To control Colts, Jets must run effectively

The best way to contain the Colts' offense? Keep them off the field as much as possible.

That's why the Jets understand the importance of getting their rushing attack going against the Colts in their AFC wild-card meeting Saturday. They know they must run the ball to shorten the game, something they weren't able to accomplish in last year's AFC Championship Game.

They rushed for only 86 yards on 29 carries and were affected when running back Shonn Greene was knocked out two plays into the third quarter with a rib injury. Those numbers likely need to improve for the Jets to have a legitimate shot to win.

"We've got a big challenge,'' right guard Brandon Moore said Monday. "I think for the most part, they stuffed us in that championship game. We were not able to run the ball and do the things we wanted to do on offense. We are going to take that as a challenge, to be able to run the ball. They are going to be stoked to try to stop it again, as they did in the championship game.

"So whether it's 100 yards or 200 yards, we've just got to be able to run the ball.''

Getting Damien Woody back certainly would help. The right tackle, who still is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Dec. 15, returned to the practice field briefly Friday, the first time he was able to do so since the procedure.

Rex Ryan thinks Woody will be ready to go against the Colts, and Woody hinted as much on Twitter. Iit's not a moment too soon to Moore, given that the Jets will be facing Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

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"It would be huge,'' Moore said. "It's a big matchup this weekend with the ends they've got, so I'll welcome him back with open arms. He was out at practice a little bit this weekend as we got ready - just a cameo appearance - and we'll see how it goes this week for practice.

"I really look forward to Woody coming back."