Archives for December 2010

‘While we all wish Wilson a long life, there’s much consternation about what will happen to the Bills when the 92- year-old owner has gone to that great Super Bowl in the Sky-or wherever NFL moguls go.’

‘"I love Kyle Williams," Ryan said. "I haven’t really studied the Pro Bowl list but if he never made it, there’s something wrong because that guy plays his tail off."’

‘Jackson participated in numerous community activities throughout the season, including the NFL’s Play 60 campaign and Carly’s Club (which supports kids and cancer research). He said it’s important for players to give back.’

‘"If I could get that, it’s something I definitely want," Jackson said. "I’m aware of it. Geoff and Eric [Wood] and [Andy] Levitre, all those guys have said something about it. Hopefully I can get to it. … It’s something that’s attainable, but the most important thing would be for us to win, just so we could finish the season with a win, win two out of our last three games in the AFC East."’

‘"I want him to make sure he has his routine in place, but also don’t want him to get hurt," Ryan told Buffalo media on a conference call. "There’s a fine line. We’re working through it. I’m kinda leaning on him playing. How much he plays I’m not sure."’

With Sanchez, Jets Weigh Momentum and Rest (New York Times)

Jets coach won’t commit to playing Sanchez (New York Post)

Jets backup QB Brunell expecting to play vs. Bills (New York Post)

Back to basics for Jets’ defense (New York Post)

Rex Ryan hints Jets QB Mark Sanchez will only play sparingly in Sunday’s game against Buffalo Bills (New York Daily News)

Jets defense gets back to basics against Bills, though backups will play including RB Joe McKnight (New York Daily News)

Brett Favre could face litigation if Jenn Sterger pursues resolution to unanswered questions (New York Daily News)

Jenn Sterger’s attorney slams NFL commissioner Roger Goodell over ‘disappointing’ Brett Favre ruling (New York Daily News)

Brett Favre fined 50K by NFL for not cooperating in Jenn Sterger sexting investigation (New York Daily News)

Ryan still unsure if he’ll rest Sanchez (New York Newsday)

Ryan lectures Jets’ defense on basics (New York Newsday)

Favre fined $50,000, no suspension (New York Newsday)

Jets worried rest might break QB Mark Sanchez’s rhythm (Newark Star Ledger)

Jets coach Rex Ryan takes active role in improving defense (Newark Star Ledger)

Brett Favre investigation concludes with $50,000 fine (Newark Star Ledger)

Jets coach Rex Ryan not sure if or how much Mark Sanchez will play (Bergen Record)

McKnight’s chance? (Bergen Record)

Jets need confidence boost before playoffs (Asbury Park Press)

Mark Sanchez could be Jets’ starter (ESPN)

Rex Ryan leads Jets defense meeting (ESPN)

Jets have plenty of work left to do (ESPN)

Jets’ Ryan leaning toward Sanchez playing ‘some’ (AP)

Favre fined $50,000 in Sterger case (The Sports Network)

Inside slant (The Sports Xchange)

Strategy and personnel (The Sports Xchange)

Notes, quotes (The Sports Xchange)

Sanchez Sticks with His Routine This Week (NewYorkJets.com)

Rex’s Wednesday News Conference (NewYorkJets.com)

‘”You have some things that you’re always playing for, but the bottom line when it gets down to this time of the year and you’re not in the playoffs, you’re playing for pride. That’s all you’re playing for,” Gailey said.’

‘The Bills were completely outclassed during a 38-14 loss to the Jets back on Oct. 3 and have one last opportunity to show how much they’ve improved. New York, which has already clinched a playoff spot, figures to play its starters but not overwork them, giving Buffalo a shot at the upset. Job One is stopping New York’s No. 6 running game, which amassed 273 yards in the first meeting, with both LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene topping the century mark. QB Mark Sanchez (24), who threw two touchdowns and wasn’t sacked, is the second youngest Jets quarterback to throw for 3,000 yards with only Joe Namath (23) younger, back in 1966. If Sanchez, who has a sore shoulder, heads to the bench early or doesn’t’ play, Mark Brunell would replace him. He’s thrown just one pass all season and Buffalo’s game plan would change considerably to more of an attack mode. Offensively, Buffalo needs a big bounce-back game from QB Ryan Fitzpatrick after last week’s five-five turnover debacle against the Patriots. The Bills failed to convert a third down in 10 tries against the Jets in this year’s first meeting and had the ball for just 19:31. Fitzpatrick was the team’s most effective weapon as he scrambled seven times for 74 yards.’

‘Opposing tight ends have caught 11 touchdown passes against Buffalo this season. The team’s defense gets a rematch with the Jets’ Dustin Keller, who caught two TD passes in a Jets win earlier this season, on Sunday. Many factors have gone into Buffalo’s lack of success against tight ends — namely lack of a pass rush — but SS Donte Whitner has taken the brunt of the criticism. He’s due to become a free agent and continues to express his desire to re-sign with the Bills. But retaining Whitner has become a controversial topic among fans and media. “There’s always a business side to it,” Whitner said, “but I continuously state that I want to be a Buffalo Bill.”‘

‘Buffalo’s defense is the worst in the NFL against the run, giving up an average of 162.5 yards. The unit surrendered 217 yards on the ground against the Patriots – the seventh time this season an opponent has reached the 200-yard mark. The Bills are 0-7 in those games.’

‘Spiller gave himself a C-minus grade in assessing a disappointing season that comes to a close Sunday, when the Bills (4-11) travel to play the Jets (10-5). He’s spent much of the year relegated to a backup role, and shown little of the dynamic potential that led to the Bills drafting him with the No. 9 pick in April.’

‘Fitzpatrick was walking with a slight limp on Wednesday, favoring his right leg. He’s not missed a snap since taking over as starter in Week 3. He’s provided the offense a semblance of identity despite the team’s 4-11 record.’

‘The rookie class has been outstanding,” said head coach Chan Gailey. “We had some free agents that have come on and really played well for us this year. Our draft class was hurt a little bit this year with (Danny) Batten and Marcus (Easley) going out early, and Ed (Wang) working through thumb surgery, but we’ve been able to get some real help from some of the other guys that we drafted.”‘

‘Only two Bills were considered serious candidates: Defensive tackle Kyle Williams and wide receiver Stevie Johnson, although Ryan Fitzpatrick climbed as high as fifth in the fan vote in mid-December.’