NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

October 25, 2013

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Table of Contents

ASSOCIATED PRESS ................................................................................................................................................ 2

Clutch Kerley a 3rd-down machine for Jets (Dennis Waszak) ................................................................................... 2

Jets' Holmes doesn't practice, uncertain vs. Cincy (Dennis Waszak) ........................................................................ 4

NEWSDAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

Antonio Cromartie must control Bengals' A.J. Green (Kimberley Martin) ................................................................ 4

Woody Johnson praises Rex Ryan but won't make a commitment beyond this season (Neil Best) ......................... 5

Santonio Holmes evasive on subject of playing Sunday (Kimberley Martin) ............................................................ 6

Maybe Geno Smith is better off without Santonio Holmes (Bob Glauber) ............................................................... 7

THE RECORD .......................................................................................................................................................... 8

Jets notes: Holmes is hurting (J.P. Pelzman) ............................................................................................................. 8

STAR-LEDGER ......................................................................................................................................................... 9

Jets defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman jokes Antonio Cromartie should 'pray' while facing A.J. Green (Darryl Slater) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9

Jets' rushing attack emboldened by performance against Patriots (Darryl Slater) ................................................. 10

Jets' special teams coach will not discuss whether he alerted officials to Patriots' pushing on FG attempts (Michael Fensom) .................................................................................................................................................... 11

Jets' Santonio Holmes, still unsure of return, doesn't want to rush back from hamstring injury (Darryl Slater) ... 12

NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................. 13

How can Antonio Cromartie stop A.J. Green? ‘Pray’ (Brian Costello) ..................................................................... 14

Santonio Holmes bristles at injury questions (Brian Costello) ................................................................................ 15

Jets: Big-talking Bengals won’t dictate our offense (Steve Serby) .......................................................................... 16

NFL reporter angers crowd with Jets, Giants insults (Bart Hubbuch) ..................................................................... 17

Jets owner doesn’t recall photo with fighting fan (Bart Hubbuch) ......................................................................... 18

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 19

Bengals' A.J. Green is one of NFL's toughest assignments, but NY Jets' Antonio Cromartie is ready (Seth Walder) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 19

NY Jets owner Woody Johnson singing Rex Ryan's praises, not talking contract (Gary Myers) ............................. 20

NY Jets' Santonio Holmes talks injury status and is very unhappy about it (Seth Walder) ..................................... 22

NY Jets owner Woody Johnson vows ‘no tolerance’ for fighting fans (Gary Myers)............................................... 23

WALL STREET JOURNAL ....................................................................................................................................... 24

Woody Johnson 'Happy' With Ryan's Leadership (Stu Woo & Jared Diamond) ...................................................... 24

NEW YORK TIMES ................................................................................................................................................ 25

Returner, Receiver, Rusher. Anything Else You Need? (Nate Taylor) ..................................................................... 25

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ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................. 26

Ryan-Mornhinweg pairing perfect for Jets (Rich Cimini) ........................................................................................ 26

Holmes eyes return after bye week (Matt Ehalt) .................................................................................................... 27

Winters preps to block Geno from Geno (Matt Ehalt) ............................................................................................ 28

NY/NJ committee: We want big events (Jane McManus) ....................................................................................... 29

Owners confident in Ryan, Coughlin (Jane McManus) ............................................................................................ 30

METRO NEW YORK .............................................................................................................................................. 31

Jets defense in tight spot against Bengals’ Eifert, Gresham (Kristian Dyer) ............................................................ 31

Jets Notebook: Sloppy practice leads to Rex Ryan calling out team (Kristian Dyer) ............................................... 32

THURSDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS .................................................................................................................. 33

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Clutch Kerley a 3rd-down machine for Jets (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press October 24, 2013

http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=1MzjLF1t

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) - Jeremy Kerley knew the ball was coming his way.

He was the go-to guy for Geno Smith and the New York Jets on third down. Over and over again.

The whole stadium seemed to know it, too. The New England Patriots still couldn't stop him.

"It's just stuff that we had practiced over and over again," a modest Kerley said Thursday. "So, it wasn't like it was a surprise."

Six of Kerley's career-high eight catches came on third-down plays that were converted for first downs, including a 12-yard touchdown, in the Jets' 30-27 overtime victory Sunday. It was the most third-down conversion catches by a Jets receiver since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, according to the team.

Kerley is tied for second in the NFL with 15 third-down receptions, just two behind Tennessee's Kendall Wright. And that's despite missing the Jets' first game against the Patriots in Week 2 with a concussion.

"Man, he just knows how to get open," fellow wide receiver Stephen Hill said.

On the Jets' opening possession last Sunday, the Jets had three third downs and Smith found Kerley each time:

- Third-and-10 from the Jets 45: 11-yard catch.

-Third-and-6 from the Patriots 28: 13-yard reception.

- Third-and-7 from the 12: Touchdown.

"Every third down, I feel like the ball's coming to me, as with every play, but more emphasis on third down," Kerley said. "So, I just made sure I made the catch, secured the position and got the yards."

It's that simple?

"That simple," Kerley said.

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Going into the game against New England, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg had an idea that Kerley would be effective in third-down situations. It was a plan that worked to near-perfection, including a third-and-21 play early in the second quarter when Kerley caught a pass for a 22-yard gain.

"That was something that Marty talked about and we featured all through the week in practice," coach Rex Ryan said. "Kerley was a huge part of what we were going to do on offense. He made a lot of great plays during practice, then when we got to the game, it was no different."

There were two other third-down plays that featured Kerley: third-and-8 late in the first half when the ball fell incomplete; and third-and-22 early in the third quarter, when Smith dumped the ball off Kerley for a 5-yard gain.

"Jeremy's a valuable player for us," Mornhinweg said. "He's done well and he's worked hard to get to where he's at."

Kerley, a fifth-round pick out of TCU in 2011, was the Jets' leading receiver last season with 56 catches. He was also the first player in team history to score on a reception and punt return in the same game. Kerley also leads the team with 24 receptions this season.

Yet, he remains somewhat anonymous to many casual football fans.

"I don't worry about that," he said. "That's life. I'm always underrated. It's all good."

Kerley is a quiet guy with the media, cordial but not overly animated or chatty. The spotlight, it seems, is something he'd rather reserve for someone else.

"He's the same way you guys see him," Hill said. "He's cool, chill and that's how we are, man. We don't like to be all loud."

Except in key situations on the field, of course.

Kerley and Smith are clearly developing chemistry, the result of a lot of work together off the field. The two, as well as other receivers, spend several hours together every week going over film and defenses, as well as their own tendencies.

"It has really helped us out because we're now beginning to see the same things and get on the same page," Smith said about Kerley. "It helps us out on the field because it's kind of like a symbiotic relationship: He's thinking one thing and I'm thinking the same.

"When we're on the same page, it's kind of hard for defenses to stop us."

With the addition of three-time Pro Bowl returner Josh Cribbs last week, that could leave Kerley to focus fully on the offense. He has served as the team's primary punt returner the last few seasons, but he'll be prepared to resume that role whenever he's asked.

"I'm a tank," Kerley said. "I don't care what's thrown at me. I'm ready for everything."

Kerley was limited in practice Thursday with a minor hamstring issue. It was only a precaution, he said, and should be fine to play Cincinnati on Sunday.

After all, there might be a few third-down plays on which he'll be needed.

"I can't speak on whether it's easy or not, but the way he gets open, he creates mismatches," Hill said before smiling. "I love his routes and I always talk about how I don't like him because I love his routes and I want to run routes just like him."

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Jets' Holmes doesn't practice, uncertain vs. Cincy (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press October 24, 2013

http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268748/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=gIP806Uq#

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) - New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes did not participate in practice while recovering from a hamstring injury, and could miss the team's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Holmes says Thursday that his hamstring "feels good," but was unsure if he'd have to sit out a fourth straight game because of it. He was injured in the Jets' loss at Tennessee in Week 4.

Coach Rex Ryan says he was "not optimistic today" about Holmes' chances of playing since he didn't practice. Holmes said it could be a game-time decision.

Limited at practice were: wide receivers Jeremy Kerley (hamstring) and Greg Salas (knee), safety Antonio Allen (groin, finger), center Nick Mangold (ribs) and tight ends Jeff Cumberland (hamstring) and Konrad Reuland (knee).

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NEWSDAY

Antonio Cromartie must control Bengals' A.J. Green (Kimberley Martin) Newsday October 24, 2013

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/antonio-cromartie-must-control-bengals-a-j-green-1.6316761

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - How exactly is Antonio Cromartie supposed to contain A.J. Green?

It's simple, according to Dennis Thurman.

"Put his hands on him and pray,'' the Jets' defensive coordinator said Thursday, drawing a laugh from the audience.

Last week's win over the Patriots was an emotional test of wills between AFC East rivals. But the Bengals pose even more matchup problems for the Jets (4-3) than New England did. And Green, who ranks in the top 10 in receiving yards (619) and receptions (43), is one of the best wideouts in the game.

Cromartie said Green reminds him "a lot'' of the retired Randy Moss.

"And also a little bit of Calvin Johnson,'' Cromartie said, referring to the Lions' top weapon. " . . . Just how those guys attack the ball, and also they're a deep-ball threat.''

But Green is just the tip of the iceberg.

Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins is one of the best in the league, recording 23 sacks in the past 39 games. And thanks to the 6-1, 303-pound Atkins and fellow defensive tackle Domato Peko (aka "the kid with the hair,'' in Rex Ryan's words), the 5-2 Bengals boast a top 10 run defense that allows 97.9 rushing yards a game. Cincinnati also was ninth overall in yards allowed (334.3) heading into Week 8.

Atkins lines up on both sides throughout games, meaning right guard Willie Colon and rookie left guard Brian Winters will have their hands full on Sunday.

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"It's about as big a challenge as it gets,'' Ryan said, referring to Winters' battle against Atkins. "He is an outstanding player.''

"[Atkins] has got a great motor,'' said Winters, a Kent State product who grew up about four hours from Cincinnati in Hudson, Ohio. "He's got low leverage, he's an athlete. That's what he brings to the table. He doesn't stop.''

Winters, who is making only his fourth NFL start since replacing Vlad Ducasse, asked to line up in practice this week against a fellow rookie, defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, to get a sampling of what he'll see Sunday.

"He told me to go out there and play just like I play,'' Richardson said, referring to his role of simulating Atkins. "And I told him I'll gladly do it if it'll help him. So I've been playing on the edges a lot. Winters said, 'I'm always ready for a bull rush.' ''

The Jets' coaching staff also highlighted the skill set of defensive end Carlos Dunlap, the "calculated shots'' of quarterback Andy Dalton and the "Darren Sproles-type'' quickness of running back Gio Bernard. But Green holds the key to the Bengals' offense.

