NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

August 11, 2014

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Table of Contents

ASSOCIATED PRESS ................................................................................................................................................ 2

Jets' Milliner hurts knee, McDougle tears ACL (Dennis Waszak) .............................................................................. 2

Jets' Milliner helped from field with leg injury (Dennis Waszak) .............................................................................. 2

For Jets' Davis, leadership, faith intertwined (Dennis Waszak) ................................................................................. 3

NEWSDAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

Injuries to Dee Milliner, Dexter McDougle paint Jets into corner (Bob Glauber) ..................................................... 4

Dexter McDougle tears ACL, Dee Milliner hurt at Jets training camp (Kimberley Martin) ....................................... 5

Michael Vick: There's a time and place to use two quarterbacks (Kimberley Martin).............................................. 7

THE RECORD .......................................................................................................................................................... 8

Jets' Milliner injures ankle at practice, McDougle tears ACL in left knee (J.P. Pelzman) .......................................... 8

Jets notes: Vick lukewarm on wildcat (J.P. Pelzman) ................................................................................................ 9

Jets notes: Reporter Rex mingles with media (J.P. Pelzman) .................................................................................... 9

Jets: Andrew Furney garnering notice (J.P. Pelzman) ............................................................................................. 10

STAR-LEDGER ....................................................................................................................................................... 11

Jets' Dexter McDougle tears ACL in left knee during practice, season almost certainly over (Darryl Slater) ......... 11

Jets' Eric Decker explains quad injury, expects to play vs. Bengals, feels 'comfortable' with playbook (Darryl Slater) ...................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Calvin Pryor, ready to hit hard again in Jets-Bengals, says, 'I'm back now' (Darryl Slater) ..................................... 13

Geno Smith taking wait-and-see approach on how Mike Vick situational QB role could affect Jets (Darryl Slater) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 15

8 observations from Day 14 of Jets camp, a grim Sunday (Darryl Slater) ............................................................... 16

NJ.COM ................................................................................................................................................................ 18

Dee Milliner injury: Jets cornerback has high ankle sprain, will be out a few weeks, per report (Dom Cosentino) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 18

NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................. 19

Jets rookie CB McDougle tears ACL; Milliner hurt, too (Brian Lewis) ...................................................................... 19

How to lighten mood at Jets camp? Dizzy bat race (Brian Costello) ....................................................................... 19

If Rex Ryan is fired, why Idzik should follow him out the door (Brian Costello) ...................................................... 20

Vick wary of wildcat despite Geno and Rex’s excitement (Brian Costello) ............................................................. 21

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 23

Dee Milliner leaves NY Jets practice with ankle injury, Dex McDougle tears ACL (Manish Mehta) ........................ 23

Geno Smith a proponent of NY Jets using Wildcat (Manish Mehta) ...................................................................... 24

NEW YORK TIMES ................................................................................................................................................ 24

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Two Defensive Injuries End the Jets’ Preseason Stroll (Ben Shpigel) ...................................................................... 24

WALL STREET JOURNAL ....................................................................................................................................... 26

Jets' Top Cornerbacks Are Injured in Practice (Stu Woo) ........................................................................................ 26

ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................. 27

Sunday notes: Geno hopes to copy Rodgers (Rich Cimini) ...................................................................................... 27

Jets' Dee Milliner injures ankle (Rich Cimini) .......................................................................................................... 28

Sheldon to Sapp: Forget sophomore jinx (Rich Cimini) ........................................................................................... 29

NEWYORKJETS.COM ............................................................................................................................................ 31

Dee Milliner, Dex McDougle Down with Injuries (Randy Lange)............................................................................. 31

'There's a Time and a Place for the Wildcat' (TJ Brennan) ...................................................................................... 32

Calvin Pace's Advice: Start Faster on the Road (Randy Lange) ................................................................................ 33

Jeff Cumberland's Career Comes into Focus (Jackie Lovett) ................................................................................... 34

SUNDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS ...................................................................................................................... 35

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jets' Milliner hurts knee, McDougle tears ACL (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press August 10, 2014

http://pro32.ap.org/article/jets-milliner-hurts-knee-mcdougle-tears-acl

CORTLAND, N.Y. (AP) — Dee Milliner, expected to be the New York Jets' No. 1 cornerback, was helped from the field after injuring his left ankle at practice Sunday, a half-hour after rookie Dexter McDougle was carted off after tearing a ligament in his left knee.

Veteran Dimitri Patterson, projected as a possible starter opposite Milliner, missed practice for the second straight day with ankle and calf injuries — making the Jets' secondary extremely thin. Their next preseason game is at Cincinnati next Saturday.

Milliner went down after defending wide receiver Quincy Enunwa on a long pass and writhed in pain on the sideline at SUNY Cortland on Sunday. McDougle was hurt during a 1-on-1 drill with wide receiver Stephen Hill, who jumped over the cornerback to catch a pass.

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Jets' Milliner helped from field with leg injury (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press August 10, 2014

http://pro32.ap.org/article/jets-milliner-helped-field-leg-injury

CORTLAND, N.Y. (AP) — New York Jets cornerback Dee Milliner has been helped off the practice field with an apparent injury to his lower left leg.

Milliner, expected to be the Jets' top cornerback in his second season, went down after defending wide receiver Quincy Enunwa on a long pass and writhed in pain on the sideline at SUNY Cortland on Sunday. Trainers rushed over to Milliner, the team's No. 1 draft pick last year, and examined him.

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Milliner got up after several minutes, but didn't put any weight on his left leg before being carted to the medical tent. Milliner grimaced while trainers placed his leg in a tub of ice. He was then carted to the locker room.

The Jets had no immediate word on the severity of the injury.

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For Jets' Davis, leadership, faith intertwined (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press August 10, 2014

http://pro32.ap.org/article/jets-davis-leadership-faith-intertwined

CORTLAND, N.Y. (AP) — Demario Davis' eyes are pure intensity.

The New York Jets linebacker has a gaze that's deadly serious — whether he's talking about football or life. He speaks with a purpose while looking straight at you, the dark brown around his pupils both piercing and intimidating.

They are the eyes of a leader. They garner attention and respect — on the football field and off.

"I don't think leaders are made. Leaders are born," Davis said. "Ever since I was a young child, I always told my Mom, 'I'm a leader. I want to be a leader in everything I do.' My Dad always told me at an early age that I should never be a follower."

That has been a driving force for the 25-year-old Davis, who has already established himself as a team leader despite being in just his third season. It was a quality Rex Ryan saw right away when the Jets drafted him in the third round out of Arkansas State in 2012.

"When I talked to him, I said, 'Wow, he's got some natural leadership ability,'" Ryan recalled. "I sensed it and I think we're starting to see it going on Year 3 now with him."

For Davis, leading people is a delicate balance of faith and football.

He's a devout Christian whose job requires him to smash opposing ball carriers. He studies the Bible and his playbook with equal amounts of urgency.

"My faith is always going to be the most important aspect of my leadership," he said in a candid interview with The Associated Press. "I was a leader off the field on this team before I was a leader on the field. I wanted my character to speak for me before I even stepped foot on the field.

"I wanted guys to know that I put God first, I put my family second and I put football third."

Davis insists he's on a daily quest to be a better person. And, more than that, he needs to help make others around him better in the process.

"That guy right there," defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson said, "he just wants to be great."

As a rookie, Davis entered an NFL locker room for the first time and scouted out who the leaders of the team were. Not intimidated by his low spot in the pecking order, he sensed that some of those veterans needed motivation themselves.

"How can I do that? By always encouraging them and challenging them to do more," he said. "It's understanding that, 'Hey, I'm a young guy, but I need more out of you. I need to see you doing more and hear you saying more.' With our team, a lot of our leaders are great players and great examples, but not a lot of them are vocal. Not because they can't be. It's just what they choose.

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"So, that left a void."

One that Davis filled seamlessly.

"A gift of mine is speaking," he said. "I'm not bragging about it, but it's just something I'm good at."

It's no exaggeration to say Davis, who finished second on the team with 120 tackles last season, is one of the first players at morning meetings and almost always the last to leave.

"I can't talk like a leader off the field and not be an alpha male in an alpha-male environment," Davis said. "That's where the work ethic comes in. People always need to see you doing more, need to see you devoted to your craft."

Growing up, Davis also took that approach and made plenty of mistakes along the way. He got into some trouble, and got those following him into trouble, too. Davis didn't get along with some of his coaches, thinking he knew better than them.

In his second season at Arkansas State, Davis discovered his faith and spent a summer going through evangelism training in Tampa, Florida. He changed his life, and was on the path to changing others' lives, too.

"I've never been hesitant with my faith," he said. "It's always going to speak because of your character before you even say a word. I don't have to go up and say, 'God this, God that. The Bible this, the Bible that.' People just understand by your character and the way you handle certain situations."

His play picked up, too, and his reputation for being a hard-hitting tough guy on the field grew.

"A lot of fans in my college city," Davis said, "they would always say, 'You're the meanest guy on the field, but you're the friendliest person I've ever met.'"

Davis has fully earned the respect of his teammates, many of whom often seek him out, looking for guidance from the young guy in the locker room.

"Life beats you up pretty bad," Davis said. "People need to see hope. Having faith is so much about seeing something that's not there, having hope that something better is to come.

"That's always my message: No matter what your situation is, it can always be better."

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NEWSDAY

Injuries to Dee Milliner, Dexter McDougle paint Jets into corner (Bob Glauber) Newsday August 10, 2014

http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/injuries-to-dee-milliner-dexter-mcdougle-paint-jets-into-corner-1.9020632

What began as a routine training-camp practice Sunday abruptly turned into the Jets' first major crisis of the season.

First, it was rookie cornerback Dexter McDougle suffering a left knee injury during a one-on-one-drill. Torn ACL. Done for the year. Not even 30 minutes later, it was 2013 first-round corner Dee Milliner suffering a badly sprained left ankle. Out indefinitely. Probably at least a few weeks.

So now the Jets are without three of their top four cornerbacks, with recently signed free agent Dimitri Patterson ailing with calf and ankle injuries, although he is day-to-day. That means if the season were to

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start today, the Jets' top three corners would be former first-rounder Kyle Wilson, largely a disappointment throughout his career, Darrin Walls and Ras-I Dowling.

Not good. Especially at a position that was murky to begin with. Making it even worse is that first-round rookie safety Calvin Pryor is coming off a concussion.

Now, before you point a finger at general manager John Idzik, who clearly wanted to go younger at cornerback and failed to outbid the Giants for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and the Bucs for Alterraun Verner, understand that no one can predict injuries. And if you still think the Jets should have paid a king's ransom to keep Darrelle Revis instead of trading him to the Bucs, or should have re-signed him to a one-year, $12-million deal this year, go for it.

But if you do, then think about what it would be like without Sheldon Richardson, whom the Jets drafted with the first-round pick they acquired in the Revis trade. Or think about renting Revis on a one-year deal in 2014, only to have his contract issues resurface yet again at a time the Jets are trying to build a young nucleus. Remember, too, that Revis was not indestructible; he, too, suffered a torn ACL early in the 2012 season.

The one move -- or non-move, actually -- where I will quibble with Idzik is not keeping Antonio Cromartie, who could have been had on the cheap for this season. He wound up taking a modest one-year, $3.25-million deal with the Cardinals. That's just about a quarter of what Revis was demanding, and Cromartie's familiarity with the Jets' defense would have been a significant asset. Especially at a time like this.

Chances are Idzik will have to see what's out there on the open market. Former Giant Corey Webster certainly could be signed to an affordable contract. Other unsigned corners include Asante Samuel, Chris Carr and Dunta Robinson. They're all over 30, but they're all worth checking out.

Fortunately for the Jets, Rex Ryan has been a terrific mentor for young corners, and he'll get the most out of the talent he has. So it won't be a surprise if the Jets stand pat for a while to see more of what they have on the roster.

But without Milliner for a prolonged period, the Jets undoubtedly will suffer. The former Alabama star was having a terrific camp, earning the nickname "Franchise'' from linebacker Demario Davis. His near interception in Thursday night's preseason opener against the Colts was a reminder of how he emerged late last season after a series of benchings. He had the look of a big-time corner, but now he has to wait until his ankle heals. It could be a while.

