NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

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1 NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS October 2, 2014 Table of Contents ASSOCIATED PRESS... 2 Jets' Smith still confident despite rough stretch (Dennis Waszak)... 2 Jets' Ryan says Milliner will play at San Diego (Dennis Waszak)... 3 Jets-Chargers Preview (Nicolino Dibenedetto)... 4 NEWSDAY... 5 Rex Ryan pokes some fun at Bill Belichick (Kimberley Martin)... 5 Philip Rivers first up as Jets run gauntlet of top QBs (Anthony Rieber)... 6 Geno Smith bristles after reporter suggests Michael Vick could provide 'spark' (Kimberley Martin)... 7 Jeremy Kerley has faith in Geno Smith (Bob Glauber)... 8 THE RECORD... 9 Jets: If Geno Smith gets pulled, it's the coach's call. (J.P. Pelzman)... 9 NJ ADVANCE MEDIA Antonio Allen takes blame, explains what he did wrong on Lions' 59-yard touchdown pass (Darryl Slater) John Conner sees potentially bigger role for himself in Marty Mornhinweg's system (Darryl Slater) Jets-Chargers injury report: Dee Milliner will play Sunday, but will he boost Jets' pass defense? (Darryl Slater).. 13 Geno Smith getting testy with a reporter tells us nothing about Geno Smith (Dom Cosentino) Rex Ryan clarifies, says he makes final decision on whether to play Geno Smith or Michael Vick (Dom Cosentino) Jets WR Quincy Enunwa's domestic violence case may hinge on victim's cooperation (Dom Cosentino) NEW YORK POST Rex: If I want to pull QB during game, that decision is mine (Brian Costello) Why Rex Ryan may need to dip into Herm Edwards old playbook (Brian Costello) Why Jets are saying Chargers Rivers is playing like an MVP (Brian Lewis) Inside the mind of the 100 percent confident Geno Smith (Steve Serby) NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa to face domestic violenc charges (Seth Walder) Rex Ryan 'thinks' Jets won't pull Geno Smith for Michael Vick (Seth Walder) Geno Smith goes from cursing out Jets fans to arguing with reporters over Michael Vick questions (Manish Mehta) NEW YORK TIMES Geno Smith and Michael Vick on Opposite Ends of Chant (William C. Rhoden) WALL STREET JOURNAL P a g e

2 Dee Milliner to Return, as Jets Try to Replace Others (Stu Woo) ESPN NEW YORK Rex Ryan: Jets' lineup falls on me (Jane McManus) At QB, Rex Ryan sacking his Jets job (Ian O Connor) Rex Ryan mocks Bill Belichick's 'On-to-Cincinnati' mantra (Rich Cimini) METRO NEW YORK Rex Ryan fields more questions about Geno Smith, QB controversy (Kristian Dyer) John Conner back with Jets for second stint (Kristian Dyer) Source: Drafting Geno Smith was 100 percent John Idzik s decision (Kristian Dyer) YAHOO! SPORTS For Geno Smith, potential has to start producing results (Kristian Dyer) WEDNESDAY S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS ASSOCIATED PRESS Jets' Smith still confident despite rough stretch (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- Geno Smith believes he is still the answer. Yes, he knows he needs to get a lot better, and fast. But he also thinks the New York Jets' search for a franchise quarterback, a mostly fruitless task since the days of Joe Namath, could end right in front of their eyes. Despite the boos, increasing criticisms and calls for Michael Vick. ''Well, that's still to be set,'' Smith said when asked Wednesday if he's a franchise-type QB. ''Obviously, it's my goal, but we've got to work toward that and we're still working toward that and I do believe that I am. But we've just got to continue to work on it.'' Rex Ryan and the Jets are sticking with Smith, and their public support for him hasn't wavered. Smith knows he needs to deliver, though. With five interceptions and two lost fumbles in four games, there needs to be improvement Sunday at San Diego. Otherwise, it could be time for Smith to sit and Vick to come in - a scenario some considered inevitable even before the season began. ''It's about wins and losses,'' Smith said. ''We've got to win more games. Ultimately, that's the only thing. I don't think it's about anything other than that.'' Smith insists the pressure isn't getting to him, but yelling an expletive at a heckler after the Jets' loss to Detroit last Sunday suggested there's perhaps a slight crack in what had previously been considered thick skin. He expects to get a letter from the NFL about that, and a fine, too. ''Always be above the situation,'' he said. ''Never let people get to you. Never let anyone's words affect you in that manner. It's something I've already known, but I've just got to handle those situations better.'' 2 P a g e