"He's very talented,'' Thurman said. "He's tall, he's long, he's athletic, has good speed, good hands, and you better pay attention to him. The guy's a heck of a football player.''

Cromartie won't know until Saturday night if he'll be shadowing the Bengals wideout all over Paul Brown Stadium's field. When told that Green often is used in the slot as well, Cromartie chuckled.

"I can play anywhere,'' he said. "I can play any position they need me to play. So that doesn't bother me at all.''

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Woody Johnson praises Rex Ryan but won't make a commitment beyond this season (Neil Best) Newsday October 24, 2013

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/woody-johnson-praises-rex-ryan-but-won-t-make-a-commitment-beyond-this-season-1.6314944

As co-chairman of the Super Bowl XLVIII Host Committee, Woody Johnson has had a busy schedule this autumn, making a series of public appearances to help promote the big game.

As owner of the Jets, Johnson has been asked repeatedly by reporters at those events what he thinks of his coach and his team.

The tone of the questions has changed over time, though, as the Jets have exceeded the expectations of almost everyone other than themselves. But Johnson has stayed on point regarding Rex Ryan's future beyond this season, praising him but offering no promises.

"We're happy with Rex," he said Thursday after a Super Bowl panel discussion hosted by the Association for a Better New York. "Coaches have to be good teachers and good leaders, and I think he's both."

Still, Johnson refused to commit to Ryan beyond 2013, saying, "I'll make a statement after the season."

Ryan was asked for his reaction to Johnson's comments.

"That's the way it is for anybody,'' Ryan said in Florham Park, N.J. "Nobody talks about contracts or whatever.

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" . . . I like the fact that my boss said some nice things about me. That's pretty cool. As far as anything else, you guys get tired of me saying it -- it's not about me.

"Right now, it means nothing other than the fact I'm happy that he had some nice comments to say, but as far as my situation, my situation is the Cincinnati Bengals and that's where my attention is.''

One concern entering the season was how Ryan would work with John Idzik, given that new general managers often want to install their own head coaches eventually.

Johnson downplayed the historical precedent and said he has found their relationship to be "very good, from what I can tell as an observer. I think they get along."

Before the season, when many predicted the Jets would need all season to reach four victories, Johnson said he was optimistic. So he would not say he is surprised now.

"I go in thinking we're going to win every game, so I'm not surprised from that standpoint," he said. "I have a lot of confidence in the team, players and coaches. But we're 4-3. So we have a long way to go."

Speaking of a long way to go, Johnson's co-chairman, Giants treasurer Jonathan Tisch, also was on the panel. He was asked by emcee Pam Oliver of Fox, "What the hell is wrong with the New York Giants?"

"There is nothing wrong with the New York Giants a few more 'W's' won't fix," he said. "We have gotten off to a very disappointing start, but as Woody expressed confidence in his coach, we certainly feel the same way about Tom Coughlin . . . We have two trophies in the lobby of our Quest Diagnostics Center which attest to his leadership ability."

Oliver took several playful verbal jabs during the event. At one point, Host Committee CEO Al Kelly said if fans don't dress properly for the Super Bowl and "get frostbite, that's their own fault. I'm not going to worry about a couple of idiots who can't dress properly."

Oliver drew some tense "oohs" from the audience when she responded, "They're probably Jets fans."

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Santonio Holmes evasive on subject of playing Sunday (Kimberley Martin) Newsday October 24, 2013

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/santonio-holmes-evasive-on-subject-of-playing-sunday-1.6316141

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Santonio Holmes has been so focused on his own production over the years, he hasn't had time to watch other offensive stars. Literally.

Asked for an assessment of fellow wideout A.J. Green, whom the Jets will have to stop Sunday in Cincinnati, Holmes replied matter-of-factly: "I don't watch any offensive guys in the NFL at all."

Really? Like, not even occasionally as a football fan? "No," Holmes said.

The Jets receiver said Thursday that his injured hamstring "feels good," though he didn't practice. As for whether he'll face the Bengals, he said: "We'll check the reports and see on game day."

Rex Ryan, however, doesn't seem confident that he'll have his top receiver on the field.

Asked about their upcoming Week 10 bye, Holmes said: "At this point I think the bye week has come at a great time. Would give me five, maybe six weeks to get healthy." When a reporter asked if that means Holmes doesn't plan on playing until after the bye week, the receiver grew more frustrated. "I didn't say that. Don't put words in my mouth," he said.

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Kotwica quiet on 'Pushgate'So did the Jets tip off the officials about the Patriots' special-teams play? Ben Kotwica isn't saying.

The Jets' special-team coordinator said the team talks weekly to officials and the league office, but "those discussions are private."

The war of words between the AFC East rivals escalated Wednesday, when Ryan fired back at Bill Belichick for insinuating the Jets used the same illegal "push" tactic the Patriots were flagged for on Nick Folk's 56-yard field goal. Kotwica said Quinton Coples' push of Muhammad Wilkerson on a Patriots field goal was "incidental contact."

"We don't coach pushing," Kotwica said.

Jet streams

Patriots CB Logan Ryan reportedly was fined $10,000 by the NFL for grabbing his groin as he went into the end zone after returning an interception of Geno Smith for a 79-yard touchdown . . . Jeremy Kerley (hamstring) was limited as a precaution. Jeff Cumberland (hamstring), Antonio Allen (groin/finger), Nick Mangold (ribs), Konrad Reuland (knee) and Greg Salas (knee) also were limited . . . The Bengals sold the remaining tickets for Sunday's game, avoiding a blackout.

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Maybe Geno Smith is better off without Santonio Holmes (Bob Glauber) Newsday October 24, 2013

http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/maybe-geno-smith-is-better-off-without-santonio-holmes-1.6316345

Geno Smith has had two of his best performances in the last three weeks, beating Matt Ryan's Falcons in his first Monday Night Football appearance and then outplaying Tom Brady in the Jets' win over the Patriots on Sunday.

On both occasions, his No. 1 wide receiver was out of the lineup with a hamstring injury.

Which begs the question: Is the Jets' promising rookie quarterback actually better off without Santonio Holmes?

Geno says no. I say yes.

"For one, we love Santonio,'' Smith said when asked about his recent success without Holmes in the lineup. "We would love to have him right now.''

But . . .

"But we have to continue to move on without him,'' Smith said. "The reason for that is because the guys around me have made me better, the offensive line has stepped up, guys such as Stephen Hill, Jeremy Kerley , [tight end] Jeff Cumberland, they've all stepped up. The running backs have stepped up. Everyone is just raising their level of play.''

He's right. With other players rising up and with Smith playing with a veteran's poise, he can rely on a plucky group of young receivers, a strong running game, his powerful right arm and his speed on the ground.

With Tone Time gone, Geno seems just fine.

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There's no debating Holmes' talent; he's one of the NFL's more physically gifted receivers and has a Super Bowl MVP award. But Holmes also has proved to be a high-maintenance personality, and the last thing a young quarterback needs to worry about is making sure he gets Holmes his catches.

Holmes, 29, has hinted at his frustration over not seeing enough passes go his way, suggesting a few days after a 38-13 loss to the Titans that he can do only so much. "I can't throw it to myself and can't catch it,'' he said. "Otherwise I would.''

Those comments came just a week after Holmes had a career-best 154 receiving yards against the Bills.

Holmes thought he was being lighthearted with that comment about not being able to throw it to himself, but it certainly didn't come off that way.

We've seen enough examples over the years of receivers becoming distractions to know that Holmes is surely in that group. He may not be at quite the level of Terrell Owens or Randy Moss, both of whom did their share of complaining, but Holmes unquestionably has been a distraction, both with the Steelers and Jets.

It may be no accident that Smith has excelled in Holmes' absence. In a signature win over the Falcons, he was 16-for-20 for 199 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions and led the game-winning drive. Smith was off his game against the Steelers the next week, but it wasn't because Holmes was out; it was because the Steelers' defense was back on its game.

In Sunday's 30-27 overtime win over the Patriots, Smith was 17-for-33 for 233 yards, threw one touchdown pass and had an interception that was returned for a touchdown. He also ran for a touchdown and showed plenty of grit against the reigning AFC East champs.

The Jets hope to get Holmes back, but even then, it appears his days are numbered here. He took a pay cut to remain with the team this year but still is the team's highest-paid receiver at $7.5 million. And with hefty salaries in future years of a $45-million contract he signed before the 2011 season, the Jets are likely to cut ties after the season.

At least they're getting a look at what it's like without Holmes in the lineup. And from what we've seen so far from Geno, it looks pretty good.

It looks as if Tone Time's almost up.

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THE RECORD

Jets notes: Holmes is hurting (J.P. Pelzman) The Record October 25, 2013

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/229208761_Jets_notes__Holmes_is_hurting.html

Holmes out until after bye?

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes implied during his weekly media session Thursday that he should return to action after the Jets’ bye week, although he later backtracked and indicated he wasn’t ruling out the possibility of playing before then.

Holmes, who hasn’t played or practiced since suffering a hamstring injury at Tennessee on Sept. 29, said, "I think the bye week is coming at a great time. It will give me five, maybe six weeks to get healthy and I should be ready to roll."

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After visiting Cincinnati on Sunday, the Jets host New Orleans on Nov. 3 before having their bye week. They resume the season at Buffalo on Nov. 17. Holmes, who said his hamstring "feels good," would have had seven weeks to recover by that point. Holmes missed the last 12 games of the 2012 season because of a severe foot injury.

Kotwica: ‘We don’t coach pushing’

Special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica refused to say during his weekly media session whether the Jets made the officials aware of New England’s penchant for using an illegal push to attempt to block field goals, saying "those discussions are private."

However, he was a little more expansive when asked about Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s contention that the Jets also should have been flagged for an illegal push. Quinton Coples appeared to nudge the arm of teammate Muhammad Wilkerson on one New England attempt, although the action was not as sustained as New England’s push.

"On that particular play, that’s incidental contact," Kotwica said. "We don’t coach pushing or anything along those lines. Again, they know what’s right. We executed a technique and tried to block the field goal."

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STAR-LEDGER

Jets defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman jokes Antonio Cromartie should 'pray' while facing A.J. Green (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger October 24, 2013

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/10/jets_defensive_coordinator_dennis_thurman_jokes_antonio_cromartie_should_pray_while_facing_aj_green.html

Antonio Cromartie has a tough matchup Sunday afternoon when the Jets play at the Bengals: wide receiver A.J. Green, who has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons.

