NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

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1 NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS October 4, 2014 Table of Contents ASSOCIATED PRESS... 1 Jets' defense looks to 'break the dam' for 1st INT (Dennis Waszak)... 2 Jets receivers Decker, Nelson questionable (Dennis Waszak)... 3 Jets' Smith fined $12K for using expletives at fan (Dennis Waszak)... 4 NEWSDAY... 5 Jets hope to get receivers Eric Decker and David Nelson back on field (Anthony Rieber)... 5 THE RECORD... 6 Jets could be hurting at WR on Sunday (Jeff Roberts)... 6 NJ ADVANCE MEDIA... 7 Why the Jets pressuring Philip Rivers won't be as easy as it seems, despite Chargers' line problems (Darryl Slater)... 7 Eric Decker, David Nelson to be game-time decisions for Jets against Chargers (Dom Cosentino) Geno Smith's 'Bleep you!' fined same as Johnny Manziel's middle finger (Dom Cosentino) Jets at the quarter mark: Biggest surprise and disappointment (Dom Cosentino) NEW YORK POST Jets season on the line in San Diego (George Willis) Jets struggling Smith may be without big weapons Decker and Nelson (Brian Lewis) Geno Smith s F-bomb gets same fine as Manziel s finger (Brian Lewis) NEW YORK DAILY NEWS NY Jets cornerback Dee Milliner as close to full health as he s been in some time (Justin Tasch) NY Jets QB Geno Smith fined $12,000 for F-bomb directed at fan (Justin Tasch) With Eric Decker aching, NY Jets may not have full deck against Chargers (Justin Tasch) WALL STREET JOURNAL Geno Smith s Nightmare Could Continue (Stu Woo) ESPN NEW YORK Eric Decker will be game-time decision (Jane McManus) Geno Smith fined $12K by NFL (Jane McManus) USA TODAY Geno Smith receives hefty fine for cursing at fan (Tom Pelissero) FRIDAY S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS ASSOCIATED PRESS 1 P a g e

2 Jets' defense looks to 'break the dam' for 1st INT (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- Dennis Thurman knows an interception is coming. He can feel it. It's just a matter of when. Four games, no picks and lots of head scratching. The New York Jets are hoping to change all that in San Diego against Philip Rivers and the Chargers. ''We just need to break the dam,'' said Thurman, the Jets' defensive coordinator. ''We need to get an interception and hold onto it. We need to make a play on the football. Once you start doing those things, they seem to snowball and happen for you more rapidly.'' It's a peculiar stretch of futility for the New York Jets' defense, which leads the NFL with 14 sacks and ranks No. 3 overall in yardage allowed. It's also tops in the league in run defense. Not bad, right? But Rex Ryan's Jets are tied with his twin brother Rob's New Orleans Saints for the fewest interceptions in the league. Zero. They've had a few chances, but they slipped through some players' hands. David Harris had one - and held onto it - against Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers, but it was negated by the Jets being called for having 12 men on the field. ''It's hard to do,'' Ryan said of the Jets leading the league in sacks despite having no interceptions. ''Yeah, absolutely it's hard to do. We've had a couple of opportunities at them. It really is hard to explain. And I think we've got to start attacking the football. ''I think we'll keep getting pressure on the quarterback, and hopefully good things are coming,'' he said Usually, consistent pressure results in hurried quarterbacks, and that will often lead to interceptions. Rivers has thrown just one in 137 attempts through four games this season, so it won't be easy for the Jets to get that ''snowball'' rolling in San Diego. The Chargers have also allowed only five sacks. ''Guys like that, you have to make them uncomfortable, get to him and get your hands in his face,'' linebacker Calvin Pace said. ''He's a guy that likes to step into a lot of throws.'' The Jets had four sacks of Detroit's Matthew Stafford last Sunday, marking three straight games in which they had four or more - the first time the defense has done that since But all three games have been losses, and the defense - Ryan's bread and butter - has failed to consistently come up with big stops in some crucial moments. ''We are giving up too many big plays, so we have given up some in coverages where you think we have a guy doubled, and we give up an 80-yard touchdown, a 60-yard touchdown,'' Ryan said. ''We have to stop doing those things, obviously. When we do that, I believe that now we are going to start becoming a much better defense.'' At Green Bay, the Jets were up 21-9 with less than two minutes before halftime, but Rodgers led the Packers on a 97-yard touchdown drive, scoring with 8 seconds left. After New York tied it at 24 in the third quarter, Rodgers delivered a knockout blow, an 80-yard TD pass to Jordy Nelson. Against Chicago the following week, New York gave up several long scoring drives. 2 P a g e