3 A few minutes later, though, Smith bristled when he was asked if there's any value in playing Vick for a quarter in a game - which means Smith, obviously, would be sent to the sideline. ''I don't know what you're trying to lead to with that question,'' he said. ''Maybe that's your opinion. That is not a question.'' When the reporter suggested putting Vick into a game could provide a spark, Smith responded: ''As a spark? What do you mean a spark? We've already put him in.'' Vick has seen limited snaps as Smith's backup, throwing one incomplete pass and rushing once for 3 yards. He didn't get into the game against the Lions, even as fans at MetLife chanted for him to replace Smith. So, Smith was asked if it could help the Jets by putting Vick in for not just a play or two, but an entire quarter - and he, predictably and understandably, got testy. ''It doesn't make sense,'' Smith said. ''What team do you see doing that?'' Well, none. The bottom line, though, for the Jets is this: They are committed, for now, to Smith. They want to find out for sure whether he is that franchise-type quarterback, and so far they've had 20 games to evaluate him. With Miami, Buffalo and New England all 2-2 and the Jets 1-3, the AFC East appears to be wide open. So, Ryan needs to find the delicate balance between developing the young quarterback and preserving the season. After previously saying it would be a ''Jets decision,'' Ryan also clarified that any lineup changes are his call entirely - including whether Smith should be benched for Vick. ''I just thought it was so obvious that, obviously, in my position as the head coach you are going to make decisions during a game - who else is going to make them?'' Ryan said. ''I'm not going to call (former lineman) Randy Rasmussen up and say, 'Hey, Randy what do you think?' Or anybody. ''That falls on my shoulders, and I think it's obvious. What became obvious is that I should have handled that question differently.'' Smith said he hasn't lost any confidence during this rough stretch, and his focus is on the Chargers - not what is being said outside the facility. ''I never needed to be reassured,'' Smith said. ''I've always had confidence in my coaches and I believe they've always had confidence in me. They've expressed those things, but I don't get caught up in that.'' That said, Smith knows what the statistics look like and where the Jets stack up in the standings. He also realizes that how he plays Sunday could go a long way in setting the tone for the rest of the season. For him, and the rest of the team. ''My progression is, obviously, I'm getting better, but it's all about wins and losses and I'm trying my best to help us win these games,'' he said. ''So I'm going to be extra critical on myself this week to make sure that I have to be nearly perfect in order to help us win games.'' Jets' Ryan says Milliner will play at San Diego (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press 3 P a g e

4 FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- New York Jets coach Rex Ryan says cornerback Dee Milliner will play Sunday at San Diego after he missed the last two games with a quadriceps injury. Milliner, the team's top cornerback, has only played in one game this season after missing most of training camp and the opener with a high ankle sprain. It's uncertain if Milliner will start against the Chargers, but is expected to see his first playing time since Week 2 at Green Bay. Wide receiver David Nelson sat out practice Wednesday with a sprained left ankle that could sideline him at least a game. Wide receiver Eric Decker (hamstring), right guard Willie Colon (knee), center Nick Mangold (shoulder) and rookie safety Calvin Pryor (bruised quadriceps) were all limited, but expected to play. Jets-Chargers Preview (Nicolino Dibenedetto) Associated Press While Philip Rivers is off to a torrid start for the AFC West-leading San Diego Chargers, Geno Smith's struggles with the New York Jets are drawing calls for his replacement. The Chargers' hopes for a four-game winning streak likely rest on Rivers' arm Sunday, when they try to frustrate Smith and send the Jets to their longest losing streak in seven years. Rivers enters Week 5 with an NFL-best quarterback rating, and he's at a staggering while completing 74.3 percent of his passes for 917 yards and eight touchdowns over the past three games. He's coming off his best performance, compiling a season-high 377 yards with three TDs while connecting on 29 of 39 attempts in a win over Jacksonville last Sunday. Rivers almost single-handedly made up for a battered running attack that's missing Ryan Mathews (knee) for at least two more weeks and Danny Woodhead (ankle) for the season. Donald Brown and Branden Oliver combined for 42 yards on 19 carries last week for the Chargers (3-1), who rank 31st in rushing at 69.5 yards per game and average a league-worst 2.4 yards per attempt. Things seem unlikely to improve against the Jets (1-3), who allow a league-low 63.3 rushing yards per game and rank third in total defense at "It's nowhere where it needs to be," Chargers coach Mike McCoy said. "There's no excuses about it. We're not running it well enough. We're not blocking well enough. Whatever we're running isn't working. We've got to figure out as coaches and players how to get it done." Smith is trying to do the same, and Jets fan are growing restless as calls for him to be replaced by backup Michael Vick grow louder. Chants of "We want Vick!" echoed through MetLife Stadium last Sunday, when Smith completed 17 of 33 passes for 209 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a loss to Detroit. The embattled second-year signal-caller, who has five picks and two fumbles, was then caught by television cameras shouting an expletive at a heckler while walking off the field. He later apologized. Despite the mounting pressure to turn to Vick, coach Rex Ryan isn't budging. "Because I believe in him," Ryan said of Smith. "I believe that we're going to get it done and I believe that he's going to be one of the main reasons we get it done and get it turned. 4 P a g e