Jets defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman – a former NFL cornerback in the 1970s and 1980s, and the Jets’ defensive backs coach before this season – has an idea about what Cromartie must do to limit Green.

“What does he need to do?” Thurman said, answering this very question. “Put his hands on him and pray, pretty much.”

There will be more to it than that, of course, but Cromartie, the Jets’ top cornerback, is at his best when he is physical with receivers. Cromartie is 6-2 and 210 pounds – about the same size as Green (6-4, 211 pounds). So Cromartie needs to be aggressive with Green, in what will be one of the more important matchups in Jets-Bengals.

“He’s very talented, he’s tall, he’s long, he’s athletic, has good speed, good hands,” Thurman said of Green. “You better pay attention to him.”

Cromartie talked before last Sunday’s win over New England about needing to do a better job of using his hands on receivers, particularly when in press coverage. And Cromartie did this against the Patriots, which his coaches liked seeing, Thurman said.

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“He’s a force when he plays to 6-2,” Thurman said. “I’ve been saying this to you guys (reporters) since he’s been here. He plays to his height and to his length, he’s hard to deal with. It’s a matter of continual focus: ‘Hey, you need to play like this, you need to play like this.’ When he does, he’s hard to throw at.”

Against the Patriots, Cromartie was targeted four times and allowed just one catch – an 11-yarder to Kenbrell Thompkins. Cromartie was targeted twice while on Thompkins, once while on Aaron Dobson and once while on Julian Edelman, who primarily lines up in the slot. Thompkins is having a solid season, especially considering he is an undrafted rookie. But Green is a different player entirely, and the Bengals have been moving him around the field to keep defenses off-balance, which will be a challenge for the Jets.

The Patriots often threw away from Cromartie, as they targeted rookie corner Dee Milliner – who was returning from a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury – 12 times for six catches. It will be interesting to see how the Jets approach covering Green, and how much Milliner will have to chip in.

“They are playing (Green) in the slot some,” Thurman said. “They’re moving him around. I would do the same thing. He’s a heck of a talent and if he sits in one spot, you know where he is, but if you’re moving him around, it makes it more difficult for you to match, so to speak, but also to double him. They know what they’re doing with him and they do a good job with him.”

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Jets' rushing attack emboldened by performance against Patriots (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger October 24, 2013

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/10/jets_rushing_attack_emboldened_by_performance_against_patriots.html

Jets coach Rex Ryan stood in front of his team after the seventh game of the season, Sunday’s 30-27 overtime win against the Patriots – one of the Jets’ most satisfying victories in recent memory.

On this same weekend a year ago, the Jets lost to the Patriots in overtime, fell to 3-4 (the reverse of their current record), and began a slide during which they lost seven of their final 10 games.

The 6-10 season resulted in a franchise-wide house cleaning. Most notably on the coaching staff, the Jets replaced offensive coordinator Tony Sparano with Marty Mornhinweg, whose West Coast system has been associated primarily with passing.

But on Sunday, as Mornhinweg called the Jets’ first possession of overtime, another trend began to develop. Mornhinweg called a run for Chris Ivory on the drive’s first play. Then Geno Smith passed to David Nelson, moving the Jets to their own 36-yard line.

The Patriots’ defensive front seven entered the game depleted by injuries, and Mornhinweg proceeded to test it over and over again. After Smith’s pass, Mornhinweg called eight straight runs, which accumulated 26 yards.

Nick Folk still had to attempt a 56-yard field goal after this. He missed, but a 15-yard pushing penalty on the Patriots’ block attempt let Mornhinweg call three more runs to set up Folk’s 42-yard game winner.

All told, the Jets ran 52 times for 177 yards on Sunday. Ivory had 34 carries for 104 yards, including nine for 23 on the final drive. In the locker room afterward, as Ryan held a statistics sheet, he told his team, “Our offensive coordinator, it seems to me, all he wants to do is run the football, because we ran it 52 times today.”

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The Jets laughed and hollered with joy. It might not be as easy to run on Sunday at Cincinnati, whose rushing defense is eighth in the NFL. (New England is now second-to-last.) But with last Sunday’s rushing performance on film, teams must honor that part of Mornhinweg’s offense.

Last season, the Jets finished third-to-last in total offense. After Sunday’s 383-yard gem, they are currently 15th – and they have just five more passing attempts than runs.

“I like to run the football as long as we’re good at it,” Mornhinweg said. “It’s good in a lot of different ways.”

Mornhinweg has overseen successful rushing offenses before. In 1998 and 1999, he coordinated a San Francisco offense that topped the NFL in rushing yards both years. But those 49ers teams ran the ball just 47 and 43 percent of the time.

With this Jets team, successful running could relieve pressure from rookie quarterback Geno Smith, who has 11 interceptions through seven games, and has played just one turnover-free game.

“(Opponents) obviously know that we run the ball well, so they’re going to do whatever they can to try to affect the run,” said left guard Brian Winters. “That’s good for us because it keeps them guessing on what we’re going to do.”

Moreover, Sunday’s win over New England seems to have emboldened the run-blocking mentality among the Jets’ offensive linemen.

“We know what we can do, and we’re going to do it when we want to do it,” said right tackle Austin Howard. “To physically impose your will on another player, to physically see what your actions have done, pushing a guy four or five yards out of the way and seeing the running back run right behind you, it’s awesome.”

The Bengals pose a greater threat to the Jets’ rushing attack. Mornhinweg is wary of the length along the edge of the Bengals’ front, with ends Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson. Winters sees a challenge in the low leverage that defensive tackle Geno Atkins plays with. Atkins had 12½ sacks last season and will be a load for Winters, a rookie.

The Jets might not have a drive during which they run on 12 of 13 plays, like the final possession against the Patriots. But Mornhinweg is happy with the immediate and potential longer-term results it yielded.

“It’s pretty rare,” he said, “when you can do that.”

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Jets' special teams coach will not discuss whether he alerted officials to Patriots' pushing on FG attempts (Michael Fensom) Star-Ledger October 24, 2013

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/10/jets_special_teams_coach_will_not_discuss_whether_he_alerted_officials_to_patriots_pushing_on_fg_att.html

Ben Kotwica, the Jets’ special teams coordinator, today provided one final assessment of the penalty flag that tilted last Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots in the Jets’ favor.

Among the Jet’s coaching staff, Kotwica is the liaison to the officiating crew. As the Jets prepare for each game, Kotwica communicates with the NFL league office to collect “points of emphasis” on penalties and on-field safety practices which are then communicated to the Jets’ players in meetings.

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Before each game, Kotwica meets with the umpire from the officiating crew. They discuss those points of emphasis once again, as well as odd formations a team may use to prepare the crew to recognize eligible receivers.

So, prior to Sunday’s victory, did Kotwica alert umpire Tony Michalek that the Patriots were using an illegal pushing technique during field goal attempts?

“I will just tell you that those discussions are private and I’m going to honor that and keep it that way,” Kotwica said today.

On a 56-yard field goal attempt in overtime Sunday, Michalek became the first NFL official to enforce a new rule stipulating a player cannot push his teammate into the opposing line during a field goal or point after try. Replays showed Chris Jones shoved Will Svitek into the Jets’ Damon Harrison.

Folk missed the attempt, and Kotwica said he wasn’t certain why Michalek tossed a flag on the play until referee Jerome Boger announced the Patriots were penalized 15 yards for Jones’ shove, considered an unsportsmanlike conduct foul.

“My initiation reaction was, ‘I hope its on them,’” Kotwica said “It was and fortunately we got another opportunity and Nick did a great job of knocking it through and we came out victorious.”

Folk hit a 42-yard kick two minutes after the penalty to win the game.

Bill Belichick, the Patriots' coach, mentioned on Tuesday that the Jets’ Quinton Coples shoved teammate Muhammad Wilkerson in the back during a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter. The comment elicited a terse response from Rex Ryan Wednesday. Kotwica differentiated between the two plays.

“On that particular play that’s incidental contact,” Kotwica said. “We don’t coach pushing or anything along those lines. They know what’s right. We execute the technique and try to block the field goal.”

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Jets' Santonio Holmes, still unsure of return, doesn't want to rush back from hamstring injury (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger October 24, 2013

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/10/jets_santonio_holmes_still_unsure_of_return_doesnt_want_to_rush_back_from_hamstring_injury.html

The Jets have two more games before their off week: Sunday at Cincinnati and the following Sunday at home against New Orleans. Then comes the home stretch – the final seven games, beginning with the Nov. 17 home game against Buffalo.

The Jets’ best wide receiver, Santonio Holmes, still has not practiced since injuring his right hamstring Sept. 29 at Tennessee. He has missed three games. He could miss a fourth, since he did not practice Thursday.

So does the Jets’ off week come into consideration for him, in order to give him more time to recover?

“At this point, I think the bye week is coming at a great time,” Holmes said. “It will give me five, maybe six weeks to get healthy and I should be ready to roll.”

Holmes was asked to clarify his comments because it sounded like he was saying he won’t be back until after the bye week. He was asked: If he does not play against the Bengals or Saints – and it remains unclear if he will or won’t – does he feel like he will definitely be able to return to game action on Nov. 17 against the Bills?

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“I’m not looking that far ahead right now,” he said. “I said the bye week will allow me to get healthy for my return.”

When asked again to clarify, he emphasized that he is not ruling out playing the next two weeks.

“I didn’t say that,” he said. “Don’t put words in my mouth.”

In terms of the bigger picture with recovering from a hamstring injury, Holmes is wary of rushing back too quickly, lest he aggravate the injury.

“That’s one thing I don’t want, any setbacks at this point,” Holmes said. “I already missed a full season last year (with a foot fracture) and I want to be back on the team to help these guys as much as possible. I think I would be a downside to the team if I put myself back on that list of being injured for the remainder of the season.”

Holmes recovered from a serious left foot fracture, which required two surgeries, in time to play in Week 1 this year. In four games, he has 10 catches for 243 yards and a touchdown. Holmes is clearly an asset for the Jets when healthy, but he did not shed much light Thursday on his hamstring’s recovery.

“It feels good,” he said.

Does he think he will play this week?

“We’ll check the reports and see on game day.”

Might he be a game-time decision?

“It’s possible.”

What tangible progress has he seen lately with the hamstring?

“Just taking it one day at a time. Can’t really do too much as of right now.”

Did he run some routes at Thursday’s practice during positional drills?

“I ran one route. That was all I did today.”

Was there a plan for him to do more, and his hamstring didn’t allow it?

“It was all up to me,” he said of his participation Thursday.

Has he had any setbacks in his hamstring recovery or has it all been steady progress?

“Still one day at a time.”

