Archives for October 11, 2003

‘”This past game we progressed a lot, especially in the running game,” Henry said. “That was the area we were kind of soft at the first four games. I feel very confident and comfortable going into this week.”‘

‘Part of the problem has been the lack of a running game, something they obviously will try to correct against a Jets’ defense ranked last in the league against the run. Travis Henry is averaging only 2.7 yards on 78 carries, although he had his best game this season against the Bengals with 85 yards rushing on 25 carries. He had missed the game against the Eagles because of a rib injury.’

‘The fact that Abraham has been practicing leads one to believe that he will play Sunday, at least for part of the game. When asked why he hasn’t announced a decision, Edwards intimated that gamesmanship could have something to do with that, as he attempts to keep the Bills guessing.’

‘"All I can do is be positive, like I generally am every day, and let them know we can get out of this," Edwards said during a conference call with the Western New York media. "It’s a long season. Things happen. But we have to win games to get out of it."’

‘"He did more working out on the side today, and we will work him out on Sunday morning," Williams said of Moulds. "He’s a remarkable athlete (considering) what he’s been able to do this week. . . . I wouldn’t hesitate to play either one of those guys if they can answer the bell on Sunday."

‘”We understand the hype, especially after you win two games right off the start,” Spikes said recently. “The thing is, as a pro athlete, you deal with expectations every day. But what we’re trying to do, what we’re doing, is dealing with our own expectations.”‘

‘The second-year wide receiver is being moved into the offensive scheme for a planned 10 to 15 plays this week because he’s probably the fastest man on the team. With wide receiver Santana Moss moved into the starting lineup, the Jets are looking to stretch out their offense with speed.’

‘”Shaun Ellis . . . wow, he’s playing good football now,” Herman Edwards said. “He’s fun to watch. He’s the guy that’s flashing. Shaun is very consistent. He’s playing well in the run game, too. He is playing his heart out.”‘

‘ In five games against Bledsoe, Ellis has 3 1/2 sacks.’

‘”He kicking well,” coach Herman Edwards said. “I think (special teams coach) Mike Westhoff has done a good job with him, getting his confidence up. He feels comfortable here. I think he has been a good fit for us. It’s hard when you’re trying to get a kicker now. Kickers are a different breed of cat.”‘

‘”His ribs hurt so we’re going to test them out,” Ferguson said with a smile, “see how those ribs are.”‘

‘After being inactive for the final 11 regular-season games and two playoff games a year ago and the first four games this year, wide receiver Jonathan Carter is expected to make his Jets debut this week. A former fifth-round pick of the Giants, Carter will be counted on to help Moss spread the field for quarterback Vinny Testaverde.’

‘But the full blitz is to begin this Sunday when the Jets host the Buffalo Bills, with those selling ticket subject to more serious scalping charges.’

‘”We lean on Eric fairly heavily with our offense,” said Drew Bledsoe. “He’s one of the best players in the league and generally when we take the field we feel like he’s the best guy out there. If Eric is not able to go that does hurt us offensively but we have to have guys step up. That’s the name of the game in this league. No team goes through this season with all their guys healthy the entire season and when guys get hurt guys have to step in and make plays.”‘

‘”Clarence had a tremendous camp, a tremendous pre season and because of that he has been able to be on the field for us,” said quarterback Drew Bledsoe. “We haven’t used him a ton but he’s been on the field for us on our four wide receiver sets.”‘