Jetting Around with Lisa Z

Over to TheJetsBlog.com

2010-09-02T14:37:00.002-04:00

I thought I updated this. Cleary I did not. The reason this is so out of date is that I am now writing for SNY's TheJetsBlog.com so check me out there!

Training Camp Schedule...And Some Other Stuff

2010-07-16T22:02:00.005-04:00

The Jets have released their schedule for training camp, which will take place for the second consecutive year at SUNY Cortland in Cortland, NY, with three days at home at the end.

Players report on Sunday, August 1st and the schedule will then be as follows:

8/2 8:20 a.m. (closed to public) and 4:20 p.m.

8/3 8:20 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (ST)

8/4 8:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.

8/5 8:50 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (ST)

8/6 8:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.

8/7 Green and White Scrimmage: 6 p.m.
8/8 NO PRACTICE

8/9 8:20 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (ST)

8/10 8:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.

8/11 8:20 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (ST)

8/12 8:50 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.

8/13 8:20 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (ST)

8/14 8:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.

8/15 8:50 a.m.

8/16 Preseason Game against the New York Giants: 8 p.m.
8/17 NO PRACTICE

8/18 8:20 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. (ST)

8/19 8:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.
8/20 NO PRACTICE

8/21 Preseason Game at the Carolina Panthers: 8 p.m.
8/22 NO PRACTICE

8/23 Practice at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center (NJ)

8/24 Practice at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center (NJ)

8/25 Practice at Hofstra University: 6 p.m. (Long Island)

8/27 Preseason Game against the Washington Redskins: 7:00 p.m.

9/2 Preseason Game at the Philadelphia Eagles: 7:30 p.m.

(ST – Special Teams practice)

There are a lot of questions looking toward the 2010 season with the team coming off a successful run in 2009 and having acquired some high-profile players - some of whom come with questions. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie, wide receiver Santonio Holmes and kicker Nick Folk are just a few who bring various types of baggage with them. LaDainian Tomlinson has no such baggage but his injuries and age will be something to watch.

In the next week or so, we're also going to see the quarterback situation shake out. Rumors have swirled that veteran Mark Brunell will be signed. My sources indicate that when this happens the team will likely let go not one, but two the other backup quarterbacks currently on the team - Kellen Clemens, Erik Ainge and Kevin O'Connell.

From what I've been told, neither Ainge nor O'Connell significantly outperformed the other during this past off-season's activities and mini-camps. One would also think that the team can get more for Clemens than either of the other two, but it sounds like one of them will be gone, regardless.

Brunell would provide a decent back-up solution and, having played in the league recently, could also help tutor Mark Sanchez as he continues to grow in the position. One way or the other, I think you're going to see Brunell in a Jets uniform.

The team has signed D'Brickashaw Ferguson to a contract extension so that's one down and three to go. Thus far, nothing new on contracts for Darrelle Revis, Nick Mangold or David Harris. While each of these player's situations is slightly different, all are made much more complicated by the impending uncapped season and lack of a new collective bargaining agreement.

Revis has been non-committal about whether he will hold out of training camp, but if he does it brings with it serious ramifications, among them he risks losing $20 million in future, guaranteed money.

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The Jets have announced something new, the Junior Flight Crew cheerleaders program. This is a camp that will take place in August for girls ages 7-14 who will then get to perform during halftime of the Jets preseason game on August 27th vs. the Washington Redskins. The deadline to apply is July 30th. The camp costs $295 and is limited to 150 people. For more information or to register, go to www.newyorkjets.com.

Odds and ends from mini-camp

2010-06-15T16:07:00.007-04:00

Mini-camp is rolling along. Yesterday's camp had a few interesting moments when Darrelle Revis was standing around on the sideline not doing anything. Lots of speculation and then he confirmed that he had basically taken himself out for a few plays to make a "statement."

Unfortunately, when he told his coach that he was "lightheaded" and the coach told Rex Ryan, Ryan believed him. Upon finding out that it may have all been a ploy, Ryan was not happy. The two plan to talk today to straighten everything out.

"It's so not him," Ryan said. "So uncharacteristic to try to get out of anything. He knows that's not right."

Revis backtracked a little bit today saying that he was truly a little lightheaded from not eating. However, clearly sitting out might not have been something he would have done other other circumstances. Trainers have plenty of protein bars and the like to give players if they need it.

Nick Mangold, the other disgruntled Jet, said today that he is "deeply disappointed" at the state of his contract negotiations but felt it was in his best interest to attend mini-camp.

While he did not rule out holding out in training camp, he was also very clear that he wants his career to continue only with the Jets.

In more mundane news, the defense came out firing today - especially the defensive backs. This was likely an attempt to make up for a more anemic outing yesterday, when the only events of note were two INTs by Dwight Lowery.

Today was Brodney Pool's turn. He had two picks in the morning, while the rest of his unit was all over the place knocking down passes and just getting in the offense's way any way they could. Revis got his first official interception in the afternoon practice off a pass to Jerricho Cotchery.

Mark Sanchez looked fine after a little breather in yesterday afternoon's practice when he spent most of his time taking over the play calling duties from Brian Schottenheimer in order not to overdo the physical work quite yet. He also stayed out of live, 11-on-11s this afternoon as well.

The person who may be overdoing it is Brad Smith. Currently playing almost all the offensive positions except the o-line, not to mention his special teams job, he's one busy guy. However, in typical fashion he is taking it all in very good humor. The biggest challenge for him is to balance the mental side of going back and forth from wide receiver to quarterback.

"Going for a 20 yard out route and then right to a five-step drop in a few seconds...I'm a little tired," he said laughing.

Rookie cornerback Kyle Wilson, has by all accounts, looked great both at nickel and returning punts. He also couldn't be nicer or easier to deal with and is obviously already very comfortable with his new teammates. I saw him teasing Kris Jenkins about something, which is pretty brave not only because he's a rookie but especially since Jenkins has seven years, six inches and about 180 pounds on him. Fortunately for Wilson, whatever it was, Jenkins just laughed.

Funniest moment in practice thus far, was this afternoon when Kyle Wilson lying flat on his back on the ground having run into another player, went to sit up and as he did Kellen Clemens fired the ball trying to throw it away hitting Wilson squarely in the face. The sound it made could be heard across the entire field. He was fine, the laughter was prolonged.

Santonio Holmes continues to try to get in the groove of the new offense. He said he's trying to study a lot to get up to speed. He has made a few nice plays. Ryan said today that as they did last year with Calvin Pace, they will try to get Holmes as much extra work as possible now and in training camp in preparation for his four-game suspension.

Quick off-the-field note. If you're in anywhere in the vicinity of Dearborn, Michigan this Saturday, Braylon Edwards is hosting a brunch in conjunction with his foundation. Check out www.braylonedwardsfoundation.org. It's looks to be a great event and supports a great cause - ThinkDetroitPAL.

OTAs in the books, mini-camp next

2010-06-13T19:03:00.003-04:00

2010 OTAs are in the books and mini-camp starts bright and early Monday morning. OTAs were the usual heartstopping, riveting events.

Probably the most noteworthy situation was Darrelle Revis skipping a day. (Don't forget, OTAs are, theoretically, completely voluntary. However, the Jets had 100% participation.) Revis of course is unhappy with the current state of his contract negotiations. The cornerback, who came in second in the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year voting, wants a longterm deal that is equivalent to what the Raiders gave Nnamdi Asomugha. That contract includes $16.5 million for 2010 alone. This was, frankly, irrational money, but then again...it's the Raiders.

Regardless, Revis and his team have used it to set the bar for what he wants. Revis confirmed that he would attend mini-camp this week, but is not stating one way or the other what his plans might be for training camp.

This situation underscores an issue other noteworthy players have had with the Jets over the past several years. Among them, Pete Kendall, Chris Baker and Leon Washington have all claimed that the team and GM Mike Tannenbaum in particular have made "promises" and then not backed them up.

What makes this all the more compelling is that there are four other marquee players who are up for new contracts: David Harris, Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

As of Thursday, Mangold said he was "50-50" on whether he would attend mini-camp. Although he speaks politely and is always business-like, it is clear when you listen to him that he is pretty angry. If he doesn't show, back-up Rob Turner will undoubtedly take first team reps.

In lighter news, Mark Sanchez has been at full go. Originally the hope was that he might be ready for mini-camp. He's been ready for the last week and looks pretty solid running around out there. Clearly new girl friend, actress Jamie-Lyn Siegler thinks so. She was on hand for practice on Thursday.

Tonight the two are hitting the red carpet at the Tony Awards where Sanchez will be a presenter, introducing Best Musical nominee "Memphis." I'm actually mildly surprised he agreed to this given that his beloved Lakers will be playing in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Celtics at the same time...

As for the rookies, they look like rookies so far, except for Kyle Wilson who is impressing everybody who sees him, including the coaching staff. I'll hold back further commentary on them until the week gets going.

I am also hoping for a weight-loss contest update from Kris Jenkins and Damien Woody. The excitement never ends.

Get ready for Super Bowl XLVIII

2010-05-26T19:57:00.004-04:00

Sanchez got to dine at the White House. Today, we got to mix and mingle with the Governors of New York and New Jersey. OK, so that's a wee bit of an exaggeration. However, I did attend the press conference discussing the successful bid for the 2014 Super Bowl and both David Paterson and Chris Christie were in attendance.

Random observation - Governor Paterson is not tall.

Anyway, there were beaming faces from one end of the podium to the other. Owner Woody Johnson, along with Rex Ryan were there representing the Jets alongside Giants owners John Mara, Jonathan Tisch and Steven Tisch and head coach Tom Coughlin.

One of the funniest quips came from Governor Paterson who said, "Another good fourth round pick," alluding to the number of rounds it took for NY/NJ to be selected and also the Jets history of success with Draft picks from that round.

The most awkward moment occurred when a reporter asked why the Mayor of East Rutherford (where the Meadowlands Stadium is officially based) was not in attendance. Crickets. Oops.

The weather was discussed and discussed. Apparently no one is the least bit concerned about this. Governor Christie assured everyone that the roads would be cleared as they normally would. When pressed by a reporter, who reminded him that during the Blizzard/Nor'easter/Storm From Hell thing we had this past February that he told people to stay off the roads, and asked what he would do in similar circumstances, Christie replied, "We said don't drive if you don't have to. Not, 'don't drive.' 82,000 people will have to drive." OK then. And, that's why he's a politician.

The interesting thing is that both teams and all politicians are visualizing a fairy-tale ending with the Jets and Giants playing each other in this Super Bowl. Now, not to be a wet blanket, but, while this would be great for all of the fans in the tri-state area - probably not so much for the businesses, especially the hotels and restaurants, which are of course counting on out-of-towners. If it's Jets vs. Giants that will certainly decrease hotel booking exponentially.

In the meantime, the committee now has to raise somewhere in the area of $40 million.

Sanchez and Ferguson dine at the White House

2010-05-19T18:26:00.005-04:00

What are your plans for tonight? American Idol? Yankee game? Lakers-Suns? Well, Mark Sanchez for one is going to have to forego his beloved "Lake Show."While, it's not quite the trip that Rex Ryan has planned, but the Jets quarterback, along with his left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, will instead be attending a state dinner at the White House, hosted by the President of the United States for the Mexican President, Felipe Calderon Hinojosa. Yes, you read that correctly.

Among the luminaries the two will be hobnobbing with are, several of the Supreme Court justices, some U.S. Secretaries, senators, congressmen and...Whoopi Goldberg.

I'm sure this will be quite the topic of conversation at tomorrow's OTAs. And, tomorrow will be the media's first access since OTAs started on Monday. According to reports, Sanchez has been throwing so we'll get to see first hand what he actually looks like and how much he is participating.

Get waited on by a Jets player

2010-05-05T19:53:00.003-04:00

Like to eat at Applebees? Would you like to be waited on by one of the Jets? You're in luck. On Tuesday, May 18th from 6-10pm a bunch of New York Jets players will be filling in as waiters at the Applebees in East Hanover, NJ (240 Route 10 & Murray Road).

Why? It's a fundraising event for David Clowney's foundation to raise money for his humanitarian efforts in the West African nation of Ghana. Clowney will be going over there in July and all of the money raised at this event will go toward his efforts there.

You can purchase tickets online at davidclowneyfoundation.eventbrite.com or call 866-958-9991.

McKnight Update

2010-05-01T18:44:00.003-04:00

Running back Joe McKnight was in noticeably better form in today's afternoon practice. He fully participated in all parts of the practice and looked like he had gotten through the worst of whatever had gotten the better of him.

After practice, McKnight said yesterday's stomach issues were not only nerves as he originally said but he thinks he might also have some sort of a stomach bug. He did note, with self-deprecating humor that, "I didn't give it up today."

To his credit, he also admitted that he was not in the best shape for camp, which he attributed to a lot of traveling the past few weeks. H added that he is planning to try to stay in the area for at least the next few days in order to get himself in better condition and that he very much wants to impress the coaches and show them the player he knows he is.

The Jets go back to off-season conditioning and then Organized Team Activities for the remainder of May and early June and will cap it all off with the full mini-camp scheduled for June 14-16.

iPodgate and Rookie Wrap-Up

2010-05-01T14:57:00.006-04:00

Rex Ryan told us today that he talked to Santonio Holmes last night about the iPod incident and here is a summation of the story:

Holmes was on a flight from Newark to Pittsburgh. He fell asleep with his iPod. As they were getting ready to land, the flight attendant woke him up and asked him to turn off the iPod, which he did. However, he left the ear buds in his ears.

When the flight attendant walked by again, she asked him again. He told her that the iPod was off. Even took the ear buds out so that his seat mate could confirm that it was off. End of story. Except, for some reason the airline called the police. So, when the plane landed and Holmes disembarked (he was NOT escorted off the plane) he was asked to wait for the police to show up. When they did, they asked him a couple of questions, told him to make sure to turn his iPod off in the future and that was that.

Now, the question as to why conflicting information is coming out of the Allegheny County Police Department is a little strange. And even more strange, this is the email - verbatim - that they sent yesterday:

"As previously reported, Santanio Holmes was NOT removed from any airplane (4/29/2010). He was asked to remove his Ipod (at one point), in which he complied. There is no further information to report."

Spelling and grammar errors belong solely to the Allegheny County Police Department.

I'll let you know if we hear anything else on this. Lord I hope we don't.

The temperature has hit 90 degrees here in Florham Park, which ought to make this afternoon's rookie mini-camp practice delightful. However, the person who may most be dreading it is running back Joe McKnight.

I would venture to say it hasn't been one of McKnight's better weekends. Yesterday, during the morning practice he was dehydrated and had a bad case of the nerves, which led to some calf cramping and...some vomiting.

He has also dropped more than a few balls, but that might be attributed to his weakened condition. As Rex Ryan said yesterday, "Joe McKnight looked great...when he wasn't throwing up."

Today wasn't much better. Although the former USC standout maintained his...composure, he was sent out of several drills, seemingly from overheating. Trainers continually applied cold compresses to his head and neck.

McKnight was not available during the media period after the first practice. We are hoping to speak with him after the second practice.

Cornerback Kyle Wilson looks good. I've overheard the coaches praising him. Ryan has already said he will be the starting nickel. They are also working him out as a returner along with a host of others.

Vladimir Ducasse is working exclusively at left guard - he will compete for the starting spot at that position with last year's sixth round pick Matt Slauson. Interestingly, per Mike Tannenbaum and VP of College Scouting Joey Clinkscales, Rob Turner, who the team has been pretty high on has been officially relegated to being the back-up center, which sounds like he won't even be given the chance to compete for a starting spot. Turner was an undrafted free agent. Ducasse and Slauson are Draft picks. Think that has anything to do with it? Hmmm.

Ryan has lauded FB John Conner along with the rest, but no one is safe from the head coach's sense of humor. "The thing you've got to get over is that he has no neck."

There are also numerous undrafted free agents and tryout players. Among them is Don Warren a safety from the University of Michigan who many thought would be drafted. The Jets had him on their board and Ryan said he was "probably the best player left" when the draft ended.

Ryan has also been talking up linebacker Cory Reamer from Alabama. Reamer told me that the they ran a similar defense at Alabama and the concepts are similar so it's been a bit of an easier transition for him. I would be surprised if Reamer is not offered a contract at the end of the weekend.

The Westchester Family Servies Star Gala

2010-04-29T22:09:00.003-04:00

I'll be out at Jets rookie mini-camp tomorrow and will update on that. However, I had the great pleasure of attending the Westchester Family Services Star Gala tonight honoring Brandon and Mara Steiner. You know Brandon - he and his brother Jim run Steiner Sports.

Brandon and Mara have done some great work on behalf of this agency which helps families in Westchester County through a wide variety of services.

Jets greats Marty Lyons and Joe Klecko were there along with a bunch of Giants including Carl Banks, Lawrence Taylor, Joe Morris and Otis Anderson. On a personal note I met my hero Bucky Dent, but that's another story. (And I grew up a Mets fan!)

A separate honoree was Ray Rice formerly of New Rochelle High School and Rutgers and who of course now plays for the Ravens. He was honored with the Spirit Award for his work and gave a terrific speech, which he spoke without having written anything down. Very impressive.

I also met a few kids who play for New Rochelle High School, many of whom are going on to play in college, hoping to follow in Rice's footsteps. I listened as one of them, David Thomas, who plays running back, was given a a lot of great advice by none other than Joe Morris. How about that experience for a high school football player?

A live auction was held and one of those items was a pair of seats from Yankee Stadium. You can still buy a ton of these and other mementos by going to www.steinersports.com.