What percent healthy is the hamstring right now?

“I don’t have a percentage.”

What about the outlook on another talented wide receiver? The Bengals have a pretty good one in A.J. Green. What does Holmes think of him?

“I don’t watch any offensive guys in the NFL at all.”

Ever? Not even as a fan?

“No.”

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NEW YORK POST

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How can Antonio Cromartie stop A.J. Green? ‘Pray’ (Brian Costello) New York Post October 24, 2013

http://nypost.com/2013/10/24/how-can-antonio-cromartie-stop-aj-green-pray/

Jets defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman devised a simple plan when asked Thursday what cornerback Antonio Cromartie needs to do to contain Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green on Sunday.

“What does he need to do? Put his hands on him and pray,” Thurman said jokingly.

Green is the centerpiece of the Bengals offense and the biggest matchup of this week for the Jets. It is expected the 6-foot-4 wide receiver will be facing the 6-foot-2 Cromartie most of the day.

“It’s a tough task every single week,” Cromartie said. “He’s a great receiver for that team, and he’s one of the best receivers in the NFL right now. They want to try to get the ball to him. I think for us, it’s just to be patient and pick and choose and be physical and just play football.”

Green is the latest test for Cromartie, who has faced Atlanta’s Julio Jones and Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders in recent weeks. Green has 43 catches for 619 yards and five touchdowns this season. He started off slowly, but has broken out over the past two weeks. He has caught six passes in each of the last two games. Against the Lions last week he had 155 yards receiving and a touchdown.

“What does the kid not have?” Jets coach Rex Ryan said. “He has size, speed, athleticism, route running [and a] great catching radius. Like I said, in my opinion, he’s probably the best receiver in the AFC. There are some good receivers, but in my opinion, he’s probably the best.”

Cromartie is coming off one of his best games of the season against the Patriots when he shut down Kenbrell Thompkins. Cromartie gave up just one catch for 11 yards.

“He played an outstanding game,” Ryan said. “He used his hands at the line of scrimmage more. [Thompkins] is a decent receiver that they have there. I thought Cro did an excellent job on him.”

Playing more physical at the line of scrimmage is something Cromartie talked about doing more of last week. He felt he had gotten away from it in the Jets’ first six games. It will be a key again this week against the long-bodied Green.

“[Cromartie’s] a force when he plays to 6-2,” Thurman said. “I’ve been saying this to you guys since he’s been here. When he plays to his height and his length, he’s hard to deal with. It’s just a matter of continual focus. You need to play like this. When he does, he’s hard to throw at.”

Cromartie said Green reminds him of Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson, two other tall receivers who could make plays down the field.

The Bengals have moved Green around the field, playing him on both sides and in the slot, something Cromartie said won’t be a problem if the Jets want him to shadow Green all day.

“I can play anywhere,” Cromartie said. “I can play any positions they need me to play, slot or outside. That doesn’t bother me at all.”

Cromartie admitted last week this has not been his best season. Coming off a Pro Bowl year, Cromartie was asked to step into Darrelle Revis’ role of stopping the other team’s best receiver. He’s had some breakdowns and given up a few huge plays. The website Pro Football Focus, which does statistical analysis of games, has him rated as the 106th cornerback out of 107 in the NFL.

But Green does not see this as an easy matchup for him either.

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“ I don’t think he’s struggling,” Green said. “I just think guys are putting him in good position, putting the ball in good position. He’s a great corner. Like I said, he’s been around this league a long time. Corners are going to get beat here and there, but I think he’s one of the best in the league.”

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Santonio Holmes bristles at injury questions (Brian Costello) New York Post October 24, 2013

http://nypost.com/2013/10/24/santonio-holmes-bristles-at-injury-questions/

Santonio Holmes did not practice again Thursday and later hinted he could be out of action until after the Jets’ bye week next month.

It’s always hard to figure out exactly what Holmes is thinking, to determine how much of what he says to the media is designed just to be difficult and how much is what he believes. But Holmes was asked about the bye week, which comes in two weeks for the Jets and he sounded as if he believes that extra week of rest will help him recover from his hamstring injury.

“At this point, I think the bye week is coming at a great time,” Holmes said. “It will give me five, maybe six weeks to get healthy and I should be ready to roll.”

Holmes has missed the past three games with the hamstring injury. When he was asked to clarify his comments because it sounded as if he was saying he did not think he would play Sunday against the Bengals or Nov. 3 against the Saints, Holmes bristled.

“I didn’t say that,” he said. “Don’t put words in my mouth.”

During practice Thursday, Holmes ran one route during wide-receiver drills and then stopped. He said that was his decision. Holmes said he would be cautious in his return so that he does not aggravate the injury.

“That’s one thing I don’t want, any setbacks at this point,” Holmes said. “I already missed a full season last year [with a foot fracture] and I want to be back on the team to help these guys as much as possible. I think I would be a downside to the team if I put myself back on that list of being injured for the remainder of the season.”

Owner Woody Johnson was asked about coach Rex Ryan’s future with the team at an event in New York on Thursday to promote the Super Bowl. Johnson reiterated what he has been saying about Ryan’s future.

“I’ll make a statement after the season,” Johnson said. “I never make any comments regarding contracts during the season. The only thing I’ll say is, I’m happy with him. I think he’s a good teacher, maybe even a great teacher, and I believe in him.”

Special teams coach Ben Kotwica was coy when asked about his role in tipping off officials Sunday about the Patriots pushing on kicks. The Post reported Monday Kotwica was the one who told the refs to keep an eye on the Patriots during the field-goal sequence that ended the game.

“I would just tell you that those discussions are private and I’m going to honor that and keep it that way,” Kotwica said.

Ryan was unhappy with Thursday’s practice, saying the Jets lacked focus and there were a number of dropped passes.

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“We take it on ourselves as receivers anytime the ball’s on the ground, we take it hard on ourselves,” wide receiver Jeremy Kerley said. “Practice was a little lackadaisical today, but we’ve got to pick it up. We know what’s ahead of us.”

Holmes was the only Jet who did not practice. TE Jeff Cumberland (hamstring) returned on a limited basis. Cumberland said he expects to play Sunday. … Kerley was limited with a hamstring injury, but said he is fine. … S Antonio Allen (groin, finger), C Nick Mangold (ribs), TE Konrad Reuland (knee) and WR Greg Salas (knee) were also limited. … Patriots CB Logan Ryan was fined $10,000 for grabbing his crotch as he scored Sunday on an interception return against the Jets.

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Jets: Big-talking Bengals won’t dictate our offense (Steve Serby) New York Post October 24, 2013

http://nypost.com/2013/10/24/jets-big-talking-bengals-wont-dictate-our-offense/

The Bengals are daring the Jets to run the ball against them Sunday.

The Jets have accepted the dare.

“We’re going to run the ball and pass the ball however we see fit,” offensive tackle Austin Howard told The Post. “We’re not going to let their defense determine what we do, and when we do it. We respect their defense, we know they have a good group of guys, but that’s not going to deter us from running the ball or going through with the game plan that Marty’s [Mornhinweg, offensive coordinator] going to give us.”

Howard and the Jets are aware of this quote from Bengals tackling machine linebacker Vontaze Burfict: “They’re going to figure out probably in the first 15, 20 snaps that running’s going to be pretty hard against our front seven.”

Howard: “I believe that we’re going to let our actions speak louder than our words. We don’t have to go out there and boast about this and that. We’re going to go out there and play our game. We’re not going to change for anyone.”

Rex Ryan returned to his Ground & Pound against the Patriots, with 222-pound braided bully Chris Ivory (34-104) relentlessly and violently plodding forward like the football Smokin’ Joe Frazier.

Burfict also labeled Ivory and Bilal Powell “regular backs,” which, in truth, would be more of a slight to Adrian Peterson or LeSean McCoy or Marshawn Lynch.

But unbeknownst to Burfict, Ivory rumbled for 117 yards and two TDs in Cincinnati as a Saints rookie in 2010. It just so happens Ivory, who came into the NFL as a free agent, was told by his agent the Bengals said they would draft him in the seventh round.

“They said I didn’t pass my physical. … That’s what I was told,” Ivory told The Post.

He rejects the notion the snub adds fuel to his fire four years later, but smiles when you ask him whether his big game against them was just coincidence.

“Yes sir, just coincidence,” he said.

Mornhinweg could be tempted to trust Geno Smith more with Adam “Pacman” Jones replacing shelved cornerback Leon Hall, but the big uglies, a rookie quarterback’s best friends, don’t care the Bengals boast the NFL’s No. 8 run defense.

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“Our guys don’t lack for confidence now, in any aspect,” Mornhinweg said. “I suspect that that’s been their mentality from Day 1.”

Ivory’s raging-bull mentality didn’t surface only recently.

“He runs hard,” stepfather Kenny Gilliland said by telephone, “because he’s got things he wants to prove to other people.”

Ivory was a fullback in the triple-option offense at Longview High School in Texas.

“He’d hit the hole screaming,” Longview coach John King said. “He played with reckless abandon. He could run over you, he could run by you, he could make you miss. He probably was under-recruited because he was a fullback.”

Ivory never gave up on his NFL dream following injury-marred stops at Washington State and Tiffin University in Ohio, and the near-death nightmare of his mother Judy, who contracted viral meningitis seven years ago.

“She’s very blessed and I feel very blessed as well that she’s still living,” Ivory said.

Teammates appreciate his bruising running style.

“A running style that I would not want to be on the other side of,” a chuckling Matt Simms said, “just because it’s extremely violent, and aggressive and downhill.”

Willie Colon said, “For defenders, you understand if you’re going to tackle him, you better bring your pads. He’s not going to just be one of them backs you can just take down with an arm. It kind of gets us riled up too when he’s able to finish big runs and kind of stick it to defenders trying to hit him.”

Ivory wore the Patriots down.

“It definitely takes a toll because he’s not really trying to make anybody miss. He’s going to come right downhill and try to enforce his will on people,” Tommy Bohanon said.

Here he comes.

Here they come.

“We face one of the best defensive lines in practice every day,” Howard said, “so we know what we can do. And there’s nothing like being an underdog and going out and having success when nobody thinks you can, and we don’t mind it at all.”

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NFL reporter angers crowd with Jets, Giants insults (Bart Hubbuch) New York Post October 24, 2013

http://nypost.com/2013/10/24/pam-olivers-jets-giants-insults-upset-crowd/

If this is how Pam Oliver works a room, she might want to stick to sideline reporting.

The Fox Sports NFL reporter flopped as host of a New York-New Jersey Super Bowl breakfast for regional business leaders Thursday, drawing gasps, groans and more than a few boos for her odd and insulting comments during a roundtable with owners of the Jets and Giants.