5 "I don't anticipate us as a team continuing to struggle. I think this team needs a win in the worst way, and I think that will help us more than anything. We have guys that believe in each other and I think, to a man, that our team believes in Geno." Wins will be hard to come by with New York facing San Diego, Denver and New England in a span of 12 days, and the team is already on the brink of a four-game slide for the first time since dropping six straight in With the Jets averaging 19.8 points and the passing game topping 204 yards only once, the players held an offensive players-only meeting earlier this week in an effort to begin turning things around. "No grievances," Smith said. "I understand the semantics are a huge thing in this market, but no grievance. I don't want you guys to get that misunderstood. No one's hanging their head around here, no one's sad, no one's down on themselves. We're ready to go out and play." While the Jets' run defense is the best in the NFL, the pass defense has given up nine touchdowns and has set a franchise record by failing to intercept a pass through the first four games of a season. The last team to start a season without an interception in their first five games was the 2002 Bills, who didn't get their first interception until the seventh game. Opposing quarterbacks have compiled a passer rating during New York's skid, and it's not likely to get any easier against Rivers. He had touchdown passes of 47 and 43 yards to Eddie Royal last week, and the wide receiver has reached the end zone four times on nine catches in the last two games. "I don't think it's just Eddie and Philip. I think it's the whole group," McCoy said. "Philip has many weapons to go to." One of them is Keenan Allen, who leads San Diego with 22 receptions and 244 yards, but is still without a score. He caught 10 of the 12 passes thrown in his direction in Week 4, totaling a season-high 135 yards. The Chargers last hosted the Jets in a loss in a divisional playoff game on Jan. 17, NEWSDAY Rex Ryan pokes some fun at Bill Belichick (Kimberley Martin) Newsday FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Rex Ryan couldn't help but deliver a playful dig at his coaching nemesis. "Obviously, on to San Diego," the Jets coach said Wednesday, a few hours after Patriots coach Bill Belichick repeatedly used the "We're on to Cincinnati" line to avoid discussing the play of Tom Brady after their loss to the Chiefs Monday night. Ryan's one-liner garnered some laughs from the overflow media crowd, but the coach quickly turned his focus back to the Chargers (3-1). At 1-3, the Jets are in desperate need of a win. And there's a definite sense of urgency inside the facility. "With that said," Ryan added with a smile, "obviously we watched Kansas City handle New England." Milliner set to return 5 P a g e

6 Barring a setback, Dee Milliner will be back on the field Sunday after missing three games because of ankle and quadriceps injuries. The cornerback was limited in practice, but Ryan reiterated he was confident Milliner would suit up. Enunwa case postponed Rookie wide receiver Quincy Enunwa missed a portion of practice due to a court appearance related to his Aug. 31 arrest on a domestic violence-related charge. Enunwa repeatedly said "it's a pending legal matter" when asked about his court appearance, but according to NJ.com, his court hearing was postponed until Oct. 15. Enunwa, who currently is on the practice squad, was arrested after causing "bodily injury" to a woman at a New Jersey hotel. Asked about the NFL's new domestic- violence policy, which includes a six-game suspension for first-time offenders, he said: "I don't have an opinion. When you put yourselves in a situation, you have to face the consequences of whatever is coming. With a pending legal matter, I have to let everything fall through." Jet streams David Nelson (ankle) was not at practice and is not expected to play... Willie Colon (knee), Eric Decker (hamstring), Nick Mangold (shoulder) and Calvin Pryor (thigh contusion) also were limited... Antonio Allen, who created a stir when he left the stadium Sunday on a golf cart, isn't on the injury report. Allen said his feet swelled up after the game, which he described as a "weird feeling." He doesn't know why, but he suspects it might have been a combination of the heat and artificial turf. Philip Rivers first up as Jets run gauntlet of top QBs (Anthony Rieber) Newsday FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Philip Rivers. Peyton Manning. Tom Brady. Those are the quarterbacks the Jets have to face in the next three weeks. Statistically, and perhaps spiritually right now, Brady is the worst of them. Rivers, whom the Jets will play Sunday in San Diego, is the best. Under first-year offensive coordinator Frank Reich, Rivers has completed 96 of 137 passes for 1,155 yards with nine touchdowns and one interception for the Chargers (3-1), who have won three in a row. His quarterback rating is 114.5, tops in the NFL. Last week, in a win over Jacksonville, Rivers was 29-for-39 for 377 yards and three TDs. Manning is fourth at 108.5; Brady is 29th at (Geno Smith is ranked 31st at 75.1, in case you were wondering). "Philip Rivers has always been a great quarterback," Jets coach Rex Ryan said Wednesday. "It's a different offense. So I think you're not seeing quite the vertical passing game that you saw maybe on a Norv Turner offense. They're not pushing it down the field as much. They had some deep shots this past week. He's getting the ball out of his hand quick, he's smart, he's competitive, he's tough as heck, so he's always had those traits. He's been a great player this year, last year, the year before." 6 P a g e

7 Reich, the former Buffalo Bills quarterback who was born in Freeport, was Rivers' quarterback coach last season, when the he had arguably the best season of his 11-year career with 32 TDs, 11 INTs and a leaguebest 69.5 completion percentage. This year, the 32-year-old Rivers has been even better, completing 70.1 percent of his passes. "I think from a completion percentage-wise, it's probably as good a groove as I've been in," Rivers said. "We've put together three pretty solid weeks all the way around in terms of the passing game." Rivers wouldn't say if he's salivating when he thinks about the Jets' suspect and banged-up secondary. The Jets do lead the NFL in sacks with 14; the Chargers have allowed five. "I think we've done a heck of a job handling the pressure we've faced," Rivers said. "And I always try to get the ball out of my hand quick. The Jets are well-known for all the blitzes, and rightfully so. They never let you get a feel for them." After San Diego, the Jets host Manning and the Broncos and then visit the struggling Brady in New England for a Thursday night game on Oct. 16. It's a tiptoe through a minefield of teams that are supposed to be near the top of the AFC. The Chargers would like to be in that conversation -- at the end of the season. "It's anybody's guess who's the best team in the AFC," Rivers said. "We can't worry about that." Geno Smith bristles after reporter suggests Michael Vick could provide 'spark' (Kimberley Martin) Newsday FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - All Geno Smith wants to do is move on. But the questions keep coming. The Jets quarterback isn't interested in rehashing the past -- Sunday's loss to the Lions, his postgame curse toward a heckling fan and Monday's meeting with offensive players only. But Smith definitely isn't interested in discussing the merits of being benched in favor of backup Michael Vick. Whether some fans like it or not, this is Smith's team. And he has no patience for insinuations to the contrary. During Wednesday's group interview session, Smith was peppered by questions from one reporter about the "value" of playing Vick in order to give the team "a spark." "What do you mean 'a spark'?" Smith said. "We've already put him in." When the reporter clarified that he was referring specifically to Vick playing an entire quarter -- a move that would relegate Smith to the sideline for 15 minutes -- he bristled. "That doesn't make sense," Smith said. "What team do you see doing that?" While he continues to say the outside noise doesn't bother him, it's clear the questions about Vick have worn thin. But no true competitor has ever willingly relented -- and Smith isn't prepared to give up his starting job without a fight. "I believe in myself 100 percent," said Smith, who has completed 60.3 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and five interceptions. "But I do understand that we've got to play better and I'm being hard 7 P a g e

