dustin Keller and RBs Leon Washington and Thomas Jones should benefit from Edwards' arrival, as should QB Mark Sanchez. The rookie was a turnover machine last week, and having Edwards on board should surely help him in his first real start on "Monday Night Football."

This one, though, will be decided by the Jets front seven. The Dolphins have the top rushing attack in the NFL and, of course, feature the Wildcat. They were the original innovators of the suddenly sexy alignment and run an average of eight plays per game in the Wildcat. Ronnie Brown's blend of speed and power makes him a dangerous threat in the Wildcat and the Jets will have to maintain a disciplined approach if they are going to keep Brown and the 'Fins ground game under wraps.

However, don't forget that Rex Ryan's defense in Baltimore shut down the Wildcat last year and don't think he isn't salivating at showing he can put the kabosh on the trendy formation again despite changing his address.

Said Ryan: "I'm not flinching."

Neither are the Jets. They'll get their fourth win in their first five games and spoil the Dolphins' Hispanic Heritage Night party, beginning this stretch of four winnable games with a victory.

Sorry, J-Lo.

Jets 20, Dolphins 13
 
***************************************************************************
Nice rebound by the rook (me, not Sanchez) after a tough Week Three. I'm back in it and am closing the gap on the leaders. I'm also 4-0 in my Best Bets.

As usual, before we get to the actual picks we'll list the standings first. I'll pick against the spread as well as the straight up winner.

Tom Rock 38-22-1 (3-1)

Bob Glauber 36-24-1 (2-2)

Yours truly  32-28-1 (4-0)

Ed McNamara 32-28 (1-3)

Minnesota (+10.5) over St. Louis, Minny straight up; Dallas (+7.5) over Kansas City, Cowboys straight up; Carolina (+4) over Washington, Panthers straight up; Philadelphia (+15) over Tampa Bay, Birds straight up; Giants (+15.5) over Oakland, Jints straight up; Buffalo (+6) over Cleveland, Bills straight up; Baltimore (+8.5) over Cincinnati, B'More straight up; Pittsburgh (+10.5) over Detroit, Steelers straight up; Atlanta (-2.5) over San Francisco, ATL straight up; New England (+3) over Denver, Pats straight up; Arizona (+5.5) over Houston, Cards straight up; Jacksonville (-1) over Seattle, Jags straight up; Indianapolis (+4) over Tennessee, Indy straight up.

Enjoy the games and check out my story on Kris Jekins in today's paper, who contemplated retirement after 2008. Don't forget to also follow me on Twitter.
 

JCo Iffy...

Friday October 9, 2009 3:58 PM By Kimberley A. Martin

Hey folks!

Kimberley A. here, filling in for Big Boone on another Friday at the Hangar...

Not much going on, but Rex did say that there's a possibility WR Jerricho Cotchery may not play against Miami Monday night...

Cotchery (hamstring), who was limited in practice Thursday, did not practice at all today. Instead, he and CB Donald Strickland (ankle) rode the stationary bikes together...

What are the odds that in the same week the Jets trade for Braylon Edwards -- the offensive piece they were so desperately missing -- their steady go-to wideout could be sidelined?

But rest assured, there's still a chance JCo will be a-go...

"I'm not ruling him out, but he's not 100 percent," said Ryan. "There's a possibility he may not play, but I expect him to."

Should Cotchery (who was a no-show in the locker room) be unavailable against the Dolphins, expect to see David Clowney, Brad Smith and Wallace Wright filling in...

In other injury news: S Kerry Rhodes (knee), CB Lito Sheppard (quad), Damien Woody (foot), and Clowney (personal reason), were all limited in practice...

Be back in a flash!

***

Rex Quote of the Day: "The gazelle is back. He's running all over the place, embarrassing his teammates like he always does. So that's a good sign." -- on Calvin Pace's return.

Live chat with Rod Boone

Friday October 9, 2009 9:52 AM By Mike Rose

Rod Boone talks Braylon Edwards, Mark Sanchez, Rex Ryan and Channing Crowder, and much, much more today in a live chat at noon.

Braylon's ahead of the curve

Thursday October 8, 2009 5:13 PM By Roderick Boone

Braylon Edwards is already fitting right in.

Edwards played under Rob Chudzinski in Cleveland, where he was the offensive coordinator before he was canned along with Romeo Crennel. Chudzinski was a part of the same San Diego staff that Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was on, serving as the tight end coach.

Plus, Browns current offensive coordinator Brian Daboll was the Jets quarterbacks coach last season before leaving to be on Eric Mangini's staff, and Daboll is running mostly the same offense the Jets are employing. (Of course, there's been much different results for a number of reasons, but we won't get into that.)