Oliver surprised and angered the crowd by alternately ridiculing Jets fans, coach Rex Ryan, the Giants’ current woes and New Yorkers in general during the 30-minute session.

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The Times Square breakfast for roughly 50 area business executives was sponsored by the Association for a Better New York.

When Al Kelly, chairman of the New York-New Jersey Super Bowl Committee, was asked by Oliver how the committee would make sure people dressed appropriately for an outdoor game in February, he said there would probably be “a couple of idiots” who wouldn’t do so.

“Probably Jets fans,” Oliver said, prompting groans.

Oliver later showed her apparent ignorance of the Jets’ surprising 4-3 start by asking team owner Woody Johnson: “How does Rex [Ryan] keep his job?”

The 1-6 Giants weren’t spared, either. Oliver asked one of the team’s owners, Jonathan Tisch, to explain “what in the hell is the matter with the Giants?”

The most insulting comment from Oliver, however, was reserved for New Yorkers as a whole.

The crowd roared when she ask the team owners and Kelly how they planned “to instruct people of this area, particularly New Yorkers, to be nice? To say ‘please,’ ‘thank you’ and ‘I’ll get that’?”

Oliver quickly qualified that by saying, “I’m sorry — I’m from the South.”

But Tisch wasn’t pleased.

“I’m from New York City, and I take exception with that,” Tisch said. “New Yorkers are unbelievably hospitable.”

Oliver suffered a concussion before a game earlier this year when she was hit in the head by a football.

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Jets owner doesn’t recall photo with fighting fan (Bart Hubbuch) New York Post October 24, 2013

http://nypost.com/2013/10/24/jets-owner-doesnt-remember-posing-with-fighting-fan/

Jets owner Woody Johnson said the team has zero tolerance for brawls at MetLife Stadium like the one last Sunday that caused four arrests, and he predicted a long road back if those fans hope to attend a game again.

Speaking at a Times Square breakfast for the upcoming New York-New Jersey Super Bowl, Johnson didn’t recall posing for a picture with one of the people arrested but deplored the incident and others like it.

“We have no tolerance for those types of incidents,” Johnson said. “Our job is to provide a safe, family environment for everybody. Unfortunately, those things happen. We’ll see what happens to those [arrested]. But we’re putting a lot of time and effort into stopping those kinds of things.”

The latest violent incident at a Jets game came to light when a fan from Long Island was caught on video punching a female Patriots fan in the face moments after Gang Green’s 30-27 overtime victory.

Kurt Paschke, 38, of Holbrook, Long Island, was arrested Wednesday and charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct along with two women, Amanda MacDowell, 25, of Marlborough, Mass., and Jaclyn Nugent, 26, of Boston. A second man who was with the women, David James Sacco, 28, of Boston, also was arrested on the same charges.

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New Jersey state police concluded that MacDowell and Nugent had set off the melee by kicking and punching Paschke, who responded by punching Nugent in the face.

It was later learned that Paschke had served nearly three years in prison for knifing a fellow teenager to death in 1992.

Paschke’s past and his role in the fight caused a bit of a stir for Johnson earlier this week when a photo surfaced of the owner posing with Paschke in the MetLife Stadium parking lot before a game earlier this season.

Paschke is a Jets superfan, attending games with his family in a Jets-themed mini-bus.

Johnson frequently visits with fans and takes pictures with them during pregame tailgating, and he said didn’t recall posing with Paschke. But depending on the outcome of their legal case, all four fans face permanent bans from attending any NFL game — and any event at MetLife Stadium — unless they go through the league’s reinstatement process.

That process involves taking an online conduct course, submitting a written apology and then asking permission to attend events at the stadium.

“The reinstatement process is long and difficult,” Johnson said. “If they can go through that, then they’d be considered [for reinstatement] … perhaps.”

Johnson, though, said there is only so much the Jets or any team can do to prevent fan violence.

“Any time you put 80,000 people together in an environment like that, you’re going to have a certain amount of conflicts,” he said. “Our job to reduce those conflicts and respond to them quickly and get to the bottom of it to try and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Bengals' A.J. Green is one of NFL's toughest assignments, but NY Jets' Antonio Cromartie is ready (Seth Walder) New York Daily News October 24, 2013

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ain-easy-covering-green-jets-cro-set-article-1.1496136#ixzz2ij9pGR5Y

Football coaches don’t like to leave much to chance. But when it comes to stopping A.J. Green, there’s little choice.

Green, one of the elite wide receivers in the game, will likely be shadowed by Antonio Cromartie in Sunday’s showdown in Cincinnati. So how can Cromartie stop him?

“Put his hands on him and pray,” said defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman.

In seven games this season, Green has amassed 619 yards and five touchdowns on 43 receptions. Rex Ryan says Green is probably the best wide receiver in the AFC. The coach is probably right.

Cromartie said Green reminded him “a lot of Randy Moss. I would say that type of receiver... attacks the ball down the field. And also a little bit of Calvin Johnson.”

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A year ago, this would still have been a challenge, but not necessarily as much of a worry for Gang Green. Fresh off Darrelle Revis’ ACL injury, Cromartie had risen to be the Jets’ top corner, and did a masterful job. He earned a Pro Bowl spot and repeatedly shut down opponents’ No. 1 receivers.

This year hasn’t been the same. As much as Ryan and Thurman have praised Cromartie publicly, there is no question that his play has diminished from a year ago. ProFootballFocus currently ranks Cromartie 106th among the NFL’s 107 cornerbacks.

There are counter-arguments to be made to that ranking: many teams don’t play as much press-man coverage as the Jets do, nor do they leave their corners on a proverbial island as often. But nonetheless, 2013 probably hasn’t been what the Jets imagined when they shipped Revis off to Tampa Bay. Last week, Cromartie gave himself a ‘C’ grade when asked to evaluate his season.

But there may be at least a sign of improvement in Cromartie. Last week against the Patriots, he allowed just one catch for 25 yards, according to ProFootballFocus, holding Tom Brady to a passer rating 39.6 on balls that Cromartie’s receiver was targeted on. That came after three consecutive weeks during which opposing QBs had a rating of over 100 against him.

“He had an outstanding game,” Ryan said. “Used his hands at the line of scrimmage more.”

Cromartie wouldn’t say Thursday how he felt about his performance against New England, but he does believe he has one advantage compared with other corners.

“I think he’s seen everything, I’m just a taller and more physical guy, I think that’s the only thing,” said the 6-2 Cromartie. “I think we’re almost the same height (Green is 6-4), so that’s the only difference that’s going to be out there. He’s not facing a 5-11, 6-0 DB, he’s facing a 6-2.5, 6-3 DB.”

“He’s a force when he plays to 6-2,” Thurman said. “When he plays to his height and his length, he’s hard to deal with.”

Normally Cromartie sticks to the outside, but on Sunday it will be interesting to see if the Jets move him inside if Green is lined up in the slot.

“I can play anywhere,” Cromartie said. “I can play any position they need me to play, so that doesn’t bother me at all.”

The Jets haven’t come out and said that Cromartie will shadow Green all over the field, even though in all likelihood that will be the plan.

Joked Ryan on Wednesday, “Well, we’re not going to put Snacks (Damon Harrison) on him.”

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NY Jets owner Woody Johnson singing Rex Ryan's praises, not talking contract (Gary Myers) New York Daily News October 24, 2013

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-owner-singing-ryan-praises-happy-rex-article-1.1495234#ixzz2ij98FGSK

Rex Ryan is probably halfway toward a contract extension — eight victories should guarantee he’s back in 2014 — and even though Woody Johnson is still crazy about his coach, he refuses to make any commitment that extends past this season.

“I will make a statement after the season,” Johnson said Thursday. “I never make any comments regarding contracts during the season.”

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The Jets are one of the surprise teams in the NFL. No, they were never going to be the worst team in the league, not as long as the Jaguars were still around, but this looked like a team with expansion-level talent after they dumped Darrelle Revis in the spring.

Despite the Jets’ win one, lose one pattern through their 4-3 start, Ryan has reinvented himself to fall more in line with the corporate image of new general manager John Idzik, but the good news is he has shown the feistiness is still there in his back-and-forth with Bill Belichick this week over The Push.

“We’re happy with Rex,” Johnson said. “Coaches have to be good teachers and good leaders and I think he’s both.”

Maybe if the Jets beat the Bengals and Saints the next two games leading into their bye, Ryan will reinvent himself once again and revert to the trash-talking prediction-making Rex, which was a whole lot more fun for everybody.

The important thing for now is that Johnson, who insisted Idzik retain Ryan when the new GM was hired in January, doesn’t seem ready for a divorce with his coach.

As long as the Jets don’t collapse and go oh-for-December, I don’t think Ryan needs to make the playoffs to get a contract extension. He has taken a team with huge holes and kept it competitive the first two months of the season and if the Jets keep playing hard for him, he will deserve to come back.

Last week’s victory over New England may turn out to save Ryan’s Jets career.

Even so, Ryan insists he isn’t sweating it. “I like the fact that my boss said some nice things about me,” he said. “I said it before, it’s not about me. Right now, it means nothing to me other than the fact that he had some nice comments to say. My situation is the Cincinnati Bengals. That’s where my attention is.”

Ryan’s contract, at about $3 million per year, runs through 2014. Teams generally don’t let coaches go into the last year of their deals — they either get fired or extended.

Does Johnson anticipate he will keep Ryan?

“I don’t make any statements like that,” he said. “The only thing I’ll say is I’m happy with him. I think he’s a great teacher, a good teacher, maybe a great teacher, and a good leader.”

Johnson says he has the “utmost confidence” in Ryan, but just as Ryan won’t commit to rookie quarterback Geno Smith more than one week at a time, Johnson is going to let this season play out before making a decision.

Then, I think he will either fire Ryan if the team falls apart, give him a one-year extension if the arrow is pointing up but the Jets don’t make the playoffs or give him a multiyear extension if they do make the playoffs, especially if they can jump over the Patriots and finally win the AFC East.

Johnson said the dynamic between Ryan and Idzik has been good. That had the potential of blowing up on Johnson. It usually doesn’t work when a first-time GM is told the job is contingent on retaining the coach. But so far, Idzik and Ryan are on the same page.

“I think it’s very good from what I could tell as an observer,” Johnson said. “I think they get along. John is very inclusive in the way he makes his personnel decisions. They are made collectively and he’s really opened up the room.”

Was Johnson concerned the dynamic would be awkward and not work?

“History is a teacher in some things,” he said. “You kind of got to go with what you’ve got. There is history on both sides of that issue.”