8 on myself, making sure that any little detail, nothing will slip by. And if it's another guy, I'm staying on him and making sure we're doing the right things to give us a chance to win the game." At 1-3, there's no room for any more missteps and miscommunication. The Chargers are now on the horizon, and a win is all that matters. The Jets dug themselves a hole losing three straight. But here's the silver lining: The AFC East is wide open with the Patriots, Bills and Dolphins all at 2-2. Meanwhile, the Jets won't play a division game until Week 7 against the Patriots. That, in itself, is reason for optimism. But Rex Ryan was quick to point out "we just have to take care of our business." "We have to find ways to win or it's not going to matter," the coach said of the standings. "It's huge," Smith said of winning in San Diego. "Huge for our team, huge for the position we're in right now. We've still got a chance in our division... every single guy is focused in just a little bit extra. We came in with the right mind-set." The sense of urgency was palpable on the practice field, as players attacked drills with energy and a "very businesslike" approach, Ryan said. But preparation is only half the battle. In order for them to be successful in San Diego, the Jets must avoid making the same mistakes that continue to derail them. But while there are several issues plaguing the offense and defense (particularly red-zone inefficiency), the quarterback play has to improve. And while questions remain about Smith's long-term viability, Ryan remains committed to him. Asked by the same reporter if he can "guarantee" Smith will finish Sunday's game, he didn't hesitate: "I think he will finish the game. I think he will play well... I think our whole team will play well." Ryan's message to the team Wednesday was short and sweet -- just stay the course, he told them. And that includes Smith. Said Vick: "He's the leader of this football team." Jeremy Kerley has faith in Geno Smith (Bob Glauber) Newsday Two lockers down from where Geno Smith was surrounded by reporters asking about his latest struggles, Jeremy Kerley, his voice barely above a whisper, offered unwavering support for the Jets' embattled quarterback. And no, this wasn't your typical default reaction of one teammate defending another from an onslaught of criticism, the kind you see in most locker rooms when a quarterback is in a protracted slump. This was heartfelt and genuine, something Kerley fervently believes, and he thinks Smith will emerge from his troubles better off for the experience. "There's no question in my mind, no doubt that he'll get through this,'' Kerley said Wednesday. "He's stayed the course pretty well, overcoming adversity, just being levelheaded through everything.'' That includes atoning for mistakes, even the one after Sunday's loss to the Lions, when Smith lost his cool and swore at fans who were heckling him as he came off the field. He apologized in his postgame news conference, and he apologized to his teammates in a players-only meeting Monday. 8 P a g e

9 "He said something. He realized he made a mistake, so he apologized for it to us,'' Kerley said. "We moved on from there.'' Kerley has become one of Smith's confidants in their brief time together. On the field, he leads the Jets with 16 catches; off the field, he calls Smith his closest friend on the team. Kerley said he felt a certain chemistry almost immediately after Smith joined the Jets as a second-round pick last year. "When he first came in, something clicked,'' Kerley said. "He's my best friend. He's a good dude, and I don't call a lot of people my friends. I take pride in calling him my friend, and not just with football.'' There are other Jets who feel similarly about Smith. Defensive end Sheldon Richardson, another member of the 2013 draft class, echoed Kerley about Smith's loyalty to teammates. Those feelings of solidarity will go a long way toward correcting the issues Smith faces, especially as he hears the calls for Michael Vick to replace him. "Geno is that guy that you want to play for,'' said Kerley, a converted quarterback who led the Jets in receiving the last two seasons. "He can extend plays, he's consistent with the ball, he's got great touch. The guys around him respect him, and that's important.'' But Kerley knows the only way for Smith to answer his critics is with a series of solid performances and help the Jets rebound from a 1-3 start. "I definitely believe he'll do it,'' he said. As Kerley defended him, Smith bristled when a reporter asked if there would be any value to playing Vick for a quarter in a game. "I don't know what you're trying to lead to with that question,'' Smith said. "Maybe that's your opinion. That is not a question.'' Could Vick provide a spark? "As a spark?'' Smith said. "What do you mean, a spark? We've already put him in.'' When asked again about playing Vick for a quarter, Smith said, "It doesn't make sense. What team do you see doing that?'' OK, so the starter doesn't like the idea of ceding time to the backup. Quite frankly, if Smith were comfortable with the idea of playing Vick more, I'd be worried. That Smith is basically saying this is his team and his offense is a healthy sign, not one that should be interpreted that the pressure is getting to him. If your No. 1 quarterback thinks it's a good idea for someone else to play, well, that's a problem. Unless and until Rex Ryan says it's someone else's team, then Smith is the guy. And the players closest to him are fine with it. "We believe in Geno, no question,'' Kerley said. "He can get it done, no doubt.'' THE RECORD Jets: If Geno Smith gets pulled, it's the coach's call. (J.P. Pelzman) The Record October 2, P a g e

