February 07, 2012 ,
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By BRIAN COSTELLO
The Jets signed wide receiver Patrick Turner to a one-year deal worth $650,000, according to a source.Turner was scheduled to become a restricted free agent. The 24-year-old had eight catches for 96... Read on
February 06, 2012 ,
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By BRIAN COSTELLO
The trial of Jets defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis for malicious wounding has been postponed until May 22, according to court documents.The trial, to be held in Hampton, Va., was scheduled to begin... Read on
The trial of Jets defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis for malicious wounding has been postponed until May 22, according to court documents.
The trial, to be held in Hampton, Va., was scheduled to begin Tuesday after being pushed back twice before.
Ellis, who was drafted a year ago in the third round by the Jets, is charged with attacking a fellow student while at Hampton University. Ellis reportedly faces deportation if convicted of a felony because he’s not a U.S. citizen.
February 04, 2012 ,
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By BRIAN COSTELLO
INDIANAPOLIS – Jets coach Rex Ryan does not plan on just becoming more involved with the offense. He also wants to take a larger role with the defense.Ryan, appearing last night at the inaugural NFL... Read on
INDIANAPOLIS – Jets coach Rex Ryan does not plan on just becoming more involved with the offense. He also wants to take a larger role with the defense.
Ryan, appearing last night at the inaugural NFL Honors, spoke about changes he plans on making this year in himself.
"I've never been considered the weakness of a football team – ever," Ryan said. "I've always been a strength if anything. When I look at this past season, I have to do a better job. One thing that I'll say is I have to coach more. Instead of being pulled in maybe different directions or whatever I have to sit back and say you know what, I need to coach more. I need to be in the meetings more. I need to have more of an impact on what we do even defensively."
Ryan said he has spoken with defensive coordinator Mike Pettine about doing this. Pettine came to the Jets from the Ravens with Ryan in 2009. Ryan has turned more of the play-calling over to Pettine each year. Ryan avoided the question when asked if he would take back some play-calling duties. Instead, he focused on other areas.
"I know I can make an impact on defense," he said. "I think I have my whole life. I think I'll even get more involved. I already talked to Mike about, 'shoot, I'm going to run more meetings.' Not because he can't, Mike is terrific. Mike is absolutely terrific. Just for myself, I want to be more in touch with our players. "
As for the play-calling?
"We'll see how that goes," Ryan said. "We'll share it like we've done in the past. We've always gotten input whether I'm making the final call or Mike Pettine is making the call we've always had input from all the guys from [linebackers coach Bob] Sutton, from [defensive backs coach] Dennis Thurman.
Ryan said they have not finalized their coaching staff for 2012. Ryan said he and general manager Mike Tannenbaum will begin planning for free agency shortly.
"[We're] really at the very early stages of that right now," Ryan said. "It was more about taking this time and analyzing ourselves personally and our football team. We'll start looking at free agency and all that stuff in the real near future."
February 04, 2012 ,
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By BRIAN COSTELLO
INDIANAPOLIS – Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young said he was surprised when his phone rang last month and it was Jets head coach Rex Ryan calling.Ryan reached out to Young for clarification on... Read on
INDIANAPOLIS – Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young said he was surprised when his phone rang last month and it was Jets head coach Rex Ryan calling.
Ryan reached out to Young for clarification on something the ESPN analyst said on the air about Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez struggling to reach his potential under Ryan.
Young said Ryan called and asked him, "What the heck are you talking about?"
"I think it was a great conversation, really open," Young said Saturday. "I hung up and was like, 'I really respect that guy that he would call, that he would listen.' I'm sure he was like, 'maybe Steve Young's crazy,' but at least have the conversation. Him saying to me, 'I'm trying to figure out what's going on in my spot and I heard you.' I thought it was great."
Young, who is part of the four-hour "Sunday NFL Countdown" show on ESPN to preview the Super Bowl on Sunday, said he spoke to Ryan about how offenses struggle under defensive-minded head coaches. Young played for one in George Seifert with the 49ers.