3 Last Sunday, the Jets allowed a 59-yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Ross in the second quarter on a thirdand-10 play. With the game still within reach with the Lions up 17-10, Stafford marched them down the field 90 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. ''Third down is a situation where your great pass rushers, your great cover guys have to (execute),'' Thurman said. ''That's the time where you get interceptions. That's the time where you get sacks and we just haven't executed as well as we need to in those situations.'' The Jets' secondary will get top cornerback Dee Milliner back this weekend after he missed two games with a quadriceps injury. But Ryan and Thurman might stick with Antonio Allen and Darrin Walls as the starters, depending on how the game is going. New York has played a bit more zone coverage in recent weeks, mixing it in with man coverage, which has been the traditional approach Ryan's team have taken. But with teams getting big plays through the air against them, the Jets will try anything to get that first interception. ''It's just being opportunistic, taking a shot here or there,'' Pace said. ''But yeah, it is a number that we have to get better.'' Jets receivers Decker, Nelson questionable (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- The New York Jets could be down two of their top receivers when they take on the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. Eric Decker and David Nelson will be game-time decisions after being listed as questionable Friday because of injuries that limited them this week. Both players were flying with the team to San Diego on Friday afternoon. Decker has not practiced all week because of an ailing right hamstring that has hampered him since New York's game at Green Bay in Week 2. Decker was listed as questionable, but said the hamstring feels better than it did Thursday. ''The muscle itself is healthier, 100 percent, than it was,'' Decker said. ''Now, it's just a matter of working everything around it and strengthening it back up.'' Coach Rex Ryan said it's always a concern when it comes to hamstrings that it could be a lingering issue. ''But he's a pro and he knows his body,'' Ryan said. ''I think he works hard to get out there on the field, but yeah, sometimes it's, 'Do you play him? Do you sit him? Do you do whatever?' If you know what really helps a guy moving forward maybe you decide to sit a guy, but he's a guy that answers the bell.'' Nelson sprained his left ankle against Detroit last Sunday. He was also questionable after being limited at practice, something that surprised Ryan since it appeared earlier in the week that Nelson's sprain was severe. Nelson didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday. ''His ankle was unbelievable,'' Ryan said. ''Some guys are unbelievable healers now. We'll see how he does, but I was shocked that he was able to go, even on a limited basis.'' Nelson's main concern was monitoring his ankle on the flight and trying to prevent any additional swelling. 3 P a g e

4 ''After a first day of practicing on it all week, that'll add some swelling to it,'' Nelson said. ''Also, a five-hour flight. So, we're trying to find some remedies to do while we're on the plane to keep that at bay as best we can.'' If one or both are unable to play, newly signed wide receivers T.J. Graham and Chris Owusu could see their first action with the Jets. They only other healthy receivers are Jeremy Kerley, Greg Salas, Saalim Hakim and Walt Powell. Cornerback Dee Milliner (quadriceps) fully practiced and will play for the first time since Week 2. Ryan was uncertain whether Milliner would start, leaving open the possibility that both Antonio Allen and Darrin Walls could get the call with Milliner coming in as a reserve. ''We haven't decided that yet,'' Ryan said. ''Like I said, he will play, for sure. He is going to play.'' Right guard Willie Colon (knee) was a full participant at practice, as were right tackle Breno Giacomini (lower back), center Nick Mangold (shoulder), running back Chris Johnson (ankle), safety Calvin Pryor (quadriceps) and nose tackle Damon Harrison (ankle). All will play against the Chargers. Jets' Smith fined $12K for using expletives at fan (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) -- Geno Smith shouted a couple of mighty expensive expletives. The New York Jets quarterback was fined $12,000 by the NFL on Friday for cursing at a fan after the team's game against Detroit last Sunday. Smith was walking off the field following the defeat when he glared at a heckler in the stands and yelled at him, twice using an expletive. The fine issued by the league was for unsportsmanlike conduct. The second-year quarterback immediately apologized after the game, but acknowledged during the week that he would likely be fined for his actions. Cleveland rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel received a similar fine from the league during the preseason for flipping his middle finger at Washington's sideline. ''Always be above the situation,'' Smith said Wednesday. ''Never let people get to you. Never let anyone's words affect you in that manner. So I've just learned, and it's something I've already known, but (I've) just got to handle those situations better.'' Smith has declined to say what the fan said to him that set him off. Owner Woody Johnson said Thursday he was disappointed by Smith's actions, saying they were ''absolutely unacceptable.'' But, he also was confident Smith would never again put himself in a similar situation. Coach Rex Ryan wouldn't say whether Smith would face additional discipline from the team. ''We'll handle it the way we see appropriate,'' Ryan said. ''And again, when we're ready to let you know what our decision is, we'll let you know.'' Pittsburgh defensive lineman Cameron Heyward also got in trouble with his mouth, docked $22,050 for using abusive language toward an official during the Steelers' loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday. Houston's J.J. Watt was fined $16,537 for roughing the passer against Buffalo. The star defensive end was called for penalties twice after hitting Bills quarterback EJ Manuel in the knee area. 4 P a g e