McDougle was having the usual rookie growing pains, so he might not have been ready to contribute this year. The Jets loved his talent, but now they'll have to wait until next season.

Ryan is keeping a stiff upper lip about his depleted secondary.

"These kinds of situations, I've had to deal with them in the past,'' he said. "It'll be adversity for some, opportunity for others. We'll put the best 11 out there. We'll be able to play defense. We've got a lot of good football players. We'll be fine.

"I've been talking about our depth, and now we'll get to see it.''

Hopefully, he likes what he sees. Then again, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and all the other great quarterbacks the Jets will face this year might like what they see even more.

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Dexter McDougle tears ACL, Dee Milliner hurt at Jets training camp (Kimberley Martin) Newsday August 10, 2014

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http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/dee-milliner-dexter-mcdougle-hurt-at-jets-training-camp-1.9019350

CORTLAND, N.Y. - Dexter McDougle had tears in his eyes just before he was set to play in his first NFL preseason game. But on Sunday, the Jets’ third-rounder was emotional for a much different reason.

A day after he spoke to reporters about his long road to recovery following a season-ending shoulder injury in college, McDougle's rookie year came to an abrupt end after he tore his left ACL in practice.

The team made the announcement Sunday afternoon, just hours after he and fellow cornerback Dee Milliner had to be carted to the locker room due to injury. And now, Rex Ryan’s questionable secondary looks even weaker just six days removed from their second preseason game against Cincinnati.

“You’re concerned with everybody’s injury, but that’s part of the business,” the Jets coach said, prior to the McDougle announcement. “The next man has to step up. We’ll see. But you’re always concerned with guys’ injuries.”

The Jets were already short two cornerbacks when the day began – Dimitri Patterson (quad, ankle) and Jeremy Reeves (knee) both sat out practice. And within a half hour, the team was down two more defensive backs.

McDougle went down after going up for a jump ball against 6-5 receiver Stephen Hill during red-zone 1-on-1 drills. After getting his left knee checked out on the sideline, the cornerback gingerly walked off the field and was later carted to the locker room.

Ryan refused to speculate on the injury and its severity, but his words – and tone – were telling.

“He came down and a cleat got caught,” the coach said. “He felt a sharp pain and that was it. “

Ryan said he initially was encouraged seeing McDougle walk off under his own power, “but then you realize when a guy does walk off, that’s not necessarily a true indicator.”

Meanwhile, it’s believed Milliner suffered a high sprain in his left ankle and could miss several weeks – a seemingly better diagnosis than a complete break.

The injury after receiver Quincy Enunwa caught a sideline pass on Milliner. Enunwa said he couldn’t remember colliding with Milliner because “as a receiver, you try not to pay attention to the DB. Obviously, he is my teammates and I don’t know if he came out badly injured or anything. I was focusing on the ball, made the play and got up and I saw that he was down.”

Milliner -- who lay writhing in pain for several minutes -- couldn't put any weight on his injured foot and had to be helped off by two trainers. He then was carted to the injury tent, where his left foot was placed in an ice tub, and then carted to the locker room.

Ryan wouldn’t say whose injury was worse at the time, but deep down he knew McDougle's was bad.

“He was like, ‘Ugh, you’ve got to be kidding.’ All that type of stuff,” Ryan said, relaying the rookie's on-field reaction to the injury.

A short time later, McDougle tweeted the following message to his fans: “Thank you everyone who has sent me your support and prayers. This is a tough blow but I promise, I will be back better than ever #GodSpeed.”

McDougle was beaming on Saturday as he spoke of his return to football after missing most of his senior season at Maryland due to a shoulder injury. “It felt amazing to finally get back out there,” he said of playing in Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Colts. “I was getting real emotional, just taking it all in. I’m living my dream.

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“A lot of people didn’t think I’d be in this position almost a year ago when I got my injury. It’s just a testament to my hard work and dedication.”

On that same day, Ryan had complimented McDougle's play. But he also pointed out that the cornerback was a little overweight and not in “NFL shape.”

Asked if Milliner suffered a break or a high ankle sprain, Ryan said “I couldn’t answer that.” But it was clear he knew more than he was letting on. “It sounded like he rolled it, which would lead you to believe that it would be more of an ankle sprain than it would be a fracture.

“I said I wasn’t going to speculate, but I guess I just did.”

As for which cornerbacks will suit up in this weekend in Cincinnati – it’s anyone’s guess, said Ryan. With Patterson, Reeves and Johnny Patrick still nursing injuries, Kyle Wilson, Darrin Walls, Ellis Lankster, Brandon Dixon and Ras-I Dowling remain the only healthy cornerbacks on the roster.

“I’ve got to find out who’s still out there,” the coach said.

But Ryan seemed fairly optimistic about the status of his secondary – at least he was before the McDougle news was made official.

“I’m not a new coach,” Ryan said. “Those kind of situations I’ve had to deal with them in the past. And adversity to some becomes opportunity for others. And we’ll put the best 11 out there. And we’ll be able to play defense. We’ve got a lot of good football players, and we’ll be fine.”

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Michael Vick: There's a time and place to use two quarterbacks (Kimberley Martin) Newsday August 10, 2014

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/michael-vick-there-s-a-time-and-place-to-use-two-quarterbacks-1.9020608

CORTLAND, N.Y. - There's an art to using two quarterbacks in a game. And timing is everything, said Michael Vick.

"There is a time for it," he explained. "Those plays can be mixed into the game very easily. We won't make a big deal out of that. When it happens, it happens."

Geno Smith, the Jets' presumptive starter, said he's fully on board with the Jets using Vick as a change-of-pace quarterback -- that is, if the team chooses to go that route. "I think it'll have some benefits and there may be some disadvantages, but we won't know until we actually get on the field," said Smith, who labeled Vick a "dual threat" because of his running and passing ability.

Smith also said Wildcat-type plays didn't disrupt his rhythm last season. "I think it helped us," he said. " . . . I think it was pretty successful. Like I said, the coaches make the decisions, the packages, the play-calling, and I'm just going to go out there and rep the play and do my best."

Vick, however, admitted the change-of-pace quarterback plays "didn't last long" in Philadelphia. "That's when we learned that there is a time and place for it," the former Eagle said. "I think you just mix it in, you disrupt things defensively, what the opposition is doing and make it work like that."

But one thing is for certain about the Jets' offensive plans for Vick: "We aren't going to say when it's going to happen, it's just going to happen," he said. "That's our little secret."

New spin on practice

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Sunday's practice began on a fun note, as Rex Ryan split up unsuspecting rookies into two groups (offense vs. defense) for a dizzy bat relay race -- in which players took turns running toward the bat, standing it upright and spinning around 10 times with their foreheads pressed against the knob.

No rookie was spared, not even recently-concussed safety Calvin Pryor. Ryan said he had no reservations about Pryor's participation.

"Just trying to get the energy level boosted up," Ryan said of the pre-practice exercise.

"[It was a way to] get guys smiling, laughing and feeling good. Now you are ready to go to work."

Quincy Enunwa, a sixth-round pick, had his best performance of training camp, but that was overshadowed by the loss of Dexter McDougle and an injury to Dee Milliner, who likely suffered a high ankle sprain trying to contest an Enunwa catch on the sideline . . . Eric Decker (quad) sat out practice but told reporters it was precautionary. Chris Ivory (ribs) wore pads but was held out. Dimitri Patterson (quad/ankle) sat out, along with Jeremy Reeves (knee), Tim Fugger (knee), Shaq Evans (shoulder) and Markus Zusevics (knee) . . . Brent Qvale (concussion) was in a red non-contact jersey.

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THE RECORD

Jets' Milliner injures ankle at practice, McDougle tears ACL in left knee (J.P. Pelzman) The Record August 10, 2014

http://www.northjersey.com/news/jets-milliner-injures-ankle-at-practice-mcdougle-tears-acl-in-left-knee-1.1065258

CORTLAND, N.Y. — Cornerback Dee Milliner, the Jets’ top draft pick in 2013, left practice today because of an ankle injury. Coach Rex Ryan said that Milliner will have an MRI exam later today.

Also injured at practice was cornerback Dexter McDougle, a third-round draft choice in May. McDougle suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, the Jets announced. He will be lost for the season.

Milliner was defending a long pass to rookie wide receiver Quincy Enunwa, a sixth-round pick, when he came down hard and rolled his left ankle. He was unable to put any weight on his foot and had to be helped to a trainer’s table, where his leg was placed in a tub of ice. He then was taken to the locker room on a cart.

If it is a high ankle sprain, Milliner could be out for several weeks. He was the ninth overall pick in the 2013 draft, and although he struggled through much of the season, he came on strong down the stretch. The Jets have penciled him in to be their No. 1 cornerback.

McDougle was playing with the starters because first-string cornerback Dimitri Patterson was sitting out for the second consecutive day because of calf and ankle woes. McDougle was defending wide receiver Stephen Hill in a one-on-one drill when he went up to defend a pass and landed awkwardly.

Unlike Milliner, McDougle was able to leave the field under his own power, and walked on his own to the cart that took him to the locker room. However, it is not uncommon for people to still be able to walk normally after tearing an ACL.

Fourth-year pro Darrin Walls and fifth-year pro Ellis Lankster finished the practice as the starting cornerbacks. Both Ryan and Patterson said it is unclear when Patterson will be able to return to practice. Patterson, dealing with his nagging injuries, struggled in coverage in the preseason opener against Indianapolis.

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Jets notes: Vick lukewarm on wildcat (J.P. Pelzman) The Record August 10, 2014

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/jets-notes-vick-lukewarm-on-wildcat-1.1065427

Vick iffy on wildcat

The formation is called the wildcat. But judging by Michael Vick’s reaction to questions about it Sunday, he probably would refer to it as the mildcat.

Coach Rex Ryan had intimated Saturday that the Jets could use the veteran quarterback as a change-of-pace substitute for Geno Smith at certain times during the season, but Vick sounded less than enthusiastic about the idea, although he didn’t openly come out against it. Vick was used in that capacity by Philadelphia coach Andy Reid at times during his tenure with the Eagles.

"You don’t want to disrupt the timing of the game," Vick said. "Guys [playing quarterback] get into rhythms and you want to continue with that rhythm. There is a time and place [for it], whether it’s third down, whether it’s short yardage, whether it’s in the red zone. There is a time when you can do it and it can be effective."

More Rex hijinks

Before the mood turned somber after the injuries to cornerbacks Dee Milliner and Dexter McDougle, Sunday’s practice began in a light-hearted manner. Ryan conducted a "dizzy bats" relay race between rookie members of the offense and defense. Players had to run to a standing bat, put it to their head, spin around numerous times and then run back.

"You want to get guys smiling, laughing, feeling good and ready to work," Ryan explained.

The defense won, with safety Calvin Pryor, the team’s first-round pick, running the anchor leg. When a reporter questioned the wisdom of having Pryor, who recently returned from a concussion, participating in such a contest, Ryan dismissed the question and indicated he wasn’t concerned about having Pryor in such an event.

Quote of the day

"I think it’s definitely something to look into. I don’t know how much we’ll do it or if we’ll do it at all, but every time he’s on the field he brings that run-pass option."— QB Geno Smith on possibly using Vick as a wildcat QB.

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Jets notes: Reporter Rex mingles with media (J.P. Pelzman) The Record August 10, 2014

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/reporter-rex-mingles-with-the-media-1.1065079

CORTLAND, N.Y. — Rex Ryan joined the media Saturday.

Well, for about 10 minutes anyway.

After going over the injury report in his daily news conference, Ryan stepped away from the lectern and told longtime beat writer Rich Cimini of ESPN New York to take his place. Ryan then sat with the other

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media members and playfully asked Cimini numerous questions, including why he got into the profession and what was his favorite event to cover.

Cimini, who is in his 26th year on the beat, handled Ryan’s questions well, and even threw in a zinger when he was asked about injuries and said, "We’re leaning on the doctors and trainers."

That is Ryan’s go-to line when he is trying to avoid divulging information.

