Jets vs. Bears: What you need to know
Jets head coach Robert Saleh during the first half of an NFL game against the Patriots on Sunday in Foxborough, Mass. Credit: AP/Steven Senne
VITALS
Line: Jets by 6.5; O/U: 38.5
TV/Radio: Fox (Joe Davis,Daryl Johnston) / ESPN-98.7-FM; Sirius 132 or 385.
INJURY UPDATE
Jets: OUT: DT Sheldon Rankins (elbow); DOUTBFUL: TE Kenny Yeboah (calf); QUESTIONABLE: LT Duane Brown (shoulder)
Bears: OUT: DB Jaquan Brisker (concussion), DB Kyler Gordon (concussion), LB Sterling Weatherford (concussion); QUESTIONABLE: QB Justin Fields (shoulder)
GET THE BALL
The Jets’ defense has allowed just two field goals in their last 16 series, a stretch of 96:29 of game time. They’re striving for better against the Bears, though.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said the first thing he addressed with his group Monday – after the 10-3 loss to New England – was that they didn’t have any takeaways. It was the first time that happened this season.
“That’s our opportunity to really a change a game,” Ulbrich said. “It’s our job to stop an offense, but it’s also our job to get the ball. We made a huge emphasis in when we get the ball we got to score.”
Ulbrich said he emphasizes takeaways after every practice. Another point of emphasis after last Sunday was missed tackles. Ulbrich said they “devoted a lot of time to it” this week.
Bears quarterback Justin Fields, the NFL’s sixth-leading rusher with 834 yards, is a game-time decision. Chicago elevated Nathan Peterman from the practice squad, which is a sign Fields won’t be able to go. One-time Jet Trevor Siemian would start for Chicago.
No matter who Chicago’s quarterback is, Ulbrich wants the Jets to get after him and get the football. Much has been made about the Jets’ offense struggles last week. Ulbrich said the defense felt it didn’t do enough.
“I really believe that feeling within the room was we didn’t get the ball, we didn’t do enough,” Ulbrich said. “That was it. Period.”
ROSTER MOVES
The Jets activated right tackle Max Mitchell from injured reserve. They also elevated defensive lineman Tanzel Smart and linebacker Chazz Surratt. They also signed linebacker Marcell Harris to the practice squad and released offensive lineman Chris Glaser from the practice squad.
REVIS IN THE RING
Former star cornerback Darrelle Revis will be inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor at halftime. Revis, who is a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, said it’s special going into the Jets’ Ring the same year that old teammates Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson did.
“Very competitive guys, those two guys,” Revis said. “I’m very excited for their success and their accomplishments as well.”
- AL IANNAZZONE
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