Getting Ready for Rookie Mini-Camp

2010-04-26T19:19:00.004-04:00

The Jets announced their list of undrafted free agents today. These players will join the 2010 Draft picks at this weekend's Rookie Mini Camp. In addition, another group of tryout players will also be on hand. Forgive the formatting, I'm having issues figuring out how to get it to work correctly.

Undrafted Free Agents:

Kevin Basped LB 6-4 254 Nevada Sacramento, CA

Keith Buckman OG 6-5 321 North Dakota State Belfield, ND

Jeff Cumberland TE 6-4 249 Illinois Columbus, OH

Brian Jackson CB 6-0 198 Oklahoma De Soto, TX

Jason Lamb DE 6-4 284 Baylor Richardson, TX

Broderick Stewart LB 6-4 232 Vanderbilt Newnan, GA

Matt Stommes OT 6-6 311 Minnesota Richmond, MN

Charlie Tanner OG 6-3 305 Texas Austin, TX

Don Warren S 5-11 195 Michigan Long Beach, CA

Ernest Williams DT 6-0 281 Pittsburgh Monessen, PA

Tryout Players:

Alex Brink QB 6-2 211 Washington State Eugene, OR

Marcus Burton LB 5-11 258 Colorado Channelview, TX

Mickey Dean RB 5-9 225 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Little Rock, AR

Marcus Ezeff S 5-11 196 California Santa Rosa, CA

Philip Kirkland WR 5-10 190 Bethune Cookman Quincy, FL

Marlon Lucky RB 5-11 216 Nebraska Dallas, TX

Wesley Lyons WR 6-8 233 West Virginia Pittsburgh, PA

Donye McCleskey S 5-11 209 Indiana State Dayton, OH

Damon McDaniel WR 5-10 201 Hampton Virginia Beach, VA

Michael Owen TE 6-2 249 Syracuse Riverhead, NY

Erik Pedersen LB 6-0 230 Portland State Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Mark Petro PK 5-9 180 Hillsdale Rocky River, OH

Jesse Rack TE 6-3 238 Buffalo Maspeth, NY

Cory Reamer LB 6-3 231 Alabama Hoover, AL

Brooks Rossman PK 6-1 175 Kansas State San Diego, CA

Brashton Satele LB 6-0 241 Hawaii Mililani, HI

Albert Toeaina OT 6-5 329 Tennessee San Francisco, CA

Simi Toeaina NT 6-2 307 Oregon San Francisco, CA

Eric Ward QB 6-1 215 Richmond Atlanta, GA

Anthony Wiseman CB 5-9 186 Maryland Silver Hill, MD

FYI - The Toeainas are cousins, not brothers.

Jets Draft Food Festival

2010-04-24T14:33:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure if the Jets are trying to kill us or are just showing off, but our third meal of the day has just arrived. This one is a compilation of hot hors d'0euvres including three chicken wing selections (plain, Buffalo and BBQ), some dumplings and fried mushrooms. Those are accompanied by a fruit plate, brownies, chocolate chip cookies and chocolate-covered strawberries.

Lunch was a full hot dog bar with four or five topping choices. AND we had breakfast with several entree selections, bagels and pastries.

Last night we had mussels in marinara and home made pizza. Thursday night was some Italian entrees followed by mozzarella sticks, a cheese platter, fruit platter, vegetables and chocolate chip cookies. I am also fairly certain I am forgetting something significant.

GM Mike Tannenbaum joked on Thursday that it was a 2,000 calorie night. 2,000? I think that's probably the tip of the iceberg.

Lots of changes

2010-04-24T13:05:00.004-04:00

I don't generally get a lot of satisfaction out of saying "I told you so," and even less so in this case. As one of my sources told me might happen over a month ago, the Jets have released Alan Faneca.

That in itself is interesting, but additionally, it says no one else in the league was willing to put up the money it would have cost to take over his contract, given his advancing age.

While Faneca has not been the player he was earlier in his career, he served as a strong component to the Jets offensive line and was a terrific resource for the younger linemen. He is enormously well-liked and respected by the locker room as a whole and his fellow linemen in particular.

To add insult to injury if you're a Jets fan, the team traded Leon Washington to the Seahawks for what amounts to a fifth-round pick, which they used to draft RB/FB John Conner from Kentucky.

Washington is a huge loss for the team. I guess they were too nervous about his recovery from his broken leg. However, I wouldn't bet against the guy.

On a lighter note - I texted one of the team's starters shortly after all of the above activity asking if he had time to talk. His response, "Am I still a Jet?"

Round two - Vladimir Ducasse

2010-04-23T22:16:00.003-04:00

Day two is in the books. Have you heard that one enough yet? Quiet Draft so far for the Jets, and by quiet I mean GM Mike Tannenbaum has not made a trade. Must be losing his mind. He and VP of Scouting Joey Clinkscales were quite anxious to get out of tonight's presser quickly in order to run back up to the War Room in an attempt to make something happen - it didn't.

So, after grabbing CB Kyle Wilson last night, the team went back to offense, selecting lineman Vladimir Ducasse out of the University of Massachusetts. Ducasse is an interesting story. He's originally from Haiti, arrive in the United States as a sophomore in high school after his father sent he and his brother to stay with relatives in Connecticut.

Ducasse attended Stamford High School in Connecticut and although he knew absolutely nothing about football in Haiti (he played basketball there) he approached football coach Kevin Jones and said in broken English, "I want to play."

He slowly made a name for himself and was recruited by several colleges before settling on UMass. It was then in his junior year there that he started attracting interest from NFL scouts and realized a pro career might be in his future.

The most interesting part of this selection (and this truly qualifies as burying the lede) is Clinkscales said in tonight's press conference that Ducasse would be competing for "the" starting job with Rob Turner and Matt Slauson. Uh, what starting job would that be exactly? One has to think the handwriting is on the wall signaling Alan Faneca's departure.

See you tomorrow.

Some first round anecdotes

2010-04-23T17:27:00.005-04:00

Due to pilot error last night (and we'll just leave it at that) I was unable to blog. I'm back now. So, three hours in, the Jets got their man. One can only imagine the scene in the War Room when it was confirmed that Rex Ryan would add yet another standout corner, Kyle Wilson from Boise State, to his roster.

Of course GM Mike Tannenbaum had to do his due diligence so as the clock ticked down during their allotted time, he still fielded a few calls from other teams. Tannenbaum described the scene. "Rex was breathing down my neck, 'would you just turn the card in already?' So we had a little drama there."

You can just picture it.

Both Tannenbaum and Ryan, along with VP of College Scouting Joey Clinkscales, had a spring in their step as they walked into the press room to address the assembled media. Although a slightly wild-eyed Tannenbaum looked around and said, "Does anyone know the last few picks?" Alas, since we had all scrambled to our computers after the Jets pick, no one was able to help him out.

For Wilson, this is coming home. The 22-year-old is from Piscataway, NJ, a 30-minute drive from the Jets facility in Florham Park. In fact, Wilson took the call from Rex Ryan sitting in his family's home in Piscataway.

Interestingly, shortly before the call from the Jets came in, Wilson was on the phone with the Vikings. "I don't know if they were trying to hold me on the line, but I got a call and then somehow the phone hung up. Then, I got another call and I ended up talking to Rex Ryan and it was a whirlwind at that point."

Now it's onto rounds two and three. With last night being a bit of a lightning round, we can only hope the same for tonight.

My hunch is the Jets still add another couple of defensive players - it would seem a pass rusher might be coming soon.

Completely unrelated - huge kudos on the food spread provided last night. The Jets truly outdid themselves. Am watching tonight's selection making its way in. Excellent.

The Jets 2010 Schedule is Announced

2010-04-20T19:09:00.002-04:00

Here it is, hot off the presses. Note, not one, not two, not three but FIVE night games. And that doesn't include the four final games whose times haven't been determined yet. I need to speak to someone about this. I need my beauty sleep.

In any case, here you go.

New York Jets 2010 Schedule

Preseason:

Mon. 8.16 vs. Giants ESPN 8pm
Sat. 8.21 at Carolina WCBS 8pm
Fri. 8.27 vs. Washington WCBS 7pm
Thurs. 9.2 at Philadelphia WCBS 7:30pm

Regular Season:

Mon. 9.13 vs. Baltimore ESPN 7pm
Sun. 9.19 vs. New England CBS 4:15pm
Sun. 9.26 at Miami NBC 8:20pm
Sun. 10.3 at Buffalo CBS 1pm
Mon. 10.11 vs. Minnesota ESPN 8:30pm
Sun. 10.17 at Denver CBS 4:05pm
Sun. 10.24 - BYE
Sun. 10/31 vs. Green Bay FOX 1pm
Sun. 11.7 at Detroit CBS 1pm
Sun. 10.24 BYE
Sun. 10.31 vs. Green Bay FOX 1pm
Sun 11.7 at Detroit CBS 1pm
Sun. 11.14 at Cleveland CBS 1pm
Sun. 11.21 vs. Houston CBS 1pm
Thurs. 11.25 vs. Cincinnati NFLN 8:20pm
Mon. 12.6 at New England ESPN 8:30pm
Sun. 12.12 vs. Miami TBA
Sun. 12.19 at Pittsburgh TBA
Sun. 12.26 at Chicago TBA
Sun. 1.2 vs. Buffalo TBA

Get your souvenirs...

2010-04-13T22:24:00.004-04:00

As the dismantling of Giants Stadium continues, pieces are being divvied up that fans can purchase. So, if you want to hang on to something tangible, and refrained from carting out your seat after the final game, now you can bid on them at auction. Everything from seats to pieces of the turf are going to be offered - some of it signed by players who played there, Giants included. The Play Like A Jet sign, that was over the equipment room is just one example of a variety of other things you will find.

The auction is being run by Steiner Sports. Anyone who is interested can log on to www.steinersports.com, see all the items available and make a bid. The bidding will close on April 25th.

As Brandon Steiner says, "How cool is it to be able to sit in a seat from Giants Stadium in your office or home. To own those chairs or a piece of the turf or goal post, is special for every Jets and Giants fan."

From what I understand, Jimmy Hoffa's remains are not on the list.

Hello Cortland - Hello Holmes

2010-04-12T19:22:00.004-04:00

So, it's back to Cortland we go. We knew it was coming and today it was made official, the New York Jets are going back to SUNY Cortland for 2010 training camp. According to the story on newyorkjets.com the school and the town of Cortland in central New York will host the Jets for the next three years with the option to extend it to a total of five.

As they did last year, the team will also hold some training camp practices at their former home of Hofstra University on Long Island as well as in Florham Park, NJ the site of their current facility.

And since the Jets have become excellent multi-taskers, in addition to announcing training camp, for good measure, they signed a Super Bowl MVP. However, one with a less-than-shiny past.

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes is now a member of the Jets. The Jets acquired him from the Pittsburgh Steelers for the paltry sum of just a fifth round pick. Holmes has had his share of troubles off the field, which was the reason for the bargain basement pricing. Recently, he was accused of hitting a woman in the face with a glass at a bar. Those charges seem possibly not to be true. However, Holmes has been suspended for the first four games of the 2010 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. In 2008 he was arrested for marijuana possession. In 2006 he was charged with domestic violence although the charges were later dismissed.

Said General Manager Mike Tannenbaum today, "We felt like the price was reasonable and the risk was reasonable. We're excited to have Santonio, we think he's dynamic playmaker."

As for Holmes, who said he was "very shocked" by the trade, he was polite and responsive to all questions during today's telephone press conference, repeating different versions of the phrase, "I'm accountable for my actions" several times.

A source familiar with Holmes and his circumstances told me today, "He's not a bad guy. His problems are self-made."

Holmes himself added, "I definitely want to come in and be one of the leaders on the field and off the field."

Time will tell.

Off-season doings and...the new stadium

2010-04-08T16:02:00.007-04:00

Busy day today - started at 9:00am in the Jets locker room, which the team has opened to the media for a couple of hours once a week for the next couple of weeks prior to the official start of OTAs (Organized Team Activities).

Players are in for what are considered voluntary workouts and according to LaDainian Tomlinson, participation has been 100%.

Jason Taylor was in the building, possibly taking a physical. We did not see him...

The players floated in and out between workouts and a variety of meetings.

As a whole, everyone appeared refreshed from their off-time and various vacations. Damien Woody's wife may win the award for best spouse. He told me that as the AFC Championship game against the Colts was winding down and the outcome was becoming clear, she got on the phone with their travel agent and booked two tickets to Jamaica for the very next day so that her husband could get some much needed rest and relaxation. She even flew in her mother to take care of the Woody's six children.

And how is he now? "I feel re-energized," said Woody.

A couple of other guys had different vacations. James Ihedigbo, David Clowney, and Vernon Gholston went to Haiti on behalf of Ihedigbo's "Hope Africa" foundation (Ihedibgo's family is from Nigeria) to try to do their part in assisting the victims of the earthquake. They showed me some pictures, which were amazing.

For Ihedigbo, it was a humbling experience. "Wow, culture shock," he said. "You get so accustomed to things in the U.S. and what they showed on TV was just a small part. That didn't do it justice. There were whole communities living in camps."

Other guys talked to me about this being the first step toward the 2010 season. With the trade of Kerry Rhodes, Eric Smith will now compete with Ihedigbo and the newly-acquired Brodney Pool for the starting spot at safety. His focus right now is honing his communication skills - during games being able to translate what he has seen on film and alert his teammates, a key component to taking on that starting role.

Braylon Edwards is enjoying a drama-free off-season and still thrilled to be in a new place - literally and figuratively - in his career. "The biggest thing is being in an environment like this where I can just focus on football," he told me. "I can focus on learning the game and getting better. Every day you ask yourself, 'Did we work hard enough today to win the Super Bowl?'"

In unrelated news, Edwards has grown an extremely full beard.

Danny Woodhead, who has some strange beard growth happening, is just excited to not be rehabbing as he was last year following the knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2008 season.

Once the open locker room period was over, it was a mad dash to the new Meadowlands Stadium for a tour. Those of you who can afford tickets will find it a noticeable upgrade to Giants Stadium.

All of the permanent features, seats, carpeting, etc. are in gray and brown tones. All of the club and suite seats - the actual stadium seats, not the seats inside - are padded similar to what you would find in a movie theater. Mark Lamping, the president and CEO of the New Meadowlands Stadium Company was our tour guide and gave us all the highlights.

There are about one-third more restrooms - close to 1300 total. Men's rooms still outnumber women's rooms but the differential is less than in the old stadium. Lamping seemed mildly amused and surprised that there was such thorough and detailed questioning on this topic.

All of the signage throughout the facility is electronic, which allows the background color to be changed dependent on whether it's a Jets event, Giants event or something else.

Flipping the stadium from one team to the other is now slightly more complicated, requiring a minimum of 12 hours. Both endzones as well as the center decal must be swapped out, along with all the other signage, including the concession stands.

What fans will see immediately upon entering are the four Jumbtrons positioned in each corner of the stadium, so that every seat in the place will have a full view of at least one.

And, if you can afford a ticket for The Commissioner's Club, all I can say is, wow.

Marty Lyons & Joe Klecko to Help Honor Brandon Steiner

2010-03-22T12:02:00.008-04:00

All Jets fans know Marty Lyons and Joe Klecko, as members of the famed "Sack Exchange," and they are considered two of the best defensive linemen to ever play for the New York Jets. Lyons is also known now as part of the Jets radio broadcast team, providing color analysis.

However, both also spend a great deal of time and effort supporting charitable causes. On Thursday, April 29th, Lyons and Klecko will be on hand at the Family Services of Westchester STAR Gala at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, NY to honor Brandon and Mara Steiner. Brandon Steiner is the CEO and founder of Steiner Sports Marketing and Memorabilia.

Family Services of Westchester, which is more than 50 years old, offers a variety of social and mental services to families in Westchester County.

Lyons and Klecko will join other sports celebrities including Lawrence Taylor (Giants), Ozzie Smith (Padres/Cardinals), Earl Monroe (Knicks) and Dwight Gooden (Mets/Yankees).

Roy Firestone will be master of ceremonies. Among other sports figures expected to attend are, Tiki Barber (Giants), Joe Morris (Giants), George Martin (Giants), Carl Banks (Giants), Mookie Wilson (Mets), John Starks (Knicks), Anthony Mason (Knicks/Nets) and Carl Duhon (Knicks).

Tickets are $300 per person and include dinner, dancing and an auction. Special VIP tickets are available for $750 each, which include a special VIP cocktail reception prior to the dinner. Junior VIP tickets are available to children under the age of 18 for $450, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting Deborah Wilson at 914-937-2320 x116.

See you there!

Free Agency update

2010-03-14T21:41:00.006-04:00

Free agency continues to pick up steam as the Jets sign LaDainian Tomlinson. The future Hall-of-Fame running back, drafted in 2001 by the San Diego Chargers had started and played in all but one game in his career, up until 2009 when injuries sidelined him for two games.

In 2006 Tomlinson was named league MVP.

Although Tomlinson will serve as a back-up to Shonn Greene, the team clearly expects a significant contribution from him. In addition, as one Jets player told me, "Tomlinson is a team-first guy. Thomas Jones was a me-first guy."

The Jets have now shored up a couple of positions with the addition of Tomlinson and his former San Diego teammate, cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

After cutting Lito Sheppard and Donald Strickland, I would expect to see the Jets target another corner in the Draft. I would think they would be looking at wide receivers too.