5 San Diego left tackle King Dunlap and Jacksonville defensive end Alan Branch were each fined $8,268 for their fight during the Chargers' win last Sunday. Chicago guard Kyle Long was also docked $8,268 for unnecessary roughness in the Bears' loss to the Green Bay Packers. NEWSDAY Jets hope to get receivers Eric Decker and David Nelson back on field (Anthony Rieber) Newsday FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - The NFL fined Jets quarterback Geno Smith $12,000 on Friday for shouting an obscenity at a fan after Sunday's home loss to the Detroit Lions. The fine, which was expected, capped a tumultuous week for Smith, who earlier said he would accept whatever punishment the league announced. Smith's job security was a topic of discussion all week as the Jets prepared to face the Chargers Sunday. Smith probably won't hear it from too many Jets fans in sunny San Diego regardless of how he performs. A much bigger concern for Smith and the Jets is whether he'll have anyone to catch his passes. Wide receivers Eric Decker and David Nelson will be game-time decisions, coach Rex Ryan said before the team left for the long flight to California. Decker has a sore right hamstring and Nelson has been slowed by a sprained left ankle. Forget about touchdowns for the moment. The biggest clue as to whether either will play may have come when the Jets' plane touched down in San Diego on Friday. The healing process is not helped by a crosscountry flight; Nelson in particular said he was concerned about swelling during the journey. Nelson practiced on a limited basis Friday and Decker didn't practice at all. Ryan said he was "shocked" by how quickly Nelson has improved this week. Both are listed as questionable. "His ankle was unbelievable," Ryan said. "Some guys are unbelievable healers now. We'll see how he does, but I was shocked that he was able to go, even on a limited basis. "It wasn't bad. That's why I'm saying we're taking him on the trip and we'll see. I'm sure that will be a game-time decision or whatever. I'm a little shocked he's to the point where he is even making the trip." The Jets' healthy receivers are Jeremy Kerley, Greg Salas, Walt Powell, T.J. Graham and Chris Owusu. The last two were signed this week. Decker, who signed a five-year, $36.3-million contract, has been bothered by the hamstring for most of the season. He has 14 receptions for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Nelson, who was hurt last week, has six catches for 45 yards. The Jets had to deal with injuries at wide receiver last season, so this situation is déjà vu for Ryan and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. And Smith, of course. 5 P a g e

6 "Any time you deal with injuries, that is a tough situation," Ryan said. "It's not an ideal situation, for sure, but luckily those two guys, Decker and Nelson, both guys have played a long time. They know the system. So it could be worse." THE RECORD Jets could be hurting at WR on Sunday (Jeff Roberts) The Record October 4, FLORHAM PARK One receiver grabbed his helmet with his left hand and jogged to join practice. The other turned his back to the field, beginning a slow, measured walk from the rehab area into the Jets training facility. In the tale of two hobbled receivers, David Nelson raised his odds of playing Sunday when the Jets face the Chargers in San Diego, participating in his first practice this week despite a sore ankle. But Eric Decker s chances seemed to fall Friday, one day after suffering a setback with his right hamstring. Both receivers will be game-time decisions. The uncertain status of two of Geno Smith s top targets only adds another obstacle for the embattled quarterback, who is confronted with maybe the biggest start of his career. It comes one week after he committed two more turnovers, cursed at a fan as he walked off the MetLife Stadium field and heard the crowd repeatedly call for backup Michael Vick. Adding to his task, the Jets signed receivers T.J. Graham and Chris Owusu this week in case Decker and Nelson cannot play. "I do worry about it a little bit because I think there s a lot to it," coach Rex Ryan said of playing new receivers. "The reps you get on the practice field, the timing. Hopefully, up until this point, they ve had plenty of work with each other." Decker claimed his hamstring hampering him since Week 2 "feels better than it did" Thursday. But he was not convincing after missing another practice. And Smith may not have Nelson, who was limited after sitting the previous two days. It s been a long week for Smith, who was fined $12,000 by the NFL for yelling an obscenity at a heckler after Sunday s loss to Detroit. Ryan would not say if he will face additional discipline from the team. "I don t think we have finalized anything on that yet, that is my understanding," he said. "We have certainly had discussions." But a fine will be the least of Smith s worries come Sunday. He faces a bleak formula: The potential absence of Decker and Nelson, plus the addition of two unfamiliar targets plus a three-game losing streak. Smith s five interceptions are tied for the most in the NFL. And his quarterback rating of 75.1 stands 35th in the league. 6 P a g e

7 Decker and Nelson both listed as questionable made the cross-country flight Friday. But even if Decker plays, his hamstring may be a chronic issue. "You always are concerned about those things," Ryan said. "But he s a pro. He knows his body. "But sometimes it s, Do you play him? Do you sit him? " Instead of practicing, Decker received treatment from trainers. "The muscle itself is healthier, 100 percent, than it was," the $36.25 million receiver said. "Now it s a matter of working everything around it and strengthening it back up." Meanwhile, Nelson was optimistic after testing his ankle. He said he felt good enough Friday to play. Ryan used the word "shocked" three times to describe his reaction to Nelson practicing. "His ankle was unbelievable," he said. "Some guys are unbelievable healers. We ll see how he does, but I was shocked that he was able to go." But the long flight will be the real test. How his ankle responds likely will determine if he plays. So the Jets had no choice but to bring in new receivers with only Jeremy Kerley, Greg Salas and the rarely utilized Saalim Hakim and Walter Powell healthy. Graham and Owusu are learning on the fly. "Every night I ve been basically living here," said Graham, who the Titans released last week. "The only thing that s not here is my bed. There s food, everything else I need. I leave here late at night to go home and sleep and come back early." BRIEFS: CB Dee Milliner will return after missing two games with a sore quad and hamstring. But Ryan hasn t decided if he will start. Chargers LB Dwight Freeney (knee) is questionable. NJ ADVANCE MEDIA Why the Jets pressuring Philip Rivers won't be as easy as it seems, despite Chargers' line problems (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media October 4, FLORHAM PARK The Jets defensive linemen watched enough film of Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers this week to fully understand how resourceful he can be, even when faced with the sort of consistent pass-rush pressure he has encountered this year. Rivers, an 11th-year pro and one of the NFL s elite quarterbacks, does not have one set arm slot, to use baseball parlance. Depending on the depth of his receivers routes, or the direction blitzing pressure comes from, Rivers will adjust his arm angle accordingly and often still manage to complete a pass. He can throw it any type of way, said Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. If pressure is in his face, he can sling it sidearm, or underneath flick it. Nose tackle Damon Harrison, so impressed by studying film of Rivers throws, even extended the quarterback s range to hyperbolic proportions. I bet he can probably throw the ball behind his back if he tried, Harrison said. 7 P a g e