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If things don’t work out here for Ryan, he may have to take a step back and become a defensive coordinator for a year or two before getting another chance to be a head coach. If he gets fired here, it means the Jets have finished below .500, which would make it three straight years with no playoffs, making him a tough sell in another market.

If the Jets make the playoffs, they will either win the AFC East or be the second wild-card team. The Chiefs (7-0) and Broncos (6-1) are playoff locks. The Jets are one game behind the Patriots in the division and tied with the Chargers for the second wild-card spot.

“Rex has been a good coach,” Johnson said. “That’s what we hired him to be. We’re happy with that.”

Johnson is happy now. It’s more important for Ryan if the owner is still happy in two months.

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NY Jets' Santonio Holmes talks injury status and is very unhappy about it (Seth Walder) New York Daily News October 24, 2013

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-insider-holmes-bye-bye-clarity-article-1.1496183#ixzz2ij8hr1n9

Santonio Holmes seems to enter his press conferences in a worse mood each week. Thursday was no exception, as a grumpy Holmes fired back at those asking for clarification on his answers.

Holmes seemed to indicate that his hamstring injury would keep him out at least until after the Week 10 bye when he said, “At this point I think the bye week has come at a great time. Would give me five, maybe six weeks to get healthy.”

Did he mean to make it sound like he would sit against the Bengals Sunday and Saints in Week 9?

“My question was answered the way it was answered,” Holmes said. “I don’t how know you can get confused about the way I answered the question.”

Again, does that mean he will be out until the bye?

“I didn’t say that,” he said. “Don’t put words in my mouth.”

As one of the Jets players who is available once a week, Holmes has the smallest possible media commitment. His weekly sessions have become something of a comedy routine as he outwardly displays his disdain for addressing the press.

The odds of him playing this week certainly don’t look good, as Holmes did not participate in team drills and ran a single route during positional work.

PUSHING BACK

Special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica said Thursday that he, like Rex Ryan, felt that Quinton Coples did not push Muhammad Wilkerson on a field goal block attempt in the fourth quarter against the Patriots. New England coach Bill Belichick complained that the Jets ran the same push play that the Pats were flagged for in overtime that nullified a 56-yard missed field goal by the Jets’ Nick Folk. The 15-yard penalty ultimately allowed Folk to kick a 42-yarder to beat the Pats.

“On that particular play, that’s incidental contact,” Kotwica said. “We don’t coach pushing or anything along those lines.”

KERLEY INJURY

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Jeremy Kerley was limited Thursday with a new hamstring injury, but the wide receiver didn’t believe that it was serious. TE Jeff Cumberland (hamstring) was upgraded to limited, and Ryan was optimistic that he would play Sunday. C Nick Mangold (ribs) was limited for the second day in a row.

COLD TRUTH

Ryan wasn’t pleased with the number of drops the team had in practice. Though Thursday was essentially the first cold day of the season, the coach said that is no excuse. “As receivers, anytime the ball’s on the ground, we take it hard on ourselves,” Kerley said. “Practice was a little lackadaisical today.”

ATKINS DIET

Rookie LG Brian Winters will face a tough assignment this week on snaps when Bengals DT Geno Atkins lines up over him. Ryan said Atkins is “about as big a challenge as it gets.” Winters said

he has requested to line up against Sheldon Richardson this week, because he feels Richardson has a similar style to Atkins.

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NY Jets owner Woody Johnson vows ‘no tolerance’ for fighting fans (Gary Myers) New York Daily News October 24, 2013

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-owner-vows-tolerance-fighting-fans-article-1.1495664#ixzz2ij8IWaq9

Jets owner Woody Johnson says the team has “no tolerance” in dealing with fans who were fighting, leading to four arrests, after Sunday’s big victory over the Patriots.

“Our job is to provide a safe environment, a family environment, for everybody,” Johnson said Thursday at a midtown Super Bowl event. “Unfortunately, those things will happen. We will wait for the legal outcome and see what happens to those guys. That’s something we are putting a lot of time and effort into stopping those kinds of things.”

Jets fan Kurt Paschke of Holbrook, L.I., was caught on video hitting Patriots fan Jaclyn Nugent and was charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct. Nugent, of Boston, and two other Patriots fans, Amanda McDowell of Marlborough, Mass., and David James Sacco of Boston, were hit with the same charges.

“After a thorough review of the evidence, the investigation revealed that Amanda MacDowell and Jaclyn Nugent were observed kicking and punching Paschke in the body and head,” the state cops’ statement said. “Shortly thereafter, Paschke was observed striking Nugent with a punch to the face. David James Sacco was then observed striking Paschke in the face.”

All four will be arraigned in East Rutherford, N.J., Municipal Court on Nov. 13 and have been banned from attending any events at MetLife Stadium. Paschke will have to complete a four-hour online class on how to behave. He will also have to write a handwritten letter of apology and “request permission to be allowed” back into games at MetLife Stadium.

How can the Jets prevent Paschke from attending games before permission is granted? A Jets spokesperson said this is something that is aggressively monitored by security and violators in the past have been arrested for trespassing.

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Johnson, who walks around the parking lot before home games, has been pictured with Paschke. The banned Jets fan has also been pictured with Rex Ryan.

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WALL STREET JOURNAL

Woody Johnson 'Happy' With Ryan's Leadership (Stu Woo & Jared Diamond) Wall Street Journal October 24, 2013

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304682504579156060691258896

In his four-and-a-half seasons as the Jets' head coach, Rex Ryan has taken his team to two conference-title games. So far this year, he is pulling off another remarkable feat by leading a squad, which many football experts before the season labeled as mincemeat, to a 4-3 record.

That pleases team owner Woody Johnson, though he still won't say whether he's committed to the continued employment of his provocative coach.

"We're happy with Rex," Johnson said. "Coaches have to be good teachers and good leaders. I think he's both."

Speaking at a Thursday-morning event to promote the upcoming Super Bowl, which the Giants and Jets are hosting at MetLife Stadium in February, Johnson declined to answer a question about whether Ryan would still be the coach after this year.

"I will make a statement after the season," he said. "I never make any comments regarding contracts during the season."

Since taking over the Jets in 2009, Ryan has a 42-35 record, including postseason wins. But after making the AFC title game two years in a row, the Jets bumbled, and their 6-10 record last season made football fans wonder whether they could win even four games this year, a tally they've already reached before the season's midpoint.

"I go in thinking we're going to win every game," Johnson said. "I'm not surprised from that standpoint. I have a lot of confidence in the team and the players and the coaches and that's evidencing itself. Now, we're 4-3, so we have a long way to go. There's a lot left to the season."

Johnson said the relationship between Ryan and John Idzik, the general manager he hired over the off-season, is "very good."

"I think they get along," he said. "John is very inclusive in the way he makes his personnel decisions. They're made collectively."

Though Ryan still has a season-and-a-half left on his contract, some team owners tend to extend contracts or fire coaches before the coach enters the last year of his contract. Marty Schottenheimer, who has been head coach of four different NFL teams, said it is difficult for head coaches to do their jobs if they lack job security.

"They lose touch with the players," Schottenheimer said. The players "figure if they don't do well, well, 'He's gone. He's not going to be back, so we don't have to worry about him.' "

As he has all season, Ryan declined to talk about his contract situation at his Thursday news conference. But he did say he was happy to hear Johnson's overall comments.

"I like the fact that my boss said some nice things about me," Ryan said. "That's pretty cool."

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NEW YORK TIMES

Returner, Receiver, Rusher. Anything Else You Need? (Nate Taylor) New York Times October 24, 2013

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/25/sports/football/josh-cribbs-returner-receiver-rusher-anything-else-you-need.html

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Josh Cribbs can be unpredictable on the field, where defenders are uncertain of how he will attempt to elude them and of where he will line up for the next play. The Jets hope to put Cribbs in several situations where he has space to use his legs. Those legs once made him one of the most dynamic players in the N.F.L.

Cribbs, who signed with the Jets last week, was versatile in a dramatic 30-27 victory over the New England Patriots last Sunday. He returned three punts for 44 yards. His best was a 21-yarder in which he ran by two Patriots to set up one of the Jets’ three field goals. He also played wide receiver and took direct snaps out of the Wildcat formation. One of his three carries went for a first down. He also recorded two tackles as a member of the kickoff-coverage unit.

It all resembled what Cribbs, one of the best kick returners in N.F.L. history, did for eight years for the Cleveland Browns. Cribbs, 30, is happy to accept that role for the Jets.

“I want to be the spark for the team,” he said Thursday. “Other players are capable of making a spark, but I’m here just for that. I have to create a spark for this team every time I have the football.”

His chances to do just that are expected to increase, starting with Sunday’s game in Cincinnati against a Bengals team that he played against twice a year in the A.F.C. North. Marty Mornhinweg, the Jets’ offensive coordinator, said he planned to use Cribbs in the Wildcat more often.

“Josh is very good at these types of things,” Mornhinweg said. “The game comes natural to him. He helped us win that ballgame.”

Coach Rex Ryan said he was eager to see how explosive Cribbs could be as the season progressed.

“I love his attitude,” Ryan said. “He’s got that track record of being a difference maker.”

Cribbs said his performance against the Patriots helped the Jets. He said his presence should force the Bengals to prepare more than they would have a couple of weeks ago.

For the first six weeks of the season, though, Cribbs was not on any team’s weekly game plan because he was not on an N.F.L. roster.

Cribbs had surgery in the off-season to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee just months after playing in his third Pro Bowl. The Browns released him soon after. Although Cribbs thanked the Browns and their fans, his injury made other teams doubt that he could be the same player who returned a combined 11 punts and kickoffs for touchdowns.

Cribbs worked out for the Jets in the spring and the summer, but General Manager John Idzik did not bring him to training camp. Idzik was not sure whether Cribbs was fully healthy.

The Oakland Raiders were the first team to get a close look at Cribbs’s surgically repaired knee. He did not miss a practice during training camp, yet he lacked his signature attribute — his speed. It did not help that he fumbled on a kickoff return in the third preseason game.

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Two days later, the Raiders released Cribbs.

“I feel like I was prematurely released,” he said. “I let them know, ‘Hey, I’m going to be healthy.’ My legs were a little swollen. They made a decision and they had to live with it.”

Cribbs received a second opportunity when the Jets signed him to replace Clyde Gates, who was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

He is looking forward to Dec. 8, when the Jets host the Raiders, to prove that they made a mistake in letting him go.

But for now, Cribbs hopes to produce one more highlight against the Bengals, one that comes with broken tackles, sharp cuts and a burst into the end zone.