Someone to keep an eye on - Alan Faneca. The 12-year veteran is getting close to the end of his career and he has an enormous contract. If Faneca doesn't decide to retire in the next few weeks, the Jets could look to trade him around the Draft. Offensive lineman Rob Turner could likely transition easily in the left guard spot, especially given the fact that the other four linemen are all returning. However, he would probably have to compete with Matt Slauson for the job.

Odds and ends - in addition to Kerry Rhodes being traded to the Cardinals, and free agent WR/ST Wallace Wright signing with the Panthers, LB Marques Murrell, also a free agent who played mostly on special teams has signed with the Patriots.

Nothing new on the James Dearth or Leon Washington fronts.

The really big news of the day (pun intended), is the fact that Rex Ryan underwent lap-band surgery yesterday. He has tried a variety of ways to lose weight in the past, including starting a liquid diet on the first day of training camp last year (because he apparently needed a bigger challenge than simply his first training camp as a head coach). I'm sure Ryan will be the first one to provide regular updates on the procedure and the specifics of his weight loss.

Kerry is A Cardinal

2010-03-07T13:18:00.004-05:00

Well, just one day after GM Mike Tannenbaum said the safety Kerry Rhodes would remain with the Jets "unless something changes," something changed. Last night the Jets shipped Rhodes to the Cardinals in exchange for two Draft picks - a fourth round this year and a seventh round in 2011.

It is difficult to say that this is a surprise. Rhodes had been at odds with the team and was benched in mid-season due both to his perceived attitude and performance.

His lack of interceptions this season were also a significant source of concern to the coaching staff.

Nicknamed "Hollywood" by his teammates, there was also a perception both among the staff and the players that football might not be Rhodes' priority, when stacked against his off-the-field projects and events.

As one player told me, "If do your job well, those things (movie roles, magazine layouts, etc.) will come." Rhodes' choice to chase those things while playing were seen as splitting his focus and taking away from his performance.

The team has some options at safety. Eric Smith, who the team tendered last week and who filled in well for Rhodes when Rhodes is benched, remains on the team, as done James Ihedigbo who continued to show improvement through the season as well. However, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the team go after this position in the Draft and another trade or free agent pickup is never out of the question.

Antonio Cromartie's Fresh Start

2010-03-05T19:11:00.005-05:00

Antonio Cromartie was introduced to the New York media today during a conference call. Both he and GM Mike Tannenbaum referred to this as a "fresh start" with all the usual optimism.

Regarding his tackling Cromartie said, "I have not been the best tackler at times in my career. That's something I'm truly working on this offseason."

And then regarding the topic people really want to talk about, his off-the-field issues, he has been named in a reported five different paternity suits over the past couple of years.

"I have seven kids living in five different states," he admitted today. "I made some wrong decisions my first two years in the NFL. Now I have to take on the responsibility of being a father to my kids."

As far as those paternity suits and the accompanying child support issues, "Those things are being taken care of as we speak," he said, "and they are being handled in the right way."

The good news for the Jets is that Cromartie will play out the last year of his current contract so no big investment until they see what they're getting. As for Cromartie, he better play well if he's going to get a new contract that will pay him enough to take care of all those kids.

And It Begins

2010-03-04T19:18:00.005-05:00

So, the free agency period has begun. I must admit, the whole thing makes my head spin. Thank you to MG and JW for clearing up some a few nagging questions I had about some of the rules.

Following the release of Thomas Jones that was announced earlier in the week, the first big move of the day, although not at all unexpected, was the release of Lito Sheppard. He's truly a great guy, but had a couple of really bad games that, together with the money factor, just didn't bode well for him.

I would think the Jets will be looking long and hard at first-round cornerbacks come April.

The team has tendered a bunch of players. I'm just going to give you the list, along with the compensation that the Jets would receive in the 2010 Draft if they decide not to match another team's offer and let that player go. They have seven days to make the decision once an offer is made:

Leon Washington - 2nd round pick
Braylon Edwards - 1st and 3rd round picks
Kellen Edwards - 3rd round pick (this is due to the fact that the Jets already have Leon equal to a 2nd round.
Brad Smith - 2nd round pick
Wayne Hunter - 3rd round pick
Eric Smith - 3rd round pick
Drew Coleman - 6th round pick
James Ihedigbo - Right of first refusal. (If another team gives him an offer that the Jets don't want to match, the Jets will not receive any compensation for him.)

The free agents are:

Howard Green
Marques Murrell
Wallace Wright

Unrestricted free agents are:

James Dearth
Marques Douglas
Jay Feely
Ryan Fowler
Ben Hartsock
Larry Izzo
Tony Richardson

The Jets can sign as many restricted free agents as they like. The rules for unrestricted free agents as far as the Jets are concerned, are that they can't sign one unless they lose one.

Hard to say at this point how everything is going to go. I know the big question is Leon Washington and his agent put his chances at returning to the Jets as 50-50. We'll see. That would be a big loss.

The Jets signed long snapper Tanner Purdham a couple of weeks ago, so that could signal the end of the James Dearth era, but he's beaten out other guys before.

I would expect to see Tony Richardson return.

Nick Folk, who most recently kicked for the Cowboys was recently signed, but I think this is more for mini-camp and training camp competition for Feely.

The talk about Larry Izzo after he was placed on Injured Reserve with a neck injury was that he might retire. Nothing has been said about that one way or the other at this point. Special Teams coach Mike Westhoff loves Izzo, and rightly so, the guy has had an outstanding career, but it might be time for him to be done.

I'll keep you posted as things happen or as I hear them.

Thomas Jones to Be Released

2010-03-01T15:11:00.003-05:00

As expected the Jets have just announced that they will release running back Thomas Jones on March 5th (Friday). Jones joined the team in 2007 after three years with the Chicago Bears. He was drafted in 2000 by the Arizona Cardinals where he spent three years before moving on to Tampa Bay for one season. He led the AFC in rushing in 2008.

Jones was due a $3 million roster bonus next week.

Here are the statements from GM Mike Tannenbaum and Coach Rex Ryan regarding Jones' release:

It is still possible that the team will re-sign Jones at some point.

Statement from New York Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum:

“We have informed Thomas Jones and his representatives that we will release him on March 5. Thomas joined us three years ago and has been a productive, passionate leader both on and off the field who has served as a positive influence for our younger players. We were fortunate to acquire Thomas and wish him the best.”

Statement from New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan:

“When I got here Thomas immediately became one of my guys. He had one of his best years last season – might have been his best. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him as a player and a person. As I said the other day, this is one of the tough decisions we had to make for our organization.”

Sanchez scheduled for surgery

2010-02-16T19:00:00.008-05:00

Back from my disappearing act with the news everyone has been waiting anxiously for...OK maybe not anxiously. In any case, Mark Sanchez will have surgery on his left knee tomorrow at Morristown Memorial Hospital in New Jersey to fix the patella tendon.

Two of the Jets team doctors, Elliott Hershman and Kenneth Montgomery, will perform the procedure on the 23-year-old quarterback. Montgomery, who has been with the team for 11 years is the team's head physician and orthopedic surgeon. Hershman, the team's orthopedist has been with the team for 24 years. He is the vice chairman of orthopedic surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital and Chairman of the NFL's Injury and Safety Panel.

No specific information is available yet as to how long Sanchez may be in the hospital, although normally this is an outpatient procedure.

In addition, still waiting for confirmation as to whether he will rehab in Florham Park or elsewhere. (Elsewhere probably being home in California.)

Apology Du Jour

2010-01-31T18:52:00.003-05:00

I look away for five minutes and Rex Ryan is off giving the finger. Am I the only one who laughed? Of course, it was inappropriate, but there's no way Ryan meant it as anything other than a spur-of-the-moment joking response.

All I have to say is...can't we all just get along?

In any event, it has provoked the obligatory apology from him and statement from GM Mike Tannenbaum, which both follow:

Statement from New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan

“It was stupid and inappropriate. I wouldn’t accept that type of behavior from one of the coaches or players and it’s unacceptable from me. I apologize to the Jets organization, the National Football League and NFL fans everywhere.”

Statement from New York Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum

“Rex showed extremely poor judgment and his conduct was inappropriate. He knows he was wrong, has apologized and we have accepted his apology. Any other actions regarding this incident will be addressed internally by the organization.”

Not Jetting Anywhere....

2010-01-25T13:24:00.004-05:00

The name of this blog today is NotJettingAroundAnywhere. I know you don't care, but I'm really bored, so I'm going to tell you about what's going on. I've been sitting in the Indianapolis Airport since 8am in the attempt to get on my 9:25am flight back to NYC. Still here and it's now 1:25pm.

Apparently the winds in NY are so bad that LaGuardia has been completely shut down. Although I wouldn't know first hand. I believe what I'm being told.

In the meantime, as a result, the New York Jets press corps is scattered throughout the Midwest and East Coast. I'm happily ensconced at Gate B23 with Tom Rock and Bob Glauber of Newsday. Glauber is actually an interloper as he is supposed to be on a flight to Philly that is going out of Gate B10. Except that flight's not going anywhere either.

Jenny Vrentas of the Star-Ledger is at Gate B9, but she's afraid to go too far away from her gate, lest something exciting happen, like a departure.

Judy Battista of the Times is somewhere in another terminal entirely. We are communicating via Twitter.

The Jets cleaned out their lockers this morning. Couldn't tell you what happened. Rex Ryan is giving his end-of-year press conference at 4pm. Clearly, I won't be there either.

It's Over

2010-01-24T20:12:00.003-05:00

In the first half it looked like the Jets might just have figured it out. The second half proved that wrong. And at the end of the day, Peyton Manning is simply someone with a talent on a whole other level.

With the loss of RB Shonn Greene and CB Donald Strickland, and a hobbled Bart Scott things shifted against the Jets. There was also the matter of the pass rush that seemed to disappear.

The locker room was a very quiet place. A lot of the players were having trouble focusing on how good of a season it was, but acknowledged that they probably would be able to down the road. The most intriguing comment came from Braylon Edwards who said the team came out with a different attitude in the second half than they did in the first. I asked him what specifically he meant by that and he deferred, saying he didn't want to speak for anyone else.

Unfortunately, Thomas Jones was yet again, a total no-show. He was not in the locker room at all this entire week leading up to the game and was not there after the game today either. Otherwise I would certainly have liked to have brought you his thoughts.

Mark Sanchez was disappointed but also trying to look at the positives, what the team accomplished this year and looking ahead to next season.

Punter Steve Weatherford was in the most upbeat mood. He said "I'm a glass half full guy. Plus, everybody in this room is incredibly blessed."

More later. In the meantime check out the Rapid Reports and a story on the pass rush that will be up on CBSSports.com shortly.

Welcome to Indy!

2010-01-24T09:43:00.004-05:00

May I first and foremost give a hearty thank you to the most well-behaved Jets fans I have been around. AirTran Flight #891 out of LaGuardia yesterday - 150 seats, at least 130 of which were filled with Jets fans wearing all sorts of team regalia. Not one J E T S chant (until deplaning). It was the cherry on the sundae since not only did the flight take off on time, we landed almost 30 minutes early. Yes. 30 minutes. EARLY. I plan to fly to Indianapolis on a regular basis now. (And this made up for the 35 minutes I spent standing on the TSA line in my socks.)

Thanks to Tom Rock of Newsday who was on my flight and drove me to the door of my hotel in his spiffy red PT Cruiser rental.

Also, a big shout out to my seatmates, Bill and his 11-year-old son Peter from Pelham, NY. They are Colts fans. Bill is an Indy native and like father like son. Bill and I had a nice chat, while the very well-behaved and polite Peter played some games on Dad's iPhone. Like winning the lottery.

Next up, I met a friend I hadn't seen in none-of-your-business years at a fun restaurant called Scotty's - Ted Karras, now the head football coach at Marian University. They hired him in 2006 to build the program from scratch and the team has already had two winning seasons. He was accompanied by his defensive coordinator Marty Mathis. We had a blast. Nothing like connecting with old friends and I'll now be following Marian closely.

Then it was on to dinner with my CBS cohort Clark Judge and writer Ron Borges. They tricked me into ordering a hamburger the size of a hubcap. I have a photo of the bun, unfortunately the hook up for my camera is at home. Keep checking back. By the way, Clark ordered a salad. This did not deter me from ordering an equally large piece of chocolate cake, which was the soul mate I have been waiting my whole life for.

Now it's almost game time. My gut still says Jets win. We'll know for sure in a few hours.

Woody Johnson Reflects on 2009

2010-01-22T17:47:00.001-05:00

Speaking to the media for the first time since the Jets entered the playoff race and the death of his eldest daughter, 30-year-old Casey the very next day, Jets owner Robert Wood (Woody) Johnson IV said simply, “This has been a brutal couple of weeks for me.”

However, Johnson is working hard to balance his personal loss with the stratospheric rise of his football team. Knowing there is nothing he can do to change what happened with Casey; Johnson has divided his focus into two worlds – personal and professional. Yet all of those disparate emotions came to a head when Coach Rex Ryan handed Johnson a game ball in the locker room following the Jets win over the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wildcard game.

“When I got that ball, that was too many things that hit me at once,” Johnson said shaking his head.

Johnson decided to attend the game because he felt that if he expected his players to play after some of their own personal losses (which several have experienced this season), he should expect the same thing of himself.

Now as things continues to move forward at hectic pace, Johnson reflected on the road that has brought the team to this point and almost all of it begins and ends with Rex Ryan. From the moment Ryan arrived for his first interview – 30 minutes late and coming off a loss in the AFC Championship game to the Pittsburgh Steelers - the team knew it had its man.

“When Rex came into the room, it was obvious to us that this was a guy that deserved a shot,” Johnson recalled. “[With his family history] he’s been a coach longer than his years.”
Immediately the entire culture and atmosphere of the team changed as everyone embraced their new head coach’s buoyant and open personality, as well as his leadership abilities. Ryan’s assertion in his opening press conference that the team would be meeting the President of the United States because they would win a Super Bowl with him at the helm was met internally with excitement and awe.

In this new era of openness, Johnson has found himself mingling with fans in the post-game parking lot getting their feedback, most of which he said is positive – at least to his face. He has enjoyed these interactions, getting what he called the “flavor of what’s going on out there.”

“We’ve finally got the light that we work for our fans and we want to tell you everything,” he said. “Our foibles, our successes, the fans deserve all of that.”

The one bit of unpleasantness that has hung over the organization this year is the matter of the PSLs, better known as Personal Seat Licenses. This has put fans in the position of having to buy not just tickets, but the seats themselves; in essence, buying the right to buy the tickets.
Johnson said he understands some of the opposition, but on the other hand points out that fans can now own these seats for the life of the stadium and that the price is “reflected in what the stadium cost.” He also indicated that the team has seen a surge in purchases starting in December.

With the biggest game in a decade looming on the horizon, and a possible Super Bowl appearance so close they can almost touch it, Johnson is anticipating big things. “In 1998, I was watching [the AFC Championship game],” he said, and then paused. “I think we’ll come closer this year.”

And where has Johnson put that very meaningful game ball? It is in the possession of his three-and-a-half year old son, who may be young, but according to his father, already seems to understand the meaning behind it and treats it with loving care.

This Week's Fan Festivities

2010-01-20T18:45:00.002-05:00

Crazy day. Media to players was a 2:1 ratio. I'll get to more details later, but in the meantime, for those of you in New York, here is information from the Jets regarding some fan festivities this week that you can partake in. I'm copying and pasting to make sure I don't leave anything out:

THURSDAY JANUARY 21

TIMES SQUARE PEP RALLY

WHAT: The City of New York will host a pep rally in Times Square for the team. Mayor Michael Bloomberg will be on hand to show New York City’s support for the Jets as they prepare for the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 24^th. The event will be hosted by 1050 ESPN Radio personality Michael Kay. “Win and We’re In” rally towels will be distributed courtesy of Toyota.

WHO: Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum

Former Jets Running Back, Curtis Martin

Jets Flight Crew Cheerleaders

Live music will be performed by Beluga Heights/Warner Bros. breakout pop star Jason Derulo, including his No. 1 song, “Whatcha Say.”

WHEN: Thursday, January 21, 2010 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Times Square between 44^th and 45^th Streets

To gain access to the event, all attendees must enter at 42^nd and Broadway

PROHIBITED ITEMS: To ensure public safety and security, the following items will not be permitted: coolers, large backpacks, large bags, weapons, glass containers, alcohol and chairs. All attendees are subject to search and confiscated items will not be returned.

SATURDAY JANUARY 23

TEAM SENDOFF AT THE ATLANTIC HEALTH JETS TRAINING CENTER

WHAT: Jets fans are invited to come create a special “runway” for the team when the team departs the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center for Indianapolis to face the Colts in the AFC Championship game on January 24^th. Fans have the opportunity to form a tunnel and send the team off with excitement, enthusiasm and well wishes. “Win and We’re In” rally towels will be distributed courtesy of Toyota.

WHO: Jets players and coaches

WHEN: Saturday, January 23 at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: The Atlantic Health Jets Training Center

1 Jets Drive

Florham Park, NJ 07932

Getting ready for the rematch

2010-01-18T18:59:00.005-05:00

Hello Jets fans...recovered from your delirium yet? Pace yourselves, you've still got a ways to go. The media spoke to a few of the players today and Rex gave his usual, jovial press conference, jet lag nowhere to be seen. Well, I think I heard Damien Woody yawn, but that might just have been my question.

So, how do the players feel about a rematch with the Colts? Woody referred to it as "the perfect script for us."

The game should be a barn-burner. With the way both teams are playing, I believe it will be as intense as anything we've seen this year. Let's hope anyway, it is the Championship game. You've got to believe that Peyton Manning is still stewing over being pulled during the regular season game and the Jets are absolutely chomping at the bit to prove that they can beat this team with Manning under center for all four quarters.

