NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

September 19, 2014

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Table of Contents

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

Jets' Vick says Goodell doing 'great job' (Dennis Waszak) ........................................................................................ 2

No practice for Jets' Decker, Milliner limited (Dennis Waszak) ................................................................................ 3

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

Michael Vick on Roger Goodell: 'I think he's doing a great job' (Kimberley Martin) ................................................. 4

Rex Ryan hopes Eric Decker can practice by Saturday (Kimberley Martin) .............................................................. 5

Santonio Holmes downplays return to face Jets (Santosh Venkataraman) .............................................................. 5

Michael Vick a QB at heart but doesn't mind limited role (Kimberley Martin) ......................................................... 6

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

Jets QB Michael Vick says Roger Goodell ‘doing a great job’ (J.P. Pelzman) ............................................................. 8

Jets notes: Eric Decker, Dee Milliner sit out practice (J.P. Pelzman) ......................................................................... 9

STAR-LEDGER ....................................................................................................................................................... 10

Tajh Boyd, Rex Ryan's hand-picked draft choice, joins start-up league called FXFL (Darryl Slater) ........................ 10

Michael Vick defends Roger Goodell on domestic violence issues: 'Give him a chance to get it right' (Darryl Slater) ...................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Q&A with Bears beat reporter: What is Alshon Jeffery's secret to having such good hands? (Darryl Slater) ........ 11

Jets-Bears injuries: Rex Ryan says Dee Milliner will play, barring setback; Eric Decker's status unclear (Darryl Slater) ...................................................................................................................................................................... 15

How can the Jets simulate the height of Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery in practice? (Darryl Slater) ................ 16

NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................. 17

Michael Vick: Too many wildcat plays disrupts offensive flow (Brian Costello)...................................................... 17

Jets must bring out worst of Cutler (Brian Lewis) ................................................................................................... 18

Jets need Geno to rekindle prime-time Atlanta magic (Brian Costello) .................................................................. 19

Michael Vick backs Roger Goodell: ‘Doing a great job’ (Brian Costello) ................................................................. 20

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 21

Rex Ryan: On national TV, NY Jets will no longer show cracks (Seth Walder) ........................................................ 21

History shows NY Jets can make a three-man backfield work (Manish Mehta) ..................................................... 22

Dee Milliner should play, but Eric Decker's status is up in air for NY Jets (Seth Walder) ........................................ 23

Michael Vick says NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ‘doing a great job’ with Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice scandal (Manish Mehta) ....................................................................................................................................................... 24

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

Bears Receivers Pose Problems, So Jets Reserves Do Best Impersonations (Ben Shpigel) ..................................... 25

ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................. 27

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Pryor: Let's see if Cutler can take a few hits (Rich Cimini) ...................................................................................... 27

Vick on his role: 'Five plays too many' (Rich Cimini) ............................................................................................... 28

Jets' Richardson hit with fine (Jane McManus) ....................................................................................................... 29

Vick says Goodell 'doing a great job' (Rich Cimini) .................................................................................................. 29

NJ.COM ................................................................................................................................................................ 30

Rex Ryan not concerned about Geno Smith's turnovers so far (Dom Cosentino) .................................................. 30

Eric Decker still sidelined at Jets practice; Dee Milliner in full pads (Dom Cosentino) ........................................... 31

5 biggest gut-punch losses for Jets in Rex Ryan era (Dom Cosentino) .................................................................... 32

METRO NEW YORK .............................................................................................................................................. 33

Jets starting to see fruit of Mike Tannenbaum’s draft classes (Kristian Dyer) ........................................................ 33

Eric Decker ‘unlikely to play’ against Bears: Source (Kristian Dyer) ........................................................................ 34

THURSDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS .................................................................................................................. 35

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jets' Vick says Goodell doing 'great job' (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press September 18, 2014

http://pro32.ap.org/article/jets-vick-says-goodell-doing-great-job

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Michael Vick fully supports the man who gave him a second chance in the NFL.

The New York Jets quarterback defended NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell while the league and its teams have come under heavy criticism during the past two weeks over how they are dealing with several players facing domestic violence allegations.

"I think he's doing a great job," Vick said after practice Thursday. "I think some situations are more complicated than others. You're not going to get it right all the time on the first time. These situations that are arising are situations that we have never dealt with before in the NFL from a PR standpoint, just from a situational standpoint.

"It's kind of new to everybody. That's why we're all talking about it right now."

Goodell has remained mostly silent during the last two weeks as the NFL has dealt with perhaps its most brutal stretch ever, starting last week when video surfaced that showed former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice knocking out his then-fiancee in an Atlantic City, New Jersey, elevator.

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was indicted on felony child-abuse charges and deactivated by the team. Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy was also removed from the active roster until his domestic violence case is settled. He appealed a ruling in July when he was convicted of assault on a female and communicating threats.

On Wednesday, Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer was arrested on aggravated assault charges and deactivated after police said he head-butted his wife and broke her nose after she refused his sexual advances, and punched her in the face the next day.

"There's a lot going on and there's a lot of issues that are taking place and I think in due time, they'll all be cleaned up," Vick said. "But it's kind of hard right now. Hopefully, everything will resume (to) normal in

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the next couple of months. We just can't continue to keep feeding into it. Every day, there's a new story that's being written about and being talked about. We don't seem to let it go."

The pressure has increased during the last several days from lawmakers, sponsors and fans who have taken issue with whether the NFL is acting swiftly enough to investigate or discipline players.

"Nobody's perfect," Vick said. "Nobody can make the correct decisions right then and there on the spot when faced with all forms of adversity."

Vick dealt directly with Goodell when he was suspended in 2007 and reinstated after serving nearly two years in prison for his role in a dog fighting ring.

"You've got to give the man a chance," Vick said of Goodell. "You've got to give everybody a chance to get it right. You see that the other teams that are dealing with it now are making the right decisions based on what's happened in weeks prior. You've got to give people a chance, man.

"You're not going to get it right all the time the first time."

Despite the tumultuous time in the league, Jets coach Rex Ryan doesn't think it's getting tougher to deal with players' off-field conduct. He said the team regularly brings in specialists to speak to players about a variety of issues, to try to educate them before they face any problems.

"How different was it from 15 years ago or whatever? I'm not sure it was a whole lot different," Ryan said. "It just seems like it's out there front and center now, some of these issues."

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No practice for Jets' Decker, Milliner limited (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press September 18, 2014

http://pro32.ap.org/article/no-practice-jets-decker-milliner-limited

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Eric Decker might be able to play without practicing — as long as his hamstring lets him.

The New York Jets wide receiver sat out Thursday, leaving his status uncertain for the team's game against the Chicago Bears on Monday night. Decker is dealing with tightness in his right hamstring after he aggravated an injury from training camp in the Jets' loss to the Packers on Sunday.

While coach Rex Ryan would prefer to see Decker practice before the game, not doing so wouldn't prevent the Jets' top receiver from playing against the Bears.

"He's a veteran player and things, but obviously you would like to have him test it a little bit," Ryan said. "I'm not going to just say he has to be out on Saturday, but that is what you would like. You would like to see him do some things, really for his own mentality, for his own mindset that, 'Yeah, I can do this, I feel fine.'"

Top cornerback Dee Milliner was limited at practice, and Ryan said he looked "OK" as he recovers from a high ankle sprain that hasn't fully healed.

Milliner missed the season opener, but played at Green Bay in a limited role. He might be able to do the same against the Bears, coming off the bench to help take on Chicago's receiving duo of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery.

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"Well, yeah, if he is as good as he was last week, then, yeah, absolutely," Ryan said of Milliner. "We will determine that later in the week. Unless we feel great about it, he feels great and everything else, then we're not going to put him in there (for) 100 percent of the snaps."

Ryan, however, also wouldn't completely rule out Milliner being able to start.

Backup linebackers Nick Bellore (hip) and A.J. Edds (hamstring) didn't practice, leaving the Jets thin at inside linebacker behind starters David Harris and Demario Davis. Ryan joked that safety Dawan Landry might have to wear "linebacker pads" before adding, "We'll figure it out."

Running back Chris Johnson (ankle), right guard Willie Colon (calf) and center Nick Mangold (shoulder) were all limited, but expected to be fine for the game.

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NEWSDAY

Michael Vick on Roger Goodell: 'I think he's doing a great job' (Kimberley Martin) Newsday September 18, 2014

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/michael-vick-on-roger-goodell-i-think-he-s-doing-a-great-job-1.9350684

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Roger Goodell has a friend in Michael Vick.

The Jets quarterback expressed support Thursday for the NFL commissioner, who some believe should be fired in the wake of several domestic violence incidents involving players and the league's handling of some of those cases.

"I think he's doing a great job,'' Vick said. "I think some situations are more complicated than others. You're not going to get it right all the time, the first time. These situations that are arising are situations that we've never dealt with before in the NFL, from a PR standpoint. It's kind of new to everybody. That's why we're talking about it right now.''

On the heels of Ray Rice's indefinite suspension for assault of his then-fiancee and Adrian Peterson's child abuse case, Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer, 27, was arrested Wednesday on aggravated assault charges after he head-butted and punched his wife and threw a shoe at their 17-month-old son in July, police said.

Goodell first came under fire this month when TMZ.com released a video of Rice punching Janay Palmer in the elevator of an Atlantic City hotel in February. Though the league initially suspended Rice for two games for his domestic violence charge -- a punishment that many thought, at the time, wasn't severe enough -- Goodell suspended the Ravens running back indefinitely on Sept. 8.

And since then, the NFL has drawn negative attention for its handling of the cases involving Peterson and Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy.

"It's kind of hard right now,'' Vick said, referring to the state of the NFL. "Hopefully, everything will resume normally in the next couple of months. We just can't continue to feed into it. Every day there's a new story being written about and being talked about. We don't seem to let it go.''

Vick, of course, is no stranger to league punishment. He was suspended indefinitely by the NFL in 2007 because of his involvement in a dogfighting ring and was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison. Goodell lifted Vick's suspension in 2009, allowing him to resume his football career.

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Vick said the recent decisions by the Vikings, Panthers and Cardinals to take Peterson, Hardy and Dwyer, respectively, off the active roster is proof that Goodell is doing the right thing.

"You've got to give the man a chance,'' Vick said. "You've got to give everybody a chance to get it right.

"You're not always going to get it right the first time.''

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Rex Ryan hopes Eric Decker can practice by Saturday (Kimberley Martin) Newsday September 18, 2014

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/rex-ryan-hopes-eric-decker-can-practice-by-saturday-1.9349689

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - At the very least, Rex Ryan hopes his No. 1 receiver can participate in team drills by Saturday.

Eric Decker, the Jets' top free-agent acquisition during the offseason, did not practice Thursday for a second straight day. And it's unclear whether his hamstring will keep him out of Monday night's game or render him ineffective against the Bears.

"He is a veteran player and things, but obviously you would like to have him test it a little bit,'' Ryan said. "I'm not going to just say he has to be out on Saturday, but that is what you would like. You would like to see him do some things, really for his own mentality, for his own mind-set that, 'Yeah, I can do this, I feel fine.' ''

Ge-TO?

Geno Smith has two interceptions and a fumble in two games, but Ryan said he's not concerned about his quarterback's turnover pace. "I think you never dismiss them, but sometimes those happen,'' he said. "I think he has done a good job of protecting the football overall.''

Smith's interception against the Packers was aided by left guard Brian Winters, who missed a block, and tight end Zach Sudfeld, who failed to fight for the football. And for the second straight week, an interception of a pass by Smith led to an opponent's TD.

"Again, you try to do your best to eliminate things,'' Ryan said. "The thing I have been proud of is his presence in the pocket, the way he puts the ball on his front shoulder when he moves . . . You probably wish you had one or two throws back. Overall, I have been happy with the way he has handled it.''

