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NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS
October 26, 2014
Table of Contents
NEWSDAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 1
Jets' Geno Smith still has chance to show he belongs (Kimberley Martin) ...............................................................1
Percy Harvin must stow away baggage if he wants to take off with Jets (Bob Glauber) ..........................................3
Which Percy Harvin will show up in Jets debut? (Kimberley Martin)........................................................................4
Jets RB Chris Ivory says he doesn't think about what all those hits will do to him (Bob Glauber) ............................5
THE RECORD .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Jets vs. Bills matchup (J.P. Pelzman)..........................................................................................................................7
Jets: Win over Bills would go long way in locker room (J.P. Pelzman) ......................................................................8
NJ ADVANCED MEDIA ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Percy Harvin on kickoff return trick play? Jets teammate Saalim Hakim says how it might happen (Darryl Slater) 9
Jets-Buffalo Bills predictions: Our staff picks for Sunday's game (Dom Cosentino) ................................................10
3 Jets vs. Buffalo Bills matchups to watch, featuring Percy Harvin and Sammy Watkins (Darryl Slater) ................10
NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................. 11
To save a season — and Rex Ryan — the Jets look to Percy Harvin (Steve Serby) .................................................11
Jets rookie Jace Amaro’s drops come when he’s wide open (Brian Costello) .........................................................13
How historically ugly would a Jets loss be? (Brian Costello) ...................................................................................14
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 16
NY Jets better off losing in order to get high pick in 2015 NFL Draft (Mike Lupica) ................................................16
NY Jets can't seem to buy a takeway as Rex Ryan's defense has only produced three turnovers in seven games
(Seth Walder) ..........................................................................................................................................................19
NY Jets offense happy to hop on Percy Harvin's back and run all over Buffalo Bills (Manish Mehta) ....................20
Inside the Playbook - Buffalo Bills at NY Jets: Look for Gang Green's defense to control the action (Hank Gola) .22
NEW YORK TIMES ................................................................................................................................................ 23
A Game of Attrition Chews Up N.F.L. Players (Ben Shpigel) ....................................................................................23
Sunday’s Matchup: Bills (4-3) at Jets (1-6) (Ben Shpigel) ........................................................................................25
SATURDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS .................................................................................................................. 26
NEWSDAY
Jets' Geno Smith still has chance to show he belongs (Kimberley Martin)
Newsday
October 26, 2014
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-geno-smith-still-has-chance-to-show-he-belongs1.9546759
1|Page
Daily Clips Cont.
The Jets will sink or swim with Geno Smith.
Regardless of whether anyone internally will admit it, the next nine games are an audition for him. After
an erratic rookie season and an underwhelming seven games in Year 2, Smith isn't guaranteed to be the
starting quarterback after this season.
Beating Buffalo (4-3) on Sunday won't be easy. Though the Bills have lost their two best running backs
(C.J. Spiller, who is on injured reserve with a broken collarbone, and Fred Jackson, who will miss several
weeks with a groin injury), the Bills have one of the best defensive front fours in the NFL and have
registered a league-high 24 sacks.
They've also had their own issues at quarterback this season. But unlike Rex Ryan, Bills coach Doug
Marrone chose to make a change, replacing 2013 first-round pick EJ Manuel with veteran journeyman
Kyle Orton.
Marrone said it was "a tough decision'' but felt it was the right move for his team.
"It goes by performance,'' the Bronx-born Marrone, whose Bills are 2-1 since Orton took over, said during
a Wednesday conference call. "And we were looking for more production and EJ has taken a step back
and he's doing very well supporting Kyle any time he can or anything he can do to help.''
After back-to-back losses in Weeks 3 and 4, Marrone sat Manuel, who had a 58.0 completion percentage,
five touchdown passes and three interceptions in four games. Though Orton's numbers (68.5 completion
percentage, five touchdown passes, three interceptions) are similar, the Bills believe his veteran
experience gives him an edge over Manuel, the 16th overall pick last year.
"I think it was a great opportunity . . . for EJ to take a step back, gather a lot of film, to see a veteran go in
there and play or prepare the leadership . . . things like that,'' said Marrone, the former head coach at
Syracuse. " . . . I've told him that I think it's going to pay dividends in the long run because I think that's
what happens a lot.''
Meanwhile, the Jets have chosen to stay the course with Smith despite their offensive struggles and 1-6
record. Unlike Marrone, Ryan said he's never wavered about starting Smith each week.
"Whether the improvements are noticed by everybody or not, I've noticed the improvements that he's
making,'' Ryan said.
He added that the only time he's thought the 24-year-old would benefit from being benched was at
halftime against the Chargers with the Jets trailing 21-0. Michael Vick replaced Smith to start the third
quarter and the Jets went on to a 31-0 loss.
Said Ryan, "Again, I think the arrow's going up. Yeah, huge task in front of him this week, but I'm confident
in him.''
Asked to give specific examples of improvement he's seen from Smith, Ryan cited the offensive line's
improved pass protection and Smith's poise in the pocket. Ryan also praised Smith for running with the
football more in the Jets' most recent game, a loss to the Patriots.
The Jets secured another weapon for Smith last week -- the speedy but controversial Percy Harvin, whom
they acquired from Seattle in exchange for a conditional draft pick. It's unclear how the Jets plan to use
Harvin, but he's sure to have an impact on the offense starting Sunday.
Smith, however, wasn't in the mood to discuss Harvin's potential effect on his own evaluation process.
"Quite honestly, I'm only focused on going out there and trying to win this game this weekend,'' he said.
"Nothing else matters.''
2|Page
Daily Clips Cont.
Percy Harvin must stow away baggage if he wants to take off with Jets (Bob Glauber)
Newsday
October 26, 2014
http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/percy-harvin-must-stow-away-baggage-if-hewants-to-take-off-with-jets-1.9547093
A little more than a week into his tenure with the Jets, all is well with Percy Harvin. He says he feels the
love from his teammates and coaches, is anxious to contribute as much as he can as soon as he can, and
has no problem going from the defending Super Bowl champions to the 1-6 AFC East bottom-feeders.
Ah, just give it some time.
Harvin has been on his best behavior, and we figure it will stay that way the remainder of the season.
After all, if it doesn't work out here for Harvin -- a former first-round pick who now is on his third team in
20 months -- chances are he'll never see the kind of money he's making in the second year of a six-year,
$67-million deal he signed last year with the Seahawks.
Harvin made a fortune with the Seahawks, earning $25.5 million guaranteed. But after this season, it's
strictly a pay-as-you-go deal, with Harvin due to make $10.5 million next season, $9.9 million in 2016,
$9.95 million in 2017 and $11.15 million in 2018. There's no way he will earn all that money if the problems
he had in Minnesota and Seattle resurface with the Jets.
Look, we're not rooting against Harvin, who can give the Jets the kind of speed and explosiveness that
very few receivers have offered in the team's entire history. We're simply being mindful of all the
examples other me-first wide receivers have provided over the years, and realizing that a player with the
kind of baggage Harvin has brought with him needs to make some big changes if he's going to fit in longterm.
And right now, Harvin doesn't seem inclined to do that. While he has expressed nothing but delight about
being with his new teammates and having a chance to turn around the Jets' fortunes, he also sounds like
a player who doesn't think he's done much wrong during his career.
Even if the circumstances suggest otherwise.
The list of incidents is a long one:
He got into a fight with teammate Golden Tate a few days before the Super Bowl last February. In the
preseason, there was another altercation with wide receiver Doug Baldwin, who reportedly suffered a cut
on his chin, according to the Seattle Times. The Times also reported that Harvin refused to play late in a
recent game against the Cowboys, a charge Harvin denies.
In Minnesota, where he lasted only four seasons, he got into a shouting match with then-coach Leslie
Frazier on the sideline during a game against the Seahawks in 2012. Harvin also had issues with former
Vikings coach Brad Childress. The two got into an argument in the weight room and Harvin threw a weight
at Childress, leaving a hole in the wall, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
He reportedly tested positive for marijuana at Florida and tested positive at the scouting combine in 2009,
according to FoxSports.com. And in high school in Virginia Beach, Virginia, he was suspended twice, once
for unsportsmanlike conduct and another time for bumping an official and using inappropriate language.
The Jets are willing to take a shot that the 26-year-old Harvin can turn his career around and provide the
deep threat their offense can sorely use. And Harvin seems willing to give the Jets a chance, even if he has
almost no hope of another Super Bowl run this year.
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Daily Clips Cont.
"I take the challenge and look at [this] as being part of something special,'' Harvin said. "A lot of people
have written this team off. But once we turn this thing around, I can say I was part of something special.''
Yes, that would be special. But it's also highly unlikely this year, and whether he'll even be around next
year or beyond remains to be seen.
For now, he seems content to begin a new chapter to his career and unwilling to revisit his past issues.
"I'm not worried about anything in the past,'' he said. "I'm just looking forward to my opportunities now.
I'm here with this team. That's all I'm looking forward to.''
