Archives for December 8, 2006

‘Best advantage: Run game – The Jets haven’t been able to stop too many opponents on the ground this season as they’re giving up better than 135 yards per game on the ground. And one person they’ve never been able to stop is Willis McGahee who in his four career starts has eclipsed the 100-yard mark four times. Even with McGahee nicked up, Anthony Thomas has proven he can carry some or the entire load when necessary. Buffalo should be able to run the football effectively.’

‘Bills starting strong safety Donte Whitner missed his second consecutive practice on Friday because of a hamstring injury and remains questionable for Buffalo’s game on Sunday against the Jets (7-5).’

‘"I think McGee is outstanding," said Jets head coach Eric Mangini. "Really the Bills special teams as a group, year in and year out is impressive. It’s good coaching and good players and you see the toughness that permeates the whole team permeates special teams as well."’

‘”We never had season tickets but we usually went to one, maybe two games a year,” the Jets’ tight end said yesterday. “I like the cold. I think that’s good football weather. I had trouble in Dallas the first couple of games, it was always close to 100 degrees, especially on the turf.”’

‘With four games remaining, they rank in the top five in all four main coverage and return categories. They are second in kickoff and punt return average, tied for fourth in kickoff coverage and are first in net punting. The Bills are 15th in punt coverage, but net punting is a better indicator of a team’s strength in that area.’

‘”As I looked at the tape of a lot of different teams, they were able to generate pressure but they didn’t hit him,” Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said. “Sometimes in our earlier ball game we came scot-free, but we were not able to get a sack or at least disrupt him. You can disrupt his rhythm with pressure and hopefully that’s what we’ll do so he might make an errant throw here or there.”‘

‘I will say that I am usually a bit reluctant to “blame” losses on officials. There are so many plays in a game and good teams are able to overcome questionable calls. I think close calls tend to even out more than fans are willing to admit. I probably am a bit reluctant to put the focus on officiating when there are very obvious ways the team that lost could have played better.’

‘”It’s frustrating, wishing I could be in there, knowing at crunch time, every player, if you’ve got any competitive fire in you, you want to be in there (on third down) because that’s when it matters the most. It’s the competitive nature in me to want to get out there and make plays. At the same time, I knew I could only control what I could control.”‘

‘”For me as a linebacker, allowing a team to rush for over 100 yards, it’s sickening,” he said Tuesday. “When I look at the stats after the game, and I see a guy rushing for 100-plus yards, it turns my stomach.”‘

‘”Tell Willis that’s cute, that’s really cute,” Vilma said with a smile yesterday. “And tell him when he gets Defensive Rookie of the Year and he gets to the Pro Bowl and he gets to the playoffs, then we can talk.”‘

‘Jonathan Vilma was more than happy to volley the verbal barbs his former University of Miami teammate and close friend Willis McGahee hurled at him earlier in the week.’

Bills’ Fletcher Relishes His Role as an Undersized Iron Man (New York Times)

Jets’ running backs always on their toes (New York Daily News)

Plenty to talk about (New York Post)

Jet pilot is in command (New York Post)

2 smart (New York Post)

Vilma and McGahee talk smack (New York Post)

Ready for the call (Newsday)

Vilma takes out trash (Newsday)

Jets’ Ryan set to line up against hometown team (White Plains Journal News)

Jets, Giants clear final stadium funding hurdle (White Plains Journal News)

Jets feel covered with steady Dyson (Newark Star Ledger)

Jets’ defense sparked by versatility (Bergen Record)

Giants, Jets get stadium relief (Bergen Record)

‘Miracle Baby’ Dyson growing into Jets’ most reliable cornerback (AP)

Mangini: Washington’s Been a Sponge (NewYorkJets.com)

A Capable Committee (NewYorkJets.com)

Chatham: Play your best at this time of year (NewYorkJets.com)

Off The Field At This Sunday’s Game vs. The Bills (NewYorkJets.com)

Key Vote for New Meadowlands Stadium (NewYorkJets.com)

“Jets Cheerleaders” Bring Enthusiasm and Energy to the Parking Lot (NewYorkJets.com)

‘Last time these squads met, Pennington, as mentioned earlier, finished the game with no giveaways. His counterpart, Buffalo’s J.P. Losman, threw for 328 yards but turned the ball over three times. More of that will lead to a New York victory and eighth loss for the Bills.’

‘Jets 17, Bills 13.’