One minor little problem, turns out Shaun Ellis broke his hand on the first play of the game. The trainers took him into the locker room, took an x-ray and confirmed the break. However, Ellis had them put it in a cast and went right back out. He will play this week in the Championship game and then regardless of the outcome he will have surgery immediately afterward to put some screws in. If the Jets go to the Super Bowl, he will play. The whole idea of it makes me shudder, but I guess that's one of the many reasons I don't play.

Apparently the plane ride home was a rather joyous event. There was some sort of dance-off in the back that had something to do with LaDanian Tomlinson's recent video. Not entirely sure who participated in that - feverishly working the phones. However, it seems to be the younger guys. According to Shaun Ellis the older guys stayed toward the front and chatted and watched movies. Nice and sedate, befitting their status as elders.

As for all the naysayers, Ryan said today, "I'm not an I-told-you-so guy. Until after the Super Bowl."

Awaiting Jets vs. Chargers...

2010-01-16T20:49:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow's the big day, when we'll see if the Jets have what it takes to get past the San Diego Chargers and move on to the AFC Championship game. The Jets haven't been to a Championship game since 1999 when they lost to the Denver Broncos in Denver.

The team truly believes they can and will win this game, which is the only attitude you can have if you have any hope of winning. They also know what everybody else knows - the Chargers are going to pose a huge problem across the board.

I talked to Jerricho Cotchery earlier in the week as he and Philip Rivers go back to high school. Rivers team beat Cotchery's team in the second round of the high school playoffs and Cotchery is itching for revenge. Of course, the two were incredibly successful together at NC State - in fact, Cotchery told me that Rivers was one of the reasons he chose that school because he knew he wanted to go somewhere with a great quarterback. The two have remained close friends and Cotchery says he sees the same player he always has, incredibly accurate with an amazing instinct for the game.

With Rivers, Antonio Gates, LaDanian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles and Vincent Jackson the defense has their hands full and they know it. Gates is especially hard to cover because of his size. Jackson too is a tall, big receiver. Expect to see Darrelle Revis on Jackson a lot - but not exclusively.

Field position, as always, is going to play a big role and it seems as though Steve Weatherford will be fine. Although Jay Feely ended up doing a great job, it wasn't really his idea of fun. As he said this week, "I would have been more comfortable returning punts."

Weatherford had a re-occurrence of a heart condition that developed when he was in high school and which he had a procedure for during his sophomore year of college. His heart beat was up around 175 -180 beats per minute and the doctors weren't going to let him go on the field. Even after he pulled out his IVs, he was stopped by GM Mike Tannenbaum and Rex Ryan.

Although he will need another procedure after the season, they expect him to punt this week without a problem.

Everybody else is pretty healthy. David Harris' ankle has improved, which has to be a big relief to the entire organization.

So, who's your money on?

Up next: San Diego

2010-01-11T18:56:00.003-05:00

The Jets put on a pretty convincing show on Sunday. Any questions? Well, a few, but the fact is, the team is looking good no matter how you slice it.

Next up, the San Diego Chargers. As much of a challenge as the Bengals may have presented (and several players told me privately that Cincinnati really was not as good as advertised...) the Chargers are a whole different story.

Philip Rivers is scary good. Here's what safety Jim Leonhard said about him today. "He's extremely accurate. The biggest thing with them is they'll spread the ball all over the place. He has a lot of big-time targets that he can distribute the ball to. He's an equal-opportunity quarterback. He's willing to throw to anyone. It doesn't matter, whoever is open, that's where the ball is going. It's really hard to get keyed in on him."

Jerricho Cotchery and Rivers are good friends from their days together at NC State and Cotchery laughed today that he still owes Rivers one for knocking his team out of the playoffs back when they were both in high school.

The most important factor for this team right now may be Rex Ryan. His players speak of how much his confidence and his support has meant to them all season and especially now. The fact that Ryan actually mapped out a schedule for them up through not just the Super Bowl, but a Super Bowl parade made them all sit up and take a second look.

It's one of those things where it's like a proud parent," said Nick Mangold. "(When you have) a parent who believes in you and wants the best for you, you want to go to school to get the good grades, to make them even prouder. You want to go out there and be the best."

Tomorrow is the first open locker room since the win on Sunday. I'm anticipating three media people for every player. Oughta be piles of fun. I'll let you know.

Game Day Odds and Ends

2010-01-09T15:39:00.004-05:00

Couple of quick notes before this thing gets going. Ryan Fowler is inactive, which means they were not comfortable with him playing so soon after his head injury last weekend. David Harris is playing with the ankle sprain and his backup is now Kenwin Cummings who has only been on the active roster since early November.

Bengals running back Larry Johnson is also inactive so expect to see a lot of Cedric Benson.

Windchill is currently 12 degrees in Cincinnati. Practically Spring time compared to last week's four degrees.

Jets Wildcard Week - Day Four

2010-01-07T17:48:00.004-05:00

Day three got away from me. Oh well. A few random things first. D'Brickashaw Ferguson was named the Jets Walter Payton Man of the Year. Ferguson does a ton of work with his foundation helping students and the community in and around the area of Long Island where he grew up.

Jets have signed four players to future contracts including TJ Conley who, if I remember correctly, was punter number 1 during the punter merry-go-round during training camp last summer.

Now onto the business at hand. David Harris was limited in practice today, but he did practice after not participating on either Tuesday or Wednesday. According to Rex Ryan he had started jogging on it yesterday so clearly there's progress.

The sticky part of the problem here is that Harris has a high ankle sprain, which takes a while to heal. If you don't let it heal, it will nag for ages. So, the Jets are in the position of needing Harris badly this week - but also can't afford to set him back should they win and need him in more playoff games.

Ryan Fowler (Harris' backup who had a head injury) was back full today. I would bet he will see some significant time, along with Kenwin Cummings even if Harris does start.

Everybody else is relatively healthy. Punter Steve Weatherford's hamstring is healing, although that's another injury which if it doesn't heal well, oh boy. Jets fans should hope he doesn't have to punt a lot.

The mood in the locker room is relatively calm they know that if they didn't see everything from the Bengals last week, they sure will this week - not the least of which will be RB Cedric Benson.

Additionally, defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said this week that some of the Bengals players didn't even know that they were going to play until later in the day on Sunday so that would throw off somoeone's preparation. Pretty sure they all know who's up for this one.

Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer shared yesterday that he would consider turning down a head coaching job to stay with the Jets because of how happy he is now with the organization.

Jets Wildcard Week - Day Two

2010-01-05T19:41:00.005-05:00

Day two of Wildcard Week. 50 media people in a press room that comfortably holds 25. Good times. (Oh, and two dead mice, but at least they were outside).

All is rolling along right now at the Jets facility. Players happy and excited. Coaches happy, excited and exhausted. PR staff working on fumes.

Mark Sanchez talked today about his friendship with Carson Palmer, which goes back more than a decade to when Sanchez served as ball boy for his brother Brandon who played with Palmer on the Santa Margarita High School team. Sanchez regaled us with a few stories of Palmer as prankster, but clearly this is someone he has relied on and learned a lot from over the years and great values the relationship.

Sanchez shared that Palmer has mentored him on everything from playing the game to what to buy his linemen for Christmas.

There is also an intense spirit of competition between the two, which Sanchez described in this anecdote:

"I remember throwing these flags with Coach Johnson (high school coach) and they are made out of PVC pipe, he has them made by hand. He sticks them in the ground and you just throw at the flags and try to hit the thing. We got so competitive, we didn't want to try to hit the flags or the post we would aim for one. We would say (hit the) left one, and I would hit it and he would hit it and it would go back and forth. Now it's the same thing. He went 21 plays, let's go 22 plays, let's score. That's how competitive it is. I couldn't think of anyone else I would want to square off against. He's a great competitor and a great friend."

Meanwhile, Kerry Rhodes has been the recipient of some good-natured teasing by everyone, including Rex Ryan, for not scoring off of his fumble recovery on Sunday. So, I piled on and asked how his speed drills went today. He laughed and replied, "I thought I was a Cadillac rolling down the street, but I caught a flat tire."

On the injury front, punter Steve Weatherford's hamstring is much better. He couldn't have been more relieved at having had to punt only three times in the game. He said today that while he is still sore, there is a "100% chance" that he'll play.

Donald Strickland's quad is better, and it is looking like he will see some action this week.

Slightly scary moment at practice when James Ihedigbo lay on the ground clearly in pain. After a few minutes he got up holding his arm. Turns out he had a stinger and told me in the locker room later that he was fine.

The most sobering news of the day is that David Harris, who sprained his ankle at the end of the first half on Sunday, did not practice today and it looks like he may be day-to-day. His backup, Ryan Fowler, was limited with a head injury also sustained in the game. If neither can go, Kenwin Cummings will start. Cummings was signed off the practice squad in early November.

The fun continues tomorrow.

They're in

2010-01-04T14:06:00.003-05:00

Last night the almost 80,000 Jets fans each received a towel, on which was printed: "WE WIN AND WE'RE IN!" Well, they won and they're in.

Game temperature never got above 20 degrees, with a windchill of four and yet almost the entire Jets squad was in short sleeves. (Rob Turner did his pregame "warmup" wearing only shorts and a sleeveless shirt.) Statement or insanity? Not sure, but they pulled it off and have now earned a rematch with the Bengals on Saturday in Cincinnati. Kickoff at 4:30pm ET on NBC.

The mood last night in the locker room was upbeat, but relatively even-keeled. The players seem to know that there's no room for major celebrations at this point. Mark Sanchez was the most buoyant of anybody in the room, bouncing around to the music playing on the iPod in his locker. By the way- Sanchez is old school when it comes to music. A lot of '80s and '90s stuff. Gotta love it, although it occasionally made it hard to hear his teammates doing interviews. I'm just saying.

Darrelle Revis was all smiles after shutting down Chad Ochocinco. He laughed when I told him that Ochocinco had promised to change his name back to Johnson if Revis shut him down.

As for Ochocinco's response when one of the Bengals beat reporters asked him after the game if he were in fact, planning to do that? "Child, please." Not entirely sure if that means yes or no.

On a more serious note, Calvin Pace, who is now in his seventh season, is overjoyed to be going to what will be his first-ever playoff game. "I'm proud. I'm proud of everybody," he said. "When things were bad, everybody stuck together. There's a lot of times we could have folded our tent. We didn't leave any doubt. We kind of stubbed our toe along the way but we got back on track. It was the best game I ever played in."

He talked about how teammates started getting together as a group around Thanksgiving, watching Monday Night Football games. It helped add to the camaraderie and team unity that they had been building since Rex Ryan arrived.

Curious about who hosts the best event? "Bart (Scott) has the best setup," Pace said laughing. "It's like being in Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch." Knowing Scott, this surprises me not at all.

As for me, I'm just glad no one set my car on fire in misguided celebration.

More to come as what promises to be an interesting week unfolds.

Three Jets going to the Pro Bowl

2009-12-29T19:23:00.004-05:00

The NFL announced this year's Pro Bowl roster tonight. In comparison to last year when the Jets had a league-high seven players, only three were selected as starters this year. That honor goes to Alan Faneca, Nick Mangold and Darrelle Revis. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Thomas Jones and Bart Scott were selected as first alternates. David Harris and Shaun Ellis are second alternates.

This is Faneca's ninth consecutive selection, and all nine have been as a starter. For Mangold and Revis it's two in a row, and the first start for both.

Although this is number nine for Faneca, he is just as excited as the first one. "I think it's a great honor," he said. "It never gets old. It's something special to be asked to go."

Faneca was disappointed that more of his teammates were not named as starters, especially Jones and Ferguson. "Thomas (Jones) not being on there is very surprising," Faneca said. "He's a guy that should be on there."

Mangold echoed Faneca's feelings. "Not to see TJ's number called is disappointed." As for his own selection, "It's an amazing thing. I'm just amazed that the fans and the coaches and the players put me in there over some amazing centers."

For Revis, this was a validation for him that his work both the off-season and during the season has paid off. "It was one of my personal goals to get back to be one of those type of caliber players," he said. "I'm just trying to be the best that I can be."

A win and they're in

2009-12-27T22:49:00.004-05:00

They slayed the dragon. Of course, the dragon lost some of its firepower when Peyton Manning was taken out, but a win is a win. Here are my thoughts on that - I don't like when teams bench their starters. I understand why they do it, but your players should play. That said, the Jets have nothing to apologize for. They beat the team they played, nobody asked Indy to sit their guys, that was their decision.

And, Mark Sanchez managed the game well throughout, against both starters and backups. He seemed calm and focused and hey - no interceptions and none of that diving head first thing that he likes to do.

The defense played like the defense we expect to see. Are there any superlatives left that have not yet been used for Darrelle Revis? He held Reggie Wayne, the league's fourth-leading receiver to a grand total of three catches for 33 yards. (Yes, I know Wayne was taken out of the game too, but still).

How about defensive end Marques Douglas who had a heads up play, getting a touchdown off Calvin Pace's strip sack of Curtis Painter. It was the ninth year veteran's first touchdown of his career.

So, now it's official, the Jets win and they're in. The league of course, jumped on this exciting scenario right away and have flexed the Jets from the original 1pm start to the Sunday night game at 8:30pm. Night games aren't my favorite to work, but nobody asked me - and on the plus side, the traffic is usually pretty light at the George Washington Bridge at 2am. Unless they're doing construction, but let's not think about that right now.

Should be an interesting week as the Jets try to contain their excitement and say all the right things. Then again, this is Rex Ryan and Co. and they're likely to say anything. God love 'em.

Up next: Indy; and team hands out annual awards

2009-12-24T10:15:00.006-05:00

Big game this weekend. Huge. Nobody panic. Rex Ryan has been joking all week about how he would really like Peyton Manning not to play. Probably not really a joke. This is going to be the biggest challenge the Jets have faced and a big part of that will be the mental challenge of facing an unbeaten team with the game's best quarterback at the helm.

The veterans I spoke to said they're not intimidated, and while I do believe that, I know they know they have a mountain to climb. But hey, stranger things have happened. Like in that Giants - Redskins game on Monday night. What was going on there? But, I digress.

The locker room has been pretty upbeat, partially the holidays, but they're all excited about playing this weekend knowing the playoffs are still within their grasp. Hey, it can't snow inside the RCA Dome.

Sanchez is back to his happy-go-lucky self although he's got to be chomping at the bit to get out on the field and try to clean up some of his issues. When I asked him about still going head first, he quickly pointed out that he had "halfway" tried a slide last week. Two knee braces will once again be part of his uniform.

Team announced its annual awards today. Darrelle Revis was named team MVP, which was pretty much a no-brainer. Yesterday, Revis was awarded the even-more prestigious "Good Guy" award by the Jets media. Revis is always available, always pleasant and always offers interesting insights.

Other awards were:

Ed Block Courage Award - David Harris
Kyle Clifton Award - James Dearth (the staff votes on this one, it is their "good guy" award)
Marty Lyons Award - D'Brickashaw Ferguson (an award for charitable works "given from the heart)
Dennis Byrd Award - Thomas Jones (his second consecutive year winning this for being the player who most inspires his teammates).

Sanchez improving; Help others for the holidays

2009-12-17T16:42:00.005-05:00

Mark Sanchez practiced almost fully today for the first time since he injured his knee by diving in the last game against the Buffalo Bills. He looked pretty normal at the part of practice (at least for a guy who's now wearing braces on both knees) the media is allowed to watch. Rex Ryan said he received no setbacks from yesterday's outing and, in fact, seemed better.

Ryan is still waiting to announce a starter. I think he might be gun shy from the last time and he also doesn't want to create a situation that might further endanger his franchise quarterback. That said, I think Sanchez will be the starter on Sunday against the Falcons.

Couple of other things - Jets and Giants are putting in a bid to host the 2014 Super Bowl at the Meadowlands. All I can say to that is, I'm glad the press box is inside. Right now the NFL requires the temperature of a location not to be lower than 50 degrees. Clearly the Meadowlands can't guarantee (or frankly even hope for) that. We'll see.

Also, the Jets are doing their annual coat drive at this Sunday's (December 20th) game. This will be part of the Jersey Cares Coat Drive. They are looking for new or gently used coats, which will be collected at the gates. If you aren't going to make it to the game, but are interested in donating, you can check out www.jerseycares.org to find other donation locations

The Jets will be donating $1000 to the New York Cares Coat Drive as well. If you are interested in donating through them, you can check out www.newyorkcares.or g.

Get out the vote!

2009-12-10T18:44:00.004-05:00

Hey Jets fans, if you want to see your favorite players in the Pro Bowl, you better start voting. Guys like center Nick Mangold and cornerback Darrelle Revis are way down on the list of votes received and others, like running back Thomas Jones, linebacker David Harris and left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson haven't even cracked the lists yet.

This is odd given that Jones ranks seventh overall in the NFL in rushing, Harris is the league's fourth leading tackler and every defensive end he plays against names Ferguson as one of the game's top left tackles.

Both Revis and Mangold have seven guys with more votes than them at their positions.

Fan votes account for one third of the total, which is pretty significant.

You can go to nfl.com to vote. Polls close on December 21st.

The Sanchez situation, and some roster moves

2009-12-10T13:07:00.004-05:00

A computer hard drive crash was almost the end of me last week. However, now I'm back. Not quite as ticked off as Mark Sanchez who was seething yesterday after learning that not only would he not start, but he would not even travel to this weekend's game in Tampa.

