Greene, Tomlinson gaining great relationship

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - To Shonn Greene's right sits his competition - and biggest supporter.

It's LaDainian Tomlinson, who, in the absence of veteran Thomas Jones, has become yet another mentor to Greene, doling out advice when needed.

"I think it's dialed up perfectly the way it happened," said Greene, who will be the starting tailback in Monday night's season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, coach Rex Ryan confirmed Friday. "Last year, just getting to learn from Thomas and then we had Leon [Washington], too. And this year, you've got LT. And he has a ton of stuff I can pick off of him to learn from. So it's just been a blessing for me."

Their rivalry, of sorts, began six months ago when Tomlinson signed with the Jets after Jones' departure. But their friendship has strengthened ever since. Just one locker separates the two running backs, who often are questioned about each other and can be heard raving about the other player's skill set.

Each has checked his ego at the door for the betterment of the team, fullback Tony Richardson said.

But for all the wisdom Tomlinson imparts, the 31-year-old veteran said he also has benefited from being around his young protege.

"From Day 1, we built a relationship, a friendship, and that continues to develop as we get to know each other even more. But we're building something special," Tomlinson said. "It's been great for me to have a guy like Shonn because I enjoy the mentoring part. I've played a lot of football, I've been in a lot of games, so I really enjoy when young guys come to me, ask me questions about certain things I may see. And it really gives me an opportunity to open up to them, because I'm really not a guy to do a whole lot of rah-rah-rah and talking. I just say things when I feel like it needs to be said."

Tomlinson played a significant role in Greene's becoming better at pass receiving - one of Tomlinson's strengths.

"We've talked about certain routes," Tomlinson said. "When you run them, how to get open, how to use subtle movements when you get open. And I see Shonn doing that when we get out on the field. So it makes me feel good that he's taking what I said and really applying it out there."

Though Greene will start, both are expected to see considerable action.

"We want them both to get touches," offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said. "Then we generally go with who has the hot hand . . . It's kind of like a rewards system. Both of those guys understand that."

Said Greene: "We push each other, as we should. We both can get the job done, so whoever's in there, we're going to strive for each other and push for each other."

Notes & quotes: Linebacker Bart Scott said he couldn't care less about Ray Lewis' recent comments about the Jets' Super Bowl talk. "It's just part of the show," he said . . . S Brodney Pool (ankle) returned to practice Friday but likely will be "questionable" Monday.