Ryan asked Cimini about some of his favorite storylines on the beat, and Cimini cited Ryan’s first two seasons as head coach, when the Jets reached the AFC championship game in both the 2009 and 2010 campaigns.

"That’s when you were in your bragging days," Cimini said, "and you would give us a lot of back pages."

"Yeah," Ryan said, "unfortunately, some front pages, too."

BRIEFS: Ryan indicated the Jets might use backup QB Michael Vick in wildcat packages this season. The Jets worked on the wildcat in practice Saturday. … C Nick Mangold was excused from practice. His wife Jennifer gave birth to a girl. When asked if he knew the baby’s weight, Ryan quipped, "I’m sure [she’s] big." … WR Eric Decker (quad), RB Chris Ivory (ribs) and CB Dimitri Patterson (calf, ankle) all sat out practice. Ryan said Ivory, who was hurt in the preseason opener against Indianapolis, is "doing much better." … Ryan said he is pleased with the progress of rookie CB Dexter McDougle, who played with the starters Saturday in Patterson’s absence.

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Jets: Andrew Furney garnering notice (J.P. Pelzman) The Record August 10, 2014

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/jets/furney-garners-notice-1.1065082

CORTLAND, N.Y. — There weren’t many people in the stands and the game didn’t count in the standings, but to Andrew Furney, there was a storybook element to his decisive 51-yard field goal in the Jets’ win over Indianapolis on Thursday night.

"How many people can say their first kick in the NFL is a game-winner?" Furney asked Saturday after practice at SUNY Cortland. "It’s crazy."

Yet for all his exuberance, the rookie free agent is quite pragmatic. He realizes full well that though this fairy tale may have a happy ending, it almost certainly won’t be with the Jets.

That’s because incumbent kicker Nick Folk, who has handled those duties for the Jets for the past four seasons, signed a four-year deal in the off-season that includes $2.1 million in guaranteed money. So barring something unforeseen, such as an injury to Folk, Furney’s big moment will serve only as a banner advertisement for some other NFL team searching for a kicker.

"I’m thankful for the opportunity," Furney said. "[Kicker] is one of those positions that’s hard to crack, so getting a camp invite like this is huge whether you’ve got a guy like Nick Folk with a new contract or not.

"It’s a good opportunity for me," he added, "to stay in that carousel and kind of stay fresh in people’s minds."

Furney, who went 16-for-20 on field-goal attempts with a long of 52 yards as a senior at Washington State last season, already is very familiar with that carousel, as he calls it. Like almost all kickers, he went undrafted, and spent the spring trying to get a look-see.

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He thought he might sign with Houston right after the draft, but that fell through. Soon afterward, he got invited as a tryout to Seattle’s rookie minicamp, but wasn’t signed.

"They liked me," said Furney, who earned a degree in marketing and finance at WSU. "It just wasn’t a good fit."

Next, Furney turned his attention to the Jets. He said his agent, Robert Sheets, knows some people in the Jets’ organization. Furney also had an ally in assistant special teams coach Louie Aguiar, who knew Furney from once tutoring him at a kicking camp.

But though those contacts may have helped him get a foot in the door, Furney kicked it open himself by beating out two other hopefuls during a workout at the Jets’ Florham Park facility in June, and then impressing as a tryout player at the team’s veteran minicamp over a week later.

Even with an established and well-paid kicker such as Folk on the roster, it’s good to have another during training camp so the veteran isn’t overworked, given the amount of special teams drills that take place. In NFL parlance, Furney is a "camp leg."

"If that’s the term," Furney said. "I’m happy to be it right now."

And he was even happier when he made that kick with 1:08 remaining Thursday.

"I’ve made that kick many times in practice," he said, adding his thought process was, "same routine, same kick. Just drill it through."

"I know how excited he was. I was excited for him," said holder and backup punter Jacob Schum, who is trying to unseat Ryan Quigley and certainly can sympathize with Furney’s situation.

"We do this every day," Schum said. "It’s another rep."

Maybe so, but Furney realized it wasn’t shortly after the game.

"It kind of hit me when I was on the bus afterward," he said, smiling. "That really happened."

And it could help make Furney’s NFL career happen. Just not with the Jets.

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STAR-LEDGER

Jets' Dexter McDougle tears ACL in left knee during practice, season almost certainly over (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger August 10, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/08/jets_dexter_mcdougle_leaves_practice_with_knee_injury_felt_sharp_pain.html

CORTLAND, N.Y. – Before one of the Jets’ starting cornerbacks, Dee Milliner, sustained a left ankle injury in Sunday’s practice, the team had already lost another corner – rookie third-round draft pick Dexter McDougle.

He injured his left knee during a drill early in practice and did not return. Like Milliner, he will undergo an MRI examination Sunday, according to coach Rex Ryan, who said he was not sure about the severity of either player’s injury.

(Later Sunday afternoon, the Jets put out an update regarding McDougle, saying he had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The injury almost certainly will end his season.)

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McDougle’s injury happened during a one-on-one drill during which wide receivers matched up with cornerbacks and tried to catch lobbed jump-ball passes in the corner of the end zone. Stephen Hill made a grab over McDougle, who immediately fell to the ground. McDougle cursed and threw his helmet off in frustration as he lied on his back.

Receiver David Nelson and corner Darrin Walls both came over to McDougle and held his hand, offering support as a trainer examined McDougle’s left knee. Hill also stood nearby and monitored McDougle’s situation.

Ryan eventually came over and checked on McDougle, who missed all but three games last season at Maryland because of a serious shoulder injury. McDougle felt so excited about debuting in last Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Colts that his eyes welled with tears of joy during pregame warm-ups.

Ryan said McDougle’s cleat got caught as he came down, and that he felt “a sharp pain.” McDougle was able to get up and walk off the field under his own power, without any support from trainers. General manager John Idzik walked alongside McDougle as he went to the sideline. McDougle later left the practice area altogether with a trainer.

Initially, Ryan said, he was “encouraged a little bit” by seeing McDougle walk off without any assistance. But then Ryan remembered that this is not always the best marker of whether a player has suffered a serious injury or not.

“Sometimes, guys will walk off and they’ll have injuries,” Ryan said. “Sometimes not. You realize when a guy does walk off, sometimes that’s not necessarily a true indicator.”

When Ryan went over to check on McDougle, he listened as McDougle reacted to what had just happened – so soon after McDougle had just completed his return from the shoulder injury.

“I know he was like, ‘Oh, you’ve got to be kidding,’” Ryan said.

Milliner and journeyman Dimitri Patterson are listed as the Jets’ starting corners, with Kyle Wilson and McDougle listed as the backups. Wilson is the Jets’ primary slot corner.

Patterson has missed the past two practices with a nagging calf/ankle injury. On Saturday, that meant McDougle got more first-team snaps than he had in any previous camp practice, though the Jets had been sporadically rotating him in with the starters. McDougle played only with the backups against the Colts. After Saturday’s practice, Ryan said he wanted to see McDougle get in better shape and lose some weight.

“I think once he does that, the kid’s got a heck of a chance,” Ryan said.

The injuries to Milliner and McDougle – and Patterson’s continued absence – could mean more first-team practice time for Darrin Walls and Ellis Lankster. They worked with the starters after Milliner and McDougle exited Sunday’s practice.

The secondary was already one of the Jets’ biggest question marks. With their two starting corners and a top backup now sidelined -- at least for the immediate future (and McDougle probably for the year) -- those question marks will grow even larger.

The Jets must now hope Milliner's ankle injury is not serious, and that Patterson can recover from his calf/ankle pain in time for the regular season. That would keep their starting cornerback pairing intact, even as the position's depth suffered a blow with McDougle's torn ACL.

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Jets' Eric Decker explains quad injury, expects to play vs. Bengals, feels 'comfortable' with playbook (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger August 10, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/08/jets_eric_decker_explains_quad_injury_expects_to_play_vs_bengals_feels_pretty_comfortable_with_playb.html

CORTLAND, N.Y. – The Jets’ most significant offseason free agent acquisition, wide receiver Eric Decker, again did very little at Sunday’s practice.

He got some action in position drills, but mostly rode a stationary bike. He did not participate in team periods for the second straight day, because of a sore quadriceps.

Decker had been dealing with hamstring and foot injuries that he said were not serious. He played 12 snaps in last Thursday’s preseason opener against the Colts – the same number of snaps that starting quarterback Geno Smith played. Decker was targeted twice in the game and caught both passes, for 12 total yards.

Decker downplayed his quad injury after Sunday’s practice, when his lack of participation was overshadowed by injuries to cornerbacks Dexter McDougle (a torn anterior cruciate ligament) and Dee Milliner (reportedly a high ankle sprain).

Decker said he is just trying to rest, in order to be ready for Saturday night’s preseason game at the Bengals.

Decker said he “tried to be smart about” his hamstring pain, which is why he was limited in previous practices. He is trying to also be smart about his quad.

“Everything is connected to each other, so the quad overworked for the hamstring,” said Decker, a fifth-year pro. “I’ve been through this enough times. I know what it takes to take care of my own body. It’s nothing serious. I just want to play this week (against the Bengals), so that’s what’s important to me.”

Earlier in training camp, as he described the differences between his role in the Jets’ offense and Denver’s, Decker said he was not yet entirely comfortable with the Jets’ system. He said he felt comfortable with his knowledge of about 70 percent of the plays.

Now, he said, he knows quite a bit more.

“I feel good now,” he said. “We’ve repped it enough. For me, a lot of it is mental. It’s just being able to take the film to the field and see it, and then run through it a few times. There might be a few things, whether it’s situational, that I’m still working on. But for the most part, I feel pretty comfortable.”

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Calvin Pryor, ready to hit hard again in Jets-Bengals, says, 'I'm back now' (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger August 10, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/08/calvin_pryor_ready_to_hit_hard_again_in_jets-bengals_says_im_back_now.html

CORTLAND, N.Y. – The Jets have three more training camp practices before Saturday night’s second preseason game, at Cincinnati, where first-round draft pick safety Calvin Pryor is scheduled to make his debut.

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Whether Pryor will practice with the first-string defense before then remains unclear. Pryor has not done it since sustaining a concussion in the Jets’ third practice, on July 26. That means he has yet to participate in full-pads team periods with the starters.

Pryor got his concussion two weeks ago Saturday. He spent all of Saturday’s practice working with the backups during team periods, while Antonio Allen and Dawan Landry practiced with the starters. The Jets went with the same approach Sunday.

Ryan said Saturday that Pryor was “itching to go.” Pryor has been cleared for full physical participation in both practices and games. But Ryan decided to hold him out of last Thursday’s preseason opener against the Colts because Pryor had missed so much practice time, and was so far behind in his knowledge of the defense.

Ryan would not say Sunday if Pryor would see practice action with the starters before Jets-Bengals. Pryor had been scheduled to split first-team reps fairly evenly in this training camp with Allen and Landry. But that obviously hasn’t happened, because of how much time Pryor has missed.

Saturday’s practice marked the first time Pryor had fully participated in full-speed team periods since his injury happened. When Pryor returned last Monday, he was limited. On Tuesday, the Jets did half-speed walk-through sessions in place of team periods.

So Pryor is still fairly early in his return. It is certainly possibly that he plays only with the second-team defense during Saturday’s game.

“There is no question before training camp is over or preseason is over, he will get opportunities with the ones,” Ryan said.

Ryan said he thought Pryor looked “great” on Saturday, when he almost made an interception.

“That was a great break,” Ryan said. “He plays the coverage perfect. Through reps, that’s where you’re going to get better. He did miss a significant amount of time with the injury, but we’ll get him up to speed.”

To that end, the Jets’ coaches decided to play Pryor not only with the second-team defense Sunday, but also with the third team, to give Pryor as much team period action as possible in practice.

“I got my feet back under me, trying to shake the rust off,” Pryor said. “I feel like I’m probably 80 percent back, not 100 percent back really into it. That’s what I’m trying to work to.”

What is the missing 20 percent?

“Just mentally,” Pryor said. “Just trying to get everything down. I missed a lot of practice and a lot of reps. They have me going with a lot of reps (now), just trying to get back up to speed with everything.”

