Jets safety Rhodes hasn't regained starting job
Photo credit: Getty Images | Kerry Rhodes has yet to take the starting safety position back from Eric Smith.
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Week 13: Jets 19, Bills 13
Kerry Rhodes' name hasn't been etched back in the Jets' starting lineup just yet.
Rhodes thought he was about to regain his safety position in the Jets' base 3-4 scheme after meeting with defensive backs coach Dennis Thurman a week ago. Rhodes said he thought that was the "one thing" he needed to do before Rex Ryan inserted him in his old spot.
But Ryan, who replaced Rhodes with Eric Smith two days after the Nov. 22 loss to the Patriots, still won't commit to giving back Rhodes his starting role. Rhodes was mostly in on nickel and dime situations the last two games, though he played much more in Thursday's win over the Bills.
"I want this thing to play out," Ryan said Monday. "I want to see how the week goes, see the preparation and game plan before we name a starter in the base group. One way or another, both of those guys are going to play a bunch, Kerry and Eric.''
Getting defensive
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Jets have the league's top-ranked defense this late in the season for the first time since their Super Bowl III campaign in 1968. They're giving up 276.4 yards per game.
"It's something to be proud of, hang our hats on and build off of," linebacker Bart Scott said. "I know in trying to establish a tradition, it's important to get the first one so we can see what it looks like. This can be our measuring stick. Hopefully, we can continue to have this success this season and something for future Jets to build off of."
Extra points
Ryan said CBs Dwight Lowery (ankle) and Donald Strickland (concussion) are progressing. He believes Strickland, who wore a red non-contact jersey at practice, might be available Sunday at Tampa after sitting out two games.