It should be noted, however, that Harvin doesn't see the need to make any changes in his approach. When
asked this past week if he needs to reassess himself or his locker-room behavior, Harvin replied, "Not at
all. I've been embraced by this team, my coaches and my brothers. They've all told me to be me. That's all
I'm focused on.''
Here's hoping it works out for Harvin and his new team. The man has some amazing athletic gifts that
certainly can help the Jets, but it's foolish to ignore the issues that have come before. Harvin has some
growing up to do if this is going to work.
Which Percy Harvin will show up in Jets debut? (Kimberley Martin)
Newsday
October 25, 2014
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/which-percy-harvin-will-show-up-in-jets-debut1.9546518
So what, exactly, is the plan for Percy Harvin?
Well, it's anyone's guess before kickoff. But it's clear the Jets think they know something the Seahawks
and Vikings don't.
General manager John Idzik called the Jets' trade for Harvin (in exchange for a conditional draft pick) "a
potential coup'' for the organization, given the receiver's exceptional talent.
"He is an explosive player, he is a dynamic player. I think he can help our offense,'' Idzik told reporters
Monday. "Again, it is really immersing him into what it is to act like a Jet, be a Jet, play like a Jet, and I am
confident that he will respond.''
Since then, however, coach Rex Ryan and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg have tried to temper
expectations for Harvin's debut against the Bills on Sunday with a lot of "we'll see.'' But Ryan played coy
on Friday when he said of Harvin: "I expect him to get some, but I don't know. Again, I think part of it is
how much he's going to play. He's been here for what, a week? You're not going to see 50 plays, I wouldn't
think.''
But Ryan also joked that he could be bluffing.
The truth is: Expect to see Harvin everywhere.
He's a rare talent with incredible versatility, so Mornhinweg could line him up in the slot, at outside
receiver and in the backfield against the Bills.
"I think he's an outstanding player. We all know that,'' Bills coach Doug Marrone said. "He's explosive. He
can play on special teams and be explosive touching the football . . . He's a multiple threat [in] every aspect
and he's a game-changing element.''
And Harvin is a special- teams dream. Just ask Jets coordinator Thomas McGaughey.
4|Page
Daily Clips Cont.
"Great vision. He runs tough. He's physical. He has a ton of confidence in himself, and that makes a world
of difference,'' McGaughey said of Harvin, whose numbers have dipped dramatically since he was drafted
22nd overall by Minnesota in 2009. " . . . I'm sure we're going to see a lot of [No.] 16 on Sunday, in a whole
lot of different places.''
Harvin, a Super Bowl champion with the Seahawks, has been dealt by two teams in less than two years,
but the Jets have accepted him (and his baggage) with open arms and given him a clean slate. And as long
as he helps them score points, it should be a relatively drama-free marriage for both parties.
He appears to be adjusting well to his new locker room and his new playbook.
"I like challenges,'' said Harvin, who caught 22 passes for 133 yards and no touchdowns in five games this
season with Seattle. "I've been picking it up very well, but I still have a lot to learn . . . Physically, I'm fine.
We'll have to wait and see where I play.''
And how much.
So, Jets fans, kick back and relax and enjoy The Percy Harvin Experience. If recent history is any indication,
it's sure to be a wild ride
Back_to_Top
Jets RB Chris Ivory says he doesn't think about what all those hits will do to him (Bob Glauber)
Newsday
October 25, 2014
http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/chris-ivory-says-he-doesn-t-think-aboutwhat-all-those-hits-will-do-to-him-1.9546378
Chris Ivory lines up behind Geno Smith awaiting the snap. On first-and-10 from the Patriots' 32, Ivory takes
the handoff from Smith, finds a hole up the middle and charges straight ahead.
Three Patriots defenders surround Ivory to slow him down before safety Devin McCourty comes
thundering in to deliver one final blow, bringing Ivory down after a 9-yard gain.
This Week 7 play is a typical run for Ivory, whose physical style invariably leads to explosive collisions with
defenders on a regular basis. His punishing style is reminiscent of other aggressive runners who never
shied away from contact, even if they wound up paying a price after their careers ended.
Former Oilers bruiser Earl Campbell, who wound up in a wheelchair, comes to mind. Tony Dorsett relied
more on speed but took his share of hits, and he now is having memory problems from all those shots he
absorbed.
Former Jets running back Thomas Jones reports post-concussion issues, too, as do thousands of other
former players who wound up suing the league over concussions.
But Ivory isn't concerned about what the accumulation of hits will do to his body after his career is over.
And he certainly doesn't fret over concussions, because he has suffered only one during his NFL career,
and that was when he was with the Saints in 2010.
"I just don't worry about it,'' he said. "No explanation, I just don't.''
Ivory certainly is aware of stories such as the one belonging to Campbell, whose many hits have led to
chronic pain and necessitated many surgical procedures over the years, including recent knee
replacement surgery. He often needs a wheelchair to get around.
5|Page
Daily Clips Cont.
"I've heard about Earl Campbell and heard about some of the stories, but I don't think I will have a problem
with the way I play,'' said Ivory, who leads the Jets with 88 carries for 432 yards and three touchdowns.
One reason: Ivory doesn't have the same workload that Campbell and others of his generation shouldered.
The NFL increasingly is moving toward a running-backs-by-committee approach, spreading the carries
among several running backs instead of relying on one feature back.
"If it was back in the day, where carries the ball on every play, then it could be an issue,'' Ivory said.
"[Jerome Bettis], he was getting a lot of carries. But this is all I've known, being a part of a rotation. So
that helps me.''
Another reason Ivory doesn't concern himself with bodily harm, especially when it comes to concussions:
He insists he doesn't make much helmet-to-helmet contact.
"I don't really hit with my head,'' he said. "I hit more with my shoulders. It might look like I hit with my
head, but it's just not the case.''
For every NFL player, there is a certain degree of denial required, if for no other reason than to block out
the fear of injury. In a collision sport in which players frequently have to deal with pain of some sort -whether it's caused by physical wear and tear or the result of direct hits -- most players try not to think
about the consequences of playing such a demanding sport.
Despite the increased awareness of the dangers of the sport, highlighted in part by an ongoing concussionrelated lawsuit brought by more than 5,000 former players, today's players need to maintain their focus
simply to survive the rigors of an NFL season. But the risks do cross their minds, even if Ivory isn't quite to
that point.
The concussion risk is particularly troublesome for many players, especially after the recent release of a
study conducted by the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy. According
to researchers there, 76 of 79 brains of deceased former football players showed signs of chronic
traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive degenerative disease of the brain found in athletes with a
history of repetitive brain trauma.
"Any time you practice in pads, it's rough, especially with the guys on the lines,'' said Giants defensive
tackle Cullen Jenkins, who suffered a calf injury in last Sunday's 31-21 loss to the Cowboys and might miss
some time. "You're going to get hit every play, regardless of whether it's a run or pass. Every play you're
hitting. It's part of the game, but you do think about it.''
Jenkins, 33, says he's sometimes forgetful off the field, although he's unsure whether it is a normal
function of the aging process or related to playing in the NFL.
"You don't know if it's just because you're getting older or if it's got to do with all the years of hitting,'' he
said. "You definitely think about it.''
Giants long-snapper Zak DeOssie, the team's union representative, said players need to think about the
long-term consequences of the game.
"I think about it all the time,'' he said. "We know the risks of playing this game, and it's scary. We've all
taken dings and know how it feels.''
DeOssie's father, Steve, a former Giants linebacker and long-snapper who also played for the Cowboys,
Jets and Patriots, has not experienced any significant physical or mental problems stemming from playing
football, according to Zak.
6|Page
Daily Clips Cont.
"He played 13 years, and his body is healthy and his brain is healthy,'' Zak DeOssie said. "He still kicks my
butt in Jeopardy, and he hasn't mentioned any sort of decline. But he can't say the same for some of his
teammates, who are having problems.''
Ivory prefers to block out any fear or doubt about his physical well-being, a mindset that many other
players subscribe to, lest they start thinking too much about the risks and sacrifice the aggressiveness that
makes them excel at the sport.
The hits will keep on coming for Ivory. He'll think about the consequences another day. Now is simply not
the time.
Back_to_Top
THE RECORD
Jets vs. Bills matchup (J.P. Pelzman)
The Record
October 26, 2014
http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/jets-vs-bills-matchup-1.1118188
Bills (4-3) at Jets (1-6)
At MetLife Stadium; Today, 1 p.m.
TV: CBS Radio: ESPN-FM 98.7; Line: Jets by 3
What’s at stake
Jets: The Jets are trying to snap a six-game slide, the longest losing streak of coach Rex Ryan’s tenure.
They haven’t lost seven consecutive games since 2005, a year in which they finished 4-12 after QBs Chad
Pennington and Jay Fiedler suffered season-ending shoulder injuries. That was the final season of coach
Herm Edwards’ tenure. He resigned after the season and became Kansas City’s head coach.
Bills: If the Bills win, they would be over the .500 mark at the halfway point of the season for the first time
since 2011, and only the third occasion in the last 12 seasons. Buffalo hasn’t finished with a winning record
since 2004, and hasn’t been to the playoffs since the 1999 season. The Bills have lost four straight against
the Jets in North Jersey and seven of the last nine meetings overall.