Jet streams

Coud Dee Milliner come off the bench against the Bears? "That is probably a possibility,'' Ryan said. "But to say that he's definitely not going to start, I'm not there yet.'' Milliner (ankle) was limited, along with Willie Colon (calf), Nick Mangold (shoulder) and Chris Johnson (ankle) . . . Nick Bellore (hip) and A.J. Edds (hamstring) did not practice . . . Bears DE Jared Allen (back) and WR Brandon Marshall (ankle) were among those who didn't practice. Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) was limited . . . Sixth-rounder Tajh Boyd was signed by the Florida Blacktip of the FXFL.

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Santonio Holmes downplays return to face Jets (Santosh Venkataraman) Newsday September 18, 2014

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http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/santonio-holmes-downplays-return-to-face-jets-1.9350140

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Santonio Holmes insisted Thursday that he hasn't even thought about returning to MetLife Stadium to face the Jets Monday night.

"I'm here now, my focus is to help the Chicago Bears make plays and win ballgames, not really focusing on any other team,'' he said.

Holmes didn't open up about his checkered Jets tenure, which ended after four seasons when he was released in March.

When asked about his controversial 2011 season, he said, "I don't remember 2011.'' Jets fans undoubtedly recall how he was benched after arguing in the huddle late in a Week 17 loss to the Dolphins that eliminated the Jets from playoff contention.

Holmes didn't want to discuss the negative parts of his time with the Jets. "Right now there really aren't any [emotions],'' he said. "Be ready, do my job, make some plays for this team and come home with a 'W'.''

With a high-powered Bears offense that features targets in Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and former Giants tight end Martellus Bennett, Holmes hasn't had many chances to make plays, with only four receptions through two games.

Holmes did have good things to say about Rex Ryan and Geno Smith, however.

Injuries short-circuited his last two seasons with the Jets, and last year he played 11 games and caught 23 passes for 456 yards and one touchdown from Smith, whom he praised highly.

"He did exactly what the coaches wanted him to do, minus the few turnovers and mistakes,'' Holmes said. "But that's what young quarterbacks who want to be great try, to make as many plays as they can, and sometimes things happen.

"But as far as what he's done, he's definitely grown into that starting role. He's taken on that leadership role very well.''

Ryan praised Holmes earlier this week, and the ninth-year pro had nothing negative to say about his former coach.

"As far as him being the head coach, he's a great guy,'' Holmes said. "He accepted me through all the trials and tribulations, gave me an opportunity to be a great player for him, and I really thank him for it.''

He said he informed Bears coaches about what to expect from the Jets' defense.

"No matter who is on the field, they can play any coverage versus any personnel on offense,'' Holmes said. "I think that in turn makes it difficult who to block and what guys cover that.''

Holmes said he hasn't talked to any of his former teammates in the buildup to the game. He also said he wouldn't go out of his way to shake hands with them before kickoff.

He said the reception he'll get from the fans isn't a concern.

"It was four great years,'' Holmes said. "I'm a Chicago Bear now.''

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Michael Vick a QB at heart but doesn't mind limited role (Kimberley Martin) Newsday September 18, 2014

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http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/michael-vick-a-qb-at-heart-but-doesn-t-mind-limited-role-1.9349432

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - At his core, Michael Vick is a quarterback. No matter how many trick plays he's used in, no matter how many times he's inserted as a slot receiver, he's a signal caller through and through.

The Vick Experiment has produced little in the way of results for the Jets, but they're optimistic that production from their backup is on the horizon.

"At the end of the day, I'm a full-time quarterback. I do that because it's football and I love to play the game and I like having success,'' Vick said Thursday, referring to his roles in gadget plays designed by coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

"So hopefully, one of these days, one of those plays will work.''

But so far, they haven't. Vick has attempted only one pass (an incompletion to Eric Decker in Week 1) and was sacked Sunday in Green Bay.

But believe it or not, he said he isn't looking for a bigger role at quarterback. Asked if he would prefer to have a series all to himself, Vick didn't hesitate in saying no.

"Nah, we're not going to get into that. I wouldn't want to do that,'' he said. "That disrupts timing. It disrupts the flow of the game, the flow of the quarterback.''

Vick did say quarterbacking a series of plays would help his timing "because you would get into a flow. But this isn't college. You don't rotate quarterbacks in and out. You don't substitute one guy for another for one series. That's kind of petty. You want your quarterback to stay in a consistent flow and you don't want to interrupt anything.''

Told that "once upon a time" the Jets rotated quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow, Vick smiled and said: "That was once upon a time. Not in today's time.''

Last week, Mornhinweg acknowledged rhythm issues for the offense could arise when inserting Vick. But he stressed that Vick's skill set is an asset he can't ignore.

"There are some great positives of utilizing a man like Mike Vick because he's so skilled,'' Mornhinweg said. "Why wouldn't you want to use a capable player that you have available? That's just me and the way we operate.''

Vick was in for one play on the Jets' final drive in Green Bay -- at quarterback. With Geno Smith lined up at wide receiver, Vick scrambled to his left but quickly was sacked by linebacker Clay Matthews.

"I know we haven't had a whole lot of success with him, per se," Rex Ryan said. "I think it does keep a defense off balance a little bit, and hopefully we'll get this thing rolling a little bit.''

Vick said his one or two plays a game aren't disrupting Smith now.

"It's a play to come in and be effective, try to help the team get a couple yards,'' Vick said. "We're not always trying to go for the home run. Just trying to help keep the chains moving and that's pretty much it.''

But while Vick remains a quarterback at heart, there's still a part of him that's dying to make a Brandon Marshall-type catch this season.

"One day I'll catch a pass. One day I'll catch a pass. Hopefully,'' he said, flashing another smile.

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"That's a quarterback's dream: to be on the edge, one-on-one, with a defensive back who really can't cover.''

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THE RECORD

Jets QB Michael Vick says Roger Goodell ‘doing a great job’ (J.P. Pelzman) The Record September 18, 2014

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/jets-qb-michael-vick-says-roger-goodell-doing-a-great-job-1.1091471

FLORHAM PARK – Five years ago, Roger Goodell gave Michael Vick a chance to resurrect his NFL career. And on Thursday, Vick made it clear he believes Goodell now deserves the benefit of the doubt.

The Jets’ backup quarterback defended the embattled NFL commissioner while speaking with reporters. Goodell has come under fire recently for his lack of visibility during the multiple scandals involving violent criminal behavior and allegations of the same by NFL players, and for his handling of players involved in domestic-violence cases — particularly that of Ray Rice.

“I think he’s doing a great job,” Vick said of Goodell. “I think some situations are more complicated than others. You’re not going to get it right all the time the first time. These situations that are arising are situations that we have never dealt with before in the NFL, from a [public relations] standpoint, just from a situational standpoint. It’s kind of new to everybody, so that’s why we’re all talking about it right now.”

Vick, of course, has dealt with Goodell on a personal level, and has a very good reason to be supportive of the commissioner. The two had plenty of contact after Vick pleaded guilty to federal charges in August 2007 for his part in a dog-fighting ring.

Vick eventually served 21 months in prison and was suspended indefinitely by Goodell before being reinstated by him following a face-to-face meeting Sept. 3, 2009. Goodell suspended Vick for the first two games that season, and the quarterback returned to action on Sept. 27, 2009, for Philadelphia against Kansas City.

Vick spent five seasons with the Eagles before signing with the Jets in March as a free agent.

“Nobody’s perfect,” Vick added, “and nobody can make the correct decisions right then and there on the spot, when faced with all forms of adversity. So you’ve got to give a man a chance. You’ve got to give [Goodell] a chance to get it right. You see that the other teams that are dealing with it now are making the right decisions based on what’s happened in weeks prior. You’ve got to give people a chance, man.”

Vick also was asked about what he thinks of the numerous recent scandals that have severely tarnished the image of the league, and again expressed confidence that Goodell will rise to the occasion.

“I try to just continue to focus on football,” he said. “It’s kind of hard right now. Hopefully everything will resume [as] normal in the next couple months. We just can’t continue to keep feeding into it. Every day, it’s a new story that’s being written about, being talked about. We don’t seem to let it go. It’ll all be handled. That’s what you have the commissioner for. You’ve got to let a guy handle it.

“If you keep talking about it, it’s going to continue to be an issue.”

BRIEFS: In cameo appearances in the Jets’ first two games, Vick is 0-for-1 passing and has been sacked once. Yet he said he wouldn’t want to play a whole series because it would interfere with starter Geno Smith’s rhythm.

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“That disrupts the timing,” he said. “That disrupts the flow of the game. This isn’t college. You don’t rotate quarterbacks; substitute one guy for another for a series. … You want your quarterback to stay in a consistent flow.”

Vick has been on the field for five plays, including lining up as a wideout.

Would he like to catch a pass?

“That’s a quarterback’s dream,” he said with a smile. “I’ll be on the edge with a [defensive back] who really can’t cover me.”

WR Eric Decker sat out practice for the second straight day after tweaking his right hamstring during the loss to Green Bay on Sunday. CB Dee Milliner (ankle) returned to practice on a limited basis, but coach Rex Ryan wasn’t ready to say if he will play against visiting Chicago on Monday. Both of the team’s backup inside linebackers, Nick Bellore (hip) and A.J. Edds (hamstring), sat out practice.

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Jets notes: Eric Decker, Dee Milliner sit out practice (J.P. Pelzman) The Record September 18, 2014

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/jets-notes-eric-decker-dee-milliner-sit-out-practice-1.1090820

Decker, Milliner sit out

Wide receiver Eric Decker and cornerback Dee Milliner missed practice Wednesday after leaving Sunday’s loss to Green Bay because of physical issues.

Decker left the game after injuring his right hamstring in the third quarter. It’s the same hamstring he had problems with during training camp.

Decker said the hamstring isn’t torn and no MRI exam is necessary.

"I would love to play, so I’m just making sure that we take the right steps," Decker said. "Don’t do too much, but do enough to feel it out and make a decision once that day rolls around."

Decker leads the Jets in receptions (nine) and receiving yards (137). He had his first touchdown catch as a Jet on Sunday, and the passing game struggled after he exited.

"I just have to do a better job of listening to my body," he said. "With hamstrings, I have to make sure my glutes are good, my quads are good, everything around the hamstring muscle is good to go. That’s on me as far as listening to my body and doing the correct things."

Milliner played Sunday after missing the season opener because of a high-ankle sprain suffered Aug. 10.

He removed himself in the third quarter.

Coach Rex Ryan first expressed confidence that both would be ready for Monday’s game against visiting Chicago before tempering that statement.

"We’ll see how they progress," Ryan said.

"We’re confident that they’ll be ready. We know that they’re going to work to get out there.’’

Briefs

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Ryan said he doesn’t believe his team is undisciplined after a game in which they committed seven penalties for 82 yards and DE Muhammad Wilkerson was ejected for fighting. … Ryan also said he wouldn’t change the "dynamics" of his game-day sideline despite the ill-advised timeout called against the Packers.

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STAR-LEDGER

Tajh Boyd, Rex Ryan's hand-picked draft choice, joins start-up league called FXFL (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger September 18, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/09/tajh_boyd_rex_ryans_hand-picked_draft_choice_joins_start-up_league_called_fxfl.html

FLORHAM PARK -- Quarterback Tajh Boyd will play his first season of professional football this fall, but not where he would have preferred.

Boyd, who enjoyed a prolific carer at Clemson, was picked by the Jets in the sixth round of this year's draft. The Jets usually let head coach Rex Ryan make one personal, hand-picked selection in every draft. This year, Ryan went with Boyd, who played with Ryan's son Seth at Clemson, where Seth is a walk-on wide receiver.

Following his junior season, 2012, Boyd was considered a potential first-round draft pick. But after he returned for his senior year, and sputtered in some of his pre-draft auditions, Boyd's stock plummeted.