10 FLORHAM PARK If Geno Smith doesn t play well Sunday at San Diego and coach Rex Ryan decides he wants to make a change during the game, he won t have to get permission. Ryan made that clear Wednesday after a cryptic comment Monday about how he "would rather not say" who would have the authority to pull the trigger on benching the struggling second-year quarterback. "I just thought it was so obvious," Ryan said, "that, obviously, in my position as the head coach, you re going to make decisions during a game. Who else is going to make them? I m not going to call Randy Rasmussen up and say, Hey, Randy, what do you think? Or anybody." Rasmussen played left guard for the Jets from , and is second in franchise history in games played with 207. There was no immediate word on whether Rasmussen would vote to bench Smith and start veteran backup Michael Vick. "That falls on my shoulders, and I think it s obvious," Ryan said of the in-game decision to possibly change quarterbacks. "What became obvious is that I should have handled that question differently." But as far as who would make that decision to sit Smith during the week, it still would be by committee, Ryan said. "Well, again," Ryan said, "it s not my call, [not] the general manager s call. That is a Jet decision, and that has been my standard thing. And we have said it since the day I got here, and it will always be that way." Ryan also was asked if he believes Smith will finish Sunday s game at San Diego. "I think he will finish the game," Ryan replied. "I think we will play well. I think Geno will play well, I think our whole team will play well." Smith was asked by a reporter if there would be "value" in bringing in Vick for one quarter during a game in order to win. "I don t know what you re trying to lead to with that question," an agitated Smith replied, beginning a testy exchange between the embattled signal-caller and the reporter. Smith said the writer s query was "not a question." To be fair, Smith basically was being asked if the Jets would be better off with him not playing in the game. Very few, if any, professional athletes would answer yes to such a question, and anyone who did likely would be lambasted by observers for lacking confidence. Smith, who cursed at a heckling fan following the Jets loss to Detroit on Sunday, later was asked how he would characterize his current state mentally. "My frame of mind is focused," said Smith, who has committed seven turnovers through four games. "Very focused. My focus is 100 percent locked in and I m just ready to go out there and execute. I never needed to be reassured [by the coaches]. I ve always had confidence in my coaches and I believe they ve always had confidence in me." Ryan, who repeatedly has expressed confidence in Smith despite his struggles, said Vick did not take any additional snaps with the starters Wednesday. BRIEFS: Rookie WR Quincy Enunwa, a member of the practice squad, had a court appearance Wednesday regarding his pending domestic-violence case. Enunwa wouldn t comment on any specifics, calling it a "pending legal matter." Enunwa will have a hearing Oct. 15, according to multiple reports. Ryan said, "We are making sure we are [aware] of the situation." Enunwa was asked about the new NFL policies mandating a six-game suspension for a first-time domesticviolence offender. "That s what the NFL put out there. I don t have an opinion," Enunwa said. "When you put yourself in a situation, you have to face the consequences of whatever is coming." 10 P a g e

11 Ryan said he expects CB Dee Milliner, who has played in only one game this season because of ankle and quadriceps injuries, to play Sunday. Milliner also said he expects to play. Fullback John Conner practiced Wednesday with the Jets for the first time since October 2012, before he was waived with an injury settlement because of a hamstring problem. Conner, a fifth-round pick in 2010 nicknamed The Terminator, was a Ryan favorite in his first tour of duty with the team because of his rugged style. Conner was signed Tuesday because of a season-ending fractured collarbone suffered by fullback Tommy Bohanon. "I m happy I got that call from the Jets and I m ready to get things going," said Conner, who believes there will be more opportunities for touches in coordinator Marty Mornhinweg s offense. Brian Schottenheimer was the coordinator during Conner s previous tenure with the Jets. Conner said that when Ryan saw him again, the coach joked, "Who s the new guy?" "I guess I m a new guy now," Conner said with a smile. NJ ADVANCE MEDIA Antonio Allen takes blame, explains what he did wrong on Lions' 59-yard touchdown pass (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media yard_touchdown_pass.html FLORHAM PARK Antonio Allen, the Jets safety who will play cornerback for the rest of the season, was not able to offer clarification after Sunday s loss to the Lions about what happened on the 59-yard deep ball touchdown to Jeremy Ross that put the Lions up 10-3 in the second quarter. This was, as we have mentioned, one of the critical plays in the game. Allen s feet ached something terrible in the locker room after the game, so before he could conduct interviews, he was ushered away by trainers. On Wednesday, Allen volunteered during a conversation with reporters that he was at fault on the touchdown. It was all my fault, Allen said. (Rookie safety) Calvin Pryor did what he was supposed to do, and sat on the low (shallow) route. I was supposed to have his back and get over the top, for the high (deep) route, and I wasn t there. So it was all me. That was my bad and I ve got to do some things better to be in a better position. I should ve just aligned a little deeper (to prepare for the possibility of a deep route). For a closer look at what happened on the play, check out our breakdown here. In short, Ross faked like he was going to run a short crossing route, and then turned and broke up on the field. But at this point, Allen was too shallow in his alignment, and not positioned correctly to handle a deep route. When Ross turned and went deep, Allen could not react in time. Our breakdown of this play has some screen shots to illustrate these points, and it is easy to see how Allen cost himself by not playing deeper in his alignment, since Pryor had the short route covered anyway. The Jets have now allowed nine touchdown passes this season tied for third most in the NFL. The Jets, who struggled last season against the deep ball, were also victimized by a deep ball touchdown in a loss at Green Bay an 80-yard throw from Aaron Rodgers to Jordy Nelson. 11 P a g e

