Mike DeVito says Jets need playoff mentality
Mike DeVito stretches during practice at the Atlantic Health Training Facility. (June 14, 2012) Credit: Newsday/Joe Epstein
Win or go home.
That's the "playoff mentality" Mike DeVito said the Jets must have.
Their inconsistency has brought them to this point: 3-5 overall and 3-4 in the AFC. But DeVito believes they have the talent to close out the season 6-2 and make the postseason.
"The guys in the locker room have not lost confidence," the defensive end said on WFAN yesterday. "We've been frustrated, we've had some rough losses but the guys have not given up."
DeVito admitted that resiliency didn't exist back in 2007 when they finished 4-12. By the time their Week 10 bye came, the Jets were 1-8 and guys were "begging to get home," he said. "But now guys are encouraged for the second half."
Rex has Osi's vote
Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora came to his rival's defense. "Rex Ryan is a heck of a coach," Umenyiora said on ESPN New York radio, a day after 103 NFL players from 27 teams named the Jets' coach the most overrated. Ryan received 35 votes, while Bill Belichick (16 votes) finished second.
Jet streams
The team re-signed wide receiver Jason Hill, who had two catches for 15 yards and a touchdown before being released Oct. 27. The Jets also waived seventh-round draft pick Antonio Allen for the second time in two months. The rookie safety likely will be back with the Jets, provided he clears waivers again . . . Undrafted free agent and former LSU wide receiver Terrence Toliver worked out for the Jets but didn't get an offer. Toliver was signed to the Lions' practice squad in 2011 and released in August.