So that's why Edwards is almost in the best possible situation he can be in. Despite having only three practices before his first game in Jets' garb against the Dolphins on "Monday Night Football," Edwards should be A-OK.

He's further along than where the staff thought he would be.

"It's amazing," Schottenheimer said. "Even in the walkthrough, we were walking through some things with Braylon and Mark [Sanchez], and little code words and tags like, 'Hey, do you want me to poster this?' It's like, 'Wow, he knows that.' Really sharp guy and again he's ahead just because a lot of the stuff that we call things, he's heard it called the same things before. Not 100 percent, but there's quite a bit of carry over."

Since Edwards understood the formations and the verbiage, he was able to get lined up properly during practice. The Jets used him at both the 'X' and 'Z' positions, seeing just how much he knew about each spot. Edwards played the 'Z' in Sunday's overtime loss to the Bengals, but was lined up at 'X' the week before versus Baltimore.

Didn't seem to matter much to him where he was lined up, anyway, today. Edwards just took in his new surroundings and couldn't be happier with the way things went on Day 1. 

"Today’s practice was a breath of fresh air," he said. "Coach Ryan, the way he conducts practices is he’s loose. But when it’s time to work, we work. You can respect how the guys are working. I saw our defense out there communicating, getting themselevs in position to make plays, challenging the offensive scout team.

"Then when we came up as offense, you could see Mark and I having some jokes in the backround until it's time to go. Then when we went, Mark’s out there, he’s leading the offense. Coach Schottenheimer is calling plays and guys are where they are supposed to be. But then as soon as we are finished, now you can breathe a little bit. Let’s talk about what happened last period or talking about Floyd Mayweather coming to practice or whatever. It was relaxed when it was supposed to be relaxed and it was serious when it was supposed to be serious."

Naturally, if you heard that, it sounds like he was taking a veiled shot at Mangenious. I wasn't specifically referring to Mangini when I asked the easy follow up question to the above answer, but mostly about his career in general.

So, is that different than what you've experienced?

"It’s just fun, just coming here," he said. "I don’t even want to talk about what I've experienced because that's over with. Cleveland is Cleveland and I’m in New York. It’s just fun."

*****************************************************************

CB Lito Sheppard practiced for the second straight day, although he was limited. But he appears to be a go for Monday.

S Kerry Rhodes (knee) and WR Jerricho Cotchery (hamstring) were also limited, but their availability for the 'Fins game won't be in question.

RT Damien Woody (foot) and CB Donald Strickland (ankle) didn't practice. Looks like Woody should still play, however, but the same can't be said for Strickland.

Rex didn't sound confident Strickland's high right ankle sprain has healed enough, so don't expect to see him out there on the field at whatever they are calling the Dolphins' home stadium in Fort Lauderdale these days.

*****************************************************************

We'll have a Live Chat at noon tomorrow. Be there.

*****************************************************************

Don't forget to follow me here on Twitter.

Edwards appreciative of trade

Wednesday October 7, 2009 7:08 PM By Roderick Boone

First, let's get the legal woes out of the way.

In addressing the media here out at The Hangar today, Braylon Edwards said he couldn't discuss his pending legal situation. As we've explained already, Edwards allegedly punched LeBron James' friend Edward Givens, a promoter who was working outside the View Ultralounge & Nightclub in Cleveland, in the face around 2:30 a.m. Monday.

"As it relates to the incident that I was allegedly a part of on this Sunday, right now it's a legal matter," Edwards said as part of his opening statement. "It's nothing I can talk about. So in terms of questions for that, it's legal and I have to stay away from that."

What he also has to stay away from is the New York City nightlife. Thanks to his baggage, Edwards probably created more headlines off the field than on it during his four-plus seasons in Cleveland and it's going to be imperative for him to stay out of trouble as he finishes up the final year of his five-year deal.

GM Mike Tannenbaum made it perfectly clear that Edwards isn't getting an extension, so staying on his best behavior is paramount for him to get the kind of money he's seeking.

So, too, is getting a fresh start, which is exactly what Edwards thinks was needed.

"I believe so," he said. "I believe that coming here to a team that's doing well and head coach that has them going in the right direction and just freeing myself of the situation, coming to another situation, I think it's a fresh start and a clean slate. I just appreciate Coach [Rex] Ryan. I appreciate those guys taking another chance on me and believing I can help this team out."

Edwards, who was on the trading block during the offseason, has caught only 10 passes for 139 yards through the first four weeks of the season, and was shut out Sunday against the Bengals. His production has declined since he caught 80 balls for 1,289 yards and 16 TDs in 2007.

He didn't blame the constant turnover within the organization for never truly living up to the expectations of being chosen with the third overall pick out of Michigan in 2005, but hinted that might have been a contributing factor.