Key matchup
Jets RT Breno Giacomini vs. Bills DE Mario Williams: Williams hasn’t had a sack against the Jets since
signing with Buffalo prior to the 2012 season. Former Jet Austin Howard, now with Oakland, did a very
good job against Williams, although he certainly had help at times. Williams has 5 1/2 sacks this season
and it will be interesting to how he fares against Giacomini, who has played solidly for the Jets.
How they’ll win
Jets: The Jets somehow manage to run the ball against a tough Buffalo defense allowing only 3.2 yards
per carry. QB Geno Smith, who was turnover-free for the first time all season in the loss at New England,
makes plays with his arm and his legs. And the team’s newest acquisition, all-purpose offensive weapon
Percy Harvin, contributes to the running game and/or the passing attack, and even helps out with a big
play on special teams. The defense, which has only three takeaways all season, finally forces some
turnovers.
Bills: QB Kyle Orton burns the Jets’ still-unsettled secondary with passes to rookie star Sammy Watkins
and Wyckoff native Chris Hogan, who has 10 catches in the past two games. The Bills likely won’t run for
7|Page
Daily Clips Cont.
much yardage against the Jets’ tough front seven, so Orton will have to be accurate. The defense shuts
down the Jets’ running attack and forces Smith into mistakes.
Back_to_Top
Jets: Win over Bills would go long way in locker room (J.P. Pelzman)
The Record
October 26, 2014
http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/jets/gang-green-down-not-out-1.1118189
A year ago today, Calvin Pryor and the rest of his Louisville teammates routed South Florida to improve
to 7-1, en route to a 12-1 season that included a bowl victory.
Pryor's surroundings are a lot different now. The rookie safety is starting for a Jets' squad that has lost six
consecutive games. Gang Green must defeat visiting Buffalo today to avoid its worst skid since a sevengame losing streak in 2005.
"We're human and it's tough not to be down," said Pryor, a first-round draft pick, "because a majority of
these guys came from winning programs and are not used to losing. It's definitely difficult. It's my first
time ever losing six games in a row. So it's definitely been a tough challenge."
Veteran right guard Willie Colon was on a Super Bowl champion with the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers, and
he's not used to this kind of a season either.
"I think our spirits are [in] fair [condition] right now," Colon said of the mood in the locker room.
"Obviously, we're not happy about where we're at. Nobody started the season thinking we would be in
this position. … We're trying to figure it out. We're trying to stay together."
He added, "we have to make sure we're not pointing fingers."
And what would a win do for this frustrated team's morale?
"It would be huge," Colon said. "It would give us some sleep at night, especially me. Losing hurts, especially
when you're putting in max effort.
"We need a win in the worst way," Colon added.
During their six-game slide, the Jets have been blown out only once, when they were shut out, 31-0, by
San Diego on Oct. 5. Other than that, in every game they have had possession of the ball at least once in
the fourth quarter while needing only one score to tie or take the lead.
That's one of many reasons they believe former Seahawk and Viking Percy Harvin can make a difference
when he steps onto the field as a Jet for the first time today. The troubled but talented Harvin is expected
to return kickoffs, and perhaps punts.
He also will have a role on offense, but it is unclear how many snaps he will play after getting a crash
course in the playbook this past week.
Even though he plays defense, Pryor said he also has been invigorated by the acquisition of Harvin, whom
the Jets got for a conditional draft choice nine days ago.
"I think ever since we picked up Percy," Pryor said, "the mind-set of this team has changed. The vibe and
the attitude has definitely changed around the building."
Perhaps that's because bringing in Harvin was a sign the Jets had not given up on the 2014 season, despite
their slow start.
8|Page
Daily Clips Cont.
Certainly it put a spring in the step of coach Rex Ryan, who alluded to Harvin's presence after the wide
receiver took part Monday in his first practice with the team.
"Just another Monday practice out there," Ryan said with a smile, leading off his daily session with
reporters. "It seemed like there was a little more buzz in the air than normal. I'm not sure why."
Of course, Ryan realizes the Jets need more than buzz right now.
"We need a win," Ryan said. "It's as simple as that. … At times we've played really well in games, almost
every game this year with the exception of the San Diego game. We just haven't put it together enough
to find a way to win. More than anything, that's what this team needs."
Veteran linebacker Calvin Pace echoed that.
"I feel positive about this week," he said Friday. "I feel good. I feel like we've prepared well. We've just
got to go out [today] and find a way to get a win somehow, some way."
Back_to_Top
NJ ADVANCED MEDIA
Percy Harvin on kickoff return trick play? Jets teammate Saalim Hakim says how it might happen (Darryl
Slater)
NJ Advanced Media
October 26, 2014
http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/10/percy_harvin_on_kickoff_return_trick_play_jets_teammate
_saalim_hakim_describes_how_it_might_happen.html
FLORHAM PARK – Saalim Hakim has an idea for how the Jets might use Percy Harvin’s speed – and Hakim’s
speed, for that matter – during Sunday’s game against the Bills, in which Harvin will make his Jets debut.
And it sounds intriguing, this kickoff return trick play.
Hakim, in his third NFL season, began this year as the Jets’ kickoff returner. Then Walter Powell replaced
Hakim in that role. Now, Harvin is taking over those duties – and maybe the punt return job, too.
Even though Hakim is no longer a return man, he has prodigious speed, which he uses as the gunner on
punt coverage and the guy who blocks the gunner on punt return. Hakim also has outside coverage and
blocking jobs on kickoff coverage and kickoff return.
It is that latter role, as a blocker for Harvin on kickoff return, that Hakim said he might take part in a trick
play. But he didn’t say how likely it is that this will happen.
“I’m on the front line, so I’m going to be out there blocking for him, blocking my butt off, to get him open
and be able to take one to the house,” Hakim said. “You never know. We could always run a little reverse
off that. We’re just preparing for different things, different plays. It’s all good. Hey, we’ve got a lot of stuff
planned that y’all ain’t seen yet. Y’all going to see it, though, on game day.”
Seeing Harvin hand off to Hakim on a reverse kickoff return could be something to behold. Again, though,
it remains unclear if the Jets actually plan to do anything like Hakim is saying. What is obvious: Harvin’s
speed could be a weapon for this team.
“Hey, you’ve got to have jets to be on the Jets,” Hakim said, giggling.
Harvin and Hakim are two of the Jets’ fastest players, so Hakim has a unique perspective on what he saw
from Harvin in practice this week.
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Daily Clips Cont.
“It looks beautiful when he’s running,” Hakim said. “He looks real nice. How does (his speed) compare to
mine? We’ve all got different gears. I’ve got seven gears. I’ve got to ask him how many he’s got. I know I
can shift all the way to seven sometimes. Most of the time, I keep it at five, though.
“When I watch him run and I see him hit his highest speed, I go back to him like, ‘Which gear were you in
right there?’ I wanted to know. Then I tell him I’ve got seven gears, just to let him know. Sometimes, they’ll
be like, ‘Yeah, I’ve got six gears.’ I’ll be like, ‘I’ve got seven.’ Like (running back) Chris Johnson, one time,
he told me he had five gears. I had to tell him I had seven. Had to let him know. But shoot, speed is what
we need. We’ve got it right now, so we’re going to see what it does for us the rest of these games.”
Back_to_Top
Jets-Buffalo Bills predictions: Our staff picks for Sunday's game (Dom Cosentino)
NJ Advanced Media
October 25, 2014
http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/10/jetsbuffalo_bills_predictions_our_staff_picks_for_sundays_game.html
FLORHAM PARK — This is how Team NJ Advance Media sees Sunday's bingo game at MetLife Stadium
between the Bills (4-3) and the Jets (1-6) playing out. Per Bovada, the Jets are three-point favorites, which
is kind of historic.
Darryl Slater, Jets beat writer (5-2 against spread, 5-2 straight up): This is the Jets' most winnable game
since Week 1 against the Raiders. The Bills don't have their top two running backs, C.J. Spiller and Fred
Jackson, because of injuries. The Jets' offense will (presumably) get a jolt of energy (and perhaps
production) from the arrival of wide receiver Percy Harvin. If the Jets can't win this game, and end a sixgame losing streak, then all the optimism about how they played against the Patriots will be gone. The
Jets desperately need a win. They will take advantage of their opportunity against the depleted Bills, and
finally get one. Jets 24, Bills 17
Steve Politi, columnist (2-5 against spread, 4-3 straight up): The Jets show they're not going to let Rex Ryan
go into his next career without a fight. The defense plays its best game of the season, Geno Smith becomes
a game manager and Percy Harvin doesn't punch anybody. "Let's go win eight more in a row," nobody
says. Jets 16, Bills 10
Dom Cosentino, Jets beat writer (4-3 against spread, 6-1 straight up): The concern for the Jets—hahahaha,
everything's a concern for the Jets right now—is that last week's loss to the Patriots would be too
deflating. But wait! Percy Harvin's here now! That changes everything! Maybe. I'm picking the Jets, but
I'm holding my nose as I do it. Jets 17, Bills 13
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3 Jets vs. Buffalo Bills matchups to watch, featuring Percy Harvin and Sammy Watkins (Darryl Slater)
NJ Advanced Media
October 25, 2014
http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/10/3_jets_vs_buffalo_bills_matchups_to_watch_featuring_per
cy_harvin_and_sammy_watkins.html
FLORHAM PARK — A quick breakdown of three matchups that could be pivotal when the Jets (1-6) host
the Bills (4-3) on Sunday at MetLife Stadium:
Jets WR Percy Harvin vs. Bills CB Leodis McKelvin
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The Jets did their best to play it coy with regard to Harvin's potential impact on Sunday, considering he's
only been here a week and all. But even if he doesn't play every snap, Harvin will be out there, and the
Jets will both try to get him the ball and do everything they can to make the Bills think they'll try to get
him the ball. And it won't just be McKelvin tasked with stopping him, depending on whether the Jets use
Harvin in the slot or out of the backfield in addition to on the outside.