Rex Ryan described Sanchez as "mad as a hornet" when he heard. I asked Sanchez if that was accurate and he replied "That's about right." His mood yesterday fluctuated between anger and pouting, but I'm assuming somebody will set him right. I would also think there's a good chance he'll be back next week when they face the Falcons at home.

In addition, despite questions about it, Sanchez not playing is in no way a punishment. If Ryan could play his starter, he would.

Sanchez was nowhere to be seen today in the 30 minutes of media access during practice. Only person on the sideline was offensive lineman Rob Turner who has a knee injury and was riding a stationary bike.

In other news, Alan Faneca was sent home sick. With Rob Turner out, this isn't the best news but one would have to assume that Faneca will probably be back to play on Sunday.

Additionally, the team placed Larry Izzo on injured reserve. Izzo has been a special teams standout throughout his career with the Dolphins and the Patriots. He has not made quite the splash this year and we'll have to see if this is the end of the road for him or if he'll try to come back next year.

The team has signed center Michael Parenton and linebacker Josh Mauga, both of whom were on the team during training camp and were waived during final cuts in September.

Rhodes to Take a Seat

2009-11-25T16:02:00.003-05:00

OK, So the New England game didn't go all that well for the Jets. While some are shouting for Mark Sanchez to be benched - or at least given a breather - it is a veteran member of the defense who will sit instead.

Safety Kerry Rhodes was removed from his starting role by Rex Ryan. Fourth-year veteran Eric Smith, also a special teams standout, will go in his place.

In the locker room today, Rhodes admitted it was tough to deal with and that coming to work this morning was not the easiest thing to do. He said that last night all sorts of things crossed his mind, along the lines of whether he should even continue playing if he wasn't helping the team.

However, he has described his benching as a "like a little kid in time out." Both he and Ryan expect him to regain his starting job. In fact, Ryan today said he was "banking on" Rhodes responding in a positive way and Rhodes indicated he has every intention of getting his job back.

Then there's Sanchez. Ryan has avowed over and over again that Sanchez is the starter. Personally, for whatever it's worth, I would have taken him out in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game. If for no other reason than to give him a chance to catch his breath and get his equilibrium back. Whether or not they think Sanchez gives them the best chance to win, he has been going a million miles an hour since training camp and maybe throwing Kellen Clemens in might have been good all the way around.

Sanchez is a good rookie quarterback and from all evidence he has the potential to be a great quarterback but he's still finding his way. That's what being a rookie is all about - sometimes you need a break to process what's happening.

In separate and unrelated news, a shout out to my friend Brandon for exhibiting exceptional water cooler prowess earlier today.

Even When It's Grim, There's Fun to Be Had

2009-11-18T15:55:00.004-05:00

Rex Ryan walked into today's press conference, paused, and set a box of tissues down on the podium in front of him as the media in the room burst out laughing. This was of course a reference to reports that Ryan was in tears when speaking to the team on Monday.

He then brought out a statement, which he read purposefully in a monotone - to more laughter. "New England's pretty good. Any questions."

Ryan made no excuses for the events of Monday. "I'm always going to be myself," he said. "It's more passion than it is anything."

This certainly was in keeping with the personality we've seen from him since he arrived. While maybe some of the "swagger" has toned down - "The losing will take [the swagger] from you a little," he said today - Ryan is still the same guy.

The problem is, is the team still the same team? With four losses in the last five games, fans are having trouble believing it, in spite of the insistence of the coach and his players that they are. The losses of NT Kris Jenkins and RB Leon Washington are still being felt.

Speaking of those two, while we haven't yet seen Washington, we ran into Jenkins as we headed into the locker room after Ryan's press conference. He was on crutches, with a brace on his left knee following surgery for the torn ACL. He was in good spirits, smiling and joking, as is typical of Jenkins and said he was doing great. Unfortunately, he won't be able to contribute again until next year.

The story behind Ahmad Carroll's release

2009-11-16T17:15:00.004-05:00

The release of cornerback Ahmad Carroll was a little perplexing given that he has generally been considered to be a pretty solid special teams player. However, one of my sources told me today that behind the scenes, Carroll's attitude was a problem.

Basically, Carroll mouthed off a lot including to the coaching staff, had a negative attitude and would sometimes not turn in required weekly tests.

With the steady improvement of CB Marquice Cole, the team felt that Carroll had not only become expendable, but was more of a hindrance than a help.

Basically you can compare this to someone being fired for insubordination.

Jets Waive Ahmad Carroll

2009-11-16T10:22:00.004-05:00

The Jets just announced they have waived CB Ahmad Carroll. The Jets signed the 2004 first-round pick before the 2008 training camp. Not sure what has transpired here, although he has become useful really only on special teams although he was inactive the past two games.

Will be interesting to see who the Jets replace him with on the roster.

They Didn't

2009-11-15T17:08:00.002-05:00

Another "frustrating" and "heartbreaking" (two words several Jets used when I spoke to them) loss. For a brief moment it looked like the Jets might pull it out when they went up 22-21, before falling 24-22.

One of the greatest pieces of clock management I've ever seen was that last series, where running back Maurice Jones-Drew took a knee right before crossing the goal line in order to run out the clock. "On the first play, I should have kept it on the front side," he told me after the game. "Then [the coaches] came over to me and said 'we need you to take a knee so we can just get out of here.'" Nice job.

I asked him how hard it was for someone in his position NOT to run into the end zone when it's right there in front of you. "It's tough because you want to score, but you want to get a win," he said.

As for the Jets locker room, this was not a happy place. Guys were very deflated. DE Marques Douglas, one of the player who described the game as "heartbreaking" said "We let ourselves down. We have to improve." Problem is, they need to improve fast, the clock is ticking.

Mark Sanchez stepped up to the podium for his post-game press conference holding a sheet of paper, which he placed in front of him and then proceeded to read from. They were his thoughts and reactions to a lot of the different plays that were of significance. When he was done someone asked if he was taking questions and he said, "sure but I think I covered everything."

One thing about him is, he is a professional and did answer numerous follow-up questions totally politely.

The Jets go to Foxboro next Sunday. Hmmmm.

Will They Or Won't They....

2009-11-15T11:51:00.004-05:00

With the Jaguars and Jets both at 4-4, both teams have acknowledged that this game will be like a playoff. It is a must-win for both.

Coming off their bye week, the Jets have gotten healthy with only LB Vernon Gholston sidelined due to injury and unfortunately, he has not made a significant impact yet, so this is not a big loss.

Recently re-acquired Justin Miller is inactive. Special teams coach Mike Westhoff has had to do a lot of reconfiguring with the loss of Leon Washington. He will be happy to get Brad Smith back today.

WR Jerricho Cotchery should also be back at 100% so the Jets will finally have both of their #1 receivers on the field together.

RT Damien Woody has battled several injuries this season - a foot and a knee and this week was listed with a lower back problem. It would take a lot for this guy to sit he is active and will start.

The Jets have their work cut out for them facing Maurice Jones-Drew. The run defense is going to have to bring not just their A game, but their A+ game. The team has talked for weeks now that all of their problems are fixable and correctable. Proof will be in the pudding today.

QB Mark Sanchez ran the scout team for his high school team (Mission Viejo, CA) during the bye week and worked on some of his own plays with Bob Johnson, his high school head coach.

No Hot-Dogging This Week, On or Off the Field

2009-10-31T16:44:00.004-04:00

With the big win against Oakland under their belts, it's time to see what the Jets can do this weekend against the Dolphins, who pulled the rug out from under them three weeks ago.

It looks like Jerricho Cotchery and Brad Smith will both be back so that's good news for the offense, especially with the loss of Leon Washington. Bart Scott, who, according to Rex Ryan, did something to his MCL is also likely to play as is Shaun Ellis (knee and foot). Cornerback Lito Sheppard will be out, but at this point the Jets have what seems like dozens of DBs on the roster so they should be able to compensate there.

Leon Washington's absence is being felt, especially "behind-the-scenes." He is an important guy in the locker room and both players and coaches have mentioned that his loss there will be as impactful as on the field.

However, the Jets are pretty amped up for the Dolphins rematch. One of the players joked with me that Vince McMahon - the wrestling guy - ought to come out at the beginning of Sunday's game with his "Are you ready to rummmbbbllleeee!"

But, according to every player I spoke to, their focus is solely on them - what they do, not what the Dolphins are going to do. The biggest problem they had during those losses was poor communication and missed assignments so their goal is to pay attention only to their individual responsibilities and not get distracted by anything else.

The Jets are anxious to get this win first and foremost because it's a division game, but also because it will send them into their bye week on an up note.

Hot Dog-gate has calmed down (is it just me or was that a wee bit blown out of proportion?) and if you haven't heard, Mark Sanchez went and donated 1000 hot dogs and hamburgers to a local soup kitchen.

One guarantee I can make for this game - no one will be eating anything on the sideline.

Ihedibgo and Murrell Won't Play on Sunday

2009-10-21T16:00:00.006-04:00

You were always told that fighting generally doesn't solve anything and this holds true in football as well. After getting into it with a couple of the Bills during a kick-off return and throwing punches that were clearly caught on camera, CB James Ihedigbo (who was ejected from the game) and LB Marques Murrell were both fined $5,000 by the league and they will both be inactive on Sunday.

Following the game, Rex Ryan said he would do something. That 'something' is that those two players will not play. Given the injuries that the team is dealing with, they really can't afford to have two healthy guys not playing. However, Ryan doesn't stand for that kind of behavior no matter how much he may need those players.

Ihedigbo got into a few altercations with his own teammates during training camp and has had some lighter run-ins during the season. We'll see if this has an impact of having him pull back a little bit.

Otherwise, things in the locker room are as you would expect. The mood is much better than after the game on Sunday, but there's definitely a more reserved feeling, especially among the defense than there has been in weeks past. It's clear that everyone knows they need a win this weekend against Oakland.

The Post-Mortem

2009-10-18T22:27:00.005-04:00

The best I can come up with after today's game is...yikes. From the looks on the faces of the players in the locker room immediately following the game, they may have had additional thoughts.

It was interesting, when we got into the locker room about 15 minutes or so after the game ended it was deadly silent. Some guys were sitting at their lockers just looking at the floor. Others were in small groups of two and three clearly discussing and reviewing what had just transpired. I haven't seen that kind of reaction in that locker room in a long time. In years past, it was very even-keeled.

Thomas Jones, who set a franchise record by rushing for 210 yards couldn't have cared less about that. As he said, "I could have run for two yards, we lost."

As an aside, I will add that Braylon Edwards has been nothing but accommodating and professional since he arrived. He seems to have stepped right into a leadership role without eclipsing any of the other veterans.

In addition to real concerns about what happened and why, the team has some major issues with injuries right now. Rex Ryan said Kris Jenkins' knee is probably "severe." If that's the case, they are going to have some big shoes to fill - literally and figuratively. When Jenkins is on the field, it takes two guys and sometimes three to contain him. Do the math, that leaves you with 10 vs. 9 - or 8. Much better odds.

With Jerricho Cotchery and Brad Smith out, and Damien Woody now with a foot and a knee injury, there could be some problems on offense too.

One thing I think Brian Scottenheimer and Matt Cavanaugh (the quarterbacks coach) will undoubtedly be working on with Sanchez is containing his emotions. He's a rookie and he's talented, my hunch is they will get that on track.

And, just when you thought Oakland - who the Jets face next week in Oakland - would be a sure thing, they go and knock off the Eagles.

It's going to be some week in Florham Park.

Cotchery Gives Back

2009-10-13T19:48:00.004-04:00

On a slightly more upbeat note, Jericho Cotchery is hosting an event at ESPN Zone in New York's Times Square next Monday night (October 19th) at 7:30pm. Cotchery has his own foundation - The Cotchery Foundation - and the event is to raise money for the Pride School in East Orange, NJ and Six Citizen Schools in Harlem, Brooklyn and Newark, NJ.

CBS sportscaster Sam Ryan will be the auctioneer at a live sports memorabilia auction and Joe Benigno from The Fan will offer commentary.

Cotchery is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet so if you want to meet him in person, as well as some of his teammates from the Jets, you should check out the event. There's more information on his website: www.cotcheryfoundation.com

The Morning After

2009-10-13T12:41:00.005-04:00

At 11:45pm last night I'm pretty sure I heard a very loud "Yikes" echoing from Jets fans everywhere. Rex Ryan had a slightly stronger reaction.

"It was a complete embarrassment by our defense and by me, obviously we need to prepare better," he said right after the game and added the same thoughts on a conference call with the media today.

Yup. Miami put up more than 400 yards of total offense; something clearly went wrong. However, Ryan said today he is confident that the defense will bounce back. It was especially odd given that the team got LB Calvin Pace back, which should have helped. Especially since on offense Braylon Edwards was able to make a huge impact after only five days with the team.

In the meantime, as of 1pm, Ryan has yet to go home since arriving back in New York at 5:30am, trying to figure out what happened and start to prepare for the Bills who handed the Cleveland Browns their first win on Sunday.

We'll see what else people have to say as the week goes on.

As a side note - Mark Sanchez has been nominated once again for Rookie of the Week.

Braylon Edwards is ready for Monday Night

2009-10-08T15:45:00.004-04:00

So, the whole New Orleans thing didn't go that well. It happens - especially when you have a rookie quarterback. Each week's a different lesson for Mark Sanchez. At some point he will stop holding the ball four feet away from his body. And will stop cut blocking. You know, one thing at a time.

This week it's Monday Night Football. And there's the little matter of a new wide receiver in town. Yes Jets fans, Braylon Edwards is here. Thus far with the media, his demeanor belies the off-the-field issues he has been a part of over the years. He has been friendly, funny and mild-mannered. We'll have to see how everything plays out.

He has talked several times about his frustrations and how this is a fresh start. There have been questions about all the dropped balls he had last year. One player I spoke with who is friendly with Edwards attributed it possibly to a lack of focus on his part as he may have been distracted and drawn in by some of the celebrity opportunities that have been dangled in front of him and which he has taken part in. Photo shoots, parties, etc.

The fact is, when he plays well, he's great. The Jets are clearly hoping that the Braylon Edwards they just signed is that Braylon Edwards.

As for Edwards, he is ready to start on Monday night. "I just need to stay with Mark (Sanchez)," he said. "Stay on his page. See how he likes to call plays. His hots. His sights. Get a feel for what he likes to do. Then I can roll from there."

After arriving early afternoon yesterday he left the complex at 9pm and was back at 7am today.

Other things to watch for on Monday night - right tackle Damien Woody seems to have a pretty badly sprained ankle. I would look for Wayne Hunter to start in his place as Woody has not practiced. Lito Sheppard is back at practice, my guess is he will play. Donald Strickland was out today, that's looking like he'll be out another week. Everybody else seems mostly in one piece.

Let's see if the Jets can hold back the Miami running game.

Darren Sharper steps up

2009-09-30T11:50:00.001-04:00

After numerous refusals from the New Orleans Saints players, veteran safety Darren Sharper has graciously agreed to do the weekly conference call.

The New York media is just not THAT scary

2009-09-29T19:45:00.005-04:00

Preparation has begun for the New Orleans Saints who the Jets will visit on Sunday. Of course, it's not just the team who has to prepare, the media does too. As part of that preparation, every Wednesday the media from each team has a conference call with the opposing head coach and one of the players - usually the quarterback or another player of similar stature.

Thus far Drew Brees, wide receiver Marques Colston and former Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma have all refused to get on the call with us. I find it funny, but also perplexing. I mean, they're 3-0 just like the Jets. What's the problem? I cannot remember this ever happening before.

I'll let you know if anybody eventually agrees to talk to us.

There went the Titans

2009-09-27T22:26:00.003-04:00

You've got to hand it to them, this team finds a way to win. For a few minutes it looked as though the momentum may have changed enough to let the Titans win, but Rex Ryan and his guys were not going to let that happen. Jets fans, your team is now 3-0.

Once again, Mark Sanchez looked experienced beyond his years, but was also helped out tremendously by some turnovers as well as key plays by Jericho Cotchery and Eric Smith, just to name a few.

What stands out most to me this year, is how much fun the Jets are having. Obviously, it's easy to have fun when you're winning, but the mood in the locker room is much different than in the past few years.

It's been a long day so if you want to check out my post-game story on cbssports.com, you can find it here: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/12274247.

Up next are the New Orleans Saints who will host the Jets next weekend at 4pm.

Here come the Titans

2009-09-25T09:08:00.004-04:00

It was pointed out to me yesterday by an unnamed source that I have not blogged since before the Patriots game. Oops, my bad.

Things seem to be rolling along nicely for the Jets at the moment. A great win for them over New England last week in a game that could have gone either way - and in the first half seemed to be going the wrong way. Everyone talked about the adjustments that were made at halftime being the key. I would say that's actually something important to take note of. Every team tries to make adjustments at halftime - half the teams end up losing anyway. I think it speaks well of both the coaching staff and how plugged into the system the players are that those adjustments worked and immediately led to a change in the game and a win.

For those of you panicking about the Mark Sanchez injury - don't. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer actually chuckled when asked about Sanchez being on the injury report. Clearly this is the team being overly cautious after the Brett Favre debacle.

The real issue this weekend might be the loss of cornerbacks Lito Sheppard and Donald Strickland. Sheppard's got a calf strain, Strickland's got a pretty bad ankle sprain. Sheppard told me he feels better "every hour" so that might end up being a game-time decision. Rex Ryan said yesterday that at this point he doesn't expect Strickland to play.

The Jets have a lot of DBs, and this week's focus is on the running game, but you don't want to lose two of those guys at once.

