Rhodes not worried about himself, just team
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Don't believe in witchcraft? Sounds like Kerry Rhodes is beginning to.
"It's like somebody's got a pin on me right now, got a voodoo spell on me," the safety said Thursday. "I dive for the ball low, it goes over my head. I break on one good, the quarterback throws it high. It's just one of those things right now."
Rhodes hasn't made many impact plays this season, despite the original thought that Rex Ryan's defense would give him more opportunities to do so than the read-and-react scheme employed under Eric Mangini. Although, he's fourth on the team in tackles with 42, he has yet to record a sack or interception, and has not forced a fumble.
"Overall, it's not all about me," Rhodes said. "It's about this team and getting this team a win. We're not doing what we should be right now in terms of our record and how we should be playing. If we start winning and the plays come, then I'll be happy. Right now, it's about getting this team a win. My plays will come. They will."
Rallying the troops
The Jets held a players-only meeting Wednesday, with Thomas Jones giving a passionate speech. He apparently wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the situation and voiced his feelings.
"The team meeting was fun," defensive end Marques Douglas said. "Whenever you have guys showing that they too want to win, I like seeing that emotion. Some things were said - as we like to say, family business - but he was energetic and everybody agreed with what he said."
Extra points
Jim Leonhard (thumb) is all but officially out for Sunday, so Jerricho Cotchery might return punts. "I like the fact that he came to me and wants to do it," special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff said. "He really looked good."