8 That, of course, would not be Rivers preference, since he often attempts to release the ball quickly. Jets coach Rex Ryan said Rivers is taking fewer downfield shots, in his second year with coach Mike McCoy s offense, than he did under McCoy s predecessor, Norv Turner. Under McCoy, Rivers does not hang on to the ball quite as long. Between Rivers quick release and his ability to handle pressure, the Jets formidable front faces a challenge Sunday in San Diego, where the 1-3 Jets will try to break a three-game losing streak. Can the Jets defensive linemen get to Rivers, or at least bat down some of his passes at the line of scrimmage? Even if they are able to pressure him, will it be enough to limit the surgical efficiency with which he has played so far this season? Consider the pressure Rivers has already faced, while leading to the Chargers to a 3-1 start. Though he has been sacked on just 3.5 percent of his drop-backs, ninth-best in the NFL, the Chargers patchwork offensive line has unquestionably allowed pressure. San Diego ranks 28th in Pro Football Focus s passblocking ratings. The Chargers have allowed 43 quarterback hurries 11 more than the Jets. They are on their second right guard and their third center, because of injuries. Just to see the fact that you can get pressure on him is encouraging, said Harrison. But Rivers has endured. He is second behind the Packers Aaron Rodgers in PFF s overall quarterback ratings, and also second to Rodgers in passing ratings. Rivers has completed 70.1 percent of his passes for nine touchdowns and one interception, building on a 2013 season in which he completed a career-high 69.5 percent of his passes for 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Rivers is thriving despite pressure. He has been under pressure on 52 of his 149 drop-backs, per PFF. In those situations, he has still completed 22 of 44 passes for 266 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Last year, he completed 58.4 percent of his passes under pressure. I always try to get it out of my hand quick and not stand back there forever when you know you have pressure, Rivers said. On the 97 drop-backs when Rivers has not faced pressure this season, his stats are superb: 79.6 percent completions, 9.6 yards per attempt, seven touchdowns and one pick. The Jets boast one of the NFL s best defensive fronts, and have pressured quarterbacks as you d expect this season. The Jets lead the NFL in sacks (14) and sack percentage, having brought down opposing quarterbacks on 8.8 percent of drop-backs. Remarkably, the Jets haven t converted the pressure into any interceptions. Rivers is difficult to intercept not only because of his precision and his quick release, but also because of where he throws the ball. Just 48 of his aimed pass attempts have gone longer than 10 yards, while 80 have covered fewer than 10 yards, according to PFF. This does not include the times Rivers threw the ball away (six), was hit as he threw (two) or had a pass batted down (once). Therein lies one of Rivers most eyebrow-raising numbers. For all the short passes he throws, just one has been batted down. Still, the Jets front seven defenders see opportunities for deflecting balls at the line the next-best thing when you can t regularly sack a quarterback who releases his passes so quickly. His release is low sometimes, said strong-side linebacker Calvin Pace. If you look at a lot of his throws, they re in the middle of the field. Indeed, Rivers throws to the short middle, fewer than 10 yards off the line, twice as often as he targets any other area of the field, according to PFF. On these throws, Rivers is 31 of 41 for 243 yards, two touchdowns and a pick. All week, the Jets coaches have preached the importance not only of recognizing 8 P a g e