"It's a situation where there are a lot of changing parts," Edwards said. "There's always change going on in Cleveland and for a team to win, things need to stay the same. You see the teams that are winning in the NFL, they are a consistent part. You look at the Colts, they have consistency. You look at the Patriots, they have consistency. The teams that win are consistent."

Edwards wore out his welcome in LeBronland

Wednesday October 7, 2009 5:49 PM By Roderick Boone

Eric Mangini isn't making many friends in Cleveland with his strict ways.

But the former Jets coach is taking discipline very seriously -- some might say way too seriously (see: $1701 fine for an unpaid $3 bottle of water.) If you read in between the lines with what Mangini said earlier today to the Western New York media, it sounds like the latest incident that Edwards is facing definitely had a role in getting Edwards out of town. 

"Well, personal conduct is something that's important to me and important to us," Mangini said. "And I've expressed that to the players multiple times. And what this was, though, was a chance for a good opportunity for Braylon and really for us as well. I think that worked out."

Mangini phoned Edwards at 7:45 this morning as the receiver was driving to the team's training facility in Berea, Ohio, and told him he wanted to see him in his office. That's when he delivered the news.

Mangini later addressed the trade with the rest of Edwards' ex-teammates and was complimentary of the former Michigan standout as he made his way out the door.

"What I told the players is that I wish Braylon well, and that's true," Mangini said. "He and I had a good conversation this morning. He's got a lot of ability and a lot of potential. I hope that he really takes advantage of this. And that's sincere. And if at any point he wants to call someone and just talk or whatever the case may be, I'd like him to do that becuase I do that whether it's the current players or ex-players. There's no animosity on that end."

Mangini also said the trade doesn't mean the winless Browns (0-4) have given up on the season and the white towel is waiving in the Lake Erie breeze.

"We're looking to win now and to build an organization that can be competitive and win every season," said Mangini, who's, um, on the hot seat in his first season in the Land of LeBron. "That does take time. But that doesn't mean that there's by any stretch, we're looking at games and saying, 'Well, we're not going to try to win this game.' We're trying to win every game right now. And we're trying to make decisions that are good now and good for us in the future."

That apparently includes helping out his old team.

"Contrary to popular belief, we do trade with teams other than the Jets," Mangini said. "In looking at the situation, I thought it was -- and we looked at a lot of opportunities throughout the offseason, throughout the regular season -- thought this was a chance for a fresh start for Braylon. And thought it was good for us both short-term and long-term."

J-Co: "Pick your poison"

Wednesday October 7, 2009 4:10 PM By Roderick Boone

David Clowney made the announcement just after he entered the locker room, knowing the man everyone wanted to talk to was not far behind him.

Jerricho Cotchery, who had excelled so far as the Jets' No. 1 receiver and quieted most of the skeptics, was about to be inundated with Braylon Edwards questions. Cotchery, fifth in the league in receiving yards with 356 on 23 receptions, smiled as he talked about the Jets' new acquisition.

For inquiring minds who want to know, he has no qualms about welcoming the 6-3, 215-pound wideout.

"This doesn’t change my role at all," he said. "I’ve been in this offense four years now and I know all the ins and outs of this offense. I expect to continue to contribute in this offense. It’s going to be fun with Braylon on the other side and it's just making teams pick their poison. I don’t think it limits my catches or limits my yards or anything of that nature. There’s going to be enough balls going around, believe me."

Still, there was something Cotchery didn't like about the trade: having to say goodbye to a close friend of his. Cotchery had a great relationship with Chansi Stuckey, who was moved to tears upon hearing the news.

"The first thing that I heard was Stuckey was involved in the trade and everyone knows how I feel about Stuck," Cotchery said. "He was a very good friend of mine. It was just sad to see him leave. And then I looked at the other part of it -- we’ve got a great player coming in, Braylon Edwards. I know he is going to add something to this oiffense and you have to smile about that because he’s a great player. You’ve got to smile about that because he’s a great player and he demands a lot of attention. I think everyone in here is excited about the addition of Braylon Edwards right now."

Jets trade for Braylon Edwards

Wednesday October 7, 2009 8:48 AM By Roderick Boone

Well, looks like the Jets finally got their big-name, No. 1 receiver.

The Jets have traded for Browns wideout Braylon Edwards, a person familar with the situation has confirmed. They sent WR Chansi Stuckey and special teams ace Jason Trusnik, the linebacker who was named the AFC special teams player of the week last week, to the Browns along with two undisclosed draft picks to complete the deal. ESPN is reporting they are third- and fifth-rounders.

Edwards is in the middle of bit of a public flap with LeBron James after allegedly punching one of King James' friends in the wee hours of Monday morning following an argument outside a Cleveland night club.

James said Edwards punched promotor Edward Givens, a promoter who was working outside the club around 2:30 a.m.