Bills DT Kyle Williams vs. Jets LG Oday Aboushi
Aboushi, a 2013 fifth-round pick, acquitted himself fairly well in his first career start last week against the
Pats, allowing one hit and three hurries in addition to getting flagged for a hold, per Pro Football Focus. "I
was really pleased with him," head coach Rex Ryan said. "Now, this week, I don’t know if he’s looking
forward to Kyle Williams as much." That's because Williams is a menace—three sacks, six hits, 10 hurries—
and he's not the only one: Marcell Dareus, Mario Williams, and Jerry Hughes are also outstanding Dlinemen for the Bills, who lead the league in sacks (24). Aboushi's performance against the Patriots
seemed to solidify a line that had been struggling for several weeks. Can he—and the rest of the O-line—
do it again?
Bills WR Sammy Watkins vs. Jets CBs Darrin Walls or Phillip Adams
The Jets have used a variety of defenses from week to week, with an emphasis on different coverage
schemes against Peyton Manning and Tom Brady the last two games. The guess here—and this is strictly
a guess, you guys—is they'll do much more blitzing to try to force Bills quarterback Kyle Orton (40.7 Total
QBR) into rushing something and making a mistake. The obvious risk is possibly leaving Watkins, the Bills'
all-everything rookie receiver, in single coverage against one of the Jets' corners: Per PFF, Watkins has five
catches of 20 yards or more, which is tied for eighth in the NFL. But after six straight games against
outstanding quarterbacks, this might be a risk worth taking.
Did you know?
The Jets are 7-3 against the Bills under Ryan, and they haven't lost to the Bills in North Jersey since 2009,
Ryan's first season. Grain of salt: The Bills haven't finished better than 6-10 in any season in all that time.
They seem to be a bit better this year.
This is weird
The Jets are tied for sixth in the NFL in sacks (20), but they're last in interceptions (1) and last in touchdown
passes allowed (18). Been that kind of season for the defense, which often seems to play well right up
until it doesn't.
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NEW YORK POST
To save a season — and Rex Ryan — the Jets look to Percy Harvin (Steve Serby)
New York Post
October 26, 2014
http://nypost.com/2014/10/26/jets-unveil-harvin-today-for-better-or-worse/
The desperate push to ignite the dying embers of a season that would be reduced to ashes with a loss
Sunday to the Bills, and very possibly to save Rex Ryan, falls now on the shoulders of Percy Harvin.
Geno Smith and the Jets are looking for Harvin to provide a spark on the field rather than a five-alarm fire
off it.
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No one should expect Harvin to start carving out Jack-o’-lanterns in the meeting room with his new
teammates, nor should the Jets view him as a savior, but when you are 1-6, you cross your fingers and
hope for the best.
The comparisons to Santonio Holmes, a treat until he got the money and then a trick, are inescapable with
Harvin.
Trick: Trouble follows Harvin to Florham Park, and his nine-game Jets career is remembered mostly for its
turbulence and turmoil.
Treat: Harvin drives defensive coordinators and special teams coaches mad with his now-you-see-me,
now-you-don’t speed and quickness, makes Smith a better quarterback and Eric Decker a more productive
receiver and helps get Ryan another stay of Rexecution.
Trick or treat?
Which one will it be as Harvin makes his Jets debut?
Only this much is certain about Percy Harvin: He is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Harvin.
Treat: “There’s no better situation for me to come into,” Harvin said at his introductory Vikings press
conference after being the 22nd pick of the 2009 draft, which saw the Jets pick Mark Sanchez. “I’m just
looking to come in here and be another piece of the puzzle. This is where I truly want to be.”
Trick: The Vikings couldn’t wait to get rid of him.
Treat: “Becoming a Seahawk, it’s a big relief. I’m very grateful for this opportunity I’ve been given,” Harvin
said. “This thing is just so awesome on so many levels.”
Trick: The Seahawks couldn’t wait to get rid of him.
Michael Vick, whose mentorship could prove invaluable, guarantees it will be a chastened Harvin who
comes calling five days before Halloween wearing a No. 16 green-and-white costume.
But there are no guarantees.
There are well-documented skeletons in Harvin’s closet, and if his notorious competitiveness couldn’t be
a blessing on a Super Bowl champion, it is fair to wonder whether it will be a curse on an underachieving
team that has been champion only of Wait Til Next Year since Jan.12, 1969.
If Harvin can slay whatever demons have tarnished his reputation and his career, if his acquisition proves
to be a coup for general manager John Idzik, it will be regarded in many circles around the league as a
bigger upset than AFL Jets’ 16-7 drubbing of the NFL Colts in Super Bowl III. It’s a plus that Everyman Ryan
is his newest head coach, at least over these last nine games, but isn’t it supposed to be fun playing for
Pete Carroll, too?
The Jets, like most teams, would welcome Hannibal Lecter with open arms if he could run a 4.3 40. And
Harvin became the best athlete in the room the second he walked in. He brings an athletic arrogance and
raging swag that has been sorely missing on Smith’s side of the ball.
Trick: Harvin has been in the trainer’s room more than he’s been on the field.
Treat: Harvin with the ball in his hands.
“He’s lightning in a bottle, man, it’s crazy how fast and dynamic that guy is,” Jets guard Willie Colon said.
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Idzik is to be commended for a Hail Mary with such an enticing risk-reward, a fourth-round draft choice if
the experiment doesn’t unleash Frankenharvin. At the very least, perhaps it will signal a welcome shift
from Idzik’s monotonous mantra of competition to ammunition.
Treat: Harvin is a chess piece offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg will move all over the board.
Harvin will add electricity to the return game. He has a high football IQ He wants to be great.
Trick: “It’s definitely a place I want to be for a long time,” Harvin said when he met the New York media,
sounding as if he had just been thrown a lifeline from the Love Boat.
He has a clean slate. A third clean slate. A chance to be a star. His new teammates have welcomed him
with open arms. He has a chance to change the narrative on Percy Harvin. To run with blazing speed from
the past, towards a future with a team and coach and quarterback that needs him as much as he needs
them.
Dr. Jekyll, or Mr. Harvin?
Trick, or treat?
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Jets rookie Jace Amaro’s drops come when he’s wide open (Brian Costello)
New York Post
October 25, 2014
http://nypost.com/2014/10/25/jace-amaro-drops-out-in-open/
Jets tight ends coach Steve Hagen has some rules. One involves certain words never to be uttered in his
meeting room.
“We don’t say the ‘D’ word,” Hagen said this week.
The “D word” is drops. Hagen did not want to hear it, even from a reporter this week. But there is no
denying it has been an issue for rookie tight end Jace Amaro this season. Amaro leads the Jets with 27
catches and has done some good things. But he has three drops this season. All of them have come on
passes where he was wide open.
Against the Bears, Broncos and Patriots, at some point Amaro foound himself standing alone when a pass
came to him. In each game, that pass bounced off his hands. It is remarkable when you look at some of
the tough passes he has caught in traffic this year.
“You get antsy,” Amaro said of those wide-open moments. “You get excited. I’m still young. I feel like I’ve
made every single catch when a guy’s on me or it’s really contested or there’s a guy right there. I feel good
about it and I feel like I’m doing a really good job this year.”
Hagen said all they can do is keep giving Amaro practice reps and try to create some of those situations.
He clearly has good hands. Mental mistakes are leading to drops.
“You know what it’s like? The drops that he’s had, he’s been wide open. It’s that 3-point shooter who’s
wide open,” Hagen said. “There’s nobody in his face. It’s like, ‘Oh, I’m so open.’ You get a little anxious.”
The drops have been an issue since training camp. If Amaro can clean those up, he will put together a nice
rookie season.
“I feel like I’m doing a better job overall,” Amaro said. “I think the only mistakes I’ve made are the ones
where I’ve been too open and stuff like that and just trying to get up field too quickly and just trying to
make a big play on every single play. It’s hurting me a little bit this season.
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“I just need to make sure that I understand that it’s not college. Catching the ball is really just the main
thing. You have to make sure you do that first.”