“Hopefully,” he said, “I can change the game with a big play out of nowhere.”

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ESPN NEW YORK

Ryan-Mornhinweg pairing perfect for Jets (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York October 24, 2013

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/29949/ryan-mornhinweg-pairing-perfect-for-jets?ex_cid=espnapi_public

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The first time they sat down together to discuss X's and O's, Rex Ryan and Marty Mornhinweg didn't have much privacy. They were on television.

It was January 2007, and their teams -- the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively -- had been eliminated from the playoffs in the divisional round. They were invited to NFL Films in Mt. Laurel, N.J., to serve as guest analysts to preview the conference championships.

"I had a chance to meet him in a different way," Ryan, the New York Jets' head coach, said Thursday of his current offensive coordinator. "I really liked him. He was funny. He was smart. That was obvious."

That TV appearance turned out to be a good test of their chemistry. Host Brian Baldinger had to leave after the first segment, leaving Ryan and Mornhinweg alone on the set. They improvised, Ryan breaking down the defensive stuff, Mornhinweg handling the offensive material.

"We fed right off each other," Ryan said.

Six years later, it hasn't changed.

Hiring Mornhinweg was one of Ryan's smartest moves. One year after the Tony Sparano debacle, the Jets actually have a clue on offense. At times, they're not the prettiest, but you never get the feeling that Mornhinweg doesn't know what he's doing.

Under him, the Jets have improved in almost every offensive category, significantly in some cases. They're ranked 15th in total offense, averaging 343 yards per game (up from 299). The last time they sniffed the top 10 was 2010, when they finished 11th with Brian Schottenheimer calling the plays and a still-promising Mark Sanchez playing quarterback.

We could throw out a bunch of impressive numbers to demonstrate Mornhinweg's impact, but it's plainly obvious the Jets are running it better and throwing it better than the past two years. And -- don't underestimate this point -- they're doing it with a rookie quarterback, Geno Smith.

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Plus, we're not talking about an abundance of talent here. The Jets don't have a rusher in the top 15 and they don't have a receiver in the top 50. Smith is 27th out of 33 in passer rating. Despite the lack of star power, they've played well in most of the games.

"I think he's done a great job," Ryan said of Mornhinweg. "It's been impressive, without question. He has been impressive."

Philosophically, they're a football odd couple. Mornhinweg's affinity for the passing game figured to clash with Ryan's defensive-minded, ball-control style, but they've made it work.

Recognizing how the game is changing, Ryan let his hair down, so to speak, leaving Ground & Pound in the past. Mornhinweg has adjusted, too, especially the past three weeks. Without injured wide receiver Santonio Holmes, and with Smith coming off a disastrous game in Tennessee in Week 4, Mornhinweg has leaned more on the running game, featuring his inside receivers (tight end and slot) in the passing game.

A team has to throw the ball to score points, according to the Mornhinweg doctrine, but sometimes it takes some dinosaur football to win a game. As Ryan noted in his postgame speech to the team after last Sunday's upset of the New England Patriots, "Our offensive coordinator, seems to me all he wants to do is run, because we ran it 52 times."

The players roared.

"That's funny," Mornhinweg said Thursday.

Ryan hired Mornhinweg because he wanted a coordinator who coached offense the same way he coaches defense -- aggressively. He showed that fearlessness last Sunday. Instead of babying Smith after his first-quarter interception was returned for a touchdown, Mornhinweg called a pass on the ensuing first down -- a 17-yard strike to Stephen Hill.

"We threw the ball a couple of more times right away on purpose, just a 'Let's go,'" Mornhinweg said. "That's just the way we operate."

If Sparano had been calling the plays, he would've had Smith in bubble wrap for the rest of the game.

Ryan is fortunate. Not many head coaches last long enough to hire a third coordinator. This was a make-or-break hire for Ryan, whose rear end is on the hot seat this season.

Mornhinweg, the first to interview for the job, was summoned to the Jets' facility last January. He met for three hours with Ryan, two assistant coaches and center Nick Mangold. It's unusual for a player to be present, but Mangold is respected for his offensive acumen.

The interview covered everything from "soup to nuts," Ryan recalled. Before they got into the heavy stuff, they enjoyed a good laugh, remembering their joint TV appearance at NFL Films. Mornhinweg aced the interview.

"He had me at hello," Ryan said, "but we were going to do our due diligence."

He interviewed a few others and offered the position to Mornhinweg. Once again, they're on TV. Their set is the sideline, and they're feeding off each other.

This time, without makeup.

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Holmes eyes return after bye week (Matt Ehalt) ESPN New York

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October 24, 2013

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/29908/holmes-eyes-return-after-bye-week?ex_cid=espnapi_public

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes (hamstring) strongly hinted Thursday that he may not return until after the team's bye week. The Jets have two more games before going on their bye, and then return with a road game at the Bills on Nov. 17.

"At this point, I think the bye week is coming at a great time, giving me what, five, maybe six weeks to get healthy," Holmes said. "Should be ready to roll."

Asked to clarify his comments, Holmes became hostile with reporters, directing any comments to his previous remarks before essentially reiterating what he said. A return after the bye week would mean Holmes' hamstring injury, which he suffered on Sept. 29, sidelined him for six weeks.

"The bye week will allow me to get healthy for my return," Holmes said.

Holmes has yet to practice since suffering the injury against Tennessee in Week 4, and he's been noncommittal about when he will return. All signs point to him missing Sunday's game against Cincinnati. With just one game against New Orleans proceeding the bye, it may be wise for the Jets to just let Holmes sit the next two games and let him have as much time to heal as possible.

"I'm not looking that far ahead right now," Holmes said of playing after the bye.

The veteran said his hamstring feels "good," but he's taking it one day at a time and said he can't do too much. He's been on the practice field with a helmet on each of the last two days, but hasn't officially worked with the team. He ran just one route Thursday at his own discretion.

"It was all up to me," Holmes said of running one route.

Holmes has been dealing with injuries all year as he entered the season working his way back from the Lisfranc fracture he suffered in his left foot. He played in each of the first four games, catching 10 balls for 243 yards and a touchdown, and has missed the last three games. The Jets are 2-1 without him.

The veteran said there's concern about coming back too soon and re-injuring the hamstring.

"That's the one thing I don't want is a setback," Holmes said. "I already missed a full season last year and I want to be back on the team and help these guys as much as possible and to continue being a great help to this team. I think I will be a downside to the team if I put myself back on that list of being injured for the remainder of the season."

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Winters preps to block Geno from Geno (Matt Ehalt) ESPN New York October 24, 2013

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/29901/winters-preps-to-block-geno-from-geno?ex_cid=espnapi_public

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Facing Geno Atkins on Sunday has Jets guard Brian Winters extending his studying sessions in preparation this week.

"I'm going to approach it the same way I have these other players, but he's definitely a standout guy," Winters said. "Got to study him a little bit more than normal."

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The Jets' rookie guard has a monumental task ahead of him on Sunday, when he will try to stonewall Cincinnati's Pro Bowl defensive tackle. While it's not a true homecoming for the rookie, he will be playing in his home state of Ohio, where he also played college ball at Kent State.

"It's about as big a challenge as it gets," Jets coach Rex Ryan said. "[Atkins] is an outstanding player."

The Bengals line Atkins up over both left and right guard, meaning Winters and Willie Colon are going to be in for a battle. Colon, who played previously with the Steelers, is the only one of the two who has familiarity with Atkins.

Atkins is a phenomenal interior pass-rusher, totaling 24 sacks in his last 39 games, including four this season. He's aided by a deep and talented Cincinnati defensive line that ranks among the best in football, and makes it difficult for offenses to choose whom to double team. Cincinnati's defense is ninth in yards allowed.

To prepare for Atkins, Winters said he's asked to practice against fellow rookie, Sheldon Richardson, because he believes Atkins and Richardson have similar playing styles.

"[Atkins] has got a great motor. He's got low leverage, he's an athlete. That's what he brings to the table," Winters said. "He doesn't stop. He's one of those players. He's a go-getter."

Winters, a native of Hudson, Ohio, said he grew up approximately four hours from Cincinnati. The third-round pick said this game would be more of a homecoming for him if the Jets were playing in Cleveland, which is closer to his hometown. He's expecting about six or seven family members and friends to be in attendance at Paul Brown Stadium as the Jets look to improve to 5-3.

"It's not too far (away) but we should have a good crowd there," Winters said.

Winters will make his fourth straight start at left guard Sunday, as he supplanted Vladimir Ducasse on Oct. 7 and has held the position since. He's had ups and downs, like any rookie would, and is coming off a poor game as he allowed two sacks in the Jets' 30-27 overtime win over the Patriots on Sunday.

The rookie, who played left tackle for Kent State last season, has learned on the fly as he's transitioned to an interior line spot. He credited offensive line coach Mike Devlin, Colon and center Nick Mangold for helping him along the way, saying it's hard to not look good when playing next to Mangold.

"Each week is an increase," Winters said. "At first it was a little slow but as weeks go (by) I'm getting more comfortable with the plays being run. Doing well."

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NY/NJ committee: We want big events (Jane McManus) ESPN New York October 24, 2013

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/9874020/new-york-new-jersey-host-committee-already-stumping-future-super-bowls?ex_cid=espnapi_public

NEW YORK -- Today, the Super Bowl. Tomorrow, the World Cup, and possibly even the Olympics.

The New York/New Jersey Super Bowl Host Committee and CEO Al Kelly hope that Super Bowl XLVIII on Feb. 2, 2014, serves as the blueprint for other major events and leads to a regular return of the NFL's biggest stage to the area.

"It makes sense to me that it should be in this marketplace at least once a decade, given that one-sixteenth of the National Football League [the Giants and Jets] plays here, and the fact that this is the everything capital of the world -- medicine, philanthropy, culture, shopping, restaurants, etc.," Kelly

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said. "And that's what we hope to happen. We also hope it's a platform for people to say, if people are interested, that we should think about World Cups, Olympics. This marketplace can handle all of that."

Super Bowl XLVIII will mark the first time the NFL has deliberately held the championship game outdoors in a cold-weather venue.

"New York is the center of the world as far as I'm concerned, and there's no reason we shouldn't be hosting these megaevents," committee co-chair and Jets owner Woody Johnson said.

The Association for a Better New York hosted a breakfast for the committee and business leaders in Times Square on Thursday. Kelly was joined by Johnson and Giants co-owner Jonathan Tisch to discuss plans and challenges in the 101 days remaining until kickoff.

They have raised $60 million so far from corporate sponsors to host the event and have done extensive troubleshooting on matters from security to the electrical system.