Speaking of the Titans running game, it will be interesting to see what happens against wide receiver Chris Johnson. Ryan and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine both pointed out yesterday how much he has improved this year and he was already pretty good last year. Kerry Rhodes called him the fastest guy in the NFL. The team will have their work cut out for them.

I would keep an eye on Kris Jenkins. He got the wind knocked out of him last week, but is also listed on the injury report as having a back problem, which cropped up in week one. If the Jets lose him for a significant amount of time, that will hurt them.

Looking forward to seeing Titans center Kevin Mawae, who was of course with the Jets until Eric Mangini arrived, and who is still doing his thing after all these years.

The Jets will be wearing their throwback NY Titans uniforms this weekend so it will be the Titans vs. the Titans. Let's hope that doesn't make for any unfortunate turnovers.

Now the Accolades

2009-09-15T14:14:00.007-04:00

It turned out to be quite a successful outing in Houston. The team was in fine spirits yesterday and already looking ahead to the Patriots, who looked a little weird last night. I'm just saying.

Mark Sanchez looked like he might be the real deal, but we'll have to give it a little more time to make a full decision. However, the NFL just announced that Sanchez is a finalist for Rookie of the Week - 18 of 31 for 272 yards a TD and an INT. Pretty good.

Running back Thomas Jones is also a finalist for Player of the Week with 107 total yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns.

You can't overlook the defense, which came out of the gate with guns blazing. And that was without Shaun Ellis or Calvin Pace.

With an overall performance like that you have to tip your hat to the coaching, their game plan came together nicely.

It will be interesting to see how this new-look Jets matches up with New England on Sunday. Houston was touted as a good team going into last weekend, but as one player I spoke with yesterday said, "they certainly didn't look like it."

Rex Ryan was careful about his critique of Vernon Gholston's play calling it "up and down." Clearly, while Gholston has made some progress, he's nowhere near where they want him to be. At this point though, they have enough weapons on defense so that Gholston won't hurt them, but can only help if he can get better.

As for the wide receiver by committee thing, Chansi Stuckey got the start and so far that looks like it worked out pretty well.

Rex is imploring fans to come out and be as loud as they can at the Meadowlands on Sunday. Given the fact that the game is being played on the second day of Rosh Hashana, I'm curious if the stands will be full. We'll see.

Game Day!

2009-09-13T10:07:00.005-04:00

Well, Game One is finally here. The Jets are, of course, in Houston - with a lot on their plate. Rookie head coach, rookie quarterback and two defensive starters out on suspensions.

In talking to the players this week, they all seemed genuinely confident going into this contest. Sanchez's biggest challenge might just be keeping calm in the first quarter. I saw a Tweet from Darrelle Revis yesterday that they were sitting on the plane together and Revis said Sanchez was "talking my ear off." Very funny.

It's probably a good thing that the team is opening in Houston. The temperature was down to 65 degrees in New York the other day and Sanchez, the southern Californian, was wearing a ski cap. They might need to think about getting him some battery-powered, hunting socks for the Bills game.

Shaun Ellis and Calvin Pace are serving their suspensions so this is going to be the first real test for Vernon Gholston. When I talked to him a couple of days ago he told me "I know when I'm on point I can be one of the best players out there." Rex Ryan has been openly supportive of Gholston from day one, which has to have added to Gholston's confidence. We know he can rush the passer, but this defense will expect a lot of different things from him - especially without Pace in the game.

We'll also get a look at what the real plan is for the wide receivers. There still seems to be a hue and cry over the fact that the Jets don't have a deep receiving corps. With Dustin Keller serving basically as their number two receiver, it will be interesting to see how things with Chansi Stuckey, Brad Smith and David Clowney start to fall into place.

I get asked a lot if the Jets are still looking for another receiver. You would have to think that if somebody appropriate became available, they would go for him.

Lastly, the running game is going to make a much stronger appearance this year. You can count on seeing a ton of Thomas Jones and even more, Leon Washington. Finally.

Jets Practice Squad Announced

2009-09-07T15:41:00.003-04:00

The Jets have just announced their practice squad. All of these guys were with the team during training camp.

The eight players are: RB Jehuu Caulcrick, DB Emanuel Cook, LB Kenwin Cummings, Keith Fitzhugh, WR Marcus Henry, DT Matt Kroul, OT Ryan McKee and TE Jack Simmons.

However, again, from what I'm hearing, I am expecting there to be some changes here by Tuesday.

Feel-Good Story is Over

2009-09-06T19:56:00.003-04:00

Well, this year's potential feel-good story is over. One day after being signed to the active roster by the New York Jets, running back Danny Woodhead was released. He could still be signed to the practice squad, but with the way things are going, there's no way to guess.

From what I hear, a few guys who were told by the team that they would be signed to the practice squad were told today that that was not going to happen. At least for now.

In addition to Woodhead, the team released OL Mike Kracalik, LB Brendan Renkart and punter Reggie Hodges.

Punter AJ Trapasso was signed along with FB Jason Davis, TE Matthew Mulligan. The Jets also traded an undisclosed draft pick to the Lions for quarterback Kevin O'Connell.

Plus, don't forget, Shaun Ellis and Calvin Pace each start their suspensions and do not count on the active roster. One guy will be cut when each returns.

I would expect some additional news over the next two days.

Jets Make Final Roster Cuts

2009-09-05T16:14:00.003-04:00

The Jets have announced their final roster cuts. As I Tweeted earlier, running back Danny Woodhead made the team. Also, as expected from early in camp, rookie free agent Jamaal Westerman out of Rutgers earned a spot as well.

Here is the list of those who were released:

Offense:

TE Kevin Brock
TE Kareem Brown

TE Jack Simmons
RB Jehuu Caulcrick
FB Brock Christopher

OL Stanley Daniels
WR Britt Davis

WR Marcus Henry
RB Anthony Kimble

T Nevin McCaskill
OT Ryan McKee
C Michael Parenton

Injured Reserve:

WR Aundrae Allison

Defense:

CB Rashad Barksdale
LB Kenwin Cummings

DL Matt Kroul

DE Zach Potter

DL Ty Steinkuhler

and K Parker Douglass

Reserve/Suspended:

DL Shaun Ellis
LB Calvin Pace

With Jehuu Caulcrick it most certainly came down to a decision between keeping him to backup veteran Tony Richardson or keeping Woodhead who really shined during camp and the preseason. In addition, rookie running back Shonn Greene is already on his second injury so they may have wanted some insurance there. If he clears waivers,look for Caulcrick to be signed back to the Jets' practice squad.

As for the tight ends, the writing was on the wall when the team signed veteran Ben Hartsock, although it is mildly surprising that they let all three of the others go.

The Revolving Door at Punter and Schotty's Take on the Wide Receivers

2009-08-28T18:38:00.005-04:00

The Jets punting travails continue and today they waived Ken Parrish, who they signed in the middle of training camp after waiving TJ Conley. They signed Glenn Pakulak from Kentucky who will now battle Reggie Hodges for the job.

The Jets also waived linebacker Josh Mauga.

Questions also linger at the wide receiver position with many on the outside at least wondering if the current receivers can do the job for the Jets this year. With Jericho Cotchery designated as the number one guy, Brad Smith, Chansi Stuckey and David Clowney are competing for the number two spot. What the Jets don't have is a big, tall, physical guy - except of course for TE Dustin Keller who they frequently use in that role.

Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer expressed his confidence in the unit. "I think we can win with these guys," he said. "I think we're going to have a really solid group and we're pretty deep."

It's also no secret that Jets plan to run the ball. A lot. Thomas Jones, Leon Washington and Shonn Greene (who is now dealing with a rib injury after spraining his ankle in camp) as a group provide the team with a lot of options - which they especially need with a rookie quarterback under center.

Jets at Giants tomorrow night. It's supposed to pour rain. Rex Ryan does not expect the starters to play in the second half and he promises we will finally get to see QB Chris Pizzotti, the team's number four guy who Ryan refers to only as "Harvard." Yes, that's where he went to school.

Says Ryan, "He's got to go in there. He deserves it. He's a hard working young man and who knows, maybe we'll work for him one day."

Want to Join the Jets?

2009-08-27T09:19:00.005-04:00

With QB Mark Sanchez now ensconced as the starter, things might start to get back to normal. Stay tuned.

However, in other news, the Jets are doing a couple of interesting things that fans can take part in. Today is the last day of Jets Fest at Florham Park (practice starts at 11:50am) and at 3pm, the Jets are going to unveil special Titans uniforms in honor of the 50th anniversary of the original American Football League. Several players will take part including Darrelle Revis, Kerry Rhodes, Bart Scott, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, Dustin Keller and Jericho Cotchery.

Then, the team has cooked up another idea in conjunction with Fan Appreciation Day. which is scheduled for October 18th when they play division rival Buffalo Bills. One fan will be selected by the Jets to suit up and lead the team out of the tunnel and onto the field at the start of the game that day. To apply, fans can go online to www.jointhejets.com.

What exactly is the team looking for? Joey Clinkscales, Vice President of College Scouting, laid out the very important qualifications. "Specifically we are looking at cheering decibel levels, out-of-chair vertical leap and, of course, a passion for tailgating."

It's Official - It's Sanchez

2009-08-26T09:29:00.002-04:00

Well, the decision has been made. Sources have confirmed that Mark Sanchez will be the Jets' starting quarterback. Jay Glazer of Foxsports.com first reported the story.

While this was starting to look like where the team was heading, the timing is a bit of a surprise. Many thought Kellen Clemens would be given the job if Sanchez didn't really distinguish himself right away, but it looks like they went the other way.

Through the preseason, neither quarterback really made the case for being a starter so it seems that the team has decided that since Clemens wasn't able to separate himself, they would go with the rookie who, as Rex Ryan has stated openly, is the future of the franchise.

The team has practice today so I'll check back in later after we get a chance to talk to Ryan and the players.

More from Rex

2009-08-18T17:19:00.005-04:00

Lots of chatter regarding Rex Ryan's comments in this morning's press conference regarding his outspokenness, especially when it comes to other teams and coaches. I was sitting in the room and my personal opinion was that he was talking in generalities about all of his opponents, using the Patriots as a jumping off point.

So, while I normally don't post transcripts, I am posting the entire answer to the question he was asked that started the furor so that you can decide for yourself:

On if he his comments will be different once games start…

I mean, I probably won’t call out Channing Crowder again. That’s one thing I probably won’t do because that really got blown out (of proportion). I’ll pick on a kicker or something (laughter). No (it’s not a concern). I’m going to be true to myself. I don’t mean to be disrespectful. I’m not trying to be disrespectful. When I said that about (Bill) Belichick, I’m just letting him know I’m not intimidated by him. He’s got the same position I have. We’re both head coaches in this league. He just happens to have a hell of a lot of Super Bowl rings. I don’t have a win and I appreciate you pointing that out (laughter). I understand that. We’re not going to just tiptoe our way through this thing. You don’t win and beat a Bill Belichick-coached team by tiptoeing up there. We’re going to be ourselves and I’m going to be myself and that’s just the way it is. How much more motivation are they going to get by putting a quote from Rex Ryan on their wall saying I believe in my football team and that I’m not going to be intimidated by a coach or anybody else? If that’s where you’re going to draw motivation from, hell, we’re probably going to kick your (butt) if that’s the case (laughter).

A #@!&%! Interesting Ryan Press Conference

2009-08-17T14:19:00.008-04:00

It is the dog days of summer. A brisk 87 degrees right now and without a cloud in the sky it feels way hotter than that. An almost-three-hour practice this morning has left my eyes burning, and yes I was wearing sunglasses. Fortunately 30 SPF sunblock saved the rest of me. Second practice is at 4pm. Yikes.

Rex Ryan was in rare form this morning, even for him. The conversation turned to him facing the Ravens for the first time and he went off on a tangent about how the team has given former Pro Bowl defensive end and Ravens Ring of Honor member Mike McCrary's number to a rookie who "hasn't proven sh*t." Yup, the press conference was being streamed live on the Internet.

PR Director Bruce Speight's eyes briefly rolled back in his head as he clutched the wall behind him. As the room burst out laughing, Ryan tossed a "Sorry Bruce" his way.

On a more serious note, DE Shaun Ellis has been suspended for the first game of the season and fined whopping $100,000 in addition to that. With LB Calvin Pace already suspended for the first four games, this is starting to make a bit of a dent.

Kris Jenkins, who has been rehabbing his calf for the last two weeks finally could take no more of working with head strength and conditioning coach Sal Aloisi (apparently quite a task master) and walked off on his own to the locker room, got dressed and headed out to practice. He was stopped from doing anything more than participating in position drills, but it seemed a huge relief to him nonetheless. To quote Jenkins, "I spazzed out and walked out there. There are worse things than pads and his name is Sal!"

Comings and Goings

2009-08-16T18:17:00.003-04:00

With Rex Ryan none to pleased with the punting in Friday night's game, the Jets waived punter T.J. Conley and have signed Ken Parrish. He will now compete with Reggie Hodges for the job.

In addition, the team waived J'Nathan Bullock a converted basketball player from Cleveland State and signed linebacker Joshua Mauga from Nevada.

A Film Session with Rex

2009-08-16T13:34:00.004-04:00

Coach Rex Ryan walked into his post-practice press conference this morning and announced he was taking us (the media) into the team meeting room to watch some film of Friday's game against the St. Louis Rams.

So, we barreled through the press conference and off we went. The meeting room is in another building, some distance from where we were, so transportation was necessary. A battalion of golf carts was on hand, but Rich Cimini of the Daily News and I grabbed a ride with Ryan in his very big truck. PR Director Bruce Speight made a great read and hopped in with us. Can't leave reporters alone with the head coach.

How much fun is this guy? And very enlightening. He ran through about a dozen different plays on defense, offense and special teams pointing out small details - both positive and negative - about what various players had done in the game and what made them important. He ran the tape backwards and forwards numerous times on each play, pointing out the nuances.

The best part for us (or at least me) is that any opportunity to become further educated about what we have to watch and write about is invaluable. All of it underscores how passionate Ryan is about what he's doing and how willing he is to share everything about this team with everybody.

It remains to be seen if they will win, but sign me up for more of these film sessions!

Back in Cortland. Couple of Guys Get Cut

2009-08-15T18:08:00.004-04:00

Greetings once again from Cortland. Returned today after a whirlwind three days back in New York for the Hofstra practice and last night's game against the Rams.

Speaking of which, Rex Ryan was less than pleased with the play of his backup defense. I would like to be a fly on the wall in that meeting room.

The Jets just announced they have waived two players - coincidentally, their two Ivy Leaguers - QB Chris Pizzotti from Harvard and wide receiver Paul Raymond from Brown. The writing may have been on the wall last night for Pizzotti since he was never put into the game.

The team signed guard Dennis Conley (to the best of my knowledge he is no relation to punter T.J. Conley but I'll get right on that). Conley played for Hampton University in Virginia starting 30 of 37 games he played in.

Kind of interesting that the two players who were waived were offensive players since Ryan's beef was with the defense. We'll have to see what happens in the next few days. The first official cut-down isn't for another couple of weeks.

In any case, Mark Sanchez looked great last night in his one series. Even he was surprised that Brian Schottenheimer called that pass for his first play. Pretty fun. I assume he will get more time next week when they go to Baltimore. Kellen Clemens looked pretty good as well. The battle rages on.

No access today, but practices start up again tomorrow and go through Friday morning. We'll see what transpires.

Injuries...and the Newest Addition to the Jets Family

2009-08-13T14:06:00.003-04:00

A good time was had by all at Hofstra last night as the Jets had their final practice before their first preseason game tomorrow at home against the Rams.

A bunch of minor injuries will cause several starters to be on the bench including three of the starting o-line. Nick Mangold, Alan Faneca and Damien Woody will all be held out of the game dur to their various injuries. Mangold's been dealing with a bruised knee of some sort, Faneca broke the middle finger on his left hand a few days ago and Damien Woody was hit in the head earlier this week during nine-on-sevens and has been sidelined since.

In addition, Darrelle Revis won't play as the team wants his hamstring to be 100% before they put him in any jeopardy. Kris Jenkins will also be a bystander as there's no way the team will put him on the field before his calf is completely healed. There has been a rotation at his position and it will be interesting to see how those guys do in a real game.

Some happy news, Wallace Wright returned after a couple of days away from camp. He was excused to be with his wife for the birth of their first baby - a boy named Trey. Mother and son are doing great. Father is beaming.

Rex Ryan has been quite complimentary about Wright of late. Saying he's had an "outstanding" camp. For his part, Wright told me that he's really excited about this year because he's getting more of an opportunity to show his skills at wide receiver in addition to special teams. While he'll probably end up as the number four, he's putting up a good fight. He already has great chemistry with Mark Sanchez.

Back From Cortland, for A Minute

2009-08-11T18:45:00.003-04:00

Just returned back to town after 13 days in Cortland. Lots of laundry to do - especially since we have to go back up there on Saturday for the remainder of camp after the Rams game Friday night.

In any case, don't forget about the Jets practice at Hofstra tomorrow. The time has been moved up slightly to 5:45pm. Jets Fest will open at 3pm.

Blast from the recent past. Remember Joe Kowalewski? The fullback/tight end from Syracuse who was with the Jets in 2006 and 2007 signed today with the Dolphins.

The Jets announced yesterday that they are doing a lottery program in conjunction with the state of New Jersey. Wayne Chrebet is the program's ambassador. The entire press release is below as I am way too tired at the moment (and fighting a raging head cold) to trust myself to pull out all the salient facts.