Pryor said the coaches have not given him a timetable about when he will practice with the starters. If Pryor had his way, he would have been out there with them on MetLife Stadium’s field against the Colts. He warmed up in his pads, but did not play, of course.

“It was hard watching those guys play the game and me not be out there,” Pryor said. “They’re just being very cautious with me. This is a long season ahead of me. Can’t rush anything. I know the (pregame) warm-up routine now, but that’s about it. I really didn’t get any jitters out, because I didn’t play the game.”

So he is especially “pumped up” for Saturday’s game against the Bengals, he said. Pryor played college ball just down the road at Louisville, and “a bunch” of his family members will attend Jets-Bengals, he said.

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Perhaps they will see some of the hard hits that Pryor has long been known for. When he initially returned from his concussion, he said he was not eager to deliver one of these hits, since he was still emerging from post-concussions symptoms. Now, as his debut approaches, he feels differently – and ready to hit again.

“I’m back now,” he said. “I’m back.”

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Geno Smith taking wait-and-see approach on how Mike Vick situational QB role could affect Jets (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger August 10, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/08/jets_geno_smith_taking_wait-and-see_approach_on_how_mike_vick_situational_qb_role_could_affect_offen.html

CORTLAND, N.Y. – Jets coach Rex Ryan on Saturday did not rule out perhaps using Michael Vick as a situational, change-of-pace quarterback this season. On Sunday, Vick and presumptive starting quarterback Geno Smith had their say on the matter.

The Jets have used running back Bilal Powell and wide receiver Jeremy Kerley in their Wildcat package, with Powell and Kerley taking direct snaps. The Jets’ second-year quarterbacks coach, David Lee, was instrumental in bringing the Wildcat to the NFL, with the Dolphins in 2008.

In Saturday’s practice, the Jets worked on running their Wildcat package in a team period, though the team’s media policies forbid us from telling you the personnel they used in the package.

Vick obviously is not going to be the Jets’ Week 1 starter. But he also obviously is still quite nimble on his feet. It will be intriguing to see how the Jets utilize his skills without disrupting Smith’s rhythm in the offense, if in fact they do use Vick as a change-of-pace quarterback.

“Timing is everything,” Vick said when asked about the Jets potentially using him in a situational role. “There is a time for it. Those plays can be mixed into the game plan very easily. We won’t make a big deal out of that. When it happens, it happens.”

Vick has seemed lukewarm on the idea ever since he first addressed it after last Thursday’s preseason opener against the Colts. He said it “disrupts the timing of the offense.” But he left open the possibility that the Jets might do it anyway. He essentially repeated these points Sunday.

Vick was the change-of-pace quarterback for Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia in 2009 – McNabb’s final season with the Eagles, and Vick’s first back in the NFL following the conclusion of his prison sentence for running a dog-fighting ring. The Jets’ offensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg, was the offensive coordinator for that Eagles team.

Vick said the change-of-pace arrangement “didn’t last long” with the Eagles in 2009, as Mornhinweg got away from using it.

“That’s when we kind of learned that there is a time and place for it,” Vick said. “I think you just mix it in, you disrupt things defensively, what opposition is trying to do, and make it work just like that. You just don’t want to disrupt the timing of the game. Guys get into rhythms, and you want to continue with that rhythm. But like I said, there is a time and place, whether it is third down, whether it’s short yardage, whether it’s in the red zone. There is a time where you can do it and it can be effective.”

But Vick, of course, is not going to hint at when that time might be.

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“We aren’t going to say when it’s going to happen,” he said. “It’s just going to happen. That’s our little secret, and we keep that amongst us girls. So we are going to make that work.”

Smith seems open to using Vick as a change-of-pace guy, but is taking a wait-and-see approach in terms of how it might affect the Jets’ offense.

“I think we’ll have to see once we do it, if we do it,” he said. “That comes down to the coaches and their decision making. If we do, I think it’ll have some benefits and there may be some disadvantages. But we won’t know until we actually get on the field and have an opportunity to rep the plays.”

Smith said he never felt like his rhythm was disrupted by Mornhinweg using the Wildcat formation last year.

“I never even thought about that, to tell you the truth,” he said. “I think it helped us.”

Smith believes that if the Jets do use Vick in certain situations, his skills could pay off.

“The thing that he brings is what he is, that dual threat,” Smith said. “That option to run, that option to pass. I think it’s definitely something to look into. I don’t know how much we’ll do it or if we’ll do it at all. But every time he’s on the field he brings that run-pass option. You give the defense a lot to look at and you can’t just play run or pass on a certain down and distance. You’ve got to play both and it’s very hard to do that.”

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8 observations from Day 14 of Jets camp, a grim Sunday (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger August 10, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/08/8_observations_from_day_14_of_jets_camp_a_grim_sunday.html

CORTLAND, N.Y. – Sunday was the roughest day of training camp to date for the Jets.

They had mostly steered clear of major injury problems before Sunday. Reserve strong-side linebacker Jermaine Cunningham, not a lock to make the roster, had sustained a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in the intrasquad scrimmage. But that was it.

On Sunday, rookie cornerback Dexter McDougle, a second-stringer, sustained a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament. And starting corner Dee Milliner reportedly suffered a high ankle sprain that will sideline him for a few weeks.

The Jets, as of Sunday, are exactly four weeks from their season opener against the Raiders. A secondary that already had plenty of questions now has quite a few more.

With that in mind, here are a few things we noticed at Sunday’s practice:

1. Next defensive backs up. After McDougle and Milliner departed practice, Darrin Walls and Ellis Lankster worked with the starters. If Milliner misses the opener, Rex Ryan might have to pair Walls or Lankster with Dimitri Patterson. Ryan has liked some things he’s seen from Walls and Lankster. But neither is a starting-caliber player. In the initial team period Sunday, Walls was on the field with Milliner, before Milliner’s injury. Lankster later joined the starters, after Milliner went down.

2. Dimitri Patterson still sits. The journeyman newcomer is dealing with a calf/ankle injury that he said is not serious. Sunday was the second straight day of practice that he missed. Now more than ever, the Jets need Patterson to be fresh and effective. On Saturday, Ryan said Patterson had been trying to “push through” his injuries, which was not advisable.

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“You have to know your body,” Ryan said. “You’re a veteran player. You don’t have to impress us.”

On Sunday, Patterson said he did not have a targeted return date to practice.

“Whenever my body tells me I can go and run full speed and be explosive, then that’s when I’ll be back,” he said. “These things happen all the time. It’s a long season. This is my 10th training camp and I know that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. What you don’t want to do is go into the season with things that you’re dealing with, because when the season gets here, there’s no time to correct them, because there is no down time. You want to make sure that you come in and all is well with you.”

He explained why he tried to push through his injury, which he said did not affect him as he struggled in last Thursday’s preseason opener against the Colts, though that might just be a veteran player not wanting to make excuses.

“You come in, and you want to try to press your way through,” he said. “You want to make a good impression. I warmed up, and things felt good, so I played. That’s part of the game. You press through. It’s training camp. Sometimes, you’re not feeling good, not feeling at your best. But you’re going to always try to see if you can go. That’s just a culture of football. So even when you’re maybe dealing with some things here and there, you’re going to push through. That’s what I did. It’s all good at the end of the day.

“There’s a fine line between pushing through and being a liability to your team, and being a liability to yourself. Let’s be real: A guy can be dealing with injuries, and he may not be at his best, and he goes and plays in a game. People are going to critique and judge his film like he’s healthy. So that’s the fine line that players battle with all the time.

“I can go out here, I can push through, but I’m not going to be at my best, and if things don’t go my way, you have to know that you’re going to be looked at, and people are going to treat you like you’re healthy. That’s the thing that players deal with all the time when you’re talking about injuries.”

3. Chris Johnson’s knee is feeling good. Johnson said he felt fine the morning after the preseason opener. He said it is “very encouraging” that he has not had any setbacks with his knee, after undergoing surgery in the offseason to repair a torn meniscus.

“I was a little nervous at first, before practice started and before the games,” he said. “Being able to go through that and being able to be tackled to the ground and still feel good is a boost of confidence.”

Like Patterson, the Jets absolutely need Johnson to stay healthy this season.

4. No first-team reps for Michael Vick. Geno Smith had 10 of them. It marked the third time in 13 training camp practices that Vick has not received any snaps with the starters. Again, folks, Smith is almost certainly going to be your Week 1 starting quarterback. For more on what happened with the quarterbacks Sunday, Dom Cosentino has your daily breakdown.

5. Quincy Enunwa had his best day. The rookie wide receiver, a sixth-round draft pick, had a slow start to training camp, because of a hip injury. He is still very much fighting just to make the roster. But he had a strong showing Sunday, with just one hiccup. In team periods, he smoked Milliner for a 70-yard touchdown. He later caught another deep jump ball over Milliner, on the play when Milliner got hurt. Enunwa did nothing untoward on the play. Milliner just happened to come down awkwardly. In 7-on-7 drills, Enunwa came up with a shoe-string catch. Enunwa had a drop on a Vick throw to him over the middle. The play was technically negated by a false start. But it was still a drop. Still, this marked Enunwa’s second straight productive day.

6. There were other catches and drops of note. Greg Salas, also battling to make the roster, made a great grab over Antonio Allen in a one-on-one drill that worked on jump balls in the end zone. In the same drill,

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Jacoby Ford could not snatch a contested ball, with Lankster in coverage. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg was upset with Ford, who has looked shaky as a receiver in camp. His return skills might help him make the roster, though. Later, Stephen Hill made a beautiful over-the-shoulder catch, on which he beat Milliner. And then Salas popped up again, toasting Johnny Patrick on a deep ball. In team periods, Jace Amaro had a ball go off his hands, but Smith threw it slightly behind him. The Jets’ other tight end, Jeff Cumberland, also dropped an easy catch. On the play after Enunwa's aforementioned 70-yard touchdown, David Nelson got wide open in the middle of the defense and raced for a 68-yard touchdown. It appeared to be a troubling breakdown for a secondary that was left reeling after Sunday's injuries.

7. Oday Aboushi moved around. Earlier in camp, he had been working at both guard spots. Aboushi moved from tackle to guard in the spring, after right guard Willie Colon underwent knee surgery. Now that Colon is back, and Brian Winters appears set to once again start at left guard, Aboushi is getting some versatile work in practice. On Sunday, he manned the second-team right tackle spot – just as he did in the preseason opener. Winters also worked with the second team, as the right guard. Rookie Dakota Dozier played left guard with the second stringers.

8. Other injuries. We’ve already covered the big ones – Milliner, McDougle and Patterson. Here is some information on wide receiver Eric Decker’s non-serious quadriceps injury, which again sidelined him from practice, as he tries to make sure he is fresh in time for Saturday’s preseason game at the Bengals. Also out Sunday: cornerback Jeremy Reeves (knee), wide receiver Shaq Evans (shoulder), running back Chris Ivory (ribs), offensive tackle Brent Qvale (concussion), offensive tackle Markus Zusevics (knee), linebacker Tim Fugger (knee) and rush outside linebacker Antwan Barnes (on the physically unable to perform list with knee). Center Nick Mangold remained absent after because of the birth of his daughter, so Dalton Freeman was the first-team center. For the second straight day, Ivory did some position drills, but not much overall. Ditto for Decker

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NJ.COM

Dee Milliner injury: Jets cornerback has high ankle sprain, will be out a few weeks, per report (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com August 10, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/08/dee_milliner_injury_jets_cornerback_hurts_ankle_will_have_mri_to_determine_severity.html

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- Dee Milliner's injury is believed to be a high sprain on his left ankle that is expected to keep him sidelined for a few weeks, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

Milliner, a Jets starting cornerback, had left Sunday's training camp practice with an ankle injury.

Rapoport reported via Twitter that the Jets "believe CB Dee Milliner suffered a high-ankle sprain, per source. Out a few weeks. He thought it was broken, but tests show a sprain"

That seems to be in line with what Jets head coach Rex Ryan had said, though Ryan added that he wanted to wait for the MRI results before saying anything for certain about a diagnosis.