Amaro had a lot of learning to do when he arrived at the Jets, coming from a Texas Tech offense that
threw the ball constantly and never asked Amaro to block at the line of scrimmage.
“You go from taking a guy that never blocked anybody,” Hagen said, “he never even had his hand on the
ground, to getting him in a whole different world with your hand on the ground, talking to a tackle, know
the line calls, know the line adjustments. He’s really progressing well with all of that stuff. He’s becoming
more of a weapon in that area, too.”
The Jets had three just cornerbacks active for last week’s game against New England. That number should
increase this week if Antonio Allen moves back to the position from safety and if Josh Thomas, signed in
the days leading up to the Patriots game, is ready to play.
“Yeah, he’s been getting work this week. We have to take a look at him,” defensive coordinator Dennis
Thurman said of Thomas. “He’s a guy who has started some games in this league. We obviously, brought
him in for a reason, so hopefully we’ll get a chance to watch him play.”
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How historically ugly would a Jets loss be? (Brian Costello)
New York Post
October 25, 2014
The Jets gave fans a reason to watch this game, with the trade for Percy Harvin last week. Now, how much
will he actually play against the Bills?
As you would expect, the Jets were tight-lipped about the plan for Harvin. There were a lot of “We’ll see”
answers to those questions. Whatever Harvin does in this game should get a beaten-down fan base
excited.
The Jets enter the game as losers of six straight. A loss Sunday would give them their first seven-game
losing streak since 2005, the final year of Herm Edwards coaching the team.
The 1-6 Jets know they need more than some exciting plays from Harvin. After last week’s near-miss
against the Patriots, they desperately need a victory.
“It would be huge,” guard Willie Colon said. “It’d give us some sleep at night. Losing hurts especially when
you put max effort and you come out on the bad end of it. We need a win in the worst way.”
The Jets have not lost at home to the Bills since 2009, when Mark Sanchez threw five interceptions. Coach
Rex Ryan is 7-3 against the Bills overall. But this Bills team has gotten off to a good start. At 4-3, their
playoff hopes are alive. They have responded to a quarterback switch from EJ Manuel to veteran Kyle
Orton, and their defense is playing well.
“I think we need a win. I mean it’s as simple as that,” Ryan said this week. “At times we’ve played really
well in games, almost every game this year with the exception of the San Diego game. We just haven’t put
it together enough to find a way to win. More than anything, that’s what this team needs.”
The expected plan for Harvin is a package of plays on offense and for him to return kickoffs and possibly
punts. He probably will get around 20-30 snaps with a series of bubble screens, jet sweeps and short
passes to take advantage of his skills. The Jets need him to stretch the field for them, an element that has
been missing from their offense. They have just three passes of 20 yards or more in the past three games.
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“If you have guys that can be abler to make big plays, explosive plays at crucial moments, usually those
are the teams that win,” Colon said. “If we get more of those guys on our side, it gives us a chance to be
successful. That’s what we’re looking for.”
Marquee Matchup
Bills WR Sammy Watkins vs. Jets CBs Darrin Walls, Antonio Allen and Phillip Adams
The Bills made a huge gamble in May trading two first-round picks to move up to No. 4 and select Watkins.
The former Clemson star has lived up to his hype so far. He has 35 catches for 433 yards and four
touchdowns, including a game-winner against the Vikings last week. Of Watkins’ catches, 77.1 percent of
them have gone for a first down or a touchdown.
“He scared me [at Clemson] and I wasn’t even working against him,” defensive coordinator Dennis
Thurman said. “He is a heck of a talent and they are using him in a way now, they’re starting to incorporate
him more and more into their offense. He is a very talented individual. One that we have to pay attention
to.”
The Jets struggles at cornerback are well-documented at this point. The Jets have given up 18 passing
touchdowns, the most in the NFL. It’s unclear who the starters will be this week. Adams has a groin injury
and was benched midway through the Patriots game. Allen has been at safety the past three weeks, but
it would not be surprising to see him back at corner against Buffalo.
Pound the Ground
Modal Trigger
Chris Ivory
Photo: Getty Images
The Jets rushing attack had its best day against the Patriots last week, with 218 rushing yards. Chris Ivory
led the way with 107 yards and a touchdown.
Can the Jets do it again? It seems unlikely against this Buffalo defense. The Bills are No. 4 in the NFL against
the run, giving up an average of just 80.4 yards per game on the ground. Teams are averaging just 3.2
yards per carry against them.
“The Bills front is one of the stoutest in the league, so we know that’s going to be challenge,” Jets coach
Rex Ryan said, “but again, it’s not like we’re not going to give it a shot. We’re certainly going to give it a
shot. We recognize who we’re up against, but it’s not like we’re just going to make it pass [heavy]. We’re
going to try and run the football and I think we will run the football.”
Third-and-uh-oh
All the Bills offense has to do against the Jets Sunday is get to third down. That seems to be the magic
down for teams against the Jets, who are 27th in the league in third-down defense.
They have given up 11 touchdowns on third down, the most in the league. Last week, the Patriots added
to the third-down misery with a touchdown pass on third-and-19.
Much of the focus this season has been on the offense’s struggles, but the defense’s failure to get off the
field is killing the Jets, too.
Old Man Orton
Bills coach Doug Marrone made the move Ryan has resisted — Marrone benched his second-year
quarterback and replaced him with the veteran backup. The move has worked for the Bills.
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Since EJ Manuel was benched, Kyle Orton has won two of his three starts, including an impressive road
win against the Lions.
Orton has not played mistake-free. He has thrown an interception in each of his three starts. But he has
managed the games well and did enough for the Bills to pull out a couple of wins. The Bills lost their top
two running backs — Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller — to injury, adding pressure to Orton.
The Jets may be able to get to Orton. The Vikings sacked him six times last week. The Jets are sixth in the
NFL with 20 sacks.
Sack it to me
Jets quarterback Geno Smith may spend part of the day gazing at the clouds in the sky. The Bills have the
best pass rush in football statistically. They have 24 sacks this season, the best in the NFL. Defensive tackle
Marcel Dareus is second in the NFL with seven sacks. Defensive end Jerry Hughes is right behind him with
5 ½.
The Jets offensive line was abused two weeks ago against the Broncos. They played better against the
Patriots but still gave up three sacks. Jets quarterbacks have been sacked 18 times this season, tied for
seventh-most in the NFL.
Costello’s Call
If the Jets can’t beat the Bills at home, who can they beat? The Jets are beyond desperate for a win. I like
desperate teams. This game will be dominated by defense with a ton of sacks and both running games
struggling to get going. In the end, the Jets score a late touchdown to win.
Jets 21, Bills 17
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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
NY Jets better off losing in order to get high pick in 2015 NFL Draft (Mike Lupica)
New York Daily News
October 26, 2014
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/lupica-losing-winning-idea-jets-article-1.1987305
The last time the New York Jets won a football game was Sept. 7. They beat the Raiders, a team that still
hasn’t won a game this season. So despite all the what-ifs and near-misses against the Packers and Bears
and Patriots, that is all that separates the Jets from the worst record in the league.
They finally got the lead at halftime that day, a short touchdown pass from Geno Smith to Chris Johnson.
Geno was 22-for-28 against the Raiders, one touchdown pass, one interception. Chris Ivory ran for 102
yards. Eric Decker caught five balls. The Jets won 19-14, which means that was one of five games — out
of seven — this season when their offense scored fewer than 20 points, in a league where points are often
scored like it’s flag football.
Now they try to get their second win before Halloween, a 1-6 team favored at home against a 4-3 Bills
team that decided to switch to their veteran backup quarterback, Kyle Orton, because the kid they picked
ahead of Geno in the same draft, EJ Manuel, wasn’t getting it done to the satisfaction of the head coach
Doug Marrone.
All along we have heard about how soft the Jets’ schedule is in the second half. They circled the Bills game
as one they could get once they stopped going up against quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Peyton
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Manning and Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford and even Jay Cutler. But at this point, knowing what other
teams know about the Jets and seeing what they’ve seen from the Jets on both sides of the ball, you think
those teams aren’t circling the Jets’ dates on their calendars? Come on.
The Jets say they’re better than their record. Right. So do the Raiders. But if the Jets lose to the Bills on
Sunday and go to 1-7, the reality of their situation becomes this: It would be better for them to finish 313 and move way up into the draft, instead of kidding themselves and their fans with the kind of finish a
year ago that saved Rex Ryan’s job.
Now Jets fans have a right to wonder how John Idzik would do with a high draft choice. They’d still be
better off drafting high rather than finishing 7-9, and being praised at the end for some sort of moral
victory, in a league where there aren’t any of those, we already found out with Jets-Patriots.
Air-lifted into this situation, treated like some sort of offensive savior, is Percy Harvin, a former No. 1 draft
choice for the Vikings, practically given away by Seattle. For all of the alleged drama we have heard about
in Seattle, Harvin decking a teammate and refusing to go back into a game and being a disruptive force in
the locker room — something that doesn’t sound particularly challenging with the Seahawks these days
— he is here for one reason:
For all of his talent and the occasionally electrifying skill set he can bring to a single football game, the
Seahawks, after giving up a lot to get him, viewed Harvin as a mistake.