Jets Fans Can Get Lucky and Win Season Tickets For a Decade in New Stadium

Team and New Jersey Lottery Announce Wayne Chrebet

As Ambassador of New Instant Ticket Program

The New York Jets, the New Jersey Lottery, Governor Jon S. Corzine and State Treasurer and Sports and Exposition Authority Commissioner R. David Rousseau today announced an extension of their partnership that will now include a new Jets-themed instant lottery ticket and the chance to win several once-in-a-lifetime Jets-themed prizes. Cash prizes for "Jets Football Fantasy" range from $5 to $100,000 for a single winner. One lucky second chance winner will win lower bowl season tickets in the New Jets Stadium for a decade. "Jets Football Fantasy" is expected to hit store shelves in early September.

Jets legend - and New Jersey's own - Wayne Chrebet has signed on to be the primary 'ambassador' for this partnership. Wayne becomes the first former player in the League to take an active, high-profile role in supporting a joint instant lottery venture between a State lottery and a League franchise. In addition to promoting "Jets Football Fantasy" in radio spots, print ads and at appearances throughout the state, Wayne will also host some lucky "Second Chance Drawing" winners at a Jets home game in one of the luxury suites.

Other winning experiences include being "Team Owner for a Day" - traveling to an away game on a private jet, pregame sideline passes, premium seats, access to the Jets post-game press conference and a meet and greet with Jets Chairman and CEO Woody Johnson. Over 400 first-prize winners will receive $300 Jets Shop Gift Cards, redeemable online atwww.jetsshop.com <http://www.jetsshop.com/> or at the brand new flagship store on 50th and Madison Avenue in Manhattan. All non-cash winning tickets can be submitted to New Jersey Lottery for the second chance drawings.

"Partnering with a storied franchise like the New York Jets promises great things," said New Jersey Lottery Acting Executive Director William T. Jourdain. "The Jets have a special place in the hearts and minds of countless New Jerseyans, and we're very pleased to be able to work with them to give something back to their fans."

“This partnership will go a long way toward supporting the many worthy programs funded through the New Jersey Lottery while also giving Jet fans a chance to dream about some great NFL prizes,” said State Treasurer R. David Rousseau.

Governor Corzine also noted that Jets fans aren't the only ones who will win with this new game. "Each ticket a Jets fan purchases goes to support kids in K-12 education, students in New Jersey colleges and universities, our state's veterans and the developmentally disabled, to name just a few beneficiaries of Lottery support. As fans support their favorite team, they provide support for young and old New Jerseyans alike in communities throughout the Garden State."

"We are excited to partner with New Jersey Lottery to offer our fans not only a chance at winning substantial monetary prizes, but unique Jets experiences not offered anywhere else," said Jets Executive Vice President of Business Operations, Matt Higgins. "We're pleased that Wayne Chrebet will be the first former player in the league to support such a program, helping to generate excitement and interest in what is also the first NFL-themed instant ticket launched in New Jersey. Although the tickets will be sold throughout the state, fans won't have to travel far to give the game a try - the Lottery has arranged for Jets Football Fantasy to be available at the Meadowlands on gamedays."

"Calling New Jersey home and being a member of the Jets family, I think this is a natural fit for me," said Chrebet of becoming the spokesperson for this new venture. "I hope Jets fans see a lot of winning this year with the Jets Football Fantasy Instant Ticket and on the field, too, with new head coach Rex Ryan."

Thunder, Lightning and A Little Tornado Warning

2009-08-10T16:52:00.005-04:00

It is pouring rain with lightning and, yes, a tornado warning, so the Jets were forced to cancel this afternoon's practice after 30 minutes. This was made slightly more amusing by the fact that the organization spent almost two hours drying the grass field with a helicopter so that the players could tackle. Oh well.

This morning's practice looked pretty good. After having a not-so-great day yesterday, Kellen Clemens made a comeback completing six of 10 in 11 on 11s. Mark Sanchez was four of 12.

The Jets will wrap up the first leg of their Cortland trip with tomorrow's practices. The team then heads to Hofstra for a practice on Wednesday night followed by the game on Friday against the St. Louis Rams. Clemens has been named the starter but it has not been determined yet what the breakdown will be between he and Sanchez or if Sanchez will get any reps with the ones.

Injury-wise, a bunch of guys are dinged up and being held out. Nick Mangold is out with a knee, as is Donald Strickland. Neither has any ligament problems so these are minor. Kris Jenkins is still rehabbing his calf and Tony Richardson is coming back from a hip pointer. Richardson was given permission to go to Canton for the weekend to be on hand for the induction of his former Kansas City Chiefs teammate Derrick Thomas. Darrelle Revis, who strained a hamstring, participated in individual drills but nothing else.

Tomorrow's schedule is for a regular practice in the morning and a special teams practice in the afternoon although it remains to be seen if Rex Ryan will change that to a full practice after having to cancel the one this afternoon.

More from Cortland

2009-08-08T18:01:00.004-04:00

Day eight of Jets training camp is in the books with QB Mark Sanchez having had his first significant time with the ones during the morning's practice. Sanchez looked sharp and efficient, moving the ball well. Clemens continues to be up and down, he worked with the ones in the afternoon.

Nobody has distinguished themselves yet but it is fair to say that Sanchez is gaining on Clemens.

Clemens will be the starter on Friday when the Jets return to the Meadowlands for their first preseason game against the St. Louis Rams.

Rookie Shonn Greene is still coming back from an ankle sprain but he seems to be getting better and is back in practice.

Darrelle Revis tweaked his hamstring this morning and was held out of practice this afternoon as a precaution.

Kris Jenkins is still rehabbing his strained calf.

The crowds in Cortland have been huge. There were 6100 people on hand for the Thursday night scrimmage and what looked like a couple of thousand this morning and afternoon. Looks like a lot of people from the New York area have made the pilgrimage upstate.

Otherwise, the defense is looking pretty solid, but of course the question remains as to how they will match up to their competition once the season starts.

Now, back to the food. In addition to the trips to Doug's Fish Fry, a lot of us have set up camp at a bar/restaurant in town called Hairy Tony's. Great atmosphere and really great food. The owners (George and Tony) are native New Yorkers, which adds to the fun.

Three more days and then we all head back down to New York where the team will hold its annual Family Night at Hofstra on Wednesday, August 12th at 6pm.

It's All About the Food

2009-08-03T13:34:00.005-04:00

Between practices up here in Cortland. An exciting morning with three separate fights. Breaks up the monotony but you hope you don't see too much of that.

Kellen Clemens had his best day thus far with a 13-play drive before getting picked by Revis. Who else? At this point, he's probably a little ahead of Mark Sanchez - and should be.

We're on a lunch break eating this amazing food from Doug's Fish Fry that we ordered in. The owner, Mark Braun, in addition to being a huge Jets fan (the place is fully decked out in Jets paraphernalia) and a really nice guy, has the most amazing food. We've been over there a few times now. I'm not normally a big fan of fried food, but his fried scallops are out of this world. The rest of the press corps is drooling over the numerous other things on his menu. If you're going to be in town for camp, check it out.

Mark Sanchez was talking up a Mexican restaurant here in town called Garcia's, maybe we'll check that out tonight! (Suddenly this seems to have turned into a restaurant review...)

As for the football end of things, Rex Ryan's reaction to questions regarding free agent Tight End Richard Owens leads me to believe that Owens may have already turned in his playbook. They are going to need to find somebody soon at this position. They've got to have two reliable tight ends. Kareem Brown is still getting adjusted so it would certainly help if they could get another veteran in there.

I'll keep you posted.

Jets Camp - Day Three update

2009-08-02T12:30:00.004-04:00

Hello from Cortland. So far, just as wet and rainy as it was in New York. I'm starting to get used to having wet feet all the time.

As for the Jets, things are rolling along. The team has been working on an artificial turf field while they wait for the grass field to get into shape. The only problem with that is that Rex Ryan doesn't want them doing any tackling on the artificial field so that part is going to have to wait. No timetable but Ryan says, "Sooner rather than later."

The quarterbacks both have good and bad moments. Mark Sanchez is still noticeably behind Kellen Clemens, but that is to be expected. Sanchez is still not only adjusting to the NFL, but is still learning the system and the playbook. His footwork however is great.

As for Vernon Gholston, Ryan is his biggest cheerleader and if Gholston plays the way Ryan assures us that he can, that will be a huge shot in the arm for the team who is going to be minus Calvin Pace for the first four games.

As I talked about on one of my CBSSports.com reports, Ryan made a really interesting comment about rookie free agent Jamaal Westerman, a defensive end from Rutgers, basically indicating that the guy will make the team.

More later and you can follow everything moment to moment on CBSSports.com: http://bit.ly/15sYFu

Everyone Accounted for in Cortland Except....

2009-07-30T18:32:00.003-04:00

Well, everybody has arrived in Cortland safe and sound, with one exception. Leon Washington has not shown yet. Rex Ryan seems fairly confident that he will show up and indicated he has spoken directly with Washington several times throughout the off-season.

He would not confirm or specify if or what any punishment (fine) might be for Washington so we will have to wait and see when this situation gets straightened out.

Thomas Jones did show. Nothing else to tell you there.

Calvin Pace spoke to the media regarding his upcoming suspension. The league notified him at the end of last season, but did not make it public until several weeks ago. Pace said that the supplement he took was something you can still buy over the counter and is something he has taken for a while because it used to be on the list of supplements that were allowed. "It was a workout supplement that I had previously taken before [the NFL] banned substance list changed. I lapsed and I take full responsibility for it.

Otherwise everybody seemed quite happy for camp to finally be getting underway. Lots of talk about creating a close-knit team.

On the rumor front, have not been able to get any further information about the situation with wide receiver Matt Jones who has supposedly received some interest from the Jets along with several other teams. I spoke with his agent who would tell me only that there is interest but nothing concrete to talk about yet. I'll keep you posted.

Off to Camp...and CBSSports.com

2009-07-29T22:37:00.003-04:00

Heading north in the morning in preparation for the opening of Jets camp on Friday at SUNY Cortland. I won't tell you how much stuff I've packed as it is a bit embarrassing.

But enough about my luggage. There should be some interesting things to watch out for right off the bat. The Leon Washington negotiations continue, although I would think it's more likely than not that he'll be there for the first practice. The fine per day is pretty steep - I think around $7K. So that, combined with the fact that the Jets front office supposedly puts a lot of stock in good faith gestures both point toward the Pro Bowler being there.

What will happen with Thomas Jones should be entertaining. If he shows, which I'm sure he will, we undoubtedly won't get a thing out of him. He's incredibly reticent with the media under even normal circumstances.

Curious to see how big of a crowd Calvin Pace draws. This will be our first opportunity to speak with him since the league announced his four-game suspension for using a banned supplement. He is always friendly and accessible so I imagine he will make himself available and answer any and all questions.

Then there's Vernon Gholston. Rex Ryan named him the starter at least while Pace serves his suspension so there certainly will be a lot of eyes on the second year player who many people still have many questions about.

Should be fun to see how rookie running back Shonn Greene progresses - great runner, not-so-great hands thus far. We'll see how that goes.

In the meantime, you can also find me on CBSSports.com this season. Starting on Friday (July 31st) I will be the Jets correspondent for a new section called RapidReports which are available in every team section.

Talk to you from Cortland!

Jets 2009 Training Camp Schedule

2009-07-17T15:11:00.008-04:00

The Jets released their training camp schedule today. From Friday, July 31st - Tuesday, August 11th and then Sunday, August 16th - Thursday, August 21st, the team will be at SUNY Cortland in Cortland, NY.

The schedule is as follows (ST indicates a Special Teams practice at that time):

7/31 8:15 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
8/1 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. (ST)
8/2 8:15 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
8/3 9:00 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.(ST)
8/4 8:15 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
8/5 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. (ST)
8/6 Green and White Scrimmage: 7:00 p.m.

8/7 NO PRACTICE

8/8 8:15 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
8/9 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. (ST)
8/10 8:15 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
8/11 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. (ST)

8/12 Family Night Practice at Hofstra University: 6:00 p.m.

8/13 NO PRACTICE

8/14 Preseason Game against St. Louis Rams: 7:00 p.m.

8/15 NO PRACTICE

8/16 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. (ST)
8/17 8:15 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
8/18 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. (ST)
8/19 8:15 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
8/20 8:15 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
8/21 8:15 a.m.

Team Breaks camp at SUNY Cortland

8/22 Practice at Florham Park, NJ: Time TBA

8/23 NO PRACTICE

8/24 Preseason Game at Baltimore Ravens: 8:00 p.m.

8/25 NO PRACTICE

8/26 Practice at Florham Park, NJ: Time TBA
8/27 Practice at Florham Park, NJ: Time TBA

END OF TRAINING CAMP PRACTICES

8/29 Preseason Game at New York Giants: 8:00 p.m.
9/3 Preseason Game against Philadelphia Eagles: 7:00 p.m.

Generation Jets Fest and Jets Shop hours:
Practice Generation Jets Fest Jets Shop
8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. 7:30 a.m.-Noon
2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. 7:30 a.m.-Noon
2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
8:15 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. 7:30 a.m.-Noon
2:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. 7:30 a.m.-Noon
2:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Green and White Scrimmage 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Family Night Practice at Hofstra University 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Note: Generation Jets Fest will not be open Aug. 11 and 15-21 and Jets Shop will not be open Aug. 20.

Jets Sign TE Richard Owens

2009-07-14T19:00:00.002-04:00

On the heels of the release of Bubba Franks yesterday, the team announced today that it has signed veteran tight end Richard Owens. Owens, who was out of football in 2008, was originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Vikings in 2004. He spent 2004 - 2006 with the Vikings and then signed on with the Rams where he played 14 games in 2007.

Owens attended the University of Louisville, also the alma mater of Kerry Rhodes.

Bubba Franks Released

2009-07-13T19:17:00.003-04:00

The Jets just announced that they released 10-year veteran, tight end Bubba Franks. After a not-so-stellar season when he only played eight games due to injury, the Jets re-signed Franks in May. He did not participate in OTAs or mini-camp, which Rex Ryan indicated was due to Franks recovering from "a knee thing." Originally the team thought he'd be ready for training camp.

Pace Suspended Four Games for Violating Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances

2009-07-02T16:34:00.007-04:00

Word just came that New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace has been suspended for the first four games of the upcoming season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.

Here is the statement from Pace:

"This is a situation that resulted from an over-the-counter dietary supplement that contained a substance that I did not know violated the League’s policy. I am responsible for what I put into my body and I should have paid closer attention to the League’s guidelines. I regret that this has happened and apologize to my teammates, the entire Jets organization as well as the fans. Hopefully, this does not distract from our ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl."

And here is the statement from the Jets:

"We respect the League’s decision and look forward to Calvin’s return for our Monday Night game at Miami."

Pace's suspension officially begins on September 5th so he will be allowed to participate in all practices - meaning training camp - and all preseason games prior to that.

This was a mild surprise because Pace is both a smart player and a smart guy. We don't know yet where he got whatever it is he took, although it was clearly stated that it was something over the counter. I just got off the phone with another player on the team who theorized that Pace most likely took something on the recommendation of someone he trusted and just didn't check every single ingredient in whatever it was he took.

As soon as I find out more, I'll let you know.

Right now, third-year veteran Marques Murrell is listed as being behind Pace on the depth chart, but this is also an opportunity for Vernon Gholston to step up.

Training Camp Opening Dates Announced

2009-06-26T15:06:00.004-04:00

Training camp in Cortland inches ever closer. We got official dates from the NFL today. Jets rookies are scheduled to report on July 27th with veterans reporting on July 3oth. (My sources tell me that veterans will be allowed to drive up in their own cars, the rookies will go as a group, presumably on a bus. But, I digress.)

The Jets have not yet sent out their schedule, but my assumption is that if veterans report on the 30th, then the first practice will be on Friday, July 31st.

With all three of their draft picks - Mark Sanchez, Shonn Green and Matt Slauson - signed, we will avoid any drama in that area. Instead we get to focus solely on the quarterback competition.

The Jets are currently in the pre-training camp period of signing extra guys to bring up with them. In the past two days they've claimed wide receiver Mario Urrutia and cornerback Rashad Barksdale off waivers.

Barksdale went to SUNY Albany and spent last season on the Giants practice squad after originally being drafted by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2007 Draft.

Urrutia attended Louisville and was a seventh round pick by the Bengals in 2008. He spent all of last season on their practice squad.

Full Statement re Stallworth's Suspension

2009-06-18T18:54:00.008-04:00

I rarely deviate from Jets news, but wanted to post this press release from the NFL regarding its indefinite suspension of Donte' Stallworth, who was sentenced recently to a whopping 30 days in jail after being convicted of killing a pedestrian, 58-year-old Mario Reyes, while driving drunk in Miami Beach.

It's absolutely mind-boggling that the NFL has taken a harsher (and completely appropriate) stance than our judicial system. Only 30 days in jail for killing somebody? No words.

Anyway, here is the press release that the NFL has issued:

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell notified Donte’ Stallworth of the Cleveland Browns today that he is suspended indefinitely without pay from the National Football League, effective immediately.

Following are excerpts from Commissioner Goodell’s letter to Stallworth:

“The conduct reflected in your guilty plea resulted in the tragic loss of life and was inexcusable. While the criminal justice system has determined the legal consequences of this incident, it is my responsibility as NFL Commissioner to determine appropriate league discipline for your actions, which have caused irreparable harm to the victim and his family, your club, your fellow players and the NFL.”