During the Jets' training camp, he never even contended with Matt Simms in the competition to become the team's No. 3 quarterback. The Jets released Boyd during final cuts -- a move that surprised nobody, considering how unimpressive he looked in camp, even as Boyd maintained an admirably upbeat public demeanor throughout all of his struggles.

On Thursday, Boyd surfaced again. The Fall Experimental Football League (FXFL for short, but not affiliated with Vince McMahon) announced on its Twitter page that Boyd had signed with the Florida Blacktips, a Miami-based team that plays at Florida International University's Stadium.

This is the first season of the FXFL, which eventually wants to develop a partnership with the NFL, similar to the NBA Developmental League. The league has four teams this year. The others are in Brooklyn, Boston and Omaha, Neb.

On Saturday, Boyd worked out for the Giants, but they opted not to sign him.

Boyd's new team begins its season Oct. 8 at home against the Brooklyn Bolts -- the league's very first game. Each team in the FXFL plays six games this season. Boyd will return to the New York area on Nov. 7, to face the Bolts.

And, again, one more reminder: This gentleman is not involved in this start-up football league, though he does give one heck of an opening night intro:

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Michael Vick defends Roger Goodell on domestic violence issues: 'Give him a chance to get it right' (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger September 18, 2014

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http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/09/michael_vick_defends_rodger_goodell_on_domestic_violence_issue_give_him_a_chance_to_get_it_right.html

FLORHAM PARK – Michael Vick, the Jets’ celebrity backup quarterback, defended NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday, amid criticism Goodell has faced about his handling of recent domestic violence issues involving the league’s players.

“I think he’s doing a great job,” Vick said. “I think some situations are more complicated than others. You’re not going to get it right all the time the first time. These situations that are arising are situations that we have never dealt with before in the NFL, from a PR standpoint, just from a situational standpoint. It’s kind of new to everybody, so that’s why we’re all talking about it right now. So it has to be dealt with.

“Nobody is perfect and nobody can make the correct decisions right then and there on the spot, when faced with all forms of adversity. So you’ve got to give a man a chance. You’ve got to give him a chance to get it right. You see that the other teams that are dealing with it now are making the right decisions based on what’s happened in weeks prior. You’ve got to give people a chance, man. You’re not going to get it right all the time the first time.”

Vick and Goodell go way back. Goodell has been the commissioner since just before the 2006 season. One of the first scandals he encountered involved Vick running a dog-fighting ring. An investigation into Vick’s actions began in April 2007. The scandal raged throughout that summer, and resulted in Vick spending 548 days in federal prison.

Vick was reinstated to the NFL by Goodell in the summer of 2009. After missing two seasons, Vick returned with the Eagles in 2009. He played for them for five seasons. This is his first year with the Jets.

Because of his experiences both in the NFL and away from it, Vick, 34, has a unique veteran perspective on issues like the one the NFL is currently facing, with domestic violence, and the league’s handling of it (or lack thereof). Vick believes that, in due time, Goodell will make things right.

“I try to just continue to focus on football,” Vick said. “It’s a lot going on. It’s a lot of issues that are taking place. It’s kind of hard right now. Hopefully everything will resume (as) normal in the next couple months. We just can’t continue to feed into it. Every day, it’s a new story that’s being written about, being talked about. We don’t seem to let it go. It’ll all be handled. That’s what you have the commissioner for. You’ve got to let a guy handle it. If you keep talking about it, it’s going to continue to be an issue.”

The Jets have a domestic violence case of their own. It involves practice squad wide receiver Quincy Enunwa, a rookie who was arrested Aug. 31 for an incident involving a woman.

Enunwa allegedly "knowingly and recklessly" caused "bodily injury to another, specifically by grabbing the victim by her ankle and pulling her off a bed and causing her to strike and injure both her head and finger," according to the court documents.

Enunwa and the Jets have declined to comment on the specifics of the incident. Enunwa continues to practice with the team. Because he is on the practice squad, he is ineligible to play in games. As part of the NFL's new domestic violence policy, it is investigating Enunwa. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge of domestic violence simple assault and is due back in court Oct. 1.

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Q&A with Bears beat reporter: What is Alshon Jeffery's secret to having such good hands? (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger September 18, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/09/qa_with_bears_beat_reporter.html

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With the Bears and Santonio Holmes (remember him?) preparing to visit MetLife Stadium on Monday night, we figured we would check in with one of the Bears' beat writers, to get the pulse of how things are unfolding this week -- and early this season -- in Chicago.

Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune was kind enough to answer the five questions we threw his way. You can read the Tribune's Bears coverage here. And if you want to follow Rich on Twitter, his handle is @Rich_Campbell. Maybe he can even recommend a good steakhouse in Chicago, if you ask nicely.

Now, on to the answers Rich provided to our questions about all things Bears:

Q: Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery seems to have taken significant steps forward each year of his career. In what specific ways have you seen him progress, from year to year, to turn into the receiver he is now? Or do you think he showed up on Day 1 ready to contribute significantly in the NFL?

A: Jeffery possessed quality physical tools when the Bears drafted him in the second round in 2012 -- two picks after the Jets selected WR Stephen Hill, as their fans know. General manager Phil Emery identified him as the best jump-ball catcher in that draft, a label Jeffery lived up to during his breakout 2013 season. His 2013 highlight reel includes touchdowns on contested throws against the Vikings, Browns and Cowboys, to name a few. Google them or YouTube them. (Here is the catch against the Vikings. Here is the catch against the Browns. And here is his catch versus the Cowboys.) They're impressive. Jeffery strengthens his hands and forearms by churning dried rice in buckets. Coincidentally, that's how I strengthen my typing fingers.

Kidding aside, Jeffery had to progress through the same evolution that every rookie receiver does. As receivers coach Mike Groh explained it last season, Jeffery had to learn 1) what to do, 2) how to do it, and 3) why the Bears do it. That process was helped by veteran Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall, who took Jeffery under his wing during the 2013 offseason. Marshall had Jeffery train with him at the facility he co-owns in South Florida for two stints that lasted a total of three months. There, Jeffery refined his running technique so that he kept his chest forward and elbows closer to his body. That helped him be more efficient with his movements.

Now, Jeffery helps balance coverages, preventing teams from focusing on Marshall. That has opened up the Bears' offense. We'll spend this week monitoring Jeffery's strained left hamstring. He obviously could not run at full speed against the 49ers, and he wasn't explosive. But he threatened the 49ers enough to draw multiple penalties that resulted in automatic first downs.

For the masochistic Jets fans interested on learning more about Jeffery's breakout, I wrote this for the Tribune last October after he set the franchise single-game record for receiving yards.

Q: Quarterback Jay Cutler is coming off two so-so years (19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 2012, 19 touchdowns and 12 picks in 2013, though he did complete 63 percent of his passes in 2013). What's the feeling about Cutler around Chicago? How has he handled Marc Trestman's offense, now that he is in his second year with it? What have been some of Cutler's major adjustments to Trestman's system, compared to the Bears' previous offense?

A: The general feeling about Cutler around Chicago is that he better ball out this season. He has everything a quarterback could ask for: a quality offensive-minded head coach and quarterbacks coach; a contract extension that includes $54 guaranteed over the first three seasons; two Pro Bowl receivers; a Pro Bowl running back; a 6-foot-6 athletic tight end, and, before injuries hit in Week 1, all five starters back on a capable offensive line. What more does he need to elevate his play? So now it's up to him to take advantage of the supporting cast and justify the organization's faith in him.

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Well, imagine the reaction here when he threw two picks in a season-opening overtime loss to the Bills. With the game tied in the fourth quarter and the Bears in Bills' territory, Cutler threw late back to the middle of the field on a third-and-1, and defensive tackle Kyle Williams intercepted it. The collective thinking in Chicago was that Cutler should be beyond such knuckle-headed, game-killing decisions at this point in his career.

But he responded very well Sunday against the 49ers by completing 13 of 14 passes for 120 yards and three TDs in the second half of a stunning 28-20 comeback win. So we'll see where the roller coaster continues against the Jets.

Overall, Cutler trusts and respects Trestman and the scheme, which is an improvement on his relationship with past offensive coordinators. He also has taken ownership of the offense. He tells receivers how he wants routes to be run, and he's very detailed in giving that type of direction.

Meanwhile, he continues to work on timing with his progressions. He likes to throw with trust in his receivers -- and his tall Pro Bowl receivers often reward that trust with contested catches -- but coaches are encouraging him to come off those reads and progress to higher-percentage checkdowns if the defense requires it. That's how he can extend drives and improve his completion percentage. So far, that's a work in progress.

For more on Cutler's evolution and potential in Year 2 under Trestman, I suggest reading an excellent feature my colleague Dan Wiederer compiled for our season preview. He spoke to all the relevant people involved with the Bears' QB room about the elements in place for Cutler to succeed. Very insightful. It's pay-wall protected, but you can beat the pay wall by Googling the headline: "Inside the Bears' most important office: The QBs room."

Q: Kyle Fuller looked quite impressive stepping in for the injured Charles Tillman at cornerback against the 49ers. What's your read on how ready Fuller is to excel on a regular basis? Obviously, he has ability, since he was drafted 14th overall. But are there some under-the-radar, less-obvious things the Bears' coaches have noticed about him, that make them encouraged about his potential?

A: Fuller's readiness was evident in the first practice of training camp when he intercepted two passes. That pretty much answered the question. As camp went on, you could tell he belonged by how well he moved and how he physically matched up with Marshall and Jeffery.

His two interceptions against the 49ers Sunday night are proof that he's capable of consistently making a positive impact. Both were examples of quality preparation and quality execution. On the first pick, he recognized a 3-by-1 formation from which the 49ers tended to throw to the single-receiver side. He was on that side covering Michael Crabtree, and he drove on the comeback route well enough to play the ball and eventually catch it. On the second interception, he had Crabtree on a short route near the left sideline, but he also was responsible for any vertical route nearby. As he described it, he felt the tight end go vertical, so he read Colin Kaepernick, dropped off Crabtree and undercut the deeper throw. Impressive stuff from a rookie in his second NFL game.

The Bears loved his physicality at Virginia Tech, which he hasn't really had a chance to demonstrate in games so far. The Hokies played him in the box at times almost as a run-stopping safety/linebacker. That skill set and toughness should help the Bears' edge run defense, which struggled big-time last season. He's also humble, soft spoken and comes from a big football family. His brother, Corey, is a receiver for the Lions and has been active for the first two games this season.

He'll still make mistakes. For example, his defensive holding penalty on third-and-15 against the 49ers extended a drive that resulted in a field goal. But there's a lot to like there.

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Q: A casual observer would look at the Bears' first two games (loss to the Bills, win at the 49ers) and see that the Bears out-gained the Bills 427-360, and were out-gained by the 49ers 361-216. Quite the statistical oddity. Can you shed some light on how and why the Bears looked so different from Week 1 to 2, against a lower-caliber opponent and then one of the NFL's best teams? In short: Which Bears team is the real Bears team?

A: Turnovers outweighed the yardage in both of those games. The Bears had a minus-2 turnover differential in the Week 1 loss to the Bills, and they were plus-4 in the win over the 49ers.

So which version is the real Bears team? To answer that in the context of turnovers, you have to start with Cutler. He proved in Week 1 that he's still capable of making baffling decisions, so that lifeline is out there for the Jets on Monday night. Pressure Cutler and his mechanics can break down.

Also, the Bears' offense relies on precise timing, and that includes Cutler's footwork. Disrupt the timing of routes or Cutler's ability to set in the pocket, and the Jets' maligned secondary would have a chance to cash in. But Cutler was nearly perfect in the second half against the 49ers. So he's still inconsistent enough to keep it interesting each week.

Defensively, Fuller's two interceptions were a revelation. And Chris Conte's diving interception was as athletic a play as you'll ever see in the NFL. If you haven't seen it, find it online and check out his range, speed and extension. (Here it is.)