12 As for the foot problems Allen encountered after the game, it looked like he had stepped on a tack in the locker room. He did not, of course, but he said his feet just started hurting and swelling. It took about an hour for the swelling to subside. Allen participated fully in Wednesday s practice. But in the moment, this was an odd sort of pain for Allen. I don t think it was a cramp or anything like that, he said. We re on the field, it s hot, the turf s hot, and I think my feet just got a little swelled. As soon as the swelling went down, I was all right. I was walking fine. It was a weird feeling because I never experienced anything like that before. It was crazy. My feet, they were swollen. John Conner sees potentially bigger role for himself in Marty Mornhinweg's system (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media marty_mornhinwegs_system.html FLORHAM PARK Two years later, John Conner still can t help but wonder if he might have never left the Jets, the team he returned to this week. Conner on Wednesday stood in the Jets locker room, a day after signing a contract with them, to replace Tommy Bohanon as their lone fullback. Bohanon has been placed on injured reserve with a broken collarbone sustained in Sunday s loss to the Lions. Conner understands Bohanon s situation. In October 2012, Conner battled a serious hamstring injury. The Jets released him with an injury settlement. In December of that year, the Bengals picked him up, and then cut him in August About a month later, the Giants signed him. They cut him this August. Conner had another unemployment period of about a month, before the Jets acquired him this week. If not for his hamstring injury, Conner wonders, he might have stayed with the Jets all along. They drafted him in the fifth round in 2010, and he played for them for the first two and a half years of his career. It s a tough situation when you re a fullback, and you have a severe injury like I had with the hamstring, Conner said. If I wouldn t have gotten hurt, you never know. I d probably still be here. But that s how it worked out, and I m back here, and things worked out. I never thought I d be back here, but things work out for a reason, and I m happy to be back. When Conner left the Jets, their offensive coordinator was Tony Sparano. Conner s first two seasons were spent under coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. The Jets hired Marty Mornhinweg to run their offense last season. Based on the limited look Conner has gotten at Mornhinweg s scheme, he sees a potentially bigger role for himself than he occupied in the Jets previous offensive systems. It seems like the fullback will be used a little bit more, in more versatile situations, more passing situations, more carrying situations, Conner said. So we ll see. The fullback is not a major part of modern NFL offenses, but the Jets do use a fullback on occasion. Bohanon played 19.2 percent of the Jets' offensive snaps in the first four games, according to Pro Football Focus, including 25 percent against the Lions, when he stayed in the game after getting hurt. Last season, according to PFF, Bohanon played 378 offensive snaps. He carried the ball on 17 of them, ran a pass route on 118, served as a run blocker on 188 and was a pass blocker on 55. Bohanon got 35.2 percent of the Jets offensive snaps in P a g e

13 In 2011, Conner s final full season with the Jets, he got the exact same number of snaps 378. He was in for 33.5 percent of the action. He got 13 carries, 96 pass routes, 219 run-blocking opportunities and 50 snaps as a pass blocker. After the Giants cut Conner in August, he went back home to the Cincinnati area and spent time with his family, while training to stay in shape. It was a pretty stressful time, Conner said. You ve just got to stay relaxed and stay patient, really. It s something I ve been through before and that definitely helped me, and made me stronger. I m happy I got that call from the Jets and I m ready to get things going. Upon his return this week, Conner said coach Rex Ryan jokingly asked him, Who s the new guy? Conner smiled as he relayed the anecdote, pleased about returning to a place he never wanted to leave. I guess I m a new guy now, he said. Jets-Chargers injury report: Dee Milliner will play Sunday, but will he boost Jets' pass defense? (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media _but_will_he_boost_jets_pass_defense.html FLORHAM PARK -- To date this season, the Jets' top cornerback, Dee Milliner, has played in just one game. He came off the bench in the Week 2 loss at Green Bay and received 40 out of 71 snaps. He pulled himself out of the game when his sprained left ankle tightened. Milliner, who missed the opener with that high ankle sprain, has missed the past two games because of a quadriceps injury. But now, all his injuries are healed or healing, and he will play in Sunday's Week 5 contest at San Diego -- a critical game for the 1-3 Jets. It remains unclear if Milliner will start and, if he does, who he will unseat in the starting lineup. The Jets' starting cornerbacks in each of their first four games have been converted safety Antonio Allen and career backup Darrin Walls. Milliner did not practice at all last week. He was probably going to play in the previous week's Monday night game against the Bears, but he pulled his quad on Sept. 18, in the Thursday practice before Bears- Jets. Milliner had not practiced since. But there he was on Wednesday afternoon, jogging out of the rehab area during position drills to join his teammates. Milliner was limited at practice, but afterward, Ryan said unequivocally that Milliner would play in San Diego. "I feel more comfortable running on my leg," Milliner said, as he echoed Ryan's assertion that he will play Sunday in San Diego. "I don't feel pain (in the quad). The ankle is doing good. I have no problems with that. I'm feeling fine. I've just got to do what they brought me here to do. That's go out there and make plays and do my job." At this point, the only Jets player who might not -- or probably won't -- participate in the game is David Nelson, the No. 2 outside wide receiver. He sprained his ankle in Sunday's loss to the Lions. He did not practice Wednesday. The Jets this week signed receivers T.J. Graham and Chris Osuwu, to account for Nelson's absence, however long it might last. 13 P a g e