And when you are 1-6 and only have a win over the Raiders to show for your season and your defense —
what is supposed to be your team’s calling card — has given up 11 touchdowns in seven games on third
down, you are more than happy to go for another team’s mistake when that team is basically giving the
guy away.
When you are where the Jets are right now, which means nowhere, and all you have to do is spend a low
draft choice and around $7 million on somebody like Harvin who might make your team more watchable
and more relevant, you really have no choice. A mistake player joins a mistake team, that is the real
headline here.
Rex Ryan was asked the other day if he planned to speak with Harvin about what happened with him in
Seattle.
“To me, what’s in the past is in the past,” Ryan said. “If you really are giving a guy a fair shake and you’re
saying that, ‘Hey, this is a brand new situation for you,’ then why would you approach it any differently?
So to me, he’s just a young man that gets an opportunity to come in here with an open slate and that’s
what he has here.
There is no reason, not one, for the Jets not to go for Harvin. If he does play up to his talent, he can be
one of the most exciting players Rex has ever had, and the Jets have ever had. And where are they going
without somebody like him to catch the ball, if Geno can get it to him, and run with it? Since the Jets lost
the AFC Championship Game to the Steelers three-and-a-half years ago, their record is 23-32.
If Harvin plays the way he can play, he doesn’t just give them a better chance to win some games the rest
of the way, he gives Jets fans something much more important: somebody to watch. We all know Darrelle
Revis was the best player they had for a long time. If you’re trying to sell tickets, and the Jets are constantly
trying to sell them hard, nobody is buying those tickets to watch other teams’ quarterbacks stay away
from one of your cornerbacks.
They liked those first two Rex Ryan teams fine because they went to two championship games. You know
what has happened since, all the way to 1-6 right now. Worse, you see what has happened since. Geno,
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who had a chance to be somebody to watch, has now gotten 23 starts and has so rarely done what
quarterbacks are eventually asked to do in a quarterback league: win the game for their teams.
There is a chance, and a good one, that at the end of the season, if the Jets don’t find a way to rip off a lot
of wins, they start all over again next season with a new coach and a new quarterback. They will have
gone from Mark Sanchez to Geno to somebody else. They will have gone from Tannenbaum-Mangini, to
Tannenbaum-Rex to Idzik-Rex to Idzik and some new coach.
They are stuck. Maybe Percy Harvin, in the short run, running with the ball and catching it, helps get them
un-stuck. People will watch today because of him. At least they’ll watch.
A Don deal, Max-a-millions & A-Rod as Lance A Lot...
-That projection software from SCHOENE only has our Knicks winning 32 games this season, and all I’m
going to say about that is that sometimes you run into artificial intelligence that is an extremely bad sport.
I mean, we can’t bring in Phil Jackson to be President and Chief Operating Savior and Derek Fisher to be
his new coach and a lot of those old Lakers assistants and end up with Don Chaney’s old won-loss record,
right?
If the Giants and Jets don’t play better, if this is three straight years when both of them miss the playoffs
in the same season — it would be four straight for the Jets and five out of six for the Giants — then we
need the Knicks to carry us to baseball.
The Brooklyn Nets, too.
This may be crazy by the spring, but the best basketball season in the city would be the Knicks and Nets
in the 4 vs. 5 series to start the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.
-Max Scherzer will turn 31 next summer, which means he would be 38 at the end of the seven-year
contract he is going to want from the Yankees, and so you can start to see how that would make him
practically irresistible for our guys up on 161st St. and down there in Tampa.
CC Sabathia, who is 35 next season, has two years left on the last five years of the new $120 million deal
he got after the 2011 season.
Jacoby Ellsbury, who turns 31 next season, has six years left on his deal.
Carlos Beltran, 37 in April, has two years left.
Alex Rodriguez, 40 next summer, has many years left.
Mark Teixeira, budding media star, turns 35 next year and has two years to go on his deal.
Oh happy days.
So if the Yankees go for Scherzer, it’s not like there’s going to be much of a period of adjustment.
-I love the idea, by the way, that Rodriguez is somehow due hope and consolation and a great big hug
from the Yankees if he is healthy enough to play next season.
Yes, why wouldn’t they welcome him back with open arms after he essentially sued them by suing their
team doctors, sued his sport, questioned everybody’s integrity except his own — such as it is — and used
the Lance Armstrong playbook until he got himself suspended for a whole year?
There is this rush now to turn Barry Bonds into some kind of misunderstood errant knight, as if he was
forced to take all the happy juice that turned him into the Michelin Man.
Well, have at that.
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Bonds never went to war with his old team.
The question never changes with A-Rod, and might not until he has his moment on Oprah’s couch:
If we’re supposed to forgive him, forgive him for what?
He maintained, all the way out the door, that he didn’t do anything wrong.
I finally saw “Gone Girl,” and I’m not spoiling anything by saying that couples’ counseling probably was
never really in play for Ben Affleck’s character and Rosamund Pike’s.
-I’ll be shocked if Joe Maddon, the coolest guy in the room and one of the best baseball managers on the
planet, doesn’t end up with the Chicago Cubs.
Just for the sheer entertainment of it all, I hope Sen. Elizabeth Warren runs against Hillary for the
Democratic nomination.
When Chris Christie said what he said about the minimum wage the other day, and how sick he was of
talking about it, he sounded much more dim than anybody he ever told to sit down and shut up.
Yeah, yeah, I know.
-A lot of those coaches at North Carolina say they didn’t know about those fake independent-study
courses for jocks down there in Chapel Hill.
They never do.
Even though they get paid and treated as if they know everything
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NY Jets can't seem to buy a takeway as Rex Ryan's defense has only produced three turnovers in seven
games (Seth Walder)
New York Daily News
October 25, 2014
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/rex-ryan-jets-buy-takeway-article-1.1986842
Rex Ryan may be a defensive wizard, but he has been utterly stumped by a problem that has plagued his
team to an extreme level this season: why can’t the Jets cause turnovers?
Through their first seven games of the year, the Jets have just three takeaways. Three. And that comes off
a 2013 season when the Jets ranked second-to-last in takeaways with 15.
“Mathematically impossible, right?” Sheldon Richardson said.
Not quite, but definitely a statistical anomaly. The Jets’ lack of takeaways has reached historic heights.
Since 1940, the 2014 Jets are just the third team to force three or fewer turnovers through their first seven
games, according to pro-football-reference.com. Strangely, the company they are keeping isn’t too bad:
the 2012 Colts and 2011 Steelers both made the playoffs despite causing a total of just three turnovers
through their first seven games.
But the Jets are 1-6 (the 2012 Colts 4-3; 2011 Steelers 5-2). They aren’t going to the playoffs. And while
they are struggling on both sides of the ball, they could really use some help in the turnover department.
Rex Ryan was asked if there were anything schematically he could do to try and force more takeaways. In
short: no.
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“If we could, we would’ve already done it,” Ryan said. “Obviously, takeaways a lot of times happen when
you get a lead. That would be nice. But again, we just have to find ways. Some opportunities have been
there, we just haven’t been able to capitalize it seems. But, it would be nice to come away with a few
turnovers.”
Included in the three turnovers has been just one interception: a pick against the Chargers by Phillip
Adams. Granted, the Jets have also had a couple of close calls, though it’s hard to say if they’ve had any
more missed chances than the average team.
“We’ve had some opportunities and we’ve dropped the balls and that’s just a no-no,” defensive backs
coach Tim McDonald said. “We haven’t won the 50/50 ball contest in certain situations. It’s definitely a
point of emphasis for us.”
After a string of facing six excellent quarterbacks, the Jets are back to playing against a mere mortal
opponent in the Bills and Kyle Orton Sunday and are even favored. A turnover or two in their direction, of
course, would go a long way.
“It’s a mental thing,” Richardson said. “Some guys, they’re just trying to make the tackle instead of trying
to make a play.”
For Richardson and the other defensive lineman, that’s usually about getting a strip, but for the DBs,
McDonald wants them to be more aggressive in trying to make a play on the ball in the air.
“When you get in position, you’ve got to locate the ball and then become the receiver,” McDonald said.
“I’m the receiver, can I get it? If I can’t get the ball, then I’ve got to get back to being a DB.”
The Jets entered the season with high expectations despite several question marks in the secondary.
Calvin Pace said in training camp he thought they had the best defense in the league. The Jets are ranked
eighth in total defense but 26th in scoring defense — 28th in the red zone.
Granted, Ryan has not really been given the tools to build the defense he wants. Particularly because of
weaknesses in the secondary, Ryan has had to adapt his scheme and move players around, to mixed
results. But nonetheless that side of the ball is supposed to be Ryan’s calling card and through seven
games it’s been a disappointment, one of many reasons why the Jets find themselves on the wrong end
of a six-game streak.
“It’s just pride. A sense of defensive pride,” linebacker Quinton Coples said. “Not just for (Ryan) but for
ourselves. We want to make sure that people understand who they’re playing when they play us, and
right now, it’s a little shaky.”