The Bears defense's hallmark for years was turnovers, and it's something second-year coordinator Mel Tucker continues to preach -- just as every coordinator does. The key, really, is how the Bears' improved defensive line pairs with a secondary that has the freedom to play with vision in Cover 2 and Cover 3. Defensive end Willie Young has excelled through two games getting to the quarterback, outshining Jared Allen, even. Fuller and Conte have showed their ability to play the ball, and cornerback Tim Jennings has proven his ability over the years. If Geno Smith is in a giving mood, the Bears will be more than capable of taking.

Q: Everybody around the Jets is quite familiar with the duality of Santonio Holmes -- what a talented receiver he can be, and what a malcontent he can act like at times. How is he fitting in with the Bears, both on and off the field? What's your sense for how the Bears envision his role in their offense? How concerned were they with his reputation when they signed him? Oh, and have you noticed those crazy red contact lenses that he wears?

A: Jets fans might not believe it, but Holmes has been a model citizen since signing on Aug. 16. Of course, that makes sense for a player who wasn't flooded by interest from teams as he sat out the offseason. The Bears signed him on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 16, and by that afternoon he was running routes with Cutler on an off day.

The Bears see in him some explosiveness and ability to gain yards after the catch, which isn't exactly where Marshall and Jeffery excel. The Bears want him to be their No. 3 receiver, especially while second-year WR Marquess Wilson recovers from a broken collarbone on short-term injured reserve.

The problem is that Holmes still is learning the playbook. On the killer Week 1 interception that Cutler threw on third-and-1, Holmes was supposed to release on a pass route as Cutler ran a bootleg. Holmes, however, stayed in to block, and that took away one of Cutler's play-side options.

The next day, Trestman was candid in his explanation of the play, and he publicized Holmes' error. I was interested to see how Holmes would react because not all players are used to a coach as open with the public as Trestman is. But it never was an issue for Holmes, who reiterated his need to keep studying. He handled it like a pro.

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I should also mention that Holmes is the Bears' punt returner. They're still looking to replace Devin Hester, who wasn't re-signed because the Bears didn't want to meet his financial demands. The result of that decision has been a rotating cast of kickoff and punt returners.

As for Holmes's red contacts, I have not seen them. But I feel like I would have if he were still wearing them because he has been approachable and cooperative with the media. I'll have to check into that!

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Jets-Bears injuries: Rex Ryan says Dee Milliner will play, barring setback; Eric Decker's status unclear (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger September 18, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/09/jets-bears_injury_report_rex_ryan_says_dee_milliner_will_play_barring_setback_while_eric_deckers_sta.html

FLORHAM PARK – There was no change Thursday in the status of two important, injured Jets as the team prepares for Monday night’s home game against the Bears.

Wide receiver Eric Decker, who sustained a right hamstring injury in Sunday’s loss at Green Bay, did not practice for the second straight day. Cornerback Dee Milliner, who aggravated his high left ankle sprain a bit against the Packers, was limited again Thursday.

Because the Jets have an extra day to prepare for this game, Thursday’s practice was really like the normal Wednesday – the first day teams must release an injury report. The Jets and Bears will release their final injury reports Saturday.

It is likely Milliner will play Monday, unless he has a setback. Decker’s status is more uncertain, though Ryan said Wednesday that the team’s trainers seemed “pretty confident” that Decker would be able to face the Bears.

Ryan indicated that he could play Decker in the game even if he does not practice at all this week. But ideally, Ryan would like to see Decker get some practice work in.

“He’s a veteran player, but obviously, you’d like to have him test it a little bit,” Ryan said. “I’m not going to just say he has to be out on Saturday (participating in practice), but that’s what you’d like, to see him do some things. Really, for his own mentality, his own mindset, that: Yeah, I can do this, and I feel fine.”

Ryan said Milliner “looked OK” on Thursday while doing “probably about the same” amount of activity as he did Wednesday, when Milliner said he got some work during team periods. Milliner didn’t start at Green Bay, and played 40 of 71 snaps. He said Wednesday that he was experiencing no tightness in his ankle.

Though Ryan said Milliner looked OK on Thursday, he added that Milliner’s ankle sprain has “never looked 100 percent.” The Jets determined that he was healthy enough to play against the Packers in a limited capacity, making his 2014 debut. At this point, Ryan expects Milliner to again be limited this week. But presuming Milliner’s health does not change before Monday, he is going to be on the field against the Bears, Ryan said.

“If he’s as good as he was last week, then, yeah, absolutely,” Ryan said. “We’ll determine that later in the week. Unless we feel great about it, and he feels great, then we’re not going to put him in there 100 percent of the snaps.”

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Ryan said Milliner again coming off the bench is “probably a possibility. But to say that he’s definitely not going to start, I’m not there yet. Let’s see how he works.”

Two backup linebackers – Nick Bellore (hip) and A.J. Edds (hamstring) – missed practice Thursday. Bellore is a valuable special teams contributor. Edds is listed as the backup weak-side linebacker, Bellore the backup middle linebacker. The starters at those positions, Demario Davis and David Harris, almost never leave the field during games. But Ryan would still like to have depth at those spots entering Monday night.

When asked about Bellore, Ryan said, “Certainly there’s a chance that he won’t go, because he never practiced today, even. So there’s still that chance.”

And if Bellore can’t play Monday?

“Well, I hope Edds can go, then,” Ryan said. “And if Edds can’t go, then we’ll give (safety Dawan) Landry some linebacker pads or something. We’ll figure it out.”

Also limited at Thursday’s practice were right guard Willie Colon (calf), running back Chris Johnson (ankle) and center Nick Mangold (shoulder). Backup safety Josh Bush (quadriceps) was a full participant. The injuries to Johnson and Mangold are new, but not concerning to Ryan.

“I think both guys will be fine,” Ryan said.

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How can the Jets simulate the height of Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery in practice? (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger September 18, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/09/how_can_the_jets_simulate_the_height_of_brandon_marshall_alshon_jeffery_in_practice.html

When Jets rookie safety Calvin Pryor watches Bears wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery on film, he knows what he is seeing. And then he knows what his eyes are really telling him about the difficulties of defending these two guys.

"It's definitely a tough challenge and difficult, because both of those guys, I think, are 6-3, but they play like they're like 6-6, 6-7," Pryor said. "It's a challenge. But as DBs, we have to be ready. We have to go attack them and just don't let them come down with balls."

Jeffery is listed at 6-3 and 216 pounds, Marshall at 6-4 and 230 pounds. They are both in their third season with their Bears, and during that time, they have made their fair share of absurd catches.

Marshall's most recent ridiculous grab came in Sunday night's win at San Francisco. In our Bears beat writer Q&A with the Chicago Tribune's Rich Campbell, he listed some of Jeffery's greatest hits, and detailed why Jeffery has such good hands. (Hint: It has to do with food.)

In Monday night's Bears-Jets game, Pryor isn't going to play one-on-one outside coverage against Marshall and Jeffery, per se. Pryor has been playing a lot of deep middle safety in the Jets' first two games, so he certainly could find himself having coverage responsibilities.

But the challenge of stopping Marshall and Jeffery off the line will fall to the Jets' cornerbacks -- Dee Milliner (still recovering from a high ankle sprain), Antonio Allen (a converted safety) and/or Darrin Walls (a career backup)

Simulating Marshall and Jeffery in practice is difficult for the Jets. They don't exactly have scout-team receivers who look like those guys. The closest the Jets can come is practice squad receiver Quincy Enunwa (6-2, 225).

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The Jets have two tall starting outside receivers -- 6-3 Eric Decker and 6-5 David Nelson -- but they have other things to do in practice besides simulate Marshall and Jeffery. Plus, Decker is nursing a hamstring injury sustained in Sunday's loss at Green Bay.

The Jets' tight ends have good height -- 6-4 Jeff Cumberland, 6-5 Jace Amaro and 6-7 Zach Sudfeld -- but they don't possess the speed of Marshall and Jeffery.

Simulating Marshall and Jeffery in practice "is a challenge because you don’t have guys that big," said Jets coach Rex Ryan. "I guess you can put our tight ends out there, but they (Marshall and Jeffery) generally run better than our guys. That is definitely a challenge. There is no question about it. I think the one kid (Marshall), there is only one of those in the league. Oh, I’m sorry. Back-to-back weeks we have them. But that is rare, and to try to simulate a Brandon Marshall or Calvin Johnson, it's tough. There’s no doubt."

Next week, Johnson (6-5, 236) and the Lions visit the Jets. But first, Ryan must do anything he can to mimic the skills of Marshall and Jeffery this week in practice, with the players he has.

"You try to simulate their style of play," Ryan said. "They can’t give you the size, but maybe the way they run routes or different things."

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NEW YORK POST

Michael Vick: Too many wildcat plays disrupts offensive flow (Brian Costello) New York Post September 18, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/09/18/michael-vick-too-many-wildcat-plays-disrupts-offensive-flow/

Michael Vick has gotten just five snaps so far this season, and the backup Jets quarterback/wildcat specialist admits that may be too much.

“I think five might be too many,’’ said Vick, only half-joking. Those five plays produced no yards, a sack and a red-zone fumble by Geno Smith.

“I know we haven’t had a whole lot of success with him,’’ coach Rex Ryan admitted. “It does keep a defense off balance a bit and, hopefully, we’ll get this thing rolling a little bit.’’

Asked if he might benefit personally from getting an entire series instead of a lone play here or there, Vick suggested it doesn’t help Smith and the offense might not benefit either.

“That disrupts timing of the quarterback,’’ Vick said. “This isn’t college. You don’t rotate quarterbacks, you don’t substitute one guy for another for one series. That’s kind of petty. At the same time you want your quarterback to stay in a consistent flow. You don’t want to interrupt anything.’’

CB Dee Milliner (high left ankle sprain) was limited Thursday in practice and WR Eric Decker (hamstring) didn’t practice.

“If [Milliner] is as good as he was last week, then, yeah, absolutely,’’ said Ryan, who was not as optimistic about Decker. “He’s a veteran player, but obviously you’d like to have him test it a bit. I’m not going to just say he has to be out on Saturday [practicing], but that’s what you’d like.’’

DL Muhammad Wilkerson said he was fined for the unsportsmanlike conduct in Sunday’s game that led to his ejection. DL Sheldon Richardson told ESPN he was also fined. The amounts were unknown.

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G Willie Colon (calf), RB Chris Johnson (ankle) and C Nick Mangold (shoulder) were limited, with Ryan saying Johnson and Mangold should be fine. LBs Nick Bellore (hip) and A.J. Edds (hamstring) were out, and if neither can play Ryan said “we’ll give [safety Dawan] Landry some linebacker pads or something.’’

Bears coach Marc Trestman said tempestuous ex-Jet WR Santonio Holmes has been a good teammate.

“I felt, talking to the people that surrounded him and he was close to, that people do transform themselves. They do grow and learn from things that they’ve done in the past,’’ Trestman said. “He’s come in, worked hard, assimilated himself in the locker room, appears to be getting along well with his teammates and is working to try and contribute.’’

Chicago QB Jay Cutler said it’s clear how much playing the Jets will mean to Holmes.

“He doesn’t need to say much,’’ Cutler said. “We know what happened with him there and how important this game is to him.’’

Bears WR Brandon Marshall (ankle) didn’t practice and fellow wideout Alshon Jeffrey (hamstring) was limited.

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Jets must bring out worst of Cutler (Brian Lewis) New York Post September 18, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/09/18/jets-must-bring-out-worst-of-cutler/

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler can put a team on his back and carry it to victory. He also can shackle a squad to his mistakes and drag it to defeat. The Jets’ task is to figure out how to apply the shackles.

That may sound like Mission: Impossible for a Jets team with an unproven secondary, especially considering Cutler brings with him an arsenal that includes receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery along with versatile running back Matt Forte and dangerous tight end Martellus Bennett into the Monday night matchup.