14 Nelson was the only Jets player who didn't practice Wednesday. In addition to Milliner, the following players were limited: right guard Wilie Colon (knee), receiver Eric Decker (hamstring), center Nick Mangold (shoulder) and safety Calvin Pryor (quad bruise). Entering this season, the Jets expected Milliner, a second-year pro, and journeyman Dimitri Patterson to be their starting corners. Then Milliner sustained his high ankle sprain in an Aug. 10 training camp practice -- the same day rookie backup Dexter McDougle went down with a season-ending knee injury. Patterson was cut after going AWOL for a preseason game. So the Jets had to go with Allen and Walls as their corners. Might Milliner provide some stability to the cornerback situation? He was far from 100 percent when he played in Green Bay. Jordy Nelson beat him for an 80-yard touchdown pass in that game, on the first play of a third quarter drive. After that, Milliner removed himself from the game. On a whole, the Jets' passing defense has not performed all that badly. They rank 15th in the NFL in passing yards allowed (228 per game) and 14th with 7 yards per attempt allowed. Opponents have completed 63 percent of their passes against the Jets, who have the league's 11th-best defense in that category. Still, the Jets have allowed nine touchdown passes, tied for third in the NFL. Allen got beat for a 59-yarder last week against the Lions. The Jets and the Saints -- whose defense is coordinated by Ryan's twin brother, Rob -- are the only teams in the NFL who have yet to intercept a pass. Against the Bears, Allen dropped an easy pick. Milliner closed last season strong, with a pick in the second-to-last game and two in the final game, at Miami. Those were his only picks in a rocky rookie season during which he missed three games with a hamstring injury. The Jets are still waiting for him to blossom, after drafting him ninth overall. To that end, some expert defensive backs, including former Jets safety Ed Reed, believe there are some very specific things Milliner can work on. Here is the Chargers' Wednesday injury report: DID NOT PRACTICE OLB Jerry Attaochu (hamstring) *WR Malcom Floyd (illness) *RB Ryan Mathews (knee) *C Rich Ohrnberger (back) *ILB Manti Te'o (foot) ILB Reggie Walker (ankle) *CB Shareece Wright (knee) LIMITED *ILB Donald Butler (shoulder) *OLB Dwight Freeney (knee) *TE Ladarius Green (hamstring) TE David Johnson (shoulder) *OLB Jarret Johnson (shoulder) *DT Corey Liuget (concussion) 14 P a g e

15 CB Jason Verrett (hamstring) *Starter Geno Smith getting testy with a reporter tells us nothing about Geno Smith (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media ng_about_geno_smith.html FLORHAM PARK -- It's been a rough week for Jets quarterback Geno Smith. He was dreadful in Sunday's loss to the Lions. He had to hear fans at MetLife Stadium boo him and chant for his backup, Michael Vick. He cursed at a jeering fan as he left the field. And now he's getting peppered with questions about his ability to do his job. Hey, it's all part of the job description for an NFL quarterback. You win, you get to ride the rides all day for free. You lose, everyone wants to blast you to the moon. Don't like it? Go try selling insurance or driving a cab. You might hear at some point this week that Smith grew agitated or testy with a reporter who questioned him at his locker after practice on Wednesday. But I'm not sure what any of it has to do with Smith's ability to play quarterback. A lot of times, a quote or two from these exchanges can make for a pithy soundbite. But context is important, and this is how that exchange went down from beginning to end: Q: Is there any value in bringing Mike in, in a short term, whether it's for the quarter within one game, if that is the best avenue to take to win a particular game? A: I don't know what you're trying to lead to with that question. Q: Well, I mean, if Mike is bringing Mike in as a spark... A: Maybe that's your opinion. Q: I don't have a I didn't ask you an opinion; I just asked you a question. A: That is not a question. Q: Do you think there's value in putting Mike Vick in as a spark? A: As a spark? Q: Yes. Within the course of a game. A: What do you mean a spark? We've already put him in. Q: Well, not for a play. I mean for a quarter...? A: Doesn't make sense. What team do you see doing that? Q: OK, so you don't agree with it. A: That's not a question. Next question. That's when another reporter jumped in to ask another question, and the interview moved on. Now, after watching the above exchange as it happened, listening back to it, typing it out, and re-reading it, I'm left wondering what pro athlete tasked with doing a job is going to stand there and admit to anyone 15 P a g e