"My fundamental premise is I have watched and experienced defensive-minded head coaches and their effect on offense," Young said. "I watched his dad [former Eagles and Cardinals coach Buddy Ryan], and I talked to him about this, and he admitted he is the same way, 'I'm a defensive coach. I coach great defense. That's what I know.' What happens is the premise is great offense needs light and sunshine. Great defense doesn't. It just doesn't. He brings great sunshine and light to his defense because that's what he knows and that's how he coaches, that's how he practices, that's how he talks. Then what happens is the offense that needs sunshine and light doesn't get it."
Young explained to him that he needs to pay more attention to his offense and his quarterback, in particular. That doesn't mean just sitting in meeting rooms either.
"I think we came to an understanding," Young said. "He said 'I don't feel like I know offense and I don't have the right to go in there.' I said it's not really about that because George Seifert tried to do that. He said you guys were a phenomenal offense with George and I gave him some insight."
The two then talked about some different teams and coaches around the league who have gone through similar transitions.
"We got to talking about [Patriots coach] Bill Belichick," Young said. "Something happened between Cleveland and the first couple of years in Boston. He had the same struggles in Cleveland. Something happened there that allowed him to make that transition."
They also discussed the Ravens, where Ryan was the defensive coordinator for four seasons before coming to the Jets.
"We got talking about Baltimore," Young said. "I think they've suffered and still suffer from strong personalities on their defense who don't mean trouble but they'll say to the offense, 'don't screw it up. If you don't screw this up, we win.' Then you call plays to not screw it up. Then you run plays not to screw it up. Then you play not to screw it up. I think the Jets are in that mold right now where the defense is like, 'don't screw it up.' I think it affects the way people play, the way they practice, the way they call plays. Our conversation was all about that."
Young said this was the first time a head coach has reached out to him about something he has said on the air.
"I thought it was great," Young said. "I was grateful for the chance to talk it out. In TV, I don't even get to say it right. … I was very impressed with his openness to philosophically what I was trying to say."
February 03, 2012 ,
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By BRIAN COSTELLO
INDIANAPOLIS -- The rebuilding of the relationship between Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and wide receiver Santonio Holmes may begin with a weekend retreat by the duo.Jets coach Rex Ryan told The... Read on
INDIANAPOLIS -- The rebuilding of the relationship between Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and wide receiver Santonio Holmes may begin with a weekend retreat by the duo.
Jets coach Rex Ryan told The Post on Friday he has spoken with each player and Holmes told him he'd like to get away for a weekend with Sanchez as the two try to fix their chemistry.
"It seemed like that was what Santonio was talking about," said Ryan, who is at Super Bowl XLVI to make some promotional appearances. "I don't know if he's reached out to Mark yet and done anything but that is what I believe to be true."
A month after the 8-8 season ended in disaster in Miami for the Jets, Ryan said he feels like everything will be better in 2012. The relationship between his quarterback and receiver is first on that list.
"The first year they had good chemistry together," Ryan said. "Whatever happened, happened but we'll learn from it. I'm confident because I think we have to be successful, they have to be successful together. I know one thing they are both extremely competitive.
"There isn't one person in this organization who feels good about where we finished. We can't wait to get it done again. We'd love to be able to play tomorrow. We'll see. I think the strength of our football team will be in how we feel about each other and all that, the chemistry that we've always built. I think that will be a strength and won't be a weakness like it might have been perceived this year."
Ryan just returned from a vacation in Hawaii. He said while he was there he took some time to reflect on what went wrong and what he needed to do to improve the chemistry on his team.
"I had a little pad of paper with me," Ryan said. "On one side I put down things that I need to improve on after having time to be away from it a little bit. I put how I'm going to get it corrected on the other side. That's the plan. Each year I try to do that. This year is obviously important. There's a lot of things I can learn from this past season. I really can't wait to get started."
Super Bowl XLVI is a nightmare matchup for Ryan between his in-state rival, the Giants, and his division rival, the Patriots.
"I think it's going to be an awesome game," Ryan said. "The last two times these teams met it hasn't been decided to the final minute of the game. I think it will be the same."
His prediction?
"I'm not going to make a prediction," Ryan said. "If I make a prediction on one team and that team loses, I'll be blamed for it."
February 02, 2012 ,
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By BRIAN COSTELLO
INDIANAPOLIS -- Jets owner Woody Johnson arrived here Thursday for an NFL meeting. He is also in town to do some Super Bowl scouting in preparation for 2014 when the Jets and Giants will be hosts for... Read on
INDIANAPOLIS -- Jets owner Woody Johnson arrived here Thursday for an NFL meeting. He is also in town to do some Super Bowl scouting in preparation for 2014 when the Jets and Giants will be hosts for the Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium.