Adding to the level of difficulty is the fact Cutler is having his most efficient season yet. Albeit after just two games, the Bears gunslinger is on pace for a career year, with a league-leading six touchdowns against just two interceptions — witness his fourth-quarter rally over the 49ers last week.

“He hasn’t had too many turnovers this year,” said Jets safety Dawan Landry, whose team needs to find a way to make him regress. “Those guys do a tremendous job fighting for the ball for him, so he has tremendous trust in those guys,’’

The Jets were carved up by Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in Week 2, and Monday’s task won’t get any easier.

“They were second in the league last year in scoring, so they’re putting up points,’’ Jets coach Rex Ryan said of the Bears. “[Cutler has] got the gun, he’s accurate and he fires it. There’s not a whole lot of finesse to it, he’s drilling that ball. He’s got that big arm and he trusts it, as well he should.’’

Some would say Cutler has trusted that arm too much in the past, with 77 career interceptions. He never has had a quarterback rating better than 89.2 or completion percentage above 63.7, but after two games he is on pace for career highs in both (99.7 and 68.7), having completed 57- of-83 passes for 525 yards,

“He’s still the gunslinger-type guy,” Ryan said. “He knows he can put it in a window and he’s confident in it. Prone to turnovers? I don’t know, he’s prone to throwing touchdowns and making big plays. So sometimes there’s a price for it if you miss. But the guy’s rare, he’s got rare physical abilities.’’

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The Jets’ defense, which gave up 346 passing yards in the loss at Green Bay, has some health concerns. The unit practiced Thursday without linebackers Nick Bellore and A.J. Edds, and cornerback Dee Milliner was limited.

Even back in the days when Cutler more easily was rattled into turnovers, he still had his way with the Jets. In two career clashes with Gang Green, the most recent in 2010, Cutler was a combined 40-of-68 for 572 yards, five scores, two interceptions and a 98.4 rating.

The first time the Jets saw Cutler was pre-Ryan, when Eric Mangini’s team faced a Broncos squad led by Cutler. The third-year QB led Denver to a 34-17 win on Nov. 30, 2008, at the Meadowlands, going 27-of-43 for 357 yards, two TDs and a pick.

He was even better two years later at Soldier Field, when, in his second season with the Bears, he engineered a 38-34 victory Dec. 26, 2010. He was 13-of-25 for 215 yards, three scores, one pick and a 104.2 rating against a Jets team in its second season under Ryan.

Cutler has downplayed his past mastery of the Jets, since he has been under so many head coaches and coordinators, But he claims offensive-minded Bears head coach Marc Trestman is the best of the lot.

“He sees the game through the eyes of the quarterback really well. He does a good job making sure you’re protected, that all the plays are sound, that you have an option against most coverages, if not all. He incorporates the run game. He doesn’t leave you out to dry,’’ Cutler said of Trestman, a contrast to protection-averse former coordinator Mike Martz.

“Trestman does a great job of making sure we’re safe in the pocket, giving us answers. I’m older, I’m 31, I’ve had a lot of offensive coordinators and this is the best [offensive coach] I have had so far. I have a lot of weapons on the outside, so they make it easy. My offensive line does a great job week-in and week-out. … So it’s a combination of all those things.’’

After years of throwing to punt returner Devin Hester and journeyman Johnny Knox, and having little to no protection, Cutler now has both the blocking and the weapons.

“He’s just kind of settling in,’’ Trestman said. “Every quarterback is on their own journey. Some get it real early, other guys take a little bit longer. We’ll see, but we’re optimistic he’s moving in the right direction.’’

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Jets need Geno to rekindle prime-time Atlanta magic (Brian Costello) New York Post September 18, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/09/18/jets-need-geno-to-rekindle-prime-time-atlanta-magic/

A year ago on a Monday night, Geno Smith played the game that gave the Jets hope he could be the answer at quarterback.

Smith played a flawless game against the Falcons on the national stage, bringing the team from behind on the road for a last-minute 30-28 win that had Jets fans believing Smith might be the franchise quarterback they’ve been searching for since Joe Namath left town four decades ago.

Now, the Jets need to see it again.

Gang Green plays on “Monday Night Football” this week against the Bears, its first prime-time appearance since that night in Atlanta last October. Unfortunately for the Jets, the jury still is out on Smith, their 2013 second-round pick. All of the doubts he erased that night in Atlanta — when he went 16-of-20 passing for

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199 yards, three touchdowns and no turnovers — came rushing back when he struggled in the following weeks.

Smith has had some good moments since then, but nothing quite like that night. The Jets need to see that Smith again.

We are all talking about the quarterbacks the Jets face in the next five weeks — Jay Cutler, Matthew Stafford, Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady — because of how weak the Jets’ secondary is.

When is it time for other teams to talk about the Jets’ quarterback?

Smith can cover up some of the warts this team has if he elevates his play. Through the first two games this season, he has shown poise and promise one minute then turned it over the next.

For every pretty touchdown pass to Eric Decker that makes you think he has taken that next step, there has been an overthrow that just misses Decker’s fingertips or a sailed pass that winds up being picked off.

It is the same pattern of inconsistency we saw from Smith as a rookie. However, he has shown more command of the offense than at any time last year, and a better idea of when to take off and run.

Coach Rex Ryan said he is pleased with Smith’s play.

“The thing I have been proud of is his presence in the pocket,” Ryan said, “the way he puts the ball on his front shoulder when he moves, all of those types of things and trying to make good decisions with the football. And for the most part he has, and, like you say, you probably wish you had one or two throws back. Overall, I have been happy with the way he has handled it.”

But the Jets need more from Smith, and Monday night is the perfect time to see it.

Last week, the Packers loaded up to stop the Jets’ rushing attack, daring Smith to beat them with his arm. He did … for a little while. But his interception before halftime changed the game, and he looked unsure of himself in the second half. The Bears surely will attack the Jets the same way, focusing on shutting down Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson and seeing what Smith can do.

That night in Atlanta, Smith looked like a franchise quarterback. He looked like the guy to end the list of disappointments that Jets fans know by heart from Richard Todd to Mark Sanchez. Smith was coming off one of his worst games of the year, a four-turnover performance against the Titans that caused him to apologize to his teammates. Against the Falcons, he led the team to a game-winning field goal with time running out and had a 147.7 quarterback rating. He has not topped 100 in any other game.

Smith will be back under the Monday night lights this week. The Jets can only hope they bring out the best in Smith again.

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Michael Vick backs Roger Goodell: ‘Doing a great job’ (Brian Costello) New York Post September 18, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/09/18/michael-vick-backs-roger-goodell-doing-a-great-job/

Count Michael Vick as one NFL player in commissioner Roger Goodell’s corner.

The Jets backup quarterback came out in defense of the beleaguered Goodell on Thursday. Goodell has been under fire as the NFL deals with repeated cases of players getting into trouble for domestic violence.

“I think he’s doing a great job,” Vick said. “I think some situations are more complicated than others. You’re not going to get it right all the time on the first time. These situations that are arising are situations

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that we’ve never dealt with before in the NFL from a PR standpoint. It’s kind of new to everybody. That’s why we’re talking about it right now.”

Vick got to know Goodell when the commissioner suspended him in 2007 for his role in a dogfighting ring and then lifted the suspension in 2009, allowing Vick to resume playing.

Vick feels everyone is in a rush to judgment.

“You’ve got to give the man a chance,” Vick said. “You’ve got to give everybody a chance to get it right.”

The recent decisions of teams to put players (Adrian Peterson, Greg Hardy and Jonathan Dwyer) on the exempt list and keep them off the field is one sign that the NFL is heading in the right direction, Vick said.

“You see that teams that are dealing with it now are making the right decisions based on the weeks prior,” Vick said. “You’ve got to give people a chance. You’re not always going to get it right on the first time.”

The 14-year veteran said it’s a tough time for the NFL.

“It’s kind of hard right now,” Vick said. “Hopefully, everything will resume normally in the next couple of months. We just can’t continue to feed into it. Every day there’s a new story being written about and being talked about. We don’t seem to let it go.”

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Rex Ryan: On national TV, NY Jets will no longer show cracks (Seth Walder) New York Daily News September 18, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/rex-ryan-national-tv-jets-longer-show-cracks-article-1.1945193

No matter what new way the Jets concoct to shoot themselves in the foot — see: Mornhinweg, timeout — the infamous “butt fumble” game will never be forgotten.

The Jets host the Bears on Monday night, the first time they’ve been home for a nationally televised game since the 49-19 Thanksgiving disaster in 2012. That memory prompted Rex Ryan to do something he has refrained from doing for quite a while: make a guarantee.

“Was that the New England fiasco?” Ryan said. “Yeah let’s hope that doesn’t happen again, yikes. It won’t be hard to -show better than that. I guarantee we play better that. Talk about going out on a limb.”

It’s not quite predicting a trip to the Super Bowl, but at least it was an old-fashioned Ryan guarantee. Of course, that wasn’t Ryan’s only nightmare that happened at a night game.

“Then we had another great performance — remember we got beat, 45-3, also, and I think that was a Monday night game,” Ryan said, referring to a loss in New England in 2010.

The Jets are looking for a reversal of fortune from those lopsided failures, but also from the mess at Lambeau Field last week when they blew a 21-3 lead against the Packers and lost.

One man who won’t play a big role in the effort? Michael Vick.

Vick has been on the field for five plays so far this season, and his involvement in the offense has drawn plenty of skeptics. Among them, it sounds like, is Vick himself.

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“I think five might be too many,” Vick said. He was partially joking, but it’s clear he isn’t a superfan of the trick plays that feature him.

So far, the gadget plays involving the backup QB haven’t been a success: they include a red zone fumble (by Geno Smith), an incompletion in the end zone and a sack. The five plays have produced a net total of zero yards. Perhaps that’s why Vick indicated he didn’t think he would be a major player this week against the Bears.

“We ain’t got too much in this week, we just want to allow Geno to go out there and focus on the game,” Vick said.

“I know we haven’t had a whole of success with him per se,” Ryan said Thursday. “Again, I think it does keep a defense off balance a little bit and hopefully we’ll get this thing rolling a little bit.

The backup quarterback admitted that it can be difficult to come in cold off the bench for a single play. “It can be tough, but at the same time, you’ve just got to make the most of it,” Vick said. He added that he did think “one of them's going to hit.”

Vick’s rhythm could improve if he got a full series under center, but the QB was adamant that shouldn't happen.

“I wouldn’t want to do that. That disrupts timing,” Vick said. “This isn’t college. You don’t rotate quarterbacks. You don’t substitute one guy for another for one series.”

Not that the Jets haven’t tried it before with a celebrity quarterback before. Tim Tebow, anyone?

“That was once upon a time,” Vick said.

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History shows NY Jets can make a three-man backfield work (Manish Mehta) New York Daily News September 18, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/mehta-history-shows-jets-three-man-backfield-work-article-1.1945187

The sharing-is-caring backfield program at One Jets Drive requires checking your ego at the front gate, monitoring your blood pressure and, above all, patience.

For all the preconceived notions about Marty Mornhinweg’s West Coast offense, running backs Chris Ivory, Chris Johnson and Bilal Powell are the heartbeat of a scheme predicated on versatility. These might not be your older brother’s Ground-and-Pound Jets, but Rex Ryan needs his backfield to thrive as much as ever for the Jets to be a viable playoff contender this season.

“We’re still Ground and Pound, but I think people misunderstand it,” running backs coach Anthony Lynn said. “Ground and Pound just means run it when you can. There will come a time in the game — in your four-minute offense — when you’re going to have put a game away. You got to be able to run it in tough situations. Ground and Pound teams can.”

“But when they give you the pass, we’ll go over your head with it,” Lynn added. “Marty does a hell of a job getting the ball in the hands of his playmakers. That’s what it’s all about. It isn’t about how many times you call a run or a pass. It’s about using your playmakers.”