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NY Jets offense happy to hop on Percy Harvin's back and run all over Buffalo Bills (Manish Mehta)
New York Daily News
October 25, 2014
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/mehta-jets-offense-happy-hop-percy-harvin-backrun-bills-article-1.1986838
Lance Alworth or Paul Warfield or Jerry Rice entered the building this week to save the day for the Jets.
It was hard to decipher which legend arrived at the AFC East doormat’s headquarters, but the guy clearly
came from a great distance. For a team stuck in reverse, his presence was greatly appreciated.
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The hype swirling around Percy Harvin reached comical levels in the run-up to Sunday’s game against the
Bills. Seattle’s Inspector Gadget somehow morphed into an immortal during his 3,000-mile cross-country
trek, complete with interference from body guards disguised as media relations folks.
Harvin’s physical gifts are undeniable, but the superhero status was a bit much given his NFL resume.
Although he’s not a panacea for the Jets’ struggling offense, his arrival should produce plenty of
beneficiaries.
Harvin has been far from a statistical wonder during his six-year career, but his speed and short-area
quickness are annoyances for opposing defensive coordinators. He offers a dimension that play-caller
Marty Mornhinweg desperately could have used two months ago when the Jets were hopeful to make a
playoff run in 2014.
Harvin, a jack-of-all-trades, master of none with the Seahawks, should make an immediate offensive
impact on his new team for myriad reasons. The Jets aren’t likely to overload the 26-year-old playmaker
in his first game, but his presence will have a ripple effect to help the rest of Geno Smith’s supporting cast.
Harvin, frankly, is the only Jets pass-catching option that frightens defenses. He’ll get a bulk of the
attention whenever he enters the game, providing Eric Decker with more favorable matchups. Decker —
solid, but not spectacular without much help from the opposite outside receiver this season — thrived in
Denver when coverages consistently rolled to Pro Bowler Demaryius Thomas.
“You spread them out and you get more one-on-one matchups,” said Decker, who has proven in the past
that he can win enough of those man-coverage battles to make a difference.
Harvin’s arrival will also help tight ends Jace Amaro and Jeff Cumberland, both of whom have shown
flashes through the first half of the season. Amaro shined against man-to-man coverage in the loss to
Denver a couple weeks ago (10 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD). He should continue to get favorable one-on-one
looks against safeties if defenses are preoccupied with Harvin and Decker.
“It’s really going to open up a lot of things for the others,” Amaro said. “That was something that we were
missing earlier on in the season, somebody that can run over the top and stretch the field…. (Harvin’s)
absolutely going to have defenses focusing on him. They’re definitely going to have another set of eyes
on him than maybe some other players.”
Running backs won’t be immune to the Percy Effect.
Accounting for Harvin might prevent defenses from loading up the box to slow down Chris Ivory, who
carved up the Patriots’ front seven in Week 7.
Harvin was largely used as a situational sideways player in Seattle. He averaged 6.8 yards per play on 33
touches this season and 3.8 air yards per target, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Although Harvin’s
air yards per target have declined each year of his career, the Jets believe he’s more than a novelty to be
used on speed sweeps, bubble screens and wide receiver hitches.
The Jets certainly will use Harvin horizontally early on as he learns Mornhinweg’s West Coast offense, but
the ultimate goal is to play him as an “X receiver” or split end, an outside receiver who lines up on the line
of scrimmage, to threaten defenses downfield.
Harvin practiced at the “X” spot this week, according to eye witnesses, which made him happy.
It was a welcomed departure from his hybrid receiver/running back role that frustrated him with the
Super Bowl champions. He lined up as an outside receiver just 21% of the time this season, according to
Pro Football Focus. Expect that to change with the Jets, who believe that he can put pressure on defenses
vertically more than his previous employers in Seattle and Minnesota.
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“Does he have the ability to be more than a gadget guy?” receivers coach Sanjay Lal said. “Absolutely.”
The 1-6 Jets believe putting too much on Harvin’s plate too fast will create hesitation, so it’s likely that the
gadgets that occasionally worked in the past will be used against the Bills. Mornhinweg, coming from an
explosive offense in Philly, already has a chapter filled with gadget plays in his playbook.
“He can take those short passes, those two or three-yard passes, and stretch the field with them,” Smith
said. “He can also get down the field. It is going to help us all out.”
Harvin’s final stat line on Sunday is impossible to predict. He might make a couple game-changing plays.
He might be a decoy.
“Things can open up everywhere for everybody,” Cumberland said.
That’s the master plan.
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Inside the Playbook - Buffalo Bills at NY Jets: Look for Gang Green's defense to control the action (Hank
Gola)
New York Daily news
October 25, 2014
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/playbook-buffalo-bills-4-3-jets-1-6-article-1.1986812
BUFFALO BILLS AT NY JETS, METLIFE STADIUM, 1 PM
LINE: Jets by 3
TV: Ch. 2 (Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon)
RADIO: WEPN 98.7 FM (Bob Wischusen, Marty Lyons), in Spanish on WEPN 1050 AM (Clemson Smith
Muniz, Oscar Benitez)
FORECAST: A cool 60 degrees, 13 mph winds.
INJURY REPORT
The Bills are without their two top running backs, C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson , and will use a committee
of guys chaired by big but slow Anthony Dixon, along with ex-Eagle Bryce Brown, who will be active for
the first time. There’s not much wiggle there. The Bills will miss the ability of WR Marquise Goodwin
(hamstring) to stretch the defense. Goodwin, who will miss a second straight game, would also have
returned kicks for Spiller, leaving the job to Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins or Leodis McKelvin . For the
Jets, LB Trevor Reilly (knee) and WR Greg Salas (wrist, ankle) are unlikely to play. Otherwise, it’s all hands
on deck.
KEY MATCHUP
OG Oday Aboushi vs. DTs Kyle Williams & Marcell Dareus
The Jets’ formula for success is simple in this game. Run the football. But this is a stout Bills front against
both the run and the pass and they’ll be looking to take advantage of the rookie fill-in for Brian Winters
as his on-the-job training continues. The Bills will switch their tackles to create mismatches and confusion
and both can be disruptive. Dareus leads all defensive tackles with seven sacks. Against Geno Smith , it’s
pressure up the middle that works best. Aboushi graded out well in his first start.
SCOUT SAYS
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"Kyle Orton has been good for the Bills. He’s more assertive and has brought stability. But this is one game
where EJ Manuel could have come in handy. Their running back situation means the Jets can get after the
quarterback. Orton has no mobility and his offensive line is shaky. Jackson was also a factor in pass
protection and as a peel-off outlet receiver. Orton has a potential mismatch with Sammy Watkins but can
he get to him? Percy Harvin at least adds a new dynamic to the Jets, especially in the return game. He’ll
be someone to watch on bubble screens and reverses even if he doesn’t have the offense down yet.”
INTANGIBLES
Well rested, the Jets go into the game in the unfamiliar role of favorites. For the first time since they
opened against Derek Carr and the Raiders they don’t have the fear that the opposing quarterback will
shred their secondary. They can finally have confidence that their defense can control the game. Granted,
their chances are still grim. They probably need to go 8-1 the rest of the way. But the Percy Harvin trade
at least tells the team that management is still trying to win games and in a way, it seems like a fresh start
after a brutal stretch. The Bills have been living somewhat of a charmed existence, winning games they
would have lost in the past. Could thrive in close games.
PREDICTION
JETS, 20-10: This game is what it was supposed to look like.
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NEW YORK TIMES
A Game of Attrition Chews Up N.F.L. Players (Ben Shpigel)
New York Times
October 26, 2014
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/sports/football/a-game-of-attrition-chews-up-nflplayers.html?ref=football&_r=0
The cart had finished ferrying one injured Buffalo running back toward the locker room last Sunday when
its services were required again.
Three series after Fred Jackson was driven off the sideline, his thigh throbbing and his head buried in his
hands, C. J. Spiller took his first, and last, handoff of the game. Shedding a tackle, he raced down the left
side for 53 yards before being tripped up from behind, landing on his left shoulder. So intense was the
pain that a teammate retrieved a towel so Spiller could cover his head as he was wheeled away.
In a span of 10 offensive plays, the Bills endured the misery of losing two of their best players, and at the
same position, no less. Jackson is expected to miss about a month with a torn muscle in his groin. Spiller
fractured his collarbone and, after landing on short-term injured reserve, is not eligible to play again until
Week 16.
By then, with two games left, the Bills will know whether to consider this season a success or a failure.
They will have either continued their surprising charge in the A.F.C., competing for their first playoff berth
since 1999, or faded from contention, pummeled by the attrition that afflicts the league daily.
Last week, no one was immune from this carnage. Not the three-time Pro Bowlers like Washington
linebacker Brian Orakpo. Not the eight-year veterans like Oakland safety Usama Young. Not the centers
like Atlanta’s Peter Konz and San Francisco’s Daniel Kilgore. Not even the long snappers like Baltimore’s
Morgan Cox.