"It sounded like he rolled it, which would lead you to believe it's more of an ankle sprain than it would be a fracture," Ryan said. "I said I wasn't going to speculate and maybe I just did, but obviously the tests will tell us a lot more."

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Milliner was not the only Jets cornerback to leave practice with an injury. Earlier, rookie Dexter McDougle had tore the ACL in his left knee during a goal-line passing drill. McDougle was covering wideout Stephen Hill when he went down. McDougle was able to walk off the practice field on his own, but Ryan said he, too, would have to have an MRI to determine the injury's severity.

Throw in the fact that Dimitri Patterson sat out practice with lingering calf and ankle issues, and the Jets right now are down three of their top four players at a position that figured to be a giant question mark even at full strength. Backups Darrin Walls and Ellis Lankster finished practice with the first team, and Ras-I Dowling and rookie Brandon Dixon worked with the second team.

Milliner, a 2013 first-round pick, was hurt while battling for a deep pass with rookie receiver Quincy Enunwa in a 7-on-7 drill. The two jumped for a throw from quarterback Geno Smith, and Enunwa made a nice catch. But Milliner remained on the ground in obvious pain and was quickly tended to by the Jets' training staff.

Milliner soon left the field with assistance and was unable to put any weight on his left foot.

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NEW YORK POST

Jets rookie CB McDougle tears ACL; Milliner hurt, too (Brian Lewis) New York Post August 10, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/08/10/jets-cornerbacks-get-injured-in-practice/

The Jets’ cornerback situation went straight past a problem to an epidemic, with Dee Milliner and Dexter McDougle both going down within half an hour of each other at Sunday’s practice.

After practice, the Jets announced McDougle, a rookie from Maryland who missed much of last season with an injured shoulder, has a torn ACL in his left knee.

McDougle, who took all of the first team reps Saturday with regular starter Dimitri Patterson ailing, got hurt when he came down awkwardly defending a fade route in the end zone during 7 on 7 drills.

Milliner got hurt on a tumbling catch by rookie wideout Quincy Enunwa, going down in a heap and immediately clutching his left ankle. He was helped off by two trainers, not putting any pressure on his leg.

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How to lighten mood at Jets camp? Dizzy bat race (Brian Costello) New York Post August 10, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/08/10/how-to-lighten-mood-at-jets-camp-dizzy-bat-race/

CORTLAND – Jets coach Rex Ryan decided to liven things up in Sunday’s practice with a dizzy bat relay race among the rookies.

The rookies (plus giant defensive lineman T.J. Barnes) had to run to a bat, put their forehead on the bat and spin around a number of times before trying to race back to the start. The defense prevailed in the race. Quarterback Tajh Boyd appeared to take the worst of it, laying on the ground for a while after he was done. Tight end Jace Amaro also took a while to recover.

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“I was just trying to get the energy level boosted up and get guys smiling and laughing and feeling good and now you’re ready to work,” Ryan said. “It’s like even in the classroom you want people to smile. You can get more out of them and their attention. I thought I’d break it up just a little bit and start with that drill. I thought it was good. I thought we had a good practice outside of the injuries. It was very competitive. I think we got a lot out of it.”

The big story from practice was the injuries to cornerbacks Dee Milliner (ankle) and Dexter McDougle (knee). The Jets also had several other players sitting out: WR Eric Decker (quad), CB Dimitri Patterson (quad, ankle), CB Jeremy Reeves (knee), LB Tim Fugger (knee), WR Shaq Evans (shoulder), RB Chris Ivory (ribs), OT Markus Zusevics (knee), OT Brent Qvale (concussion). Qvale practiced with a red jersey on.

Geno Smith took all the first-team reps at quarterback Sunday and went 2-for-6 in team drills. He connected with rookie WR Quincy Enunwa on a 40-yard strike over Milliner that might have been a touchdown in a real game. On the next play, he found a wide open David Nelson for another potential touchdown.

Michael Vick worked with the second team and went 2-for-2.

Before team drills started, the quarterbacks went through different stations. It appears quarterbacks coach David Lee is really stressing conditioning in this camp. The first station was a ball security drill where the quarterbacks ran through a sled that has three pads on each side and a large pad at the end. They had to run through, protecting the ball and then make a cut at the end of it. From there, they ran to the goalpost where they had a bungee cord tied to them and the goal post and had to run with it. They then ran across the field to do a 1-on-1 red zone passing drill.

Rookie S Calvin Pryor worked with the second team. … Rookie LB Jeremiah George showed a few flashes, making two nice plays during the 9-on-7 running drill. … It’s fun to watch offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg coach. He was working with the wide receivers in the morning and had them running 12-yard patterns. When rookie Jalen Saunders cut his route off at 10, Mornhinweg stopped the drill and asked Saunders how far he was supposed to go and then ordered him to do the drill again. Details.

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If Rex Ryan is fired, why Idzik should follow him out the door (Brian Costello) New York Post August 10, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/08/10/if-rex-ryan-is-fired-why-idzik-should-follow-him-out-the-door/

Early on in Jets practice Sunday the rookies did a dizzy bat relay race.

After practice, coach Rex Ryan was the only one who looked dizzy.

The Jets coach appeared shaken by seeing two of his top four cornerbacks leave the field with trainers. Rookie Dexter McDougle tore his left ACL and is done for the season. Starter Dee Milliner suffered a high left ankle sprain and will be out for a few weeks.

The biggest question mark on the team just got bigger, and general manager John Idzik’s decision to ignore the cornerback position in free agency and the first round of the draft looks even worse.

By the end of practice Sunday, the Jets first-team cornerbacks were Darrin Walls and Ellis Lankster. That chuckle you hear is coming from Foxborough.

What once was the strength of the Jets when Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie manned the position from 2010-12 has become the weakness, and it could wind up costing Ryan his job. If it does, Idzik should be shown the door with him for ignoring such a glaring weakness this offseason.

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The situation was worrisome before the injuries Sunday, when the plan was to start Milliner, coming off a rough rookie season, and Dimitri Patterson, who is on the seventh team of his 10-year career and has a history of injuries.

Now it has become dire.

McDougle, the team’s third-round pick, was the team’s best option to replace Patterson if he struggled, like he did in Thursday’s preseason opener. Patterson did not practice Sunday as he nursed quad and ankle injuries.

Milliner has shown signs of improvement in training camp, but now that growth will go on hold as he probably will watch the rest of the preseason from the sideline. A high ankle sprain can linger, too. Milliner may not feel 100 percent all season.

“I am not a new coach to those kinds of situations,” Ryan said. “I’ve had to deal with them in the past. Adversity to some is opportunity to others. We will put the best 11 out there. We will be able to play defense. We have a lot of good football players.

“We will be fine.”

Ryan better hope so.

The coach runs his defense off the ability to have cornerbacks who can play man coverage and allow him to get creative with blitzes and coverages. Ryan likes to say you lose games quickest at quarterback and cornerback. The Jets could do a whole lot of losing thanks to their corners this year. Remember this stretch of consecutive quarterbacks the Jets face beginning in Week 2: Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, Matthew Stafford, Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.

That run of top QBs is going to test Idzik’s approach this spring, when he completely whiffed at addressing the cornerback spot. The novice GM decided to let Cromartie walk out the door and then failed to land Vontae Davis, took a pass on a Revis reunion without even giving it a chance and sat on his hands when Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie left Florham Park for East Rutherford, where the Giants signed him. Despite having more than $20 million in cap space, Idzik ignored the position.

Left with no other options, the Jets signed Patterson, who has never started more than nine games in a season. When it came to the draft, Idzik chose safety Calvin Pryor with the 18th pick instead of Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard. Pryor might be a fine player, but the Jets could have survived at safety this season with Dawan Landry and Antonio Allen. The Bengals took Dennard six picks after the Jets and Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis said he is the “best rookie corner I’ve seen” last week.

The Jets will get to see Dennard up close Saturday when they play the Bengals in their second preseason game. Andy Dalton can test out the Jets’ cornerback trio of Walls, Lankster and Kyle Wilson in the slot. That group might just make Dalton’s recent $115 million contract look like a bargain.

Ryan said the Jets probably would not make any moves to add a corner just yet. Ryan feels they have some depth at corner and talked up the camps of Walls and Lankster. The Jets coach was in full spin mode, trying to sell everyone that he felt good about the cornerback situation.

It was enough to make you dizzy.

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Vick wary of wildcat despite Geno and Rex’s excitement (Brian Costello) New York Post August 10, 2014

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http://nypost.com/2014/08/10/vick-wary-of-wildcat-despite-geno-and-rexs-excitement/

CORTLAND — On Saturday, Jets coach Rex Ryan said his team had dedicated a session to the wildcat, and as of Sunday he still hadn’t completely thrown cold water on the idea of using Michael Vick as a change-of-pace quarterback.

Vick has expressed trepidation that the offense could be disrupted by inserting a change of pace quarterback or the wildcat. But the Jets used it last year with no ill effects, according to Geno Smith.

“I don’t think so. I never even thought about it, to tell you the truth. I think it helped. It kept us on schedule many times, and it’s something that we used quite frequently, and I think it was pretty successful,’’ said Smith, who seems more enthused about the prospect of Vick getting on the field in a change-of-pace role than Vick himself.

“It’s definitely something to look into. I don’t know how much we’ll do it or if we’ll do it at all, but every time he’s on the field he brings that run-pass option.’’

Vick’s is in a similar situation now with the Jets as he was in Philadelphia when he was dubbed Donovan McNabb’s backup.

So, what does Vick remember about how that went in Philadelphia a few years ago, when he was used that well to spell starter Donovan McNabb?

“It didn’t last long. That’s when we learned there is a time and place for it,’’ Vick said, seeming underwhelmed with the idea of a reprisal.

Sunday’s practice was the third time in camp Vick didn’t get a single first-team rep.

The injuries to CBs Dee Milliner and Dexter McDougle cast a pall over practice, but it actually started in upbeat fashion with Ryan putting the rookies through a “Dizzy Bats” relay race between the offense and defense.

“I think to just start things off, have a few of the rookies have at it,’’ Ryan said. “Just trying to get the energy level boosted up, get guys smiling, laughing and feeling good, now you’re ready to work.’’

The players had to run to a bat, bend over and put one end to their head and keep the other on the ground, spin around 10 times and run back to tag the next member of the relay. Several got disoriented, with QB Tajh Boyd stumbling into laughing teammates. Safety Calvin Pryor, recently recovered from a concussion, anchored the defense to victory.

“I never want to do it again,’’ Pryor said. “It was to get everybody pumped up to see the young guys make a fool of themselves, everybody get a laugh out of it. … Some of the guys were telling me “C.P., we don’t think you need to go; you just got back off a concussion.” They picked me to go, so I had to. I was the anchor man, so I had to bring them home.’’

Ryan added first-year pro T.J. Barnes, a 6-foot-7, 364-pound nose tackle, likely for comic relief.

But he praised Barnes, saying, “He dropped like 20-something pounds. I know you’re thinking ‘deck chair off the Titanic,’ but this is a huge man, a big guy that’s healthy and plays hard: Give that a little time.’’

He added Barnes would have gotten a game ball Thursday along with Andrew Furney and Brian Winters.

Everyone will remember WR Quincy Enunwa’s 45-yard catch as the play on which Milliner got hurt, but it was a stellar, one-handed diving grab by the sixth-round pick, whose hands have to catch up to his 6-foot-5, 225 -pound frame.

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Dee Milliner leaves NY Jets practice with ankle injury, Dex McDougle tears ACL (Manish Mehta) New York Daily News August 10, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/dee-milliner-leaves-jets-practice-apparent-ankle-injury-article-1.1898528

CORTLAND —The Jets secondary suffered two blows Sunday, raising even more questions about the weak link of Rex Ryan's defense.

Rookie third-round pick Dex McDougle suffered a season-ending torn left ACL during 1-on-1 drills in practice before the team's top corner Dee Milliner had to leave after an ankle injury during 7-on-7 drills.