Mornhinweg has a plan for the backfield workload each week (depending on opponents’ personnel), but a bulk of how the division of touches shakes out will be based on instinct and feel, a ride-the-hot-hand approach sure to drive fantasy football owners crazy.

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The Johnson-Ivory-Powell trio has had a roughly 40-40-20 playing time split through the first two games. Johnson has had 25 of the 54 rushing attempts (46%) among tailbacks. Ivory has had 23 carries and Powell five. The threesome has combined for 254 yards (4.7 average) with two touchdowns. They’ve also had nine receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown.

The trio managed only 80 yards on 29 carries (2.8 ypc) in last week’s loss to the Packers, but should find some running lanes on Monday night. The Bears have allowed 161 rushing yards per game and 5.8 yards per carry (28th) through the first two weeks. “There’s only one ball,” Powell said. “Our biggest thing is winning around here. However it’s going to get done. We push each other.”

Their roles are loosely defined, but Johnson will likely get first crack to get rolling each week with Ivory providing a punch in relief and Powell playing the role of glue guy.

“Chris Johnson has been a guy who’s touched the ball over 20 times a game in his career. He’s the back that needs to get into a rhythm and into a flow,” Lynn said. “Chris Ivory’s like Dennis Rodman. He comes right off the bench and gives you instant production. He doesn’t have to get into a rhythm and get into a flow. C.J. may get the more attempts earlier, but Ivory’s going to get his share as well.”

A three-headed backfield is unconventional, but history reveals that it can work. The Larry Csonka-Mercury Morris-Jim Kiick backfield was the engine of the Miami Dolphins in the early 1970s. The Dolphins spread the wealth during their glory days (1971-73). Csonka had 39% of the carries with Morris (25%) and Kiick (23%) not far behind during that three-year span.

In Miami’s undefeated 1972 season, Csonka had 35% of the handoffs, followed by Morris (31%) and Kiick (22%).

The Giants’ “Earth, Wind and Fire” trio of Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw had success in 2008. Ryan was the defensive coordinator for the Ravens when Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and Le’Ron McClain combined for 2,027 yards to help Baltimore reach the AFC Championship Game in 2008.

Lynn knows the backfield-by-committee approach works.

“Everyone is going to get an opportunity,” Lynn tells his players. “These are running backs. Things happen. People get hurt and get nicked up. When it’s your turn, I expect you to pick up where the other one left off.”

Lynn expects each running back to be an expert in his assigned role for the week. The plan may be tweaked during the game depending on circumstance, but Ivory, Johnson and Powell haven’t expressed any disappointment yet.

They hold each other accountable whether they’re in the huddle or on the sideline.

“Every man in that room strives being great,” Powell said. “We all want to be a part of something special.”

Their willingness to share could make all the difference.

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Dee Milliner should play, but Eric Decker's status is up in air for NY Jets (Seth Walder) New York Daily News September 18, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-insider-dee-milliner-play-deck-stacked-eric-article-1.1945112

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Dee Milliner’s high ankle sprain, which acted up in last week’s 31-24 loss to the Packers, probably won’t keep the cornerback out of Monday’s matchup with the Bears, but it probably will prevent the cornerback from playing the entire game. Milliner was on the field for 40 of 71 plays last week.

“Unless we feel great about it, he feels great and everything else, then we’re not going to put him there (for) 100% of the snaps,” Ryan said. The coach was ambiguous about whether Milliner would start.

Milliner practiced on Thursday, joining positional drills during the media period and participating in team drills on a limited basis.

“He looked OK,” Ryan said. “But it’s a high ankle, it never looked 100%. But he looked OK.”

Wide receiver Eric Decker’s hamstring has his status more up in the air. Decker said on Wednesday that it was too early to tell if he would be ready to play on Monday, and Thursday offered few new clues. The wideout was wearing sneakers and no pads Thursday and did not practice.

Ryan said Decker wouldn’t necessarily have to practice to play Monday night.

“He is a veteran player and things, but obviously you would like to have him tested a little bit,” Ryan said. “I’m not going to say he has to be out (there) on Saturday, but that is what you would like.”

WINTERS CHILL

Brian Winters had a rough game against the Packers, surrendering a sack and the hit on Geno Smith that forced the interception at the end of the second quarter, but the guard received a vote of confidence from Ryan. Winters did miss four plays after dislocating two fingers but quickly returned.

“Well he had some real good outings and then that one obviously wasn’t great for him,” Ryan said. “And that 76 (Green Bay’s Mike Daniels) is a pretty good player . . . so he had his hands full with him. But again I am comfortable with him.”

Winters admitted, “There was a couple of plays that got away from me.

INJURY NEWS

Inside linebackers Nick Bellore (hip) and A.J. Edds (hamstring) both did not practice. Chris Johnson (ankle), Nick Mangold (shoulder) and Willie Colon (calf) all were limited, but none of the injuries is believed to be serious. Josh Bush (quad) returned to full practice.

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Michael Vick says NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ‘doing a great job’ with Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice scandal (Manish Mehta) New York Daily News September 18, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/michael-vick-nfl-commissioner-roger-goodell-great-job-adrian-peterson-ray-rice-scandals-article-1.1944777

Roger Goodell might be under siege for his handling of the Ray Rice situation and his disappearing act in the wake of the Adrian Peterson mess, but Mike Vick still believes that the NFL commissioner should be given the benefit of the doubt.

"I think he's doing a great job," Vick said after Jets practice on Thursday. "I think some situations are more complicated than others. You're not going to get it right all the time the first time. These situations are that (have arisen) are situations that we never dealt with before. I feel from a PR standpoint, just from a situational standpoint, it's kind of new to everybody."

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Vick, of course, dealt with Goodell's form of justice during the quarterback's well-publicized involvement on a federal dogfighting scandal in 2007 that ultimately landed him behind bars. Goodell suspended Vick indefinitely without pay for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. Vick was suspended for two regular-season games after he returned to the NFL in 2009.

Vick and Goodell have a mutual respect, so it wasn't surprising that the veteran signal caller gave the commissioner the benefit of the doubt despite the growing public sentiment to remove him from his job.

"Nobody's perfect," Vick said. "Nobody can make the correct the decisions right then and there on the spot when faced with all forms of adversity. So, you got to give the man a chance. You got to give him a chance. You got give everybody a chance to get it right. And you see that the other teams that are dealing with it now are making the right decisions based on what's happened in weeks prior. So you got to give people a chance, man. You're not going to get it right on the first time."

Domestic violence has taken center stage in the NFL in recent weeks, jolting the league landscape like never before. The Ravens, Vikings, Panthers and Cardinals have taken steps to distance themselves from players connected to violent acts.

"It's a lot of issues that are taking place," Vick said. "In due time, they'll all be cleaned up. It's kind of hard right now. Hopefully, everything will resume (to) normal the next couple months. We just can't continue to keep feeding into it. Every day there's a new story that's being written about and being talked about. We don't seem to let it go. It'll be all handled… That's what we have lawyers for. That's what you have the commissioner for. You got to let it die down. Other than that, (if) you keep talking about it, it's going to continue to be an issue."

Vick has become one of the de facto spokesmen in the league since he was given a second chance to play in the NFL. He insisted that the outside factors dominating the conversation in recent weeks haven't affected how he approaches his job.

"At the end of the day, we're still football players," Vick said. "The things that go on outside of football don't distract you when you go on the field on Sundays. You can't worry about that when you go on the field on Sundays. You take care of your job and then you worry about that during the week… We all got a job to do."

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NEW YORK TIMES

Bears Receivers Pose Problems, So Jets Reserves Do Best Impersonations (Ben Shpigel) New York Times September 17, 2014

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/18/sports/football/simulating-bears-receivers-jets-reserves-try-their-best-to-measure-up.html?ref=football&_r=0

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — At Jets practice this week, Walt Powell is not Walt Powell. He pursues the ball like Alshon Jeffery and changes direction like Brandon Marshall and strides like Santonio Holmes. Powell dons a pinny adorned with the number of whichever Chicago receiver he is tasked with simulating and then, for that play, becomes him.

It is an integral, and standard, aspect of a team’s preparation: the deployment of backups and practice-squad members — and the occasional starter — to impersonate an opponent. The practice helps train a player for what he may (or may not) encounter on game day, and on Monday night the Jets’ defensive backs will encounter a challenge altogether different from what Green Bay presented.

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After being shredded by Aaron Rodgers for three touchdowns and 346 yards passing, the Jets have the unenviable mission of trying to contain two of the league’s bigger — and better — receivers. Marshall is listed at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, Jeffery at 6-3 and 216, but, as safety Calvin Pryor said, “they play like they’re 6-6, 6-7.”

Defending them could be as difficult as preparing to defend them.

“That’s a challenge because you don’t have guys that big,” Coach Rex Ryan said. “I guess we can put our tight ends out there, but they generally run better than our guys.”

The job of mimicking Marshall this week belongs mostly to the rookie Quincy Enunwa, who, at 6-2 and 225 pounds, has a similar build, but Powell (6-0, 189) jumped in a few times on Wednesday.

“I just try to get a little big on them, change up my game,” said Powell, a reserve receiver who was inactive for the Jets’ first two games. “I try to be more of a post man.”

From his film study, Powell gleaned that Marshall, who had three touchdowns last week against San Francisco, likes to add “a little flavor,” some improvisation, to his routes. So while Powell always aimed to preserve the integrity of the route, he also at times would change speeds or direction, making sudden moves or cuts.

“Hopefully it gives our guys a good enough look,” Powell said.

Powell said he was aided on Wednesday by several receivers, among them Saalim Hakim, Greg Salas and Enunwa. At 5-9, the rookie Jalen Saunders is the smallest of the bunch — “obviously, I’m not Alshon Jeffery,” he said — but his size has not precluded him from assisting.

More important than simulating a receiver’s frame, cornerback Dee Milliner said, is how closely the scout-team receiver can run the route. Saunders, working mostly in the slot this week, said he pays special attention to a receiver’s steps, noticing if he takes longer strides on one route, and shorter on another.

“It’s better for me to get the type of feel for the routes, and also the different things that they do,” Milliner said. “If there’s a special thing that a receiver does, you always want them to overdo that.”

What Milliner wanted on Wednesday, as he will throughout the week — and even next week, when the Jets are scheduled to face Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions — was a receiver who will play bigger, who will try to “attack the ball,” he said. The Bears’ quarterback, Jay Cutler, has one of the strongest arms in the league.

“You know that during the game, you know you’re going to have to play the ball in the air,” Milliner said. “So you want to do that as much as possible.”

Milliner had a difficult game against Green Bay, getting burned for the game-winning 80-yard touchdown and allowing five receptions for 136 yards, according to game charting by the analytical website Pro Football Focus. It was his first game in more than a month, his season debut delayed by his recovery from a high ankle sprain, and Milliner eventually removed himself after complaining of tightness. He said that he was progressing and that he expected to play Monday.

“Did his play drop off? Absolutely it did,” Ryan said. “Was it because of the ankle? I’m not sure.”

EXTRA POINTS

The hamstring injury that Eric Decker sustained during training camp never fully went away, and he said he aggravated it Sunday in Green Bay. It was not serious enough to require a magnetic resonance imaging test, but Decker did not practice Wednesday, and he was uncertain when he would next. Rex Ryan said he was hopeful that Decker could play Monday night. “I just have to do a better job of listening to my

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body,” Decker said. ... Through the first two games, the Jets have been called for 18 penalties; had a player, Muhammad Wilkerson, ejected for throwing punches; and dealt with confusion on their sideline that led to a timeout that nullified a game-tying touchdown. Ryan disagreed with the perception that the Jets are undisciplined. “Has it been perfect? Absolutely not,” Ryan said. “And that’s the thing that we talk about — trying to get better, and maybe there’s other areas that we can get better at.”