“The conduct that led to your conviction plainly violates both the Personal Conduct and Substances of Abuse policies. Either provides me with full authority to take appropriate disciplinary action against you, including a fine or suspension without pay, and to impose appropriate conditions on your continued participation in the NFL. In this case, there is ample evidence to warrant significant discipline under both policies.”

“There is no reasonable dispute that your continued eligibility for participation at this time would undermine the integrity of and public confidence in our league. Accordingly, I have decided to suspend you indefinitely, effective immediately. In due course, we will contact your representatives to schedule a meeting with you, after which I will make a final determination on discipline. Pending my final determination, you will not be permitted to visit the club’s facility or participate in any team activities.”

“Everyone associated with the league derives tremendous benefits from participating in our game and from the extraordinary support we receive from the public. With these benefits comes, among other things, the responsibility to conduct ourselves in a lawful and responsible way, with no entitlement to or expectation of favorable treatment.”

Under NFL policies, all NFL employees recognize that alcohol-related violations of law will not be tolerated and that they will be held accountable over and above any sanctions imposed by a court of law. This accountability to the NFL for alcohol-related violations of law includes discipline in the form of major fines and suspensions without pay. The level of discipline is significantly increased in cases involving aggravating circumstances and/or repeat offenses.

In addition to a comprehensive testing and treatment program for substance abuse, the NFL and NFL Players Association have extensive education and prevention resources available to players and all other league and club employees. One of those resources is a "safe rides" program used by most clubs to provide players and other employees with alternative means of transportation if they have consumed alcoholic beverages. Commissioner Goodell notified all clubs earlier this year that there will be increased emphasis on addressing DUIs and other misconduct.

Keller Speaks About His Almost-Mauling

2009-06-15T15:59:00.000-04:00

By now you've probably heard or read about Dustin Keller's near-death experience at the hands (or teeth) of a pitbull while walking in Brooklyn yesterday.

The good news is Keller (unlike many others who have been injured, maimed and killed by these dogs) escaped unscathed and is able to make light of it - sort of. If you know Keller, this is his MO with pretty much everything. Getting him to be serious is no easy feat.

I was able to catch up with him earlier today and he told me the following about what happened,

"I had just had brunch with a friend when it happened. My first reaction when I saw the dog chasing me was to out-run it, which isn't normally likely for someone, but my adrenaline was pumping at such a high level that I believe I would have left that monster in the dust. I saw that I was right by that 12-foot fence and when I jumped on and was hanging on for what seemed like my life I couldn't believe how high I was. I just held on for a little and while that was very scary, the height was almost more shocking than the fact I was attacked by a crazy pit bull!"

Fortunately, all's well that ends well. And you can now add Keller's vertical leap to his other athletic talents.

Off-season Doings

2009-06-13T09:46:00.003-04:00

The Jets have called it a wrap until training camp begins (somewhere around July 31st) in Cortland, NY. The mood across the board is upbeat and guys are actually looking forward to camp. Strange but true.

While things are quiet on the team front, coaches and players are getting out and about on their own. Tomorrow afternoon (Sunday, June 14th), between 2 - 5pm, Rex Ryan is going to head to the Jets' old stomping grounds of Long Island to appear at Verizon's My Fios home video contest in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow (just down the road from Hofstra). He'll be available to fans to chat and sign autographs. Check it out and say hi to the new coach!

On Monday, June 29th, The D'Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation is holding its first dinner-dance fundraiser at the Swan Club in Glenwood Landing on Long Island. Ferguson's foundation awards scholarships to deserving students in the communities around Freeport, NY where Ferguson grew up.

The foundation is also expanding its efforts by providing funds to help with local food banks and clothing drives as well as various charitable efforts of local churches. The foundation's motto: "Building Communities One BRICK at A Time."

To see if there are still any available tickets (they are $140 each) you can call 631-860-1021.

Mini-Camp Day Two

2009-06-10T18:27:00.003-04:00

Day Two of Mini-Camp was fairly uneventful until the end of the day when I learned from a league source that the Mark Sanchez contract was a done deal. Actual terms of the deal - which were first reported by Rich Cimini shortly after we ran the basics on Sirius - are five years with $28 million guaranteed.

Meanwhile, the aforementioned quarterback and his top competitor for the starting job, Kellen Clemens, both had OK days. When I asked Clemens to assess himself today he made a face and said, "Not great, not terrible." OK, it's June. The Jets just need to hope the mediocrity doesn't become a habit.

Rex Ryan's goofy war of words with the Dolphins' Channing Crowder goes on. Ryan seems to be enjoying himself. Again, it's June. Somebody's going to actually win that battle in the fall...

Kareem Brown made a big splash today with several impressive catches. He beat out Jim Leonhard and Ahmad Carroll on two separate plays and even Ryan acknowledged that the recently converted tight end had a "huge day."

Safety Eric Smith is raising some eyebrows. After three interceptions yesterday, Ryan today called him, "pretty darn impressive." He also commented that Smith has "really taken off. He just keeps getting better." Good news since the mantra among defensive coaches everywhere is that "you can never have too many good DBs."

Lots of work on the gadget plays today. Seemed like everybody on the roster took a direct snap practicing the now-popular "Wildcat."

After speaking withe media yesterday, Leon Washington was not around in the locker room today and Thomas Jones has still not made himself available at all. However, at least both are back and practicing. The Jets better hope that both show up in training camp, as Leon Washington has left the door slightly open to the possibility of a possible boycott on his end.

I asked several players, Donald Strickland, Smith, and Clemens, among others, if there was a big difference between the work in OTAs vs. Mini-Camp. The consensus was other than the extra practice each day, no. The offense and defense have both been installed and now it's just fine-tuning, which will continue in training camp.

Another Jets OTA, Another Weird Collision

2009-06-03T16:16:00.007-04:00

A bit of a letdown today with the absence again of Leon Washington. However, this time, no boycott was involved. Washington's fiance, Charity, gave birth to their son Noel and Rex Ryan whole-heartedly supported his running back's decision to skip practice.

In fact, Ryan cited the greatest regret of his coaching career as missing the birth of his second child due to attending a practice. It was, however, a well-intentioned faux pas. Ryan, at the time a member of his father Buddy's staff in Arizona didn't want people to think he was taking liberties being the head coach's son.

Practice itself offered up yet another weird collision. Ahmad Carroll, covering wide receiver Paul Raymond on a corner route slammed into secondary coach Dennis Thurman who, inexplicably, was standing in the middle of the pattern and didn't move out of the way fast enough. Thurman made the most of his moment, arms and legs spread wide as he lay prostrate on the ground. In typical Thurman style, he then got up laughing.

Then there's the update on last week's collision victim, David Harris. I'm told Harris actually had two teeth knocked out by Jim Leonhard's helmet, but they were somehow put back in (any dentist out there want to explain how they do that?). In any case, Harris - who already wears braces - is being held out of all contact for the next couple of weeks to ensure full healing.

Otherwise things are status quo. No significant changes, although both Kellen Clemens and Mark Sanchez continue to look more comfortable. Even Erik Ainge had a good day, completing some nice passes and looking a little more solid.

Ryan is thrilled to have both Washington and Thomas Jones back describing it as a "great one-two punch" that the defense has to deal with. He touted rookie Shonn Greene as well, musing that the fourth quarter could end up being Greene's quarter, where he will get the "dirty yards."

As for an overview of what this time of year really means, I talked to D'Brickashaw Ferguson who offered up this analogy, "This is like reading the prefix of a book. We haven't gotten into the book yet."

OTAs...With Leon Washington Tomorrow

2009-06-02T21:49:00.003-04:00

Headed out to OTAs tomorrow. It will be interesting to see who gets the bigger crowd - Leon Washington or Mark Sanchez. I'm not holding out hope that Thomas Jones will show up in the locker room, but knowing Washington, I fully expect to see him.

In other news, apparently running back Danny Woodhead's group won today's New York Jets team golf tournament. This may be killing Jay Feely who is a scratch golfer and whose group came in second. I'll let you know.

Anything anybody wants to know?

Grant Michael Clemens

2009-05-29T16:54:00.003-04:00

Baby Boy Clemens has arrived. Grant Michael Clemens joins dad Kellen, mom Nicole and sister Kate.

Nicole went into labor yesterday during OTAs causing Kellen to go sprinting for the locker room before practice had ended.

Congratulations to the Clemens family.

OTAs - Weekly Update

2009-05-28T18:30:00.008-04:00

Busy day today out at Jets OTAs. Practice was going along nicely when David Harris got clocked in the mouth by safety Jim Leonhard who was going full speed on a punt return. Harris was standing on the sideline, without his helmet on, when Leonhard's helmet slammed into him. First reports were that he had lost a couple of teeth, but according to Rex Ryan that didn't happen and he should be OK.

Then with a couple of minutes left to go in practice, Kellen Clemens took off for the locker room at a dead run. His wife Nicole had called to tell Clemens that she had gone into labor. This is the Clemens' second child. We know it's a boy, we don't know the name yet (I will pass it along when I find out), and he joins older sister Kate.

As for the football portion of things, the defense was, by their own admission, a little under par from their past few outings - although those of us watching thought they still looked pretty darn good. Leonhard described it as, "One of those days. We gave up too much in the red zone."

The offense is still finding its way a little bit but has improved. Sanchez is getting more comfortable although he threw a bunch of incompletions and had a ball picked off. However, he seems to be making progress.

"Everyday it's getting better," he said. "There are little things I'm starting to do now that kind of keep our defense off guard a little bit. I'm getting more and more comfortable as the days go on and that's the way I want it to be."

We may be almost done talking about the GQ piece, just one question about that today.

As for Kerry Rhodes, he did speak to the media and all of the questions were regarding, or alluding to, the recent allegations that a woman was raped in his home. So he answered seven of eight questions by saying "It's a pending legal matter and I can't really talk about it."

Rhodes at least showed up. Running back Thomas Jones who was at practice for the second straight day did not make an appearance during the more-than-one hour that the media was in the locker room. Jones has never gone out of his way to be available so this wasn't a huge surprise, but certainly disappointing.

Leon Washington was again a no-show although as I've said before, I will be surprised if we don't see him at the mandatory mini-camp in two weeks.

By the way, hats off to running back Jehuu Caulcrick who managed to get changed with little fuss in spite of the horde of media impeding his progress at his locker. Caulcrick and linebacker Brandon Renkart have the questionable luck of having their lockers sandwiched between Jones and Sanchez.

David Clowney Hosts Football Camp

2009-05-27T22:02:00.004-04:00

Props to David Clowney who is putting on what promises to be an amazing football camp on Saturday, June 6th back home in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Clowney put the whole thing together himself, contacting individual high schools in the area that he grew up in to see if they would be interested in getting their players to participate. At this point he has players from 10 different schools taking part.

An area with an enormously high crime rate - with one of the highest murder rates in the state of Florida - Clowney knows first hand the challenges of getting out of that environment and wanted to offer his support and guidance to show these young people that opportunities do exist.

As young as he is (23), it speaks to the reputation he has already built among his fellow players when you see the list of those who will be helping him out: From the New York Jets - D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Vernon Gholston, Stanley Daniels, Kareem Brown, Mike DeVito and Wallace Wright, along with Chad Pennington and Eric Green of the Dolphins, Abram Elam, now with the Browns, LaMarr Woodley of the Steelers, Al Harris of the Packers, former NFL receiver Antonio Freeman, Eric Green, Vince Hall of the Bills, and Sinorice Moss of the Giants.

The players will run the camp that will teach a variety of elements including not only football work, but information about proper nutrition along with a session especially for parents regarding the college scouting process.

When you have a minute, check out Clowney's website.

Good News / Bad News

2009-05-27T13:27:00.002-04:00

OTAs continue and there is media access tomorrow. Thomas Jones is back. Leon Washington is not. Then there's the Kerry Rhodes thing. My thoughts boil down to this:

Good News - Thomas Jones' return will deflect from the ongoing clusterf*** at Mark Sanchez's locker.

Bad News - Jones' and Sanchez's lockers are just feet apart.

Good News - Kerry Rhodes' locker is on other side of room

Bad News - Rhodes may avoid locker room and if he doesn't, will (understandably) have nothing to say

Any questions?

Now On the Football Field Iraq War Veteran Kotwica Never Forgets the Battlefield

2009-05-24T22:20:00.009-04:00

When talking recently about assistant special teams coache Ben Kotwica, Rex Ryan said, "I think he's going to be a star in this league. I could see him [as a head coach]."

Kotwica's current role is a far cry from where he was in 2004, part of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2, flying Apache Attack Helicopters in the Iraqi war.

Kotwica graduated from West Point in 1996 and after graduation, he served in several other parts of the world including Korea and Afghanistan before arriving in Iraq. He described his job in succinct terms, "I was an Apache driver. I shot and blew things up."

He and the other pilots were there to provide support to their fellow soldiers on the ground. When those troops were in trouble, that's when Kotwica would step in, doing whatever was necessary to help keep the American soldiers safe.

In the process, he lost members of his unit, people he continues to think about to this day, especially on days like Memorial Day.

Kotwica, who was awarded the prestigious Bronze Star, among other citations, outlined some of the unique challenges that this particular war presents to those fighting it. "It's not a clean, linear battle. It's like flying over Manhattan and you can't tell the good from the bad. I didn't take any satisfaction [in killing people], I don't take the loss of life easily."

Although his primary job was in the air, he witnessed everything from the most mundane to the most horrific, on the ground and over his cockpit radio, which piped in the the most intimate sounds of the battle right into the pilots ears.

"[Nothing] can prepare you for what the reality was on the ground. You see heroism, you see bravery, you see cowardice, you see fear."

Fortunately for Kotwica he has been able to manage the great trauma he experienced and witnessed, and even joked recently that while he does not experience flashbacks from the war, he does occasionally wake up screaming when he dreams about the Jets loss to Seattle last year.

While he chose the Army as his first career, Kotwica, who was a standout linebacker for Army, always knew he wanted to coach. "Growing up, I always looked at the coaches who coached me and said, 'this is something I'd like to do someday.'"

In 2006, having left the Army, that "someday" arrived. Kotwica was coaching at the U.S. Military Academy prep school when his former head coach at Army, Bob Sutton, (then the Jets defenseive coordinator, now linebackers coach) came calling. Sutton and then-head coach Eric Mangini decided to give the young war veteran a chance at his dream job.

"I left the Army because I really, really wanted to do this," he said of coaching. "And an opportunity presented itself. I consider being able to do this a tremendous privilege. I love what I'm doing right now."

However, he wants to make sure people never lose sight of what America's Armed Forces are doing. "You need to thank them for what they do. They put a lot into it and they sacrifice a ton."

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

2009-05-21T22:14:00.004-04:00

Computer issues, hence the late entry today...

Today was the third and final day of Mark Sanchez's first OTAs. (Yes, the rest of the team was there too.) To quote Sanchez, "It was a good day...for the defense." The new QB, working with the twos was all over the place, throwing picks and missing a couple of open guys, for which he was reamed out by Brian Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer's generally a fun and laid-back guy, but watch out when something ticks him off. To Sanchez's credit he seems to roll with it and take everything for how it's intended - to get him better. He also worked closely with Clemens, who was also a little slow out of the gate today.

Rex Ryan described Sanchez's first week as the Good, Bad and the Ugly; Wednesday was Good, Tuesday was Bad and today was Ugly.

It will certainly get better, Sanchez appears to have really solid footwork and we know what kind of arm he has. Now it's just a matter of getting used to the NFL and learning the Jets playbook.

As for the GQ shoot, let's just say it's a lively and ongoing topic of conversation.

I talked to Alan Faneca about Sanchez (the quarterback, not the supermodel) and he pointed out that the adjustment is difficult becaues most of the time, and in Sanchez's case, a quarterback is in his college system for four years so he gets better and better and looks great at the end. Then he gets into the NFL and has to start all over again, learning to not think and working on instinctive reaction.

Not one person I spoke to in the locker room expressed anything other than complete confidence that Sanchez was well on his way to being fully up to speed.

Leon Washington and Thomas Jones were still no-shows. It's understood that Jones will show up at the mandatory camp in June, and if I had to put money on it, my hunch is that Washington will be there too.

The running backs corps took another hit as Shonn Greene pulled a hamstring, so while he rests Danny Woodhead and Jehuu Caulcrick are again getting the lion's share of the work, and looking pretty good.

On the tight end front, Ryan called Bubba Franks a "big-time blocker," comparing him to Ben Coates who went from being a major pass catcher to a serious blocker toward the end of his career. His status is still uncertain. They definitely expect him for training camp - mini-camp is still iffy.

As for the rest of the squad, pretty much business as usual. Guys were in even better moods than normal, most heading out of town for the long weekend - with the exception of Kellen Clemens who is awaiting the birth of his second child, due any day.

Kerry Rhodes wasn't at practice today, but he's Tweeting up a storm, so fear not, all is well there.

Slauson Signed, Others Still TBA

2009-05-19T20:25:00.004-04:00

Jets announced today they signed their sixth round pick, offensive lineman Matt Slauson. Now that leaves Shonn Greene and Mark Sanchez needing contracts - and, of course, Leon Washington and Thomas Jones still wanting new ones.

Jones' agent, Drew Rosenhaus tweeted earlier (never in my life did I think I would use a phrase like that to describe how I received information, but I digress) that Jones will be at the Jets mandatory mini-camp next week.

It will be interesting to see if Washington will return or if he will continue to stay away. The fine for missing a mandatory mini-camp would cost somewhere around $7,000 per day for each day missed. From what I've been told, Washington's boycott was a decision that his camp arrived at as a group - including Washington himself.