"I've never crossed paths with Braylon before, but it seems like there's a little jealousy going on with Braylon and me and my friends. I have no idea why," James told reporters in Cleveland yesterday. "I've never said anything to Braylon at all. But for him to do that is very childish. My friend is 130 pounds. Seriously. It's like hitting one of my kids. It doesn't make sense."

Edwards is expected to arrive in New York sometime later today to take his physical. I'm not exactly sure if or when he'll be made available to us, but we might get the chance to speak with him later this afternoon.

We'll have more on this trade as we get it. Stay tuned Jets fans.

Guess that New Orleans hangover didn't last long, eh?

Draft week rumor No. 512: Brady Quinn to the Jets

Thursday April 23, 2009 10:32 AM By Erik Boland

Rob Rang, in a report on cbssports.com, writes that sources tell him the Browns - yes, those Browns coached by Eric Mangini - are interested in shopping Brady Quinn to the Jets.

"Sources within the league have told me the Browns are actively shopping quarterbacks Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson and wide receiver Braylon Edwards, and will trade at least one based on which rookie player is selected in the first round," Rang wrote. "Some have suggested that if the Browns draft Sanchez, Quinn could be headed to Denver. My sources believe instead that Cleveland will trade Quinn to a team Eric Mangini knows quite well -- the New York Jets. Should the Browns draft Crabtree, the long-rumored Edwards deal to the New York Giants will occur instead."

Got all that?

Just keep in mind there was heavy "buzz" yesterday that the Jets were going to trade for Jason Campbell and then there's still all the Mark Sanchez "chatter."

I'm not sure about any of this because the Jets, as you know, are a "win-now" team.

Sorry, couldn't resist. Yes, that phrase is still banned from the blog.

* Anyway, I tagged along with Jerricho Cotchery yesterday morning as he was on the Island for the NFL's Take a Player to School program, and besides talking to him about participating in a fourth-grade gym class, I asked him about a few football-related things, including the Anquan Boldin rumors. He's a fan of Boldin.

"When you think Anquan Boldin, you think toughness," Cotchery said. "That's how you have to play this game, no matter what position you play. He demonstrates that to the fullest. He plays tough and he makes plays. He makes plays every time he gets his hands on the ball. He's a play-maker and he's tough."

To be clear: Cotchery said he hadn't heard the Boldin rumors; he was responding to my question asking to evaluate Boldin's game.

As for these two weeks -- this one especially -- filled with draft speculation and buzz and chatter, Cotchery said it best.

"It'll be good to get this weekend out of the way."

* And I'm adding this as an UPDATE of sorts: Bob Glauber will be hosting a Live Chat at 2 p.m. so feel free to crash that party with all things Jets.

* Additionally, I see there have been some problems with double and triple posts in the comments section of the previous entry. I wish I knew more about this stuff (I know, that's what she said), so I'll suggest this: After hitting the "post" icon once, don't hit it again, EVEN if you get some kind of error message or if it is taking its sweet time posting. I have no idea if that will work but I've found some success in that, um, process.

A reminder on today's schedule

Friday April 17, 2009 9:12 AM By Erik Boland

A small alteration in Day 2's schedule:

Friday, April 17

10 am Practice open to media

Noon (approx.) Players available in locker room

12:40 – 1 pm Press Conference – Coach Ryan (media work room)

2 pm Pre-Draft Press Conference - Mike Tannenbaum, Terry Bradway, Joey Clinkscales (media work room)

3:30 pm Practice open to media

The primary difference is an earlier start and earlier finish, with the pre-draft press conference slipped in there. Those pre-draft press conferences are something no team wants to do but has to by league mandate.

No news typically comes out of these things and exchanges range from the boring to the comical.

Reporter X: "So, Mike, sure looks like you might be interested in a quarterback or wide receiver."

Mike T: "Well, we've worked out a lot of guys at a lot of positions and we have a list of needs and players who might fill those needs and that of course varies every year depending on free agency and we really like some of the things we accomplished this year in free agency and you can certainly always get better at every position and that's what we try to do in free agency and then the draft and the thing we like to do going into any draft is to have as much flexibility as possible so when it comes time for us to pick we're ready to make the move that best helps this football team."

Ahh, it's all in good fun, of course. But I'm available on retainer for these things as always.

And truthfully, if I was Clinkscales, Bradway or Tannenbaum, I'd say as little as I could as well. There's no benefit. Just don't tell anyone.

Back later with all that and more, and maybe even a picture or two from practice.

* Meanwhile, there's plenty of football to read about to keep you occupied, including Barbara Barker's story on Woody Johnson's letter to Roger Goodell regarding the schedule controversy, and Bob Glauber's column telling the Jets and Giants to go out and make trades for Anquan Boldin and Braylon Edwards, respectively.