Milliner landed awkwardly on his left ankle trying to make a play on Geno Smith’s deep pass to rookie wide receiver Quincy Enunwa during 7-on-7 drills. The former first-round pick immediately grabbed his ankle as he writhed in pain. He was unable to put any weight on his leg and was taken off the field with the help of two trainers. Enunwa wasn't sure if he collided with Milliner. "He might have run into me," Enunwa said. "But I honestly don't know what happened."

McDougle suffered a knee injury earlier in 1-on-1 red zone drills.

Both players are scheduled to have MRIs on Sunday to determine the extent of the injuries.

“We’ll see how bad those injuries are,” Ryan said after practice. “When those things happen, it’s unfortunate. You got to move on. But again, we’ll see who’s out. … Now who plays their place? I got to find out who’s still out there?”

Starting cornerback Dimitri Patterson missed practice for a second consecutive day with calf/ankle injuries, leaving Ryan without three of his top four corners.

Ryan regularly says that “you lose games fastest at quarterback and cornerback,” so Sunday’s developments can’t be overstated. This could be a big blow for a secondary that looked shaky in the preseason opener against the Colts last week. Kyle Wilson, Darrin Walls and Ellis Lankster are the top three healthy cornerbacks on the roster.

Ryan said that it’s “certainly a possibility” that the Jets could sign another cornerback,which seems like a cirtual certainty now that McDougle is lost for the season. The team missed opportunities to sign one of a handful of veteran free-agent cornerbacks this offseason, which could come back to haunt them now.

Milliner, who told the Daily News earlier in camp that he was the best cornerback in the NFL, has a history of bumps and bruises. He missed much of theoffseason program last year recovering from shoulder surgery and missed time as a rookie with a hamstring injury. Ryan seemed optimistic that he only suffered a sprain this time.

“He rolled it,” Ryan said. “So it leads you believe it’s more of an ankle sprain than a fracture.”

McDougle, who missed much of last season due to shoulder surgery, was visibly upset after going down early in practice.

"He felt a sharp pain," Ryan said. "He was like 'Oh, you got to be kidding.'"

Ryan put on a brave face after practice (and before the McDougle news was announced), but it was clear that he knew that the rookie had suffered a serious injury.

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"I've had to deal with those kinds of situations in the past," Ryan said. "Adversity to some comes opportunity for others. We'll put the best 11 out there. We'll be able to play defense. We have a lot of good football players. So we'll be fine."

"I've been talking about our depth," Ryan later added. "And now we'll get to see it."

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Geno Smith a proponent of NY Jets using Wildcat (Manish Mehta) New York Daily News August 10, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-insider-geno-smith-cat-love-article-1.1898948

CORTLAND — The recent chatter about possibly using Mike Vick as a Wildcat/change-of-pace quarterback hasn’t affected Geno Smith’s outlook one bit. Smith, in fact, maintained that his rhythm wasn’t disrupted at all last season when the Jets used the Wildcat formation a league-high 38 times.

“I think it helped us,” Smith said after practice on Sunday. “It kept us on schedule many times … I think it was pretty successful.”

Smith said that using Vick as a situational threat was “definitely something to look into.”

“I don’t know how much we’ll do it or if we’ll do it at all,” Smith said. “But every time he's on the field, he brings that run-pass option.”

Vick, meanwhile, reiterated that “there is a time and place for” that wrinkle such as third down, short yardage and in the red zone.

“We aren’t going to say when it’s going to happen,” Vick said. “It’s just going to happen. That’s our little secret, and we keep that amongst us girls. So we are going to make that work.”

NOBODY BEATS THE DIZ

Rex Ryan dusted off the Dizzy Bats relay race for rookies at the start of practice. Players put their foreheads on a bat and spun around 10 times before running back to tag in teammates. QB Tajh Boyd was the most disoriented player of the bunch. The defensive rookies won after a strong anchor leg by Calvin Pryor.

“You’re trying to get the energy level boosted up,” Ryan said. “You want to get guys smiling, laughing, feeling good and ready to work.”

IVORY HOPE

Chris Ivory, who suffered bruised ribs in the preseason opener, didn’t practice for the second consecutive day and told the Daily News that he was “not sure” whether he’ll be ready for the second preseason game against the Bengals on Saturday. “But I’m not counting myself out yet,” Ivory said.

DECKER SITS, SHOULD BE OK

WR Eric Decker (quad) was in pads, but didn’t practice. He’s expected to be fine. . . .CB Dimitri Patterson (calf/ankle) admitted that there isn’t a timetable for his return after missing his second day of practice. . . .Center Nick Mangold missed practice for a second consecutive day after his wife gave birth

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NEW YORK TIMES

Two Defensive Injuries End the Jets’ Preseason Stroll (Ben Shpigel)

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New York Times August 10, 2014

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/11/sports/football/two-defensive-injuries-end-the-jets-preseason-stroll-.html?ref=football&_r=0

CORTLAND, N.Y. — More than two weeks into training camp, everything had been going so well for the Jets. No quarterback chaos, contract holdouts or disgruntled receivers. Just the daily grind, and enthusiasm for the coming season.

Then came Sunday, when a double dose of misfortune struck and compromised the team’s depth at cornerback, a position already considered one of the shakiest on its roster. About a half-hour after the rookie Dexter McDougle tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, Dee Milliner was helped off the field, unable to put any weight on his left ankle, after getting tangled with receiver Quincy Enunwa near the sideline.

Coach Rex Ryan declined to speculate on a prognosis for Milliner, saying he preferred to wait until he received the results of a magnetic resonance imaging test, but he sounded as if he expected to hear that Milliner had sustained a sprain and not a fracture. That would still sideline Milliner for a few weeks, most likely costing him the remainder of the preseason and, perhaps, jeopardizing his availability for the Sept. 7 opener against Oakland.

Unlike in years past, the Jets’ defense is strongest up front, on the line, and not in the secondary. Losing Milliner, for however long, would hurt a defense that depends on sound, physical play in its man-to-man coverage on the outside. It would also interrupt the progress Milliner made during his superb training camp, development which carried into the team’s preseason victory Thursday against Indianapolis, when he broke up two passes and almost had an interception.

By failing to sign Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Vontae Davis, and adding only the injury-prone veteran Dimitri Patterson — who missed practice Sunday with calf and ankle injuries — the Jets increased their reliance on Milliner, who struggled last season as a rookie before showing signs of improvement over the final month.

They believe he is ready to be their top corner, but there is no natural replacement for him. Next up on the depth chart are Kyle Wilson, who is more suited to play the slot, and the third-stringers Darrin Walls and Ellis Lankster.

“Who plays in their place?” Ryan asked, referring to Milliner and McDougle. “I’ve got to find out who’s out there.”

Ryan, speaking before the extent of McDougle’s injury was announced, seemed particularly concerned about him. Ryan said McDougle, the team’s third-round draft pick, had said he felt a “sharp pain” after getting his cleat stuck while covering Stephen Hill during a red-zone drill. When Ryan came over, McDougle, lying on the field while being examined, said, “Oh God, you’ve got to be kidding me.”

Later, McDougle posted on Twitter, “This is a tough blow but I promise, I will be back better than ever.”

McDougle, who was listed as a second-stringer on the team’s official depth chart, felt the same way last September after sustaining the first of what are now two season-ending injuries in two years. He missed most of his senior season at Maryland after fracturing his scapula and dislocating his shoulder, but still attended every practice, film session and game to stay sharp and involved.

That might again be McDougle’s plight. And the Jets’ plight could be just as dire if they cannot withstand these losses.

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“I’ve been talking about our depth,” Ryan said. “And now we’ll get to see it, if that is the case.”

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WALL STREET JOURNAL

Jets' Top Cornerbacks Are Injured in Practice (Stu Woo) Wall Street Journal August 10, 2014

http://online.wsj.com/articles/jets-top-cornerbacks-are-injured-in-practice-1407714895?tesla=y&mod=WSJ_NY_Sports_LEFTTopStories&mg=reno64-wsj&url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304450904580083863174674220.html?mod=WSJ_NY_Sports_LEFTTopStories

The Jets opted not to sign a star free-agent defensive back in the off-season, a strategy they might now regret, after two of their three top cornerbacks got hurt—at least one seriously—during training camp in Cortland, N.Y., on Sunday.

Dexter McDougle, the team's third-round pick in the 2014 draft who was competing to be a starter, tore his anterior-cruciate ligament, or ACL, in his left knee after his cleat got stuck in the grass during one-on-one drills. The 23-year-old rookie from Maryland will almost certainly miss the season.

Dee Milliner, the team's top cornerback, also didn't finished practice after rolling his ankle. It's unclear how serious his injury is.

With Dimitri Patterson sitting out weekend practices with lingering quadriceps and ankle issues, the Jets as of Sunday afternoon were without their top three cornerbacks.

Cornerback might be the most important position in a defense run by Jets coach Rex Ryan. Ryan likes to put all but two defensive players near the line of scrimmage before a snap, to help stuff rushing plays and to confuse the quarterback about who's rushing the passer. The other two players? They are cornerbacks, responsible for covering wide receivers without aid from teammates.

The strategy failed last year. The Jets ranked third in rushing yards allowed per game, but 22nd in passing yards surrendered, giving up 247 per game. Antonio Cromartie, now with Arizona, dealt with nagging injuries, while Milliner struggled as a rookie.

Though the Jets failed to land a star cornerback over the off-season, they did sign Patterson, who is talented but often injured. The 31-year-old played only six games for Miami last year because of a groin injury. Patterson hasn't looked great in practice and didn't play well in Thursday night's preseason opener against Indianapolis, when Colts receiver Da'Rick Rogers ran past him for a 45-yard reception.

Milliner did play well Thursday, breaking up two passes, though an interception sailed through his hands.

Should Milliner and Patterson also be sidelined with injuries, the Jets could start Kyle Wilson, the team's third cornerback last year. Ellis Lankster and Darrin Walls are the other veteran cornerbacks in camp.

Ryan might go with an unusual approach. In an interview two weeks ago, he said he liked the idea of playing three safeties, which is becoming more common in the league. The Jets could conceivably ask safety Antonio Allen, who spent much of last season covering tight ends, to cover receivers too.

Ryan also doesn't mind moving players out of their traditional position. He alluded to that after Sunday's practice. "We will put the best 11 out there," Ryan said. "We will be able to play defense. We have a lot of good football players. We will be fine."

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ESPN NEW YORK

Sunday notes: Geno hopes to copy Rodgers (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York August 10, 2014

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/41451/sunday-notes-geno-hopes-to-copy-a-rod

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- Catching up with the New York Jets:

1. Rodgers, that: Geno Smith said recently he expects to be a top-five quarterback in a year or two. When he gets there -- if he gets there -- he figures his style of play will resemble someone already in that elite fraternity -- Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers.

"I liken myself to him," Smith told ESPN.com. "He throws a great ball and he's very accurate in the pocket, but he's also skilled enough to run around. He's got enough speed to score when it's there. I think I'm pretty fast -- I think I can run pretty good -- but I also want to be one of those guys that can play from the pocket."

The Jets, and their fans, would sign up for Rodgers 2.0 in a heartbeat. Smith actually is faster than Rodgers. Smith's scouting-combine time in the 40 was 4.59 seconds. When he came out in 2005, Rodgers clocked a 4.71. The stopwatch doesn't mean much, though, especially for quarterbacks. Truth be told, Rodgers had time on his side. He caddied for three years, backing up Brett Favre. Smith didn't have that luxury and it showed at times. His instincts for the position, including knowing when to run, came into question. After rebooting in the offseason, he expects big things.

You're just glad he didn't say Tom Brady, right?

2. Three's not a crowd: The Jets' defensive line has high expectations for itself. How high?

"I hope the whole defensive line goes (to the Pro Bowl)," said Sheldon Richardson, referring to himself, Muhammad Wilkerson and Damon Harrison.

Is that feasible?

"I'm pretty sure it is," Richardson said. "Always a first."

Actually, it wouldn't be a first. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the last time it happened was 2008, when three members of the Minnesota Vikings' defensive line were selected to the Pro Bowl -- Jared Allen, Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. The Buffalo Bills sent three last year (Mario Williams, Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus), but Dareus was an injury replacement. It still was an impressive feat, one the Jets hope to emulate.