Johnson took some time to talk about the Jets with two reporters. He said he plans on having dinner with quarterback Mark Sanchez next week. He also will dine with head coach Rex Ryan as the Jets prepare for 2012.
One person he can't reach? Running back LaDainian Tomlinson. Two weeks ago, Johnson said he would reach out to Tomlinson after the veteran had some harsh things to say about the Jets.
"I called him but I didn't get him," Johnson said. "But LaDainian's amazing. I hold him in the highest [regard]. Everybody was frustrated at the end of the season. We won't hold him accountable for that."
Johnson said he, general manager Mike Tannenbaum and Ryan have been plotting how to improve in 2012 after finishing 8-8 this season.
"That's all we talk about," Johnson said. "We're preparing for everything. That's our job. We're trying to make our team better. We're using every ounce, every nerve cell we have, 24/7 trying to improve this team."
Johnson said he expects Ryan to learn from his mistakes in 2011.
"I think anytime you had a down year like we had it's a chance to reflect on what you've done correctly and maybe things you can improve," he said. "Rex is so good as a manager. He'll take these experiences and be a much better coach. He's an exceptional coach as it is, but I think he'll be even better."
Johnson would not say who he is rooting for Sunday in a Super Bowl that features the Jets' in-state rival and division rival. He did speak with admiration for the Giants.
"That's what we're all shooting for," he said of getting to the big game. "The Giants, hats off to them. They've done a great job in the last decade really. This is their third time in the last 12 years."
February 02, 2012 ,
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By BRIAN COSTELLO
Jets outside linebacker Jamaal Westerman had surgery to repair a torn groin recently, a source confirmed.Westerman played in 16 games for the Jets this season, starting three. He finished the year... Read on
Jets outside linebacker Jamaal Westerman had surgery to repair a torn groin recently, a source confirmed.
Westerman played in 16 games for the Jets this season, starting three. He finished the year with 3 ½ sacks and one forced fumble. Westerman was one of several linebackers the Jets used to replace Bryan Thomas, who was lost for the season in Week 4 with a torn Achilles tendon.
Westerman will be a restricted free agent.
February 01, 2012 ,
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By BRIAN COSTELLO
INDIANAPOLIS -- If there was any doubt about Plaxico Burress' future with the Jets, it vanished Wednesday night.Burress said a lot by saying a little when asked about his season with the Jets after... Read on
INDIANAPOLIS -- If there was any doubt about Plaxico Burress' future with the Jets, it vanished Wednesday night.
Burress said a lot by saying a little when asked about his season with the Jets after an autograph show here when the wide receiver made it sound like he wanted to forget his time in green and white.
The most telling short answer came when he was asked what he thought of Mark Sanchez as a quarterback.
"Mark Sanchez is Mark Sanchez," Burress said.
When he was asked what he thought of the criticism heaped on Sanchez since the Jets season ended, Burress did not stick up for the third-year quarterback.
Instead, he said, "I haven't entertained any of it."
Don't count on seeing Burress back in a Jets uniform in 2012. Burress spoke to reporters from The Post and NBC after the show at the NFL Experience. He was expansive and happy when talking about the Giants appearing in the Super Bowl and his memories of Super Bowl XLII in 2008. Whenever the topic turned to the Jets, his answers were succinct and the smile vanished from his face.
Asked if he was happy with how his year with the Jets went, he said, "It went as it went."
Asked if he thought the Jets used him to the best of his capabilities, he said, "They used me the way they wanted to use me."
Pressed about his opinion of how they used him, he said, "I just answered your question."
Burress caught 45 passes for 612 yards, both full-season career-lows, and eight touchdowns this season for the Jets after signing a one-year, $3.017 million deal with the team. He never developed a chemistry with Sanchez and his production faded as the year went on.
Burress, a free agent, said he does not know where he will end up playing next season. It is unlikely the Jets want Burress back. They need to get younger at wide receiver.
Even if they did, it does not sound like Burress wants any part of an encore with Gang Green.
