This could be Ellis' last hurrah as a Jet
Jets kicker Nick Folk celebrates with Shaun Ellis, James Ihedigbo and Dustin Keller after Folk successfully kicked a game-winning a 32-yard field goal, Saturday. (Jan. 8, 2011) Credit: Getty Images
INDIANAPOLIS - Shaun Ellis was on the Lucas Oil Stadium field, warming up with 13 of his teammates roughly 90 minutes before kickoff in last night's AFC wild-card game with the Colts.
The defensive end was in extremely familiar territory.
Ellis established a franchise record when he appeared in his ninth playoff contest last night. It also was the sixth wild-card game for the 11-year veteran, who had 26 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery in his previous five wild-card games.
But this could be his last hurrah in a Jets uniform. Ellis, 33, who was a game captain along with Darrelle Revis, Brandon Moore, Ben Hartsock, Steve Weatherford and Dustin Keller, is in the final year of his contract.
He's made it known that his preference is to remain with the team and retire as a Jet. Still, he's not sure that will happen, especially after he was denied a contract extension in the offseason.
He didn't let his possible impending free agency affect him during the season, though, posting 36 combined tackles, 41/2 sacks, 11 quarterback hits and three tackles for losses.
Woody plays
Damien Woody was back at his customary starting right tackle position last night.
Woody missed the previous three games after arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Dec. 15 but vowed earlier in the week that he was going to play. Reserve Wayne Hunter did an adequate job in his place, but the Jets had been looking forward to having the 12-year veteran back to help solidify their offensive line against premier pass rushers Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney.
Extra points
LB Vernon Gholston, the sixth overall pick in the 2008 draft, was one of the inactives, perhaps signaling the end of his Jets career. Also inactive were RB Joe McKnight, CB Isaiah Trufant, OL Vladimir Ducasse, DT Jarron Gilbert, TE Jeff Cumberland, DT Marcus Dixon and Kellen Clemens, designated as the third QB.