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ESPN NEW YORK

Pryor: Let's see if Cutler can take a few hits (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York September 18, 2014

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/43354/pryor-lets-see-if-cutler-can-take-a-few-hits?ex_cid=espnapi_public

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Jay Cutler showed last week he can take a hit and keep on chucking. The Chicago Bears quarterback took a speeding helmet to the chest, shook it off and rallied his team to a win over the San Francisco 49ers.

So, obviously, he can't be intimidated. Or can he?

"That was one hit. Let's see if he can take a few more," New York Jets safety Calvin Pryor said. "Then we can talk about that."

No, the Jets' confidence wasn't dented by last week's woeful defensive performance against the Green Bay Packers. The Jets don't do meek, no matter how poorly they play. If anything, Aaron Rodgers' three-touchdown, 346-yard passing day may serve as a wake-up call for a defense that prides itself on bullying opponents.

On Monday night, they get a national stage to show their resilience.

"We feel like we have a point to prove, not just to our opponent, but to the rest of the league -- that we're a team to be reckoned with," linebacker Demario Davis said. "We know guys across the league are watching film and we want them to come in with a certain level of respect when they play us. That goes by the way we play. ... We want to be the best. We have to go out and prove it every week."

The Jets are No. 1 against the run, but their pass defense isn't scaring anyone. Rodgers' passing total was the third-highest allowed by the Jets under Ryan (we're talking 82 games) and Jordy Nelson's 209-yard receiving day was the most against a Ryan-coached defense.

Now here come Cutler, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. Cutler is no Rodgers, but he might have the strongest arm in the league. If he has time in the pocket, he could light up the Jets' corners, Antonio Allen, Darrin Walls, Dee Milliner and Kyle Wilson.

"He's still the gunslinger type of guy," Ryan said of Cutler. "He knows he can put it in a little window and he's confident. Prone to turnovers? I don't know. He's prone to throwing touchdowns and, obviously, making big plays. Sometimes there's a price for it, if you miss, but the guy is rare. He has rare physical abilities."

The pressure is on Ryan this week to fix his leaky secondary. It won't be easy, especially with Milliner (ankle) still less than 100 percent. Ryan isn't sure if Milliner is well enough to return to his starting role. Ryan is a creative defensive mind, so you can bet he'll try to cook up something. It wouldn't be a shock if

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you see an extra safety on the field, perhaps Josh Bush or Jaiquawn Jarrett, a bigger body to deal with Marshall (6-foot-4) and Jeffery (6-foot-3).

"You worry about Marshall, that's the No. 1 guy you worry about," Ryan said of the Bears' top receiver, who caught three touchdowns in last week's win over the 49ers.

Marshall (ankle) and Jeffery (hamstring) have been slowed by injuries, so maybe the Jets catch a break. It has to be better than last week, right? Under Ryan, the Jets are 4-3 after allowing a 300-yard passing day. Only once have they yielded 300-yard days in consecutive weeks. That happened last season, when Drew Brees threw for 366 yards one week after Andy Dalton's 323. Somehow, the Jets managed to beat Brees.

Now, they have Cutler in their sight.

"We're attacking the field with aggression this week," Davis said. "We're looking forward to Monday night."

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Vick on his role: 'Five plays too many' (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York September 18, 2014

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/43348/jets-michael-vick-on-his-role-five-plays-too-many?ex_cid=espnapi_public

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- If the New York Jets ever decide to expand Michael Vick's role in the offense, well, we know how he'd feel about it.

He'd hate it. Truth be told, he doesn't love his current gig, playing two or three plays a game.

"We're not going to get into that," he said Thursday, when asked about the possibility of playing a full series. "That disrupts the timing. That disrupts the flow of the game. This isn't college. You don't rotate quarterbacks, substitute one guy for another for a series. That's kind of petty. You want your quarterback to stay in a consistent flow. You don't want to interrupt anything."

In two games, Vick has played a total of five plays.

"Five too many," he said, half-jokingly. "But, nah, it's cool, man. I'm enjoying it."

It would be more accurate to say he's tolerating it. Vick doesn't want to rock the boat, so he's taking what the coaches give him, hoping to eventually pop a big play. At this point, the Jets would settle for anything positive. In five plays with Vick on the field, the offense has netted zero yards.

Those five plays included a red-zone incompletion (by Vick), a red-zone fumble (by Geno Smith) and a sack (Vick). So, no, the Jets haven't exactly killed it.

"I know we haven't had a whole lot of success with him," Rex Ryan said. "Again, I think it does keep a defense off balance a little bit and, hopefully, we'll get this thing rolling a little bit."

It doesn't sound like it will happen Monday night against the Chicago Bears. Vick said they "don't have too much" in this week's game plan, adding, "We just want Geno to go out there and focus on the game."

Vick reiterated that he's "a full-time quarterback," although he admitted he'd love to catch a pass.

"That's a quarterback's dream," he said. "I'll be on the edge with a DB who really can't cover me."

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In 2012, the Jets tried to make Tim Tebow an integral part of the offense, but for myriad reasons, it never worked. Reminded of the Jets' Tebow intentions, Vick smiled and said, "That was once upon a time, not in today's time."

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Jets' Richardson hit with fine (Jane McManus) ESPN New York September 18, 2014

http://espn.go.com/newyork/nfl/story/_/id/11549135/sheldon-richardson-new-york-jets-fined-unsportsmanlike-conduct?ex_cid=espnapi_public

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The Fed Ex letter to Sheldon Richardson from league headquarters arrived Wednesday, informing the Jets defensive lineman that he was being fined in addition to getting the unsportsmanlike behavior penalty in Green Bay last Sunday.

Richardson admitted he'd received the fine, but wouldn't disclose the amount.

"No need for all that," Richardson said.

It's the second NFL fine that Richardson has gotten in his career, and it came for a play during which Richardson lost his helmet and defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson was ejected for throwing a punch.

"I've never really agreed with the fines anyway," Richardson said, "because it's only really on the defensive guy to get a fine. Unless the offensive guy blatantly punches somebody in the face or something crazy. I think the fine system in strictly for the D."

Wilkerson will be automatically fined for the ejection. Wilkerson was not available in the Jets locker room on Thursday.

Later in the Packers game, Richardson amplified offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's call for a timeout. The call nullified a touchdown pass from quarterback Geno Smith to Jeremy Kerley and the Jets went on to lose 31-24.

Last December, the NFL fined Richardson $15,000 for a late hit on then-Browns quarterback Jason Campbell. Richardson said he disagreed with the NFL's system of fining players, because it appears to be a tax on those who play defense.

"I just want to know if Green Bay got fined because we wasn't the only ones in there throwing punches, grabbing facemasks," Richardson said. "...If it's illegal, it's illegal."

Richardson was the defensive rookie of the year last season.

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Vick says Goodell 'doing a great job' (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York September 18, 2014

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/11548980/michael-vick-new-york-jets-roger-goodell-does-not-deserve-lose-job

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick, who was on the receiving end of Roger Goodell justice seven years ago, defended the embattled NFL commissioner, claiming Thursday that Goodell doesn't deserve to lose his job.

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"You have to give the man a chance, you have to him a chance, you have to give everybody a chance to get it right," said Vick, who believes Goodell is "doing a great job."

Goodell is under fire amid the intense fallout from the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson situations, along with domestic-violence allegations involving other NFL players.

Vick, who was suspended indefinitely by Goodell in 2007 after pleading guilty to federal dogfighting charges, called for patience, saying the commissioner should be given an opportunity to resolve the issues.

"I think some situations are more complicated than others," Vick said. "You're not going to get it right all the time or the first time. These situations that are arising are situations that we've never dealt with before in the NFL -- from a PR standpoint, just from a situation standpoint.

"It's kind of new to everybody. That's why we're talking about it right now. It has to be dealt with. Nobody is perfect. Nobody is going to make the correct decisions right there and then on the spot when faced all forms of adversity."

There was a time when it looked like Vick was finished in the league. But, after missing the 2007 and 2008 seasons while serving a prison sentence, he was reinstated by Goodell and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Vick didn't offer his thoughts on domestic violence or child abuse. He said he's confident "it'll all be cleaned up" in the NFL, suggesting that some good has emerged from earlier missteps.

"You see the other teams that are dealing with it now are making the right decisions, based on what has happened in weeks prior," he said. "You have to give people a chance. You have to give people a chance, man. You're not always going to get it right the first time."

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NJ.COM

Rex Ryan not concerned about Geno Smith's turnovers so far (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com September 18, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/09/rex_ryan_not_concerned_about_geno_smiths_turnovers_so_far.html

FLORHAM PARK -- All offseason, the Jets talked constantly about how much Geno Smith had improved as a quarterback, about how much better he is with going through his progressions, with making reads, with how much better he is with his vision and his footwork.

All of this is true. Smith is indeed much more sure of himself, and it shows. He completed 82.1 percent of his passes in the season opener against the Raiders, and he had a 77 percent completion rate Sunday against the Packers before regressing in the second half. Ten different receivers have caught his passes.

But there's one still obvious negative that hasn't changed for Smith: Turnovers.

Last season, as a rookie, Smith turned the ball over 25 times—21 interceptions, four fumbles. This year—and two games represents a tiny sample size, granted—Smith already has three turnovers: two interceptions and a fumble. And both picks led directly to touchdowns for the Jets' opponents.

Head coach Rex Ryan is anything but worried about it.

"I think you never dismiss them, but sometimes those things happen," Ryan said. "The thing I have been proud of is his presence in the pocket, the way he puts the ball on his front shoulder when he moves, all

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of those types of things and trying to make good decisions with the football. And for the most part he has."

How does Smith stack up against the rest of the league so far? He's currently 16th in completion percentage (65.0), 28th in yards per game (198.5), 28th in quarterback rating (81.0), and 29th in ESPN's Total QBR (42.3). But we must hasten to remind you that it's Week 3. The Patriots' Tom Brady is 23rd in QBR (48.4), while the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger is 26th (43.7), and the Seahawks' Russell Wilson is 22nd (49.0). Care to know who's No. 1? Washington's Kirk Cousins (93.7), with the Panthers' Derek Anderson No. 3 (89.6) and the Texans' Ryan Fitzpatrick No. 4 (84.1). So let's give this season some more time to take shape before making any hard judgments about QB performance, OK?

"Overall," Ryan said, "I have been happy with the way [Smith] has handled it."

When comparing Smith's turnovers from last year to this year, there is one glaring difference, and it's not insignificant: None have come because he's forcing the ball, or trying to do more than he should. Smith's fumble came on a designed run in which there was at least one missed block. His pick against the Raiders resulted, in part, because safety Charles Woodson—a future Hall of Famer—made an exceptional play. And Sunday's interception against Green Bay might have been a touchdown if Smith hadn't been hit by defensive end Mike Daniels just as he stepped into the throw.

Smith has acknowledged more than once since Sunday's game that he should have thrown that ball a bit sooner. But did he think that pass would have been a touchdown if he hadn't taken that hit from Daniels?

"Yeah," he said. "The defender was there, but Zach [Sudfeld] had room [for me] to get the pass to him. (I) took a hit. Like I said, got to get the ball out faster and feel that pressure and not do that in that situation because obviously, it turned the game for us."

The Jets also were without Eric Decker, their top wideout, for the entire fourth quarter against the Packers, which took away much of their ability to stretch the field. Decker's status for Monday night's game against the Bears still isn't known. It goes without saying that the Jets could use him. The Bears' defense has already intercepted four passes, the second-highest total in the league.