9 Rivers varied arm angles, but also of getting hands up at the line, because a tipped pass can turn into an interception. This week, if we don t get to him, we ve got to get our hands up and bat the ball down, said rush outside linebacker Quinton Coples. That way, we still present ourselves with opportunities. After a couple batted balls, he may hold it, and then we get sacks, and we get strip-sack fumbles. I think the key emphasis this week, being that he does a lot of check-downs, if we get our hands up, it s a golden opportunity for us to knock some balls down and control and dominate that whole front. Rattling Rivers with pressure is not easy. He is a large man 6-5 and 228 pounds so he can see down the field over blitzing linemen, and also absorb blows when he has to. Guys will try to jump up and down, to knock down the ball from him, but he ll still get it out, Harrison said, adding that defensive line coach Karl Dunbar has emphasized the importance of putting hands up to bat down passes even more than usual this week. Ryan, a former defensive line coach, teaches that there is more to batting down a pass than sticking your arms up and hoping. When a defensive lineman recognizes that he isn t going to get into the backfield in time, he must watch the quarterback s eyes, slide into the throwing lane and then extend his arms. Another pass-deflecting trick Richardson employs: With a right-handed quarterback like Rivers, Richardson makes sure to stick up his left arm, because of the direction the pass is likely to come from. Ryan liked how the Jets practiced these techniques this week. He said they will be valuable in this game because Rivers likes to step up in the pocket close to the line of scrimmage as he makes his throws. Already this season, Richardson has batted down one pass at the line. End Muhammad Wilkerson, who is off to a tremendous start, has batted down three. Wilkerson, who has three sacks through four games, recognizes that using the length of his 6-4 body in this game could be just as important as utilizing his speed and power to sack Rivers. He would prefer the latter, but if it isn t possible on a play, because of Rivers fast release, Wilkerson will happily rely on his length, to get his hands on throws. You can t just give up on a play, Wilkerson said. Among the Jets front seven, there is a certain admiration for Rivers, because he wilts under neither pressure nor punishment. I don t think he fears getting hit, Pace said. He doesn t mind stepping into a throw and taking a hit to get a completion. A guy like that, pressure isn t going to rattle him. Wilkerson has also gathered, from studying Rivers, that the quarterback enjoys some verbal give-and-take with his pursuers. So Wilkerson relishes the opportunity to test Rivers tenacity in this game. That s good, a quarterback who likes to get hit, Wilkerson said. He s going to talk trash to you if you talk trash to him. It makes the game much more fun when you ve got a guy chomping it back at you. If I ve got a chance to hit him, I m going to hit him. Within the rules, of course, as Wilkerson was quick to point out, while recognizing that this chase, of this quarterback, won t be as simple as teeing off on a pedestrian pocket passer. Still, a long-held mantra remains, for one of the NFL s best defensive fronts, as it prepares to face an elite quarterback, in a mustwin game. No quarterback likes pressure in their face, Richardson said. We ve just got to make sure we get to the tall guy as best as we can. 9 P a g e

10 Eric Decker, David Nelson to be game-time decisions for Jets against Chargers (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media FLORHAM PARK -- Injured Jets wide receivers Eric Decker and David Nelson will make the trip to San Diego for Sunday's game against the Chargers. Both are officially listed as questionable on the injury report, and head coach Rex Ryan said the playing status for both would be a game-time decision. Decker, who has battled a hamstring issue for the better part of three weeks, did not practice Thursday or Friday after re-aggravating the injury, though he did say Friday morning that he felt better than he did on Thursday. "That's a positive sign," said Decker, who began Friday morning's practice in the rehab area with the team's trainers before retreating to the locker room for additional exercise and treatment. "The muscle itself healthier 100 percent than it was," Decker said. "Now it's a matter of working everything around it and just strengthening everything it back up." Nelson, who sprained his left ankle last week against the Lions, practiced in a limited role on Friday after not practicing Wednesday and Thursday. Ryan said three times that he was "shocked" at the speedy progress Nelson has made in his recovery. "Some guys are unbelievable healers," Ryan said. The Jets are scheduled to fly to California on Friday afternoon, to adjust to the time difference. Nelson said he would try to keep the ankle moving on the long flight, and to keep compression on it under the watchful eye of the team's trainers. He also said if he felt as good as he did Friday morning, he'd be able to play. The Jets have eight receivers on their 53-man roster, though all eight are not likely to be active for Sunday's game. They signed Chris Osuwu and T.J. Graham this week, and Ryan signaled that Graham could get the nod over Osuwu if Decker and/or Nelson can't go. With Decker's injury, the obvious concern is whether this remains a lingering problem going forward. "Yeah," Ryan said. "You always are concerned about those things, but he s a pro. He knows his body. I think he works hard to get out there on the field, but, yeah, sometimes it s, Do you play him? Do you sit him? Do you do whatever? If you know what really helps a guy moving forward maybe you decide to sit a guy, but he s a guy that answers the bell. I think he s missed [two games] in his career, so he s a tough guy." Geno Smith's 'Bleep you!' fined same as Johnny Manziel's middle finger (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media per_report.html FLORHAM PARK -- Jets quarterback Geno Smith was hit with a $12,000 fine on Friday for cursing at a fan as he left the field after last week's loss to the Lions, the NFL confirmed. 10 P a g e

11 News of Smith's fine was first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, who also pointed out that Smith was fined the same amount as Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, who had given the middle finger to the Washington sideline during the preseason. Smith was looking at a fine of at least $11,025, which is the minimum amount for a first offense for "excessive profanity," according to the NFL's fine schedule. Head coach Rex Ryan declined to say Friday whether Smith would face any additional discipline from the team. "I don t think we have finalized anything on that yet that is my understanding," Ryan said. I mean we have certainly had discussions. I can t give you an honest answer. We'll handle it the way we see appropriate. When we're ready to let you know what our decision is, we'll let you know." In case you missed it, the video of Smith cursing at the fan can be seen above. Jets at the quarter mark: Biggest surprise and disappointment (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media tment.html FLORHAM PARK -- At 1-3 through four games, the Jets fly to California on Friday faced with all sorts of questions about where their season is headed. There have been some surprises, but arguably none bigger than the performance of cornerback Darrin Walls. And while there have been any number of disappointments, one of them surely has been the play of left guard Brian Winters. Though still just one game out of first place in what (so far) looks like a mediocre AFC East, the Jets have lost three in a row and now face a stretch of games against the Chargers, Broncos, and Patriots that threatens to completely unravel their season. They've got issues at quarterback, along the offensive line, at running back, and at receiver. And the defense, though tops in the league against the run (63.3 yards per game) and in sacks (14), can't seem to get a stop when it needs it most and remains one of just two units in the league without an interception. Which pretty much explains why the defense ranks 17th in defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA), Football Outsiders' advanced metric that factors in values based on down and distance. "It really is hard to explain," head coach Rex Ryan said of the Jets' sacks-to-interceptions disparity. "I think we ll keep getting pressure on the quarterback and hopefully good things are coming." At the quarter pole, Walls and Winters are my respective choices for biggest surprise and biggest disappointment. Allow me to explain. Biggest surprise: CB Darrin Walls The Jets' cornerback situation figured to be a giant headache for Ryan and defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, especially when the schedule matched them against offenses like the Packers', Bears', and Lions' in the season's first four games. The Jets lost all those games, and they yielded lengthy, backbreaking drives in all three. But you know what? Walls, a career backup tabbed to start out of necessity, has more than held his own. No one's going to confuse Walls with Darrelle Revis, but Per Pro Football Focus, Walls has given up just 12 catches on 19 targets, with three passes defensed. He was assessed a costly 33-yard pass-interference 11 P a g e