3. Don't hold the salt: Love this quote from defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, who, by the way, was the Vikings' line coach for their Pro Bowl hat trick. Dunbar: "We've got a chance to be a pretty salty front. That's an old country thing. Back where I'm from in Louisiana, you didn't have a whole bunch of refrigerators, so you salted the meat to make it last longer. So we're salty because we want to last long."

Dunbar said he has shared that description with his players.

"So a salty front is a good front," I said to him.

"Is a great front," he said.

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4. 'Franchise' player: For the Jets to make the playoffs, the two most improved players have to be Smith and cornerback Dee Milliner, both in their second seasons. Milliner's importance to the defense isn't lost on his teammates. Demario Davis' nickname for him is "Franchise."

"He's the key part of the defense," Davis said. "The better he plays, the better the defense could be."

Agree. Totally.

5. Looking for 'Mo money: Wilkerson isn't making a big deal about his contract situation, but I wonder how he'll feel when J.J. Watt, picked 20 spots ahead of him in the first round of the 2011 draft, lands a monster extension. I wouldn't be surprised if that happens soon. The Houston Texans exercised their fifth-year option with Watt, who, like Wilkerson, is signed through 2015.

6. Flag watch: It'll be interesting to see how the Jets, who play aggressive, man-to-man coverage, respond to the league's new emphasis on illegal contact downfield. Ryan wants penalties to be called if there's a legit penalty, but his hope is that it's not "overly (restrictive)." Fortunately for the Jets, their starting corners don't have a history of penalties. Milliner had no penalties last season, according to NFL stats. Dimitri Patterson had only two penalties in an abbreviated season with the Miami Dolphins. As a team, the Jets were flagged only once for illegal contact in 2013. The team's penalty machine, Antonio Cromartie, was shipped out of town.

7. The new 24: Patterson is off to a shaky start, and the fact that he's wearing No. 24 won't help matters if he struggles during the regular season. The Jets used to have a pretty good corner who wore No. 24 -- Darrelle Revis. When I mentioned 24 to Patterson, without even uttering Revis' name, he picked up on it immediately: "You have a lot of scrutiny at this position because you had Revis and Cromartie. They were consistently competitive, year in, year out, so there's a standard that has been set." Yep.

8. It takes two: My prediction is that a newcomer will lead the team in rushing (Chris Johnson) and a newcomer will lead the team in receptions (Eric Decker). The last time newcomers led those categories in the same season was 1993. That year, it was the same person, running back Johnny Johnson, who rushed for 821 yards and caught 67 passes.

9. The anti-divas: One thing about the Jets' wide receivers: Most of them aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. On Johnson's 1-yard touchdown run against the Indianapolis Colts, David Nelson wiped out a cornerback with a cut block. It was executed so well, the corner landed on his head.

10. Sleeper with the funny name: The 12-player draft class isn't generating too much buzz, but one name keeps coming up among players -- sixth-round pass rusher IK Enemkpali. He's doing well on special teams and he sealed Thursday night's victory with a strip sack in the final minute.

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Jets' Dee Milliner injures ankle (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York August 10, 2014

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/29159/sage-steelers-school-jets-rookie-qb

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- The New York Jets' already suspect cornerback position took a double hit Sunday, with top corner Dee Milliner and rookie Dexter McDougle leaving practice with ankle and knee injuries, respectively.

McDougle will be lost for the season, as he tore the ACL in his left knee, the team announced. Both players were taken for MRI exams. There was no immediate word on the severity of Milliner's ankle injury.

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Milliner, the ninth overall pick in the 2013 draft, rolled his left ankle while defending rookie wide receiver Quincy Enunwa on a long pass. He fell to the ground and was in obvious pain, clutching his ankle.

Several hundred spectators fell silent as the trainers tended to Milliner, who made headlines recently by claiming he's the best cornerback in the league. After a couple of minutes, Milliner was helped off the field by two trainers, unable to place any weight on the injured ankle.

Losing Milliner for a lengthy period would be a significant blow to the Jets' defense, which is predicated on strong man-to-man coverage by the corners. They're counting on him to be their No. 1 corner, which often means covering the opponents' top receiver. The Jets face some of the NFL's top quarterback-receiver combinations in the first two months of the season.

About 30 minutes before Milliner went down, McDougle -- a third-round pick from Maryland -- walked off under his own power. He caught a cleat in the grass while covering in a one-on-one drill in the red zone. He felt "a sharp pain" in his knee, according to Ryan, who revealed Saturday that McDougle reported to camp overweight.

"They're doing a lot of tests on his knee," a somber Ryan said. "We'll see how it goes. I know he was [like], 'You've got to be kidding.'"

McDougle missed the final nine games for Maryland last season because of major shoulder surgery. Despite the inactivity, the Jets were hopeful that he'd be able to push for playing time as a rookie.

Right now, the Jets are without three of their top four corners. Aside from Milliner and McDougle, who has taken some first-team reps in practice, starter Dimitri Patterson missed practice for the second straight day with calf and ankle injuries.

Patterson, coming off a shaky performance in the preseason opener, is expected to return soon. He said his injuries are "not serious." But there's concern because of his durability issues. Patterson, whom the Jets signed to a one-year, $3 million contract to replace Antonio Cromartie, has missed 33 games over the last three seasons.

Suddenly, the cornerback position -- considered a strength in the years of Darrelle Revis and Cromartie -- is a major issue. Their top healthy corners are nickelback Kyle Wilson, Darrin Walls and Ras-I Dowling.

"These kinds of situations, I've had to deal with them in the past," Ryan said. "It'll be adversity for some, opportunity for others. We'll put the best 11 out there. We'll be able to play defense. We've got a lot of good football players. We'll be fine."

The Jets were criticized for not signing one of the big-name cornerbacks in free agency. After releasing Cromartie for cap reasons, they made unsuccessful attempts to sign Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Vontae Davis. They also declined to pass on Revis, who reportedly was interested in re-signing with the Jets after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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Sheldon to Sapp: Forget sophomore jinx (Rich Cimini) Metro New York August 10, 2014

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/41529/sheldon-to-sapp-forget-sophomore-jinx

CORTLAND, N.Y. -- Sheldon Richardson's new nickname around the New York Jets is "D-Roy," as in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Cute, right? Not everyone is a D-Roy fan. He believes there are "haters out there," and one of them apparently is loudmouth Warren Sapp, who, for some reason, likes to tweak Richardson at every opportunity.

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Richardson noted Sapp's sarcastic response in May, when the NFL Network announced the Jets' defensive tackle as No. 94 on its top-100 list. It came a few months after Sapp trashed him in a newspaper article.

Sapp is picking on the wrong guy, according to Richardson, who vowed to make Sapp and other critics eat their words.

"I heard he said, when I made the top 100, 'We'll see how his second year goes,' like I'm supposed to have fall off," Richardson told ESPN.com during a break at training camp. "People are waiting on me to fall off. I only plan on moving up. I have to prove them wrong. I've been doing it my whole life."

Sapp has a curious fascination with Richardson, whom he criticized last January in an interview with the New York Daily News. Basically, Sapp described Richardson as an overrated talent with limited pass-rushing ability, seemingly offended that anyone would compare Richardson to him.

Sapp made it to the Hall of Fame because he was hot stuff as a football player. Now, as an analyst, he's all about hot air.

"I really don't care, man," Richardson said. "He's one of those guys who's going to love me or hate me. He can brag and boast on whoever he wants to boast on and he can hate on whoever he wants to hate on. If he wants to be relevant, he has to pick on somebody else because I'm putting in my work."

Richardson said he harbors no bitterness toward Sapp, but he's not looking to break bread with him, either. He doesn't think there would be any conversation if they crossed paths.

"He probably wouldn't say two words to me, honestly," Richardson said. "Don't know why. I have nothing against him. I never said nothing out of the way to him, I just told people I didn't want to be compared to him. I want people compared to me. That's what I'm striving for, to be in his position, footballwise."

He's off to a terrific start, overcoming challenges from the day he was selected 13th overall in 2013. The Jets received some criticism for the pick because Richardson was deemed a poor fit in their 3-4 defense.

How'd that work out?

"I told them I'd turn the boos into cheers within a year, and I did that," Richardson said.

There are new obstacles in his way.

After finishing with only 3.5 sacks, Richardson wants to improve as a pass-rusher. The Jets believe he'll be more productive because he's comfortable within the system. Line coach Karl Dunbar said the coaches didn't tailor many pass-rushing schemes for Richardson because "he didn't know our defensive scheme last year. A lot of plays weren't called for him to make plays, but he was so athletic that he made plays on his own.

"This year, he has a better grasp of the defense, so he'll be able to make some of the plays he couldn't make last year because he wasn't in position," Dunbar added.

Richardson said he never questioned his role last season. Didn't have to.

"I was scoring touchdowns, man, so I had nothing to complain about," he said with a laugh, referring to his two rushing scores.

Richardson said he has to become a better pass-rusher on play-action, noting that he had trouble disengaging from offensive linemen who latched on to him during the initial run-action. A shoulder injury that hampered him last season has healed, which should make him stronger at the point of attack.

On the flip side, he probably will draw more attention from opponents because of his rookie success. He could be a marked man.

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"Bring it on, man," Richardson said. "I ain't worried about that. It's football. Only so many ways you can block a 3-technique, so bring it on. Hell no, I'm not worried at all. I can take it on with the fullest confidence in myself and this defense."

The irony about Sapp's criticism is that, as a rookie in 1995, his stats were inferior to those of Richardson

"He wasn't really a force, really," Richardson said. "He got better. You can never take that from him. He was a great athlete. I looked up to him."

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NEWYORKJETS.COM

Dee Milliner, Dex McDougle Down with Injuries (Randy Lange) New York Jets August 10, 2014

http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-randylangeblogfb/Dee-Milliner-Dex-McDougle-Down-with-Injuries/3d6e12fe-7c6e-4da2-904e-f210e7a773da

Today was a painful day for the Jets' cornerback position.

Early in practice at SUNY Cortland, rookie Dexter McDougle tumbled to the grass with WR Stephen Hill during 1-on-1 drills and came up with a left knee injury. He eventually walked off the field with a limp to the applause of the fans in the stands.

After head coach Rex Ryan's news conference today, the team reported that the Maryland rookie had suffered a torn ACL.

Then later in 7-on-7s, Dee Milliner was covering rookie WR Quincy Enunwa. Enunwa put on a double move, then leaped down the left sideline, juggled Geno Smith's long ball and came down with an amazing catch.

Milliner came down as well, but empty-handed and in pain. His left ankle was the problem. After a while, he was helped up and off the field by Jets trainers without putting pressure on the ankle. Again the fans applauded. But suddenly the position appears snakebit.

"The severity of the injuries, we don't know yet," Ryan said before receiving word on McDougle's injury. "We'll be getting both of them looked at." Ryan added that he believed both were going for MRI exams today and "we'll have a better understanding of what we're dealing with tomorrow."

Enunwa wasn't sure what happened on his battle for the ball with Milliner.

"As a receiver, you try not to pay attention to the DB," the sixth-round rookie out of Nebraska said. "Obviously, he is my teammate and I don’t know if he came out badly injured or anything. I was focusing on the ball, made the play and got up and I saw that he was down. I don’t know how it happened, though."

"First and foremost, I hope all is well physically and it's nothing serious," said Dimitri Patterson, fighting through quadriceps and ankle issues of his own that limited him in the Thursday preseason opener and kept him on the sidelines today, along with first-year man Jeremy Reeves (knee). "But this is part of training camp. That's just the truth. Injuries are a part of camp.

"You're working three times as hard as you would work in a regular-season practice. Your body's under tremendous stress every single day. So injury is a natural thing. It's tough to say, but that's just the way I look at the situation."

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At least fourth-year man Johnny Patrick returned to practice today. He joined the corners who are still relatively healthy: Kyle Wilson, Darrin Walls, Ellis Lankster, Ras-I Dowling and rookie Brandon Dixon.