"I don't know what's going to happen," he said. "It's a business first. I'll evaluate my options going into the offseason and I'll make my decision based on that."
Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, who is good friends with Burress, said Tuesday that Burress wished he signed with the Giants instead of the Jets. But Burress said he does not regret his decision.
"I don't second guess myself at all with any decisions I've made," he said. "It's life and you can't predict what's going to happen in life. You make decisions based on certain things and you run with it."
Since the Jets 8-8 season ended on Jan. 1 the fallout has not stopped. The Jets locker room has been described as toxic.
What does Burress think?
"The Jets locker room is the Jets locker room," he said.
And it doesn't sound like he'll ever step foot in it again.
February 01, 2012 ,
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By BRIAN COSTELLO
INDIANAPOLIS -- Jets tight end Dustin Keller said the past month has been no fun as he watched the playoffs from home and listened to people tear apart the Jets.Keller said the picture that has been... Read on
INDIANAPOLIS -- Jets tight end Dustin Keller said the past month has been no fun as he watched the playoffs from home and listened to people tear apart the Jets.
Keller said the picture that has been painted of the Jets' dysfunctional locker room is not accurate.
"I think it's been a little bit blown out of proportion," Keller said Wednesday. "Obviously, we do have some problems that we need to address. It's just not as bad as things have been made out to be."
Keller, an Indiana native, is in town to promote 1800flowers.com. He made the rounds on ESPN shows Wednesday and spoke to The Post for a few minutes about how tough it's been since the season ended.
"It has not been fun," Keller said. "Obviously, we haven't made it this far yet, but we usually go pretty deep in the postseason. Just not to make it is really frustrating. We just have to come back, break down the film and make things right."
If the 8-8 finish to the season weren't bad enough, the Jets have been the NFL piñatas for the last month. Keller is close friends with quarterback Mark Sanchez, and he said the two have spoken about bringing the team back together. The two have begun planning the Jets West camp in California where Sanchez and his receivers have gotten together the past two years.
Last year, Santonio Holmes did not attend. This year, all eyes will be on him to see if he does as the relationship between him and Sanchez is dissected.
Keller said he believes Holmes will be welcomed back by his teammates despite his behavior in the final game with the Dolphins. Keller was the one holding back Holmes from going after tackle Wayne Hunter in the huddle when TV cameras caught the scene.
"It was just a bad situation," Keller said. "Things just fell the wrong way. It's the worst-case scenario. We have a lot of competitors on the team. When things just started falling apart there were cameras in the … well I guess for the media it was the right place. But it was the wrong place at the wrong time."
As for Holmes' return?
"Santonio is a big playmaker," he said. "He's a great guy in the locker room. I think pretty much everyone would consider him a good friend on the team. It's just really uncharacteristic of him. We know that things can be settled and he'll be a huge piece for us next year."
Keller also took issue with a published report last month that quoted anonymous Jets criticizing Sanchez.
"Anytime an article is just filled with anonymous quotes, I'm not buying into it," he said. "I don't feel like there's many guys, if any guys, that would have all these bad things to say about Mark, let alone his work ethic. You can ask anybody, that's the one thing you can't question about Mark Sanchez. He's one of the harder workers on the team and he does a great job of bringing guys along with him."
February 01, 2012 ,
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By BRIAN COSTELLO
INDIANAPOLIS -- Patriots guard Logan Mankins had some choice words for the Jets Wednesday.Mankins was speaking about the Patriots natured to provide guarded comments and he referenced his AFC East... Read on
INDIANAPOLIS -- Patriots guard Logan Mankins had some choice words for the Jets Wednesday.
Mankins was speaking about the Patriots natured to provide guarded comments and he referenced his AFC East rivals.
"The Jets, we know they're full of hot air," Mankins said. "We see where they are right now."
The Jets finished 8-8 and have a crisis in their locker room. The Patriots went 13-3 and are playing in Super Bowl XLVI against the Giants on Sunday.
Mankins was asked if the Jets' talking inspires other teams, like Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson said last month.
"It could to a degree," he said. "We've played them so many times it doesn't work for us. We know what they're about. The Jets have a good football team. They just didn't win enough games."
So what are the Jets about in his eyes?
"They just like to say whatever they feel like saying and sometimes that can come back to bite you in the butt," Mankins said.