12 penalty against the Bears, but the call was suspect. And most of what the Lions did to pick apart the Jets' defense on Sunday was inside, against linebackers and safeties. Dee Milliner is expected to be back from injury this week, but Walls's play has likely been good enough to force the Jets to make a decision about whether he or Antonio Allen will continue to start once Milliner is up to speed. Biggest disappointment: LG Brian Winters The Jets were hoping that Winters, a third-round pick in 2013, would take a step forward in his second season. It mostly hasn't happened. Winters has earned a cumulative grade of minus-8.6, and it's not just him: All of the O-linemen except center Nick Mangold have negative grades so far. And their problems up front have had an impact: Quarterback Geno Smith is shouldering the blame for his turnover frequency, but according to PFF, Smith has only been blitzed on 41 of his 154 dropbacks, yet he's been pressured 62 times. And when one considers Smith's quarterback rating when pressured is just 46.3, it's plain to see he's just not getting the kind of protection he needs. The Jets' running game, after barreling over the Raiders for 212 yards in Week 1, has totaled just 393 yards in the three games since. Now consider that Winters's run-block grade from PFF is minus-2.7. There's certainly plenty of blame to go around when it comes to the Jets' offense. But a good place to start would be right up front with Winters and the rest of the O-line. NEW YORK POST Jets season on the line in San Diego (George Willis) New York Post The buses pulled up to the practice facility at Florham Park on Friday afternoon ready to take the Jets on a trip that will either give them a future or continue their demise. Traveling across the country with the goal of beating Philip Rivers and the Chargers in San Diego on Sunday and ending a three-game losing streak is the kind of task that will either bond a team or expose it. Asked by The Post if he would learn something about his Jets this weekend, the always confident Rex Ryan didn t hesitate. Our team s going to play hard. There s no question, Ryan said. Our guys will have each other s backs. We re going to fight. I just hope we win. The Jets coach isn t the only one who believes. So does linebacker Calvin Pace. Always a voice of reason, Pace isn t given to hyperbole. For as much as people think that we re dead, I like where we stand, the 12-year veteran said. We ve got a challenge in front of us. But I really think we ll do well. The Chargers are 3-1 and feeling good about themselves as they try to keep pace with the Broncos in the AFC West. Rivers is the first in a murderer s row of quarterbacks the Jets defense will face over the next three games with Peyton Manning and the Broncos coming to MetLife Stadium next Sunday followed by a Thursday night game against Tom Brady and the Patriots in New England. At 1-3, the Jets desperately need to win not only to improve their record, but also to regain some confidence and lower the heat surrounding Ryan and embattled quarterback Geno Smith. While the panic 12 P a g e

13 button has been busy outside their practice walls, the Jets have remained united thus far, expressing confidence in Smith and in their ability to salvage their season. The Jets might be $20 million under the cap, but Pace thinks there s enough talent on the roster to succeed. They do if the defense starts generating turnovers and Smith can keep from committing them. The Jets will probably give up a few big plays against the Chargers. But they can t afford to keep giving up big drives like they have in losses to the Packers, Bears and Lions. It s a tough challenge, but I know this defense can handle it, Pace said. We just have to get better. Pace likes the vibe around the Jets and, despite the early adversity, he is confident the best is yet to come. Our losses have been to NFC teams, he said. You never want to lose a game, but I think they re all learning points. We can get better in a lot of different areas. Everybody is positive and that s what you have to be. We can get ourselves out of it. We just have to take it one game at time and it starts in San Diego. All eyes will be on Smith to see if he can get through a game without a big mistake. But he ll likely be shorthanded with receivers David Nelson and Eric Decker both struggling with injuries. Finding a way to win won t be easy. It never is on the road. But if the Jets can somehow escape San Diego with a win, it could be the kind of against-all-odds victory that bonds them for the rest of the year. We feel confident heading down there, Ryan said. That s not a slap on the opponent, because the opponent is playing at a very high level. But it doesn t matter who you play. We re a confident team regardless of our record. We re heading down there ready to go. We understand it s going to be a difficult challenge but we re going to give it our best and see if that s good enough. This could be just the beginning for the Jets. Or it could be the beginning of the end. Jets struggling Smith may be without big weapons Decker and Nelson (Brian Lewis) New York Post As if Geno Smith didn t have enough to worry about. After the Jets coaches admitted concern over injuries in the receiving corps wreaking havoc with timing and game-planning, the team will head to San Diego with Eric Decker and David Nelson both questionable for Sunday s game against the Chargers. While both are officially listed as questionable, coach Rex Ryan used words such as shocked and unbelievable that Nelson was able to practice even on a limited basis Friday. Decker wasn t able to do even that. He didn t practice and called himself a game-time decision. It s not a good situation for Gang Green or the struggling Smith, who will have to make do with unhealthy receivers at best, or unfamiliar ones at worst. I do worry about it a little, but because I think there s a lot to it, Ryan said. The reps you get on the practice field, the timing, all those types of things, hopefully they ve been, up until this point they ve had plenty of work with each other. But again, you do worry about that a little bit. Anytime you deal with injuries, that s a tough situation. It s not an ideal situation, for sure. But luckily those two guys, Decker and Nelson, both guys have played a long time. They know the system, so it could be worse. 13 P a g e