16 that his backup can do that job better than he can. Let's assume the pro athlete did agree that a backup playing in his place even for a short period of time could provide "a spark." What sort of reaction would that trigger? The headlines trashing the dude would basically write themselves. And what team would put a backup quarterback in for a quarter? How exactly would such an arrangement work? What was Smith supposed to do here? Stand there and say it's all up to the coaches anyway, and aw, shucks he'll just have to live with it? Because that would be a lie. He's still the starter, and he wants to play. As he tries right now to salvage both his career and the Jets' season, Geno Smith has many problems. His reaction to a series of questions for which he'll be damned no matter what he says isn't one of them. Rex Ryan clarifies, says he makes final decision on whether to play Geno Smith or Michael Vick (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media uarterback_for_jets.html FLORHAM PARK -- This was head coach Rex Ryan on Monday, in response to a question about whether the decision to stick with Geno Smith as the Jets' starting quarterback was his. "Again, to say who is going to outright make that call or whatever, I would rather not say those things, but it would be a team decision," Ryan said. "Again, I am not going to get into the what-ifs if we are talking about a corner, or a tackle, a quarterback or whoever, it would be based on the team. No other reason." Who Gets To Play Quarterback is again a question being asked in capital letters around One Jets Drive because the Jets have lost three straight games, and quarterback Geno Smith has turned the ball over seven times in four games and ranks 31st in the league with a Total QBR of Later, in an interview with Michael Kay on ESPN radio 98.7, Ryan wouldn't even address whether he had the authority to make a quarterback switch during a game. "Every decision we make in this franchise is a Jet decision, and I'll just leave it at that," Ryan said, per the Wall Street Journal. And even as Kay kept coming at him with questions, Ryan kept deflecting. "It's always a Jets decision, and I'm just going to leave it at that no matter how many times you ask me the question," Ryan said. In 2012, prior to general manager John Idzik's arrival, Ryan had decided unilaterally to bench Mark Sanchez after a disastrous loss to the Titans. But Ryan's words on Monday implied that he couldn't sub Michael Vick for Smith without general manager Idzik's approval. "That thing went over, by the way, so well," Ryan said, referring to what he had said Monday. "I handle all of those. I've answered that thing a zillion times. I always say is the same way. Obviously, in my position as a head coach, you're going to make decisions that, during a game, who else is going to make them? I'm not going to call [former Jets lineman] Randy Rasmussen up and say, 'Hey, Randy, what do you think?' Or anybody. That falls on my shoulder, and I think it's obvious." "What became obvious was that I should have handled that question differently. I'll make that decision." Last week, for the first time this season, the Jets didn't run any plays that included Michael Vick, who had played a total of six snaps in the first three games. Ryan said Smith's struggles had not factored into the team's decision not to use Vick at all during Sunday's loss to the Lions. 16 P a g e

17 So, Ryan was asked, who makes the decision on whether to bench a quarterback during the week? "It's not my call, [not] the general manager's call that is a Jet decision, and that has been my standard thing, and we have said it since the day I got here," Ryan said. "And it'll always be that way." Jets WR Quincy Enunwa's domestic violence case may hinge on victim's cooperation (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media _will_be_no_guilty_plea.html FLORHAM PARK -- Quincy Enunwa, a rookie wide receiver on the Jets' practice squad, had a hearing related to his domestic violence charges scheduled for Wednesday morning, but that hearing was postponed for another two weeks. Enunwa, 22, and his lawyer, Anthony Fusco of Passaic, appeared before Judge Gary F. Troxell in Florham Park municipal court Wednesday. Prosecutor Gary Grabas told the judge Enunwa's victim has retained an attorney and that she would need to have the opportunity to travel to New Jersey. The two sides agreed to have an additional conference before appearing in court again on Oct. 15. After Wednesday's court appearance, Fusco told NJ.com the upcoming conference and subsequent hearing would determine whether the case would head to trial. The victim's willingness to cooperate by testifying appears to be what's at issue. "If it can't be resolved, then they'll set a trial date" on Oct. 15, Fusco said. "It's early in the game." Asked if those discussions about a resolution would include negotiations toward a plea deal, Fusco said, "There's not going to be a guilty plea." Enunwa got back to the Jets' facility to partake in a portion of Wednesday's practice. He was asked about the NFL's new domestic violence policy, which calls for a suspension of up to six games for first offenders. "When you put yourselves in any type of situation, you've got to face the consequences of whatever is coming," Enunwa said. "With a pending legal matter, I have to let everything fall through." Enunwa is a sixth-round draft pick out of the University of Nebraska and a native of California. He was arrested Aug. 31 at the Wyndham Hamilton Park, a hotel near the Jets' practice facility. He was charged with domestic violence simple assault. According to the criminal complaint, Enunwa "knowingly and recklessly" caused "bodily injury to another, specifically by grabbing the victim by her ankle and pulling her off a bed and causing her to strike and injure both her head and finger." A hotel employee who called 911 told the dispatcher, "A young woman was assaulted." Enunwa's arrest came just after the NFL implemented its new domestic violence protocol. But because he's on the practice squad, Enunwa is ineligible to appear in games anyway. Enunwa's arrest also coincided with the NFL having coming under fire for its handling of the Ray Rice case. Rice, a Ravens running back who played at Rutgers, was initially given a two-game suspension for punching his then-fiancee and knocking her unconscious in an Atlantic City casino elevator. But on Sept. 8, after footage of the brutal assault was made public, Rice was cut by the Ravens and suspended indefinitely by the league. The NFL is reviewing the case according to its personal conduct policy, a source confirmed. 17 P a g e