NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

October 18, 2015

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Table of Contents

NEWSDAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 2

Sheldon Richardson returns and Jets' defensive line gets even deeper (Kimberley A. Martin) ................................ 2

Jets need to cut down on Chris Ivory's carries (Bob Glauber) ................................................................................... 3

Those who know Todd Bowles from his Washington days have a high opinion of him (Kimberley A. Martin) ........ 4

DeSean Jackson will miss Sunday's Jets-Redskins game (Kimberley A. Martin) ........................................................ 7

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

Jets matchup: Redskins come to MetLife Stadium (J.P. Pelzman) ............................................................................ 8

Bowles said Jets can't look past Redskins (J.P. Pelzman) .......................................................................................... 8

ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................. 10

Jets' quarterbacks of past, present and future (?) at MetLife Stadium (Rich Cimini).............................................. 10

Forget history, Jets have no excuses against banged-up Redskins (Rich Cimini) .................................................... 11

Examining possibility of Jets trading for 49ers TE Vernon Davis (Rich Cimini) ........................................................ 13

NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................. 13

The time is now for Sheldon Richardson to finally grow up (Steve Serby).............................................................. 13

Darrelle Revis talks playing in NY, Tom Brady and his perfect mate (Steve Serby) ................................................. 15

How Jets plan to avoid dangerous trap Redskins represent (Brian Costello) .......................................................... 19

NJ ADVANCE MEDIA ............................................................................................................................................ 21

3 key Jets matchups vs. Washington Redskins, including Sheldon Richardson vs. a journeyman (Dom Cosentino) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 21

Washington Redskins-Jets predictions: Our staff picks for Sunday's game (Dom Cosentino) ................................ 22

NFL TV schedule: Washington Redskins vs. New York Jets live stream: Time, TV, channel, how to watch online (Darryl Slater) .......................................................................................................................................................... 22

DeSean Jackson 6th Washington Redskins starter declared out vs. Jets (Dom Cosentino) .................................... 23

Sheldon Richardson bummed Trent Williams won't play for Washington Redskins vs. Jets (Dom Cosentino) ...... 23

Jets Q&A with Trevor Reilly, on Mets' 1986 'fluke' title, and thinking Hillary Clinton is 'weak' (Darryl Slater) ...... 24

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 27

Jets get Sheldon Richardson back to 3-1 team as they prepare to face Washington (Seth Walder) ...................... 27

Jets WR Brandon Marshall tweets support for Mets with Yankees hat (John Healy) ............................................. 28

Once seen as quarterbacks on the rise, Jets' Geno Smith and Washington's Robert Griffin III no longer have bright NFL futures (Manish Mehta) ......................................................................................................................... 29

METRO NEW YORK .............................................................................................................................................. 30

3 things to watch for as the Jets face the Redskins after their bye week (Kristian Dyer) ....................................... 30

SATURDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS .................................................................................................................. 31

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NEWSDAY

Sheldon Richardson returns and Jets' defensive line gets even deeper (Kimberley A. Martin) Newsday October 18, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-sheldon-richardson-returns-and-team-s-defensive-line-gets-even-deeper-1.10977239

In a quiet corner of the Jets' locker room, Sheldon Richardson and Stephen Bowen sat side by side, grinning ear to ear.

Bowen had spent the past five weeks counting down the games until the Jets' defensive line would be whole again. And now Richardson's 2015 debut finally is here. And the Jets couldn't be happier.

"I was thinking, 'Man, once we're full force," Bowen told Newsday, "it's going to be really scary."

The Jets, however, are under no illusions about the position the defensive tackle is in. Richardson, who served a four-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy, isn't guaranteed to start on Sunday against Washington. Nor does it appear as if he'll see significant playing time in his first game back.

"Depending on what package they come out in, he may [start]," coach Todd Bowles said. " . . . He won't play the entire game. I don't think any of them will. We'll platoon them and rotate those guys and see how fresh they are.''

Asked about Richardson's expected play total, Bowles said: "Twenty is a significant amount. But five or 10, he should get more than that."

Washington (2-3) will arrive at MetLife Stadium with its own stout defensive line, anchored by 354-pound nose tackle Terrance Knighton.

Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said facing Washington's front seven "will be our biggest challenge offensively." But Washington will be without wide receiver DeSean Jackson, starting cornerbacks DeAngelo Hall and Chris Culliver and three-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams.

Bowles, however, wouldn't acknowledge that an injury-plagued opponent is an inherent advantage. "I think if you take people lightly,'' he said, "they're gonna try to kick your butt."

But Williams' absence is a huge blow for Washington and a major plus for a Jets defensive line that is able and eager to get after quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has thrown two interceptions in each of their three losses.