It's a tough position to be battered and bruised at, with the Bengals next up on the preseason schedule. Fans will remember how QB Andy Dalton distributed passes to Marvin Jones and A.J. Green past then-rookie Milliner and then-Jet Antonio Cromartie that day last October.

But as Rex reminded, "You're concerned with everybody's injuries, but that's part of the business. ... I've been talking about our depth and now we'll get to see it. ... We'll be able to play defense. We have a lot of good football players. We'll be fine."

And as Patterson counseled, "It's a long season, and I know it's a marathon, not a sprint."

We'll have to see how soon the newest injured corners will be able to sprint. Further updates from Ryan and our doctors and trainers will come Monday.

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'There's a Time and a Place for the Wildcat' (TJ Brennan) New York Jets August 10, 2014

http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-5/Theres-a-Time-and-a-Place-for-the-Wildcat/860e5c7f-a2e8-4aef-bab3-2cef886040c7

Jets QBs Geno Smith, Michael Vick See the Benefits of Having the 'Cat in the Offense

With two dual-threat quarterbacks on the roster in Geno Smith and Michael Vick, there’s been plenty of talk about how the Jets plan to use them in games.

Smith was listed as the No. 1 QB and Vick right behind him in the first official depth chart released last week. At Saturday’s practice, the offense devoted a whole period to running the Wildcat and the read-option.

The formations are nothing new to the Jets. The trend started for the Green & White in 2006 with former Missouri QB and Jets WR Brad Smith and RB Leon Washington taking some snaps from under center.

Even during the 2004 season, the Jets had one play that looked similar to a Wildcat formation. QB Chad Pennington was split out wide and RB LaMont Jordan took a direct snap and rushed for 33 yards.

Last season they unofficially ran 38 Wildcat plays in 11 different games. They used five different Wildcat quarterbacks in 2013: RBs Bilal Powell, Chris Ivory and Mike Goodson and WRs Jeremy Kerley and Josh Cribbs all getting a turn under center. And especially late in the season, Geno Smith would keep the ball and run, amassing six touchdowns to tie for the NFL lead among quarterbacks.

Vick has experience being a change-of-pace QB as he was just that in his first year with Philadelphia. The key to changing the pace, Vick said, is all about the timing of when it is used.

“That’s what we kind of learned with it. There’s just a time and a place for it,” said Vick, who threw one touchdown and ran for two more in that role for Donovan McNabb in 2009. “I think you mix it in and you disrupt things defensively with the opposition and just try to make it work like that.”

The Jets tried the change-of-pace quarterback with Tim Tebow in 2012, using him in 47 of the team’s 53 plays out of the Wildcat formation.

For Smith, he’s taking a wait-and-see approach before making any comments about how effective the plays can be this year.

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“I think we’ll have to see once we do it, if we do it. That comes down to the coaches and their decision-making,” he said. “If we do, I think it’ll have some benefits and maybe some disadvantages but we won’t know until we get on the field and have an opportunity to rep the plays.”

A concern that is often raised about subbing out quarterbacks in certain packages is that it may disrupt the rhythm of the starter. Smith, however, said he wasn’t too concerned with that last year.

“I never even really thought about that, to tell you the truth. I didn’t think so,” he said of the Wildcat. “I think it helped us out. It kept us on schedule many times and it was something we used quite frequently if I can remember. I think it was pretty successful.”

Vick remains adamant that subbing quarterbacks comes down to the timing of the switch, meaning the situation of the game or the rhythm the starter.

“You just don’t want to disrupt the timing of the game,” he said. “Guys get in rhythms and you want to continue with that rhythm, but there’s a time and a place for it, whether it’s third down, short yardage or the red zone. There’s a time when you can do it and when it can be effective.”

Head coach Rex Ryan was noncommittal Saturday when asked about using Vick in certain packages under center. Ultimately, he said, the decision will come down to what helps the team.

“You’re trying to win the game,” he said at his news conference. “And if you think that’s the best thing for your team, then absolutely you’ll consider it.”

Vick said he expects to be inserted at some points during games, but wouldn’t say during which situations. That, he said, is the team’s business and no one else’s.

“We won’t say when it’s going to happen, it’s just going to happen. That’s our little secret,” he said. “We’ll keep that amongst us girls and make that work.”

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Calvin Pace's Advice: Start Faster on the Road (Randy Lange) New York Jets August 10, 2014

http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-randylangeblogfb/Calvin-Paces-Advice-Start-Faster-on-the-Road/88c9a038-51dc-4aed-8371-f6bff6c696e3

Jets Would Like Early Success at Cincinnati to Help Them Overcome 1½-Year Drought

Calvin Pace was asked Saturday about the biggest things the Jets defense needs to work on before the season starts. One of the three work areas he mentioned was quite interesting.

"We could get better at forcing turnovers, deep balls," he said, "and starting fast sometimes on the road. I think if we can get those things together — I think we're good against the run — we'll be a better defense."

Turnovers, yes, deep balls, yes. And starting fast on the road ... yes, absolutely.

The Jets after all started without a first-quarter touchdown at home Thursday vs. Indianapolis. And next up on Saturday night is Preseason Game 2 at Cincinnati, where last year we fell behind, 14-0, in the opening period en route to that 49-9 "dog-walking," in the descriptive phrase of Sheldon Richardson.

But as Jets fans know, our recent performances in the opening periods of away games are more serious than just last year's Bengals loss. If you go back to the last first-quarter touchdown drive the Jets put together on the road, it was Game 7 — of the 2012 season — at New England.

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Since then, the Jets have scored no TDs and seven field goals in the last 13 regular-season first quarters on the road and have been outscored in that span, 61-28, with seven of those Green & White points coming on a defensive TD at Seattle in '12.

Perhaps not coincidentally, our record in those games is 4-9. Here is that stretch broken down into half-seasons:

What is it about the challenge of starting fast on the road?

"It’s just naturally one of those things where you go to somebody else's home," Pace said. "It’s not comfortable, you start out a little slower, the home team has the crowd on their side. Sometimes before you know it you can be down, 7-0, and that can mean all the difference in the world.

"We have to come out with the same energy we come out with at home on the road in a hostile environment.

Based on our recent past, there's no tougher place to do that than Paul Brown Stadium. And there's no better time or place to begin work on our road starts for the 2014 season than at PBS on Saturday night.

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Jeff Cumberland's Career Comes into Focus (Jackie Lovett) New York Jets August 10, 2014

http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-5/Jeff-Cumberlands-Career-Comes-into-Focus/565400d7-a701-4991-b4f7-3f7cfa3c00dd

5th-Year Man Seeking to Become Well-Rounded Player While Leading Jets' TEs

From wide receiver at Illinois to veteran starting tight end, Jeff Cumberland’s role with the Jets has evolved over time.

Cumberland’s journey began in 2010 as an undrafted free agent — an undrafted FA auditioning for a tight end position who ran a sub 4.5 40 at the NFL Combine, that is. Whether it was his quickness, his sturdy 6’4” frame, or his ability to provide a diverse offensive threat, Cumberland landed a spot on the roster back in 2010 and has been a part of the team ever since.

Cumberland didn’t break out during his first few years with the Jets, coming to the team at a time when tight end Dustin Keller was just beginning to peak. Things didn’t get much better in 2011, when he had only two receptions before succumbing to a season-ending Achilles tear. But by 2012, his injury was completely behind him and he started 12 games. Last year he led the team with four touchdown receptions.

“Before, I was a young guy who really hadn’t played much pro ball," Cumberland said. "Now I’ve got a couple years under my belt and I’m more confident in what’s going on, what I’m doing, what the defense is doing. And I’m more confident in the offensive scheme in my second year with the same offensive coordinator [Marty Mornhinweg].”

Cumberland didn’t see much action in the preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday, playing in 29 plays and connecting with quarterback Geno Smith just once for an 11-yard gain on a short pass down the middle.

“I’m trying to focus on being an all-around tight end — blocking, pass blocking and receiving as well,” Cumberland said after practice at SUNY Cortland on Saturday. “I mean, when I came in I was a receiver

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and my size and speed were my strengths and they can still be my strengths now. I got better at my blocking, so I’m just trying to encompass all of those things to be a well-rounded tight end.”

At 27 years of age, Cumberland’s five years of experience in the league trumps that of his fellow tight ends. He has evolved not only to meet the offensive needs of the Jets but also to assume a leadership role for the young group.

“It’s going great helping those guys out, Jace [Amaro], Zach Sudfeld, [Chris] Pantale,” the veteran said. “The team has definitely gotten younger, for sure. When I got here it was a lot of guys who were here nine, 10, 11, 12 years. Now we have a lot of guys who are starters that are under their fifth year. That’s the main difference that I can see. We’ve got youth behind us.”

Cumberland wouldn’t go as far to say that the tight ends had been underutilized in years past, but he does feel like they might be able to be used more in the future.

“I feel like once everyone gets confident and gets the feel of what to expect out of the offense, what to expect out of Marty and the game flow, everything will fit in great for us," he said. "As tight ends, we can be real big in this offense as far as blocking and receiving go.”

For a man who only seems to get better as the years go by, it will be interesting to see what the future holds. But for now, Cumberland is only thinking of the task at hand.

“So we’ve got one week before we meet the Bengals. We just have to come out here and get better day by day, make corrections from the last game and just come out tomorrow and get better," he said. "And it will be the same thing with Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. We just get better and better every day.”

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SUNDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

Associated Press August 10, 2014

http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Tuesday-s-Sports-Transactions-5624279.php\

BASEBALL

American League

BOSTON RED SOX — Optioned RHP Heath Hembree to Pawtucket (IL). Recalled LHP Edwin Escobar from Pawtucket.

CLEVELAND INDIANS — Placed OF David Murphy and DH/1B Nick Swisher on the 15-day DL. Recalled OF Tyler Holt and INF/OF Zach Walters from Columbus (IL).

DETROIT TIGERS — Placed RHPs Joakim Soria and Anibal Sanchez on the 15-day DL; Sanchez retroactive to Saturday.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS — Optioned INF C.J. Cron and RHP Cam Bedrosian to Salt Lake (PCL). Transferred LHP Tyler Skaggs to the 60-day DL. Selected the contract of RHP Caleb Clay from Salt Lake. Recalled RHP Vinnie Pestano from Salt Lake.

MINNESOTA TWINS — Traded RHP Kevin Correia to the L.A. Dodgers for a player to be named.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS — Sent 1B Kyle Blanks to Sacramento (PCL) for a rehab assignment.

SEATTLE MARINERS — Optioned LHP Lucas Luetge to Tacoma (PCL). Recalled RHP Erasmo Ramirez from Tacoma

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TORONTO BLUE JAYS — Sent 1B Adam Lind to Dunedin (FSL) for a rehab assignment.

National League

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS — Assigned 3B Andy Marte outright to Reno (PCL). Agreed to terms with RHP Gabriel Perez on a minor league contract.

CHICAGO CUBS — Optioned LHP Chris Rusin to Iowa (PCL). Assigned OF Ryan Kalish outright to Iowa. Placed RHP Brian Schlitter on the 15-day DL. Reinstated RHP Neil Ramirez from the 15-day DL.

COLORADO ROCKIES — Placed OF Carlos Gonzalez on the 15-day DL, retroactive to Saturday. Assigned OF Jason Pridie outright to Colorado Springs (PCL). Recalled INF Ben Paulsen from Colorado Springs.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS — Placed SS Hanley Ramirez on the 15-day DL, retroactive to Saturday. Designated LHP Colt Hynes for assignment. Recalled INF Darwin Barney from Albuquerque (PCL).

MILWAUKEE BREWERS — Sent LHP Wei-Chung Wang to Wisconsin (MSL) for a rehab assignment.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES — Claimed RHP Jerome Williams off waivers from Texas.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Claimed INF Tommy Field off waivers from the L.A. Angels and optioned him to Indianapolis (IL).

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS — Optioned OF Juan Perez to Fresno (PCL). Recalled INF Adam Duvall from Fresno.

FOOTBALL

National Football League

BUFFALO BILLS — Released CB Michael Carter. Signed CB Sam Miller.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Placed LB Mike Taylor on the waived-injured list. Signed DB Thomas Wolfe.

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