What could make it challenging for fans and sponsors is the weather. Average temperatures in East Rutherford, N.J., at that time of year are in the low 30s, and the game falls in the middle of the nor'easter season.

"If somebody gets frostbite, that's their own fault," Kelly said. "Of all the things I have to worry about, having to worry about a couple of idiots who can't dress properly ..."

Because only 12,000 of the normal 28,000 parking spaces are available for the game because of a required security perimeter, any disruption to public transportation could be significant.

But all those contingencies are being discussed and planned for, Kelly said. Last year there was a blackout during the Super Bowl, so the committee recently conducted a test of the MetLife Stadium grid where they overloaded the system to find weak spots. Kelly said it performed well, and that the problems were, in layman's terms, the equivalent of a few blown light bulbs.

The host committee is asking for 16,000 volunteer applications for 12,000 slots. Those people will direct out-of-towners to different venues throughout the area. Some of the 83,000 seats in the Meadowlands may not be available for fan seating to make accommodations for the media, parties and foreign broadcasters, but there will be far more people in town for the game, even if they aren't attending.

"New Yorkers are unbelievably hospitable people," Tisch said.

Volunteers will be stationed at airports and train stations offering directions between venues in Newark, N.J., Manhattan and East Rutherford.

"These people are going to be critical ambassadors for making people feel comfortable," Kelly said.

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Owners confident in Ryan, Coughlin (Jane McManus) ESPN New York October 24, 2013

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/9872846/new-york-jets-new-york-giants-owners-confident-coaches?ex_cid=espnapi_public

NEW YORK -- Jets owner Woody Johnson and Giants co-owner Jonathan Tisch were asked about their respective coaches' job status Thursday during a panel to promote Super Bowl XLVIII, and both expressed confidence in their picks.

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After a discussion of the logistics behind the first cold-weather NFL title game, Johnson was asked, "How does Rex Ryan keep his job?"

"I have the utmost confidence in Rex," Johnson said. "We don't talk about long term, short term, any of that, during the season. He's a great teacher, he's a very good leader and I'm happy with Rex."

Ryan, who has his team off to a surprising 4-3 start, will have a year remaining on his contract after the 2013 season. Generally, coaches are extended before heading into lame-duck seasons.

"That's the way it is for anybody. Nobody talks about contracts," Ryan said later Thursday, responding to Johnson's comments. "I like the fact that my boss said some nice things about me. That's pretty cool. As far as anything else, I said it before: It's not about me. ...

"Right now, it means nothing other than the fact that I'm happy he had some nice comments. As far as my situation, my situation is the Cincinnati Bengals. That's where my attention is."

Tisch was then asked about the 1-6 Giants, and he seized the opportunity to throw his support behind coach Tom Coughlin.

"As Woody expressed confidence in his coach, we certainly feel the same way about Tom Coughlin," Tisch said. "He is one of the finest leaders in the NFL. We have two trophies in the lobby of our Quest Diagnostics Center, which attest to his leadership ability."

Those wins have insulated Coughlin from some of the calls to fire a coach that usually come for a coach who is in the midst of a losing season. Tisch's comments left little doubt that Coughlin has the support of the ownership group.

"There is nothing wrong with the Giants that a few W's won't fix," Tisch said.

Tisch said no one wants to turn the season around more than the players themselves.

"Sports is a metaphor for life, sometimes things don't go the way you want them to," Tisch said. "But we know we have very good players who come to practice every single day, work their rear ends off, and they want to win as much as the fans want them to win."

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METRO NEW YORK

Jets defense in tight spot against Bengals’ Eifert, Gresham (Kristian Dyer) Metro New York October 24, 2013

http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/nfl/2013/10/24/jets-defense-in-tight-spot-against-bengals-eifert-gresham/#sthash.9LFIOfer.dpuf

It is almost as if the Jets are facing the Patriots for a second straight week — but perhaps a bigger and better version this time around.

The Jets defense matched up last week against tight end Rob Gronkowski, arguably the most dominant player at his position in the NFL.

He finished the game with eight receptions for 114 yards in what was his first game of the season, and a warning of what a big tight end can do if he has a quarterback who can deliver him the ball.

And, now the Bengals’ duo of Tyler Eifert and Jermaine Gresham will test the Jets linebackers and secondary on Sunday much like Gronkowski did a week ago.

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“Both of them have the size, length [and] all that kind of stuff. But in the past, certainly, we went against New England when they had [Aaron] Hernandez and Gronk. That’s about as bad as it gets. But they’re starting to use this kid Eifert a little bit out of the backfield,” head coach Rex Ryan said. “They’ve ran some strike passes as a fullback, ran him in the flat, ran him vertical, flexed him out wide like a receiver and that’s really what he did at Notre Dame, as well. Dee Milliner and him had a pretty good battle that [BCS] championship game [last year]. But clearly, he’s more of a receiving threat right now than he is a blocker and that takes time.”

Ryan likened Eifert to Todd Heap, a two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Ravens who finished his career with the Cardinals.

The emergence of the pass-catching tight end is a matchup problem for the Jets. If they pinch in their safeties, as they did last week to provide bigger, more mobile coverage, they risk being beaten over the top. If they don’t bring in the big bodies from the back end, they could give up yards over the middle.

It was something Patriots quarterback Tom Brady attempted to do last week to the Jets, but his young and relatively untested wide receivers were unable to get open down the field.

The scouting report on Gresham and Eifert — who are two of the top-five receiving targets on the Bengals this year and have combined for 50 catches — is that they are both complete players.

“Gresham’s pretty big; he has a physical aspect to his game. He can block, but he’s a receiver as well,” cornerback Darrin Walls said. “[Eifert is] my ex-teammate [at Notre Dame]. He’s a good player. Tyler is a good player. He’s a receiving tight end — a down-the-field guy.”

Gresham is 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds and is difficult to contain on underneath routes. Eifert, who is one inch shorter and weighs 10 pounds less, has better hands, making him a threat to stretch the field.

Safety Antonio Allen sagged in coverage on Gronkowski early in the third quarter to make a pick-six that turned the tide of the game. The Jets know what Allen showed on that play is the ticket to matching up against the Bengals big tight ends. In all likelihood, underneath coverage won’t work because they will always lose the jump ball to the bigger tight ends.

“As a defensive back, you want to be in the best position as possible and that is on top. That is the dominant position. You can control the receiver more,” cornerback Darrin Walls said. “There’s no perfect way to do it. You just want to attack the ball and I think last week showed that. We attacked the ball more and that’s something we want to do more and will continue to work on doing more.”

It won’t be easy, that much is clear.

“Both of them are receiving threats [and] both of them are used in blocking situations,” linebacker Demario Davis said. “You have to be ready to cover them though in any situation.”

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Jets Notebook: Sloppy practice leads to Rex Ryan calling out team (Kristian Dyer) Metro New York October 24, 2013

http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/nfl/2013/10/24/jets-notebook-sloppy-practice-leads-to-rex-ryan-calling-out-team/#sthash.MWjsYxNa.dpuf

With the top team in the AFC North in the Bengals waiting for them on Sunday, the Jets better not be as sloppy as they were in practice Thursday or it could be a long afternoon for the men in green.

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Head coach Rex Ryan called out his team on Thursday for their sloppy play on the practice field, an unusual move from a head coach that is consistently upbeat. But Ryan didn’t like what he saw from his team, including a number of bad drops and poor execution.

He wouldn’t use Thursday’s brisk weather, with temperature in the low-50s, as a reason for the sloppy play.

“[We are] still not exactly there, not hitting on everything yet. It’s not a concern, it’s just we know we have to get sharper, we have to get better and tomorrow has to be that way,” Ryan said. “Mentally, I think we’re pretty good but it’s just the execution of some things and the weather can’t be an excuse.”

Ryan clarified that the heart of the issue was on the offensive side of the ball — in particular, a beleaguered receiving corps that has struggled with drops throughout the season.

“We dropped some balls, things like that,” Ryan said. “The execution was not where we wanted it to be.”

Jets notes …

» Wide receiver Santonio Holmes did not practice on Thursday as he continues to struggle with a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 4. A team source tells Metro that Holmes has a “10 percent chance to play” on Sunday.

» Tight end Jeff Cumberland (hamstring), who was unable to practice Wednesday, was limited on Thursday and looks likely for this weekend. In addition, safety Antonio Allen (groin and finger), wide receiver Jeremey Kerley (hamstring), Nick Mangold (ribs), Konrad Reuland (knee) and wide receiver Greg Salas (knee) were all limited. Kerley was a new addition to the list.

“It’s a new injury, a hamstring. It’s not that it kept him out of everything,” Ryan said. “More precaution than anything else.”

» Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan was fined $10,000 for his lewd celebration off his pick-six against the Jets in the second quarter of this past Sunday’s game.

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THURSDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

Associated Press October 24, 2013

http://www.sacbee.com/2013/10/24/5850480/thursdays-sports-transactions.html

WASHINGTON NATIONALS-Assigned 1B Chris Marrero outright to Syracuse (IL). QUAD CITIES RIVER BANDITS-Promoted assistant general manager Andrew Chesser to general manager. GARY SOUTHSHORE RAILCATS-Exercised the 2014 option on INF Christian Vitters. GATEWAY GRIZZLIES-Signed LHP Alex Box and OF Brett Williams. NBA-Suspended Phoenix F Markieff Morris one regular season game, without pay, for elbowing Oklahoma City F-C Serge Ibaka in the face in a game on Oct. 22. PHOENIX SUNS-Waived G-F James Nunnally. SACRAMENTO KINGS-Waived G Trent Lockett. TORONTO RAPTORS-Exercised third-year team options C Jonas Valanciunas and G Terrence Ross. WASHINGTON WIZARDS-Waived Fs Josh Childress and Pops Mensah-Bonsu and G Xavier Silas. NEW YORK GIANTS-Signed OL Dallas Reynolds. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS-Signed WR Skye Dawson from the practice squad. Released DE Trevor Scott.

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NHL-Suspended Buffalo D John Scott indefinitely, pending a disciplinary hearing, for a blindside hit to the head of Boston F Lou Eriksson in a game on Oct. 23. DETROIT RED WINGS-Assigned D Xavier Ouellet to Grand Rapids (AHL). NASHVILLE PREDATORS-Recalled G Magnus Hellberg from Milwaukee (AHL). NEW YORK RANGERS-Recalled G Jason Missiaen from Hartford (AHL). HARTFORD WOLF PACK-Recalled D Brendon Nash from Greenville (ECHL). Signed D Sam Klassen. MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS-Recalled G Scott Darling from Cincinnati (ECHL). GEORGETOWN-Named Jim Lewis interim women's basketball coach.

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