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Eric Decker still sidelined at Jets practice; Dee Milliner in full pads (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com September 18, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/09/eric_decker_still_sidelined_at_jets_practice_dee_milliner_in_full_pads.html

FLORHAM PARK -- A quick injury update based on the 30-minute portion of Jets practice Thursday afternoon that was open to the media:

• Wide receiver Eric Decker, who's nursing a hamstring injury, was at practice with his helmet, which is a change from Wednesday. But Decker wore sneakers instead of cleats and was not in shoulder pads, making it unlikely he would practice at all. After the team finished stretching, Decker joined the trainers in the rehab area to do agility exercises.

• Cornerback Dee Milliner, who also did agility exercises on Wednesday, at least based on what reporters were permitted to watch, joined his teammates for positional drills on Thursday. Milliner had said after practice Wednesday that he was no longer feeling any stiffness in the left ankle he had sprained during training camp. Milliner had played 40 snaps against the Packers on Sunday before removing himself from the game.

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• Backup inside linebacker Nick Bellore, who had strained his left calf during the Aug. 28 preseason finale in Philly, began practice in the trainers' area and did some sprints before hitting the exercise bike when the rest of the team began position drills. It is not known whether Bellore re-aggravated the calf injury, or if he's dealing with something new. Bellore did participate in 20 special teams plays against the Packers.

• Tight end Jeff Cumberland, linebacker A.J. Edds, and cornerback Darrin Walls all began practice by working with the trainers, but all three eventually took part in position drills. Cumberland's been bothered by a sore Achilles, though he did play against the Packers. Edds was held out of the Packers game with a hamstring issue. Walls's injury status is not known.

The Jets play the Bears Monday night. Both teams are expected to file formal injury reports for the first time this week later Thursday.

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5 biggest gut-punch losses for Jets in Rex Ryan era (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com September 18, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/09/5_biggest_gut-punch_losses_for_jets_in_rex_ryan_era.html

FLORHAM PARK -- Sunday's loss to the Packers will not doom the Jets this season. There are still 14 games to go, and the Jets get a chance to right a lot of their wrongs when the host the Bears on Monday night.

But, still: The Jets could have earned a statement win on the road against one of the league's marquee franchises. They went into Lambeau Field and constructed a 21-3 lead in the game's first 20 minutes. Their offense, so maligned in recent years, looked a lot like the efficient, versatile unit they had spent the offseason promising everyone it would be. And they kept Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' high-powered offense out of the end zone until the final eight seconds before halftime.

Then it got away. But not without one last gasp for breath: The Jets scored a touchdown that would have tied the game with about five minutes remaining, only to have it taken away because offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg had signaled for a timeout just before the snap, never mind that the NFL rules state that only the head coach or a player on the field can be granted a timeout request.

And, so, once again, Lucy swiped the ball away moments before Charlie Brown could kick it. Alas, that's a feeling Jets fans know all too well.

But what are the five biggest gut-punch losses since Rex Ryan became the Jets' head coach in 2009? Hate to open some old wounds, but here, in chronological order, is a quick list:

1. Steelers 24, Jets 19. Jan. 23, 2011: The wider world remembers the Steelers beating the Jets at home to get to their third Super Bowl in six seasons, which the wider world expected. But the Jets had just beaten the hated Patriots on the road in the divisional round of the playoffs for the franchise's biggest win since Super Bowl III. Yet, stunningly, the Jets allowed themselves to get pushed around in the first half, which ended with the Steelers in front 24-3 and with a rushing edge of 135 yards to 1. The Jets pitched a shutout in the second half and battled back, but came up agonizingly short. There remains a persistent belief among the Jets that they were better than the Steelers that season, and perhaps even better than the Packers, who went on to win Super Bowl XLV.

2. Broncos 17, Jets 13. Nov. 17, 2011: In a Thursday night game that could have pushed their record to 6-4, the Jets outgained the Broncos by nearly 100 yards and doubled them up in first downs. But with 5:54 left, the Broncos got the ball at their own 5 and proceeded to march 95 yards to a game-winning touchdown, with quarterback Tim Tebow dashing the last 20 yards for a score with 1:06 left. Tebow would

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play for the Jets the following season and barely see the field. Even now, three years later, it's absurd to think the Jets lost to him that night.

3. Eagles 45, Jets 19. Dec. 18, 2011. The Jets rebounded from getting Tebowed by winning their next three to push their record to 8-5 heading into a road matchup with the Eagles, who began the season as the Dream Team by now were sputtering toward a miserable finish. So of course the Eagles blew the Jets out and rolled to a 28-0 lead in the game's first 20 minutes. The embarrassment of the defeat was only punctuated by Jets receiver Santonio Holmes, who scored a touchdown and proceeded to place his foot on the ball and flap his arms. It was a send-up of the way Terrell Owens used to celebrate TDs when he played for the Eagles, and while such bursts of personality from NFL players often should be encouraged, it maybe wasn't the best idea for Holmes to do this with the Jets down by nearly three touchdowns. The Jets would later lose their last two games to finish 8-8.

4. Patriots 49, Jets 19. Nov. 22, 2012. Thanksgiving night. Blowout loss. This:

5. Titans 14, Jets 10. Dec. 17, 2012. Current Jets running back Chris Johnson had a 94-yard touchdown run that stands as the only worthwhile highlight of this Monday Night Football slapstick comedy. Somehow, the 6-8 Jets were still mathematically alive for a playoff spot coming in. Neither team wanted to win this game, or so it seemed, anyway. With less than a minute to go, the Titans' Brett Kern shanked a 19-yard punt from his own end zone that set the Jets up on the 25 with 47 seconds left. But on the very next play, Nick Mangold's shotgun snap was low, and Mark Sanchez could neither catch it nor corral it. Game over, playoff hopes over. And ... scene.

Any other gut-punch losses since Ryan took over still stick with you? Leave 'em in the comments.

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METRO NEW YORK

Jets starting to see fruit of Mike Tannenbaum’s draft classes (Kristian Dyer) Metro New York September 18, 2014

http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/nfl/2014/09/18/jets-starting-see-fruit-mike-tannenbaums-draft-classes/

If you look at the names of many of the Jets’ key contributors this year they have a common theme: Mike Tannenbaum.

The former general manager was fired by the Jets last year in part due to a perceived lack of talent gleaned over the past few years in the NFL Draft. But this year’s Jets are reaping the benefits of some of his mid- to late-round selections.

Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley, running back Bilal Powell, nose tackle Kenrick Ellis and cornerback Antonio Allen were all taken in the third round or later and are now critical pieces on the Jets’ team. Undrafted free agents linebacker Nick Bellore and nose tackle Damon Harrison are as well.

Tannenbaum brought all of them to the Jets.

“I always felt it took three to four years to evaluate a draft,” Tannenbaum told Metro on Wednesday. “The balance you try to strike is you want to win for today and develop for tomorrow. That’s the balance we try to strike. I worry about our process and the people we work with and hopefully it all works out with getting players that can help immediately. Others take a while to develop.”

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Some of his picks were no brainers, such as center Nick Mangold and left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Others were a bit of a gamble, such as Muhammad Wilkerson, who was under the radar as a first-round pick but is now one of the NFL’s top defensive ends.

After evaluating Harrison for instance, the Jets felt comfortable with him being a possible late-round selection. That they were able to sign him after the draft as a free agent underscores what good scouting can bring to a team. Harrison is now one of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the league.

Powell, now in his fourth year with the Jets, was labeled as a bust. During his rookie year, he had just 13 carries for 21 yards in two games played. He had 697 rushing yards last season as the clear No. 2 back.

“That first year was almost a redshirt year for me,” Powell told Metro. “Looking back, it was great. I appreciate it now. I got to see behind guys like LaDainian Tomlinson, Shonn Greene and Joe McKnight. I learned, I watched, I got to understand the building and the team. It really helped me along.”

Tannenbaum’s philosophy was simple. The first round resolved itself, the second round took some projection in terms of evaluation and trust in players’ college backgrounds in the middle to late rounds.

“Draft some good football players from good schools and ask them to do as much reasonably as they did in college,” Tannenbaum said of his late-round philosophy.

He cites Kerley, who put up big numbers at TCU with quarterback Andy Dalton, as a player the Jets were trusting to produce based on his college numbers. Kerley led the team in receiving yards last year and is now one of the team’s top targets on third down.

“It’s trying to be as strategic as possible when opportunities present themselves — like to trade up for Darrelle Revis or David Harris,” Tannenbaum said. “Then be flexible to trade back as well. Have as much flexibility as possible, to not be beholden to any one position.”

Some picks didn’t work out. Wide receiver Stephen Hill, who was cut before the 2014 season started, and much-maligned cornerback Kyle Wilson are two examples. But there’s also players like Allen, who came to the Jets as a seventh-round pick and moved from linebacker to safety in his rookie year and now recently to cornerback.

Allen was moved around on defense in college. He came to the Jets with questions about his football acumen — it can be inferred he didn’t test particularly well. He had versatility, but he seemed like a classic “tweener” type.

The coaching staff — and head coach Rex Ryan in particular — wasn’t worried about Allen’s perceived lack of football knowledge.

Allen was discussed at length by management prior to the draft, and there was a consensus that despite this low test score, he had a tremendous upside.

Now in his third year with the Jets, he’s gotten a significant role at cornerback.

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Eric Decker ‘unlikely to play’ against Bears: Source (Kristian Dyer) Metro New York September 18, 2014

http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/nfl/2014/09/17/eric-decker-unlikely-play-bears-source/

Jets wide receiver Eric Decker’s status for Monday night’s game against the Bears is in doubt after he missed practice again Wednesday.

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Decker left Sunday’s loss to the Packers in the third quarter with a reoccurrence of a hamstring injury he suffered in training camp. Decker, the team’s prized free agent signing this offseason, leads the team in receptions, receiving yards and is the only wide receiver with a touchdown catch.

A team source tells Metro Decker “is unlikely to play” against the Bears at this point, but the Jets’ top target won’t rule himself out.

“I can’t give you a timeline. I can just tell you that right now, every day I am going to try and do a little bit more and see how it feels, and keep at it, whether it’s a strengthening program, or a stretching program, whatever they have for me, and we are going to be smart with it,” Decker said. “But I want to get out [on the field] as soon as I can for my teammates, so I am going to obviously make a smart choice, but try to get out there.”

Cornerback Dee Milliner was also held out of practice on Wednesday. The Jets’ first-round pick from a year ago suffered a high ankle sprain in training camp that limited him to just one preseason game. He missed the first game of the season, but came back last Sunday.

Head coach Rex Ryan said he doesn’t think the player was rushed back ahead of last Sunday’s loss at the Packers, despite the cornerback struggling, including on the Packers’ game-winning touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson.

“I don’t feel that way. I thought he started the game well,” Ryan said. “At the end of the game, obviously he didn’t play as well as he is capable of. But no, I don’t think [he was rushed back].”

Milliner said he’s “progressing day-in and day-out” with the ankle injury.

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THURSDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

Associated Press September 18, 2014

http://www.chron.com/default/article/Thursday-s-Sports-Transactions-5764945.php

BASEBALL

American League

OAKLAND ATHLETICS — Signed a four-year player development contract with Nashville (PCL) through the 2018 season.

Can-Am League

NEW JERSEY JACKALS — Sent INF Jose Cuevas to Trois-Rivieres to complete a previous trade.

National League

CHICAGO CUBS — Signed a four-year player development contract with South Bend (MWL) through the 2018 season.

BASKETBALL

National Basketball Association

CHICAGO BULLS — Signed G E'Twaun Moore.

FOOTBALL

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National Football League

ARIZONA CARDINALS — Re-signed RB Jalen Parmele. Placed RB Jonathan Dwyer on the reserve/non-football illness list.

CHICAGO BEARS — Signed CB Demontre Hurst.

LACROSSE

Major League Lacrosse

OHIO MACHINE — Announced the retirement of D Greg Bice.

SOCCER

Major League Soccer

MLS — Fined Los Angeles coach Bruce Arena $20,000 for making critical comments of the league.

National Women's Soccer League

SKY BLUE FC — Re-signed MF Katy Freels.

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