14 But it could sure be better, with Smith mired in a deep malaise. He has been the worst in the NFL in turnovers (seven) and interceptions (five), and his 75.1 quarterback rating is fourth-worst among qualified players. Now, he may have to make do with reserves. T.J. Graham and Chris Owusu signed this week to help provide depth. Decker has been fighting a hamstring injury for three weeks, and left last Sunday s loss to Detroit after 51 snaps. He suffered a setback during the week and didn t practice Thursday or Friday. Right now it s a game-time decision, Decker said. As I progress a decision I ll make Sunday. Obviously I d like to be out there to go through the reps and get that chemistry with the quarterback. But I know I could go and play without practicing. Obviously it d be a lot better if I could practice. Obviously. After catching 10 of the 13 targets that came his way before last Sunday, Decker and Smith weren t in sync against the Lions, completing just four of 10 targets. On the other hand, Nelson who sprained his left ankle last Sunday did manage to practice on a limited basis, with Ryan using the word shocked three times. He s going to make the trip, but I was a little shocked that he was able to practice, but he did, said Ryan. Some guys are unbelievable healers. Nelson said he plans to keep his ankle compressed and moving while on the cross country flight and to sit next to the trainer. Obviously a five-hour flight is not ideal for an ankle injury, but we re going to monitor it when we get to San Diego and see if it s getting better, Nelson said. It felt good. First day of practicing on it all week, plus a five-hour flight will add some swelling. [But] the way we felt, the way we moved around, didn t have any limitations, I feel real confident about Sunday. Ryan said Graham was a little ahead of Owusu in the pecking order because of his experience and, halfjoking, plus, he scorched us when he was at Buffalo, so we immediately put him ahead. I got in Sunday night, so every night since then I ve been living here, Graham said. The only thing that s not here is my bed. But food, everything else I need, I leave here late at night to go to sleep, and come back early to work. There are several people who are day-to-day here, so you don t quite know sometimes until several hours before the game, said offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. So that s a great challenge. Geno Smith s F-bomb gets same fine as Manziel s finger (Brian Lewis) New York Post Jets quarterback Geno Smith got hit with a $12,000 from the NFL on Friday for cursing out a fan as he walked off the field following last Sunday s loss to Detroit at MetLife Stadium. We ve certainly had discussions. I can t give you an honest answer. I know it was being lobbied about, Rex Ryan said Friday when asked about the Jets adding further discipline. We ll handle it the way we see appropriate. And again, when we re ready to let you know what our decision is, we ll let y all know. 14 P a g e

15 Smith had yelled F k you! at a fan right after the clock had wound down on Gang Green s loss to the Lions. Smith, who acknowledged earlier in the week he expected to get fined, did not speak to reporters Friday. I m aware that my actions [were] not right, so I m subject to a fine. Whatever the ramifications will be, I will accept it, Smith had said. It s the exact same fine the NFL had levied on Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel during the preseason for giving the Washington sideline the finger. Cornerback Dee Milliner is expected to play Sunday in San Diego after practicing fully Friday, though it s unclear if he ll start. We haven t decided that yet. Like I said, he will play, for sure, Ryan said. I feel confident that he s going to play. The number of reps it will probably be determined by how he s playing. But we have some depth now at that position. I feel pretty good about it. WR Eric Decker and David Nelson are both listed as questionable. Decker missed practice and is a gametime decision. Nelson was limited in practice. OL Willie Colon, OL Breno Giacomini (low back), Damon Harrison (ankle), RB Chris Johnson (ankle), C Nick Mangold (shoulder) and S Calvin Pryor all practiced fully and are listed as probable. NEW YORK DAILY NEWS NY Jets cornerback Dee Milliner as close to full health as he s been in some time (Justin Tasch) New York Daily News It s been more than two months since Dee Milliner declared he was the best cornerback in the NFL. The second-year man out of Alabama has barely had an opportunity to prove that this year because of ankle and quadriceps injuries, making just a forgettable appearance during a Week 2 loss in Green Bay. Milliner will have a chance to back up his words in earnest Sunday in San Diego. He is as close to full health as he s been in some time, practicing in full for the second consecutive day on Friday as he works back from the quad problem. He s officially probable for Sunday, but Rex Ryan wouldn t say if Milliner will start or come off the bench. We haven t decided that yet, Ryan said. Like I said, he will play, for sure. He is going to play. There doesn t appear to be a set plan for the number of snaps Milliner will play. Ryan made it seem as if Milliner s reps will be dictated by his performance. The number of reps... it will probably be determined by how he is playing, Ryan said. But we have some depth now at that position. I feel pretty good about it. If Milliner can perform anywhere close to the level he believes he s at, it will be a huge boost to the Jets secondary, which is tasked with containing San Diego s potent passing attack. Defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman said Thursday that he believes Milliner will play well. 15 P a g e

