Pats' Wilfork hopes to avoid Mangold
FOXBORO, Mass. -- In the macho culture of the NFL, players usually say they want an opponent at their best. But as a member of New England's 32nd-ranked defense, nose tackle Vince Wilfork didn't pretend he would be upset if Jets Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold misses a third game with a high ankle sprain.
Asked Thursday if he hopes to see Mangold across from him Sunday at Gillette Stadium, Wilfork was honest. "No, I don't,'' he said. "He's probably one of the best offensive linemen in the game. He's definitely a leader on that team. I think he gives them a spark.
"It's absolutely a difference when he's in and when he's not in. I expect for him to be in there to get things going and get his team off to a good start.''
It's no coincidence the Jets' offense and especially quarterback Mark Sanchez have struggled in two straight losses without Mangold. Not only that, but the Jets have passed 147 times and run only 92 times this season, straying from their reliance on a rushing attack that carried them to two straight AFC title games. Jets coach Rex Ryan said that will change, and Wilfork believes him.
"I think Rex said that they have to get back to doing what they do best, which is run the football,'' Wilfork said. "I'm expecting for them to come out and establish a run game. That always takes pressure off your quarterback, especially when they struggle at times. We have to get our mind-set ready for a physical game.''
The Patriots were in full pads Thursday for a tough practice. They were joined by 350-pound defensive end Albert Haynesworth, who missed the previous two games with a back injury but practiced fully, and by backup defensive lineman Mike Wright (concussion). Starting inside linebacker Jerod Mayo (knee) did not practice and likely will be replaced by Gary Guyton.
Considering how far their defense has fallen this season, the Patriots might welcome a running team rather than a high-powered passing attack. Coach Bill Belichick's reputation as a defensive guru has taken a hit with a defense yielding 477.5 yards overall and 368.8 passing yards per game, both last in the NFL.
It's not simply a matter of opponents passing and playing catch-up to the Patriots' top-ranked offense. New England also is last in third-down defense, allowing opponents to convert successfully 48.0 percent of the time.
Repeating the Pats' defensive mantra, Wilfork said, "No big plays. I think we've been giving up a lot of big plays this season, and that could come back to haunt us.''
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