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There were torn knee ligaments and pectoral muscles and biceps and groins. Broken legs and feet and
hands and collarbones. Calf strains and neck strains and hamstring strains. Concussions — at least three
of them.
“At this point, it’s the week where you don’t have a lot of big players get injured — that’s when it seems
like a weird week,” said Aaron Schatz, the creator and editor in chief of the analytical website Football
Outsiders, which has tracked N.F.L. injuries since 2000.
If the league’s injury report was once viewed as a farce, an agent of gamesmanship rather than an accurate
reflection of a team’s bruised and battered, it is now a fairly representative list. There might be more
injuries than a decade ago, but it is also possible that given the ever-increasing mindfulness about
concussions and player safety, more are being reported.
That awareness overshadows a truth about life in the N.F.L.: that helmets and padding protect but do not
insulate, that in a sport of collisions and punishing hits, no body part is safe. Schatz sat in the Gillette
Stadium press box in Foxborough, Mass., on Oct. 16, when New England hosted the Jets, and at one point,
he said, the person next to him remarked how odd it seemed that no one had left yet because of injury.
“We were astonished,” Schatz said.
Had Schatz attended either team’s game four days earlier, he would not have been. As the Patriots
absorbed season-ending knee injuries to two starters, linebacker Jerod Mayo and running back Stevan
Ridley, in a victory at Buffalo, the Jets lost cornerback Dee Milliner (Achilles’ tendon) and offensive
lineman Brian Winters (knee) in a defeat against Denver. That night, Giants receiver Victor Cruz tore the
patellar tendon in his right knee and was lost for the season.
The next day, Oct. 13, Milliner and Winters were placed on injured reserve. Over the course of that week,
14 other players from across the league joined them.
Injured reserve is where teams stash their wounded, players guaranteed to miss the season or, in the case
of those who land there tagged as designated to return, players expected to come back but not any time
soon. Those players, like Spiller and Philadelphia’s All-Pro guard Evan Mathis, are prohibited from
practicing for six weeks and playing for eight. Still others begin the season on the physically unable-toperform list, and they are barred from practicing or playing for the first six weeks of the season.
A survey of every team revealed that through Thursday, 223 players populated those three lists, out of
almost 1,700 players on the active rosters. The Colts, with 13, and the Giants, with 11, had been clobbered
the hardest.
“We always tell our guys that every single player, whether you’re on the active roster or on the
developmental roster, you’ve got to expect to play and prepare to play because that is the nature of this
game,” said Jets Coach Rex Ryan, who has six players on injured reserve, compared with nine through
seven games last season. He added: “What hurts you sometimes is when you lose two or three guys at
one position. Sometimes that’s more difficult to overcome.”
The Bills managed their personnel losses last Sunday, when they escaped with a 17-16 comeback victory
against Minnesota. But they will miss Spiller’s explosiveness and Jackson’s versatility, especially on third
down and in picking up blitzes. For at least a few games, they will have to plow forward with a running
back tandem of Anthony Dixon, who has been on the field for 66 offensive snaps, and Bryce Brown, who
has been inactive all season.
Nearly 25 years of coaching at the college and N.F.L. levels have inured Buffalo Coach Doug Marrone to
the zero-sum culture of the sport. Above all, he considers himself a realist, so when it comes to injuries,
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he does not hope for the best so much as recognize that the Bills will not end the season with the same
53 players they started with.
They have already sent five players to injured reserve — including a starting guard, Chris Williams, who
signed a four-year deal as a free agent — and lost 18 games to injury, spread among 11 players. By
comparison, through seven games last season, Marrone had lost six players to injured reserve and a
staggering 40 games to injury.
When asked in a teleconference whether he had ever lost two players like Jackson and Spiller, one after
the other, Marrone recounted the dismal 2005 season, when he coached the Jets’ offensive line. Two Jets
quarterbacks, Chad Pennington and Jay Fiedler, left with serious injuries in the second half of a defeat to
Jacksonville, and less than two months later, two more quarterbacks, Vinny Testaverde and Brooks
Bollinger, departed in a loss in Denver.
“I’m a human being — it’s upsetting when you see even when another player on an opposing team gets
hurt,” Marrone said. “I mean, you don’t want to see that in this game. As a coach, when you suffer multiple
injuries at a position, there are only so many guys that you dress.”
Whenever one of his players sustained a serious injury during a game, Mark Dominik, who spent five years
as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ general manager, consulted with the team’s director of player personnel,
and together they reviewed what Dominik called his emergency list: a spreadsheet of available players,
about 17 deep, at every position.
Maintaining and continually updating such a list is a common practice among N.F.L. teams, and it allowed
Dominik to call anyone they wanted to come in for a physical or a workout during the game.
“You build that list,” said Dominik, now an analyst for ESPN, “and you’re prepared for the worst.”
In the same way that a new car loses value as soon as it is driven off the lot, a player never feels as good,
as strong, as he does when training camp begins. When the Jets reported to the State University of New
York College at Cortland in late July, Ryan relished the fact that no players had failed the conditioning test
and that only two would begin camp on the physically unable-to-perform list.
That good health did not last long. Injuries to Milliner and Dexter McDougle, sustained about a half-hour
apart in August, gave way to a season that claimed three starters (Milliner, Winters and fullback Tommy
Bohanon) and compromised the Jets’ depth at cornerback and receiver, their two most vulnerable
positions.
In an otherwise wretched year, the Jets could draw encouragement from Friday, when every member of
their 53-man roster was in uniform at practice. But that hope, too, dissipated when Ryan indicated that
receiver Greg Salas and linebacker Trevor Reilly, who both missed the game at New England, were unlikely
to play Sunday against Buffalo at MetLife Stadium. Just another week in the N.F.L.
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Sunday’s Matchup: Bills (4-3) at Jets (1-6) (Ben Shpigel)
New York Times
October 25, 2014
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/sports/football/sundays-matchup-bills-4-3-at-jets-1-6.html?ref=football&_r=0
Matchup to Watch: Jets’ offensive line vs. Bills’ defensive line
A strong effort by the offensive line helped the Jets bulldoze the New England Patriots for 218 rushing
yards and possess the ball for more than 40 minutes on Oct. 16, but it would be far more impressive if the
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line could duplicate that effort against Buffalo. No team has recorded more sacks than the Bills (24), whose
front four — Mario Williams, Kyle Williams, Marcell Dareus and Jerry Hughes — also lead the N.F.L.'s
fourth-best run defense.
Number to Watch: 68.5
Kyle Orton’s completion percentage in three games since he took over for E. J. Manuel as the Bills’
quarterback. He ranks third in the league in that category, trailing only Tony Romo and Peyton Manning.
Quotation of the Week: “You mean when he was at Clemson? He scared me then, and I wasn’t even
working against him.”
DENNIS THURMAN, the Jets’ defensive coordinator, when asked about Sammy Watkins, the Bills’ superb
rookie receiver.
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SATURDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS
Associated Press
http://www.chron.com/sports/article/Saturday-s-Sports-Transactions-5847708.php
BASEBALL
American League
KANSAS CITY ROYALS — Claimed OF Moises Sierra off waivers from the Chicago White Sox. Designated
RHP Liam Hendriks for assignment.
National League
PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Acquired INF Justin Sellers from Cleveland for cash considerations. Reinstated
RHP Charlie Morton from the 60-day DL. Designated RHP John Axford and RHP Jeanmar Gomez for
assignment.
BASKETBALL
National Basketball Association
DALLAS MAVERICKS — Waived C Bernard James, F Ivan Johnson and G Doron Lamb.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS — Waived G Aaron Craft, G Sean Kilpatrick, G-F Jason Kapono, F James Michael
McAdoo and F Mitchell Watt.
NEW YORK KNICKS — Waived G Langston Galloway and C Jordan Vandenberg.
SACRAMENTO KINGS— Waived G Trey Johnson.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS — Waived F Damion James, G John Lucas and G Xavier Silas.
FOOTBALL
National Football League
ARIZONA CARDINALS — Signed WR Solomon Patton to the practice squad. Released WR Jalen Saunders
from the practice squad.
CLEVELAND BROWNS — Activated OL Nick McDonald from the reserve/non-football injury list. Waived TE
Gerell Robinson.
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JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS — Signed CB Peyton Thompson from the practice squad, Waived WR Tavarres
King.
OAKLAND RAIDERS — Activated CB DJ Hayden. Signed DE Denico Autry. Placed DE LaMarr Woodley and S
Usama Young on the injured reserve list.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Placed FB Derrick Coleman on injured reserve. Signed WR Phil Bates from the
practice squad.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Signed DT Gerald McCoy to a seven-year contract extension.
HOCKEY
National Hockey League
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING — Recalled F Mike Blunden and F Jonathan Marchessault from Syracuse (AHL).
WINNIPEG JETS — Recalled C Patrice Cormier from St. John's (AHL).
ECHL
ECHL — Suspended Elmira's Andrew Conboy indefinitely and fined him an undisclosed amount for his
actions in an Oct. 24 game against Reading.
TENNIS
Women's Tennis Association
WTA — Named Micky Lawler president.
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