16 He s had a couple good days of practice, Thurman said. He s had some extra film study and we just have to get him back up to speed. KNEES & ANKLES Offensive linemen Nick Mangold (shoulder,) Willie Colon (knee)and Breno Giacomini (lower back) all practiced in full Friday, as did RB Chris Johnson (ankle,) DL Damon Harrison (ankle) and rookie safety Calvin Pryor (quad.) All are listed as probable for Sunday.... Chargers OLB Dwight Freeney (knee) returned but was limited and is listed as questionable. NY Jets QB Geno Smith fined $12,000 for F-bomb directed at fan (Justin Tasch) New York Daily News Geno Smith is paying the price for his foul mouth. The NFL fined the Jets second-year quarterback $12,000 Friday for unsportsmanlike conduct, a penalty anticipated after Smith cursed at a fan while walking off the field following a home loss to Detroit on Sunday, the third straight defeat for the Jets (1-3). It s the same amount Browns rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel was fined during the preseason for flipping the bird at the Washington bench. Smith was caught by a television camera yelling f--- you after the fan antagonized the struggling quarterback, who added to his alarming turnover rate by throwing an interception and losing a fumble, giving him seven giveaways for the season. That s unacceptable, Jets owner Woody Johnson said Thursday of Smith s behavior. Absolutely unacceptable. Many fans in attendance for Sunday s defeat at MetLife Stadium were all over Smith for his poor performance, chanting Michael Vick s name and calling for the veteran backup to replace Smith, who let his emotions get the best of him. He began his postgame press conference that day with an apology. No matter what happened I ve got to not feed into it, Smith said. It s a part of the job. I understand the fans want to come out and see victories. And at times they get heated and we do too as players. On Wednesday, Smith said he learned to be above the situation. Never let people get to you, he said. Never let anyone s words affect you in that manner. So I ve just learned, and it s something I ve already known, but (I ve) just got to handle those situations better. Before the fine was announced Friday, Rex Ryan was asked if the Jets would leave the discipline solely in the league s hands or if the team would take additional action, but he said nothing was finalized following discussions on potential punishment. We ll handle it the way we see appropriate, the coach said. And again, when we re ready to let you know what our decision is, we ll let you know. Smith went 17-for-33 with 209 yards, a touchdown and the pair of turnovers in last Sunday s loss. That followed a rough performance the previous Monday at home against Chicago, during which he tossed two 16 P a g e

17 interceptions, the first of which was on his first pass attempt of the game and was returned for a touchdown. The 23-year-old has experienced plenty of growing pains, leaving many to wonder why the Jets haven t turned to Vick, who played in offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg s system in Philadelphia from Amid the calls for his job and with the Jets off to a bad start, Smith was vulnerable and got caught lashing out at an angry fan. Johnson was clearly displeased with Smith, whom the owner called one of the team s leaders. I guarantee, I don t guarantee, but I would be surprised if he ever did something like this again, Johnson said. With Eric Decker aching, NY Jets may not have full deck against Chargers (Justin Tasch) New York Daily News Eric Decker was signed to give the Jets a true play-making presence, a legitimate No. 1 receiver, which the team sorely lacked. General manager John Idzik made a $36 million splash for one of Peyton Manning s favorite targets in Denver, and while Decker has been productive when he s played this season, staying on the field has been a major issue. Decker did not practice again on Friday because of his nagging hamstring problem and he is officially questionable for Sunday s game in San Diego, with both he and Rex Ryan deeming the wideout a gametime decision. Decker had to be pulled from practice Thursday before taking any reps in team drills. On Friday, Decker was off to the side at the start of practice before heading indoors for treatment. It feels better than (Thursday,) Decker said. I did some stuff, as far as inside, to work it. It s gonna be day-to-day. The injury, which dates back to training camp, forced Decker from the Jets Week 2 loss at Green Bay. He likely would benefit from sitting out a game, and Ryan admitted Friday that he s worried the injury could linger throughout the season, but he also said Decker has veto power and will play if he feels he can play. You always are concerned about those things, but (Decker s) a pro, Ryan said. He knows his body. I think he works hard to get out there on the field, but yeah, sometimes it s, Do you play him? Do you sit him? Do you do whatever? If you know what really helps a guy moving forward, maybe you decide to sit a guy, but he s a guy that answers the bell. I think he s missed one game in his career, so he s a tough guy. Adding to the Jets wide-receiver issues is David Nelson s ankle injury, but Nelson did practice Friday for the first time this week on a limited basis. Ryan was shocked Nelson, listed as questionable, was able to work. 17 P a g e