"You better know that we're coming on every play," defensive lineman Leger Douzable said when asked about opposing offenses having to face a combination of Muhammad Wilkerson, rookie Leonard Williams, Damon Harrison, Richardson, Bowen, T.J. Barnes and himself. "We're so deep, we're going to get a fresh guy every single play.

"It's not like there's only two or three guys that can play. There's five or six of us that are going to be rotating constantly trying to get after the quarterback, stopping the run.

"This is one of the deepest D-lines -- and defenses, period -- that I've ever been on in my eight-year career," he added.

Bowen, who played for Half Hollow Hills West and Hofstra, acknowledged that every unit wants to dominate. "I think everybody in the league thinks they have the best D-line," he said.

"Even if they are trash," Richardson added.

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The Jets' defense, however, isn't concerned with how good it looks on paper. The key, Bowen said, is showcasing their defensive line talent every week. "The more that we keep playing, people are going to start gunning for us," he said. "But we've just got to keep stepping up to the plate.''

Richardson, the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year, had eight sacks, 67 tackles and a forced fumble in 2014. His absence has resulted in more playing time for Williams, the sixth overall pick. "I'm trying to earn my spot back," Richardson said.

He also stressed that he won't be "overzealous" or overcome with anxiety on Sunday. "Yes, I'm happy to be back, but I also know I was great at doing the little things, just staying my gap, always causing pressure, always causing disruption in the backfield," Richardson said. "That's just how I always play. And I think that's what sets me apart from everyone else. I make room for everybody else and vice versa. We eat off each other.''

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Jets need to cut down on Chris Ivory's carries (Bob Glauber) Newsday October 17, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/jets-need-to-cut-down-on-chris-ivory-s-carries-1.10977081

There is no denying how important Chris Ivory is to the Jets' offense, not after what we've seen from him the first month of the season. You can make the case that he's the team's best and most important offensive player.

Brandon Marshall even made the case this past week that Ivory is the best running back in any offense, suggesting that he is capable of being a 1,500-yard rusher, nearly triple what Ivory averaged in the previous five years.

But a word of caution. It is not in the Jets' best interests to turn Ivory into a workhorse running back in the mold of Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch or Le'Veon Bell (all three of whom are better than Ivory, with all due respect to Marshall's assessment).

Ivory's running style and his history of injury argue against the idea that he should be used as a feature back in the traditional sense.

Not taking anything away from Ivory, who is a terrific runner and an essential piece -- maybe the essential piece -- of the Jets' offense. But if coach Todd Bowles and offensive coordinator Chan Gailey make the mistake of overusing him, there's a good chance he will wear down as the season goes along and become a far less effective runner than he is now.

What makes Ivory so great is also what puts him at risk of not being able to do it for a prolonged period of time. He is one of the most powerful runners you will ever see, always willing to lower his shoulder to gain extra yardage. But Ivory's preference to run over people instead of around them leaves him vulnerable to getting hurt, which has been a common theme throughout his career.

Last season was the first that he played all 16 games, and he already has missed a game this season with a quadriceps injury. Technically on the active roster during the Jets' 24-17 loss to the Eagles in Week 3, Ivory didn't play. It was no coincidence that the Jets' offense sputtered without him, and again no coincidence the following week that his presence provided a major lift in a 27-14 win over the Dolphins in London. He gained a career-high 166 yards on 29 carries and scored a touchdown.

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Ivory has 314 yards and three touchdowns on 63 carries. That puts him in a tie with Rams rookie Todd Gurley for the most average rushing yards per game (104.7). But it also put Ivory in the NFL lead in a category that ought to raise a red flag: his average of 21 rushing attempts per game.

That is not sustainable for the entire season, and the Jets would be foolish to think otherwise. Fortunately, Bowles seems to agree with this assessment, although it remains to be seen whether he and Gailey actually will come up with a plan to reduce that number and thus do everything in their power to keep Ivory fresh in November and December -- and possibly January.

"We are going to monitor to make sure that [Ivory] is getting his work in, but we are still giving some breaks in between here and there,'' Bowles said. "We know he is a bell cow and everything else, but we still got two other guys that can run the ball."

Those two other guys are Bilal Powell, who has a groin injury and might not play Sunday, and Zak Stacy, neither of whom is in a class with Ivory. But Bowles is absolutely correct in his view that Ivory needs to be spelled in order to maintain his effectiveness. So here's the coach's conundrum: It's one thing to know you need to limit Ivory's carries and another thing entirely to stick to that plan when the temptation might be to keep feeding Ivory with the game on the line.

"We're going to monitor and make sure that we give him breaks and use other people in there to run the football," Gailey said. "We just can't run him in there and then throw it when he's not in there. Everybody will figure that out. We have to give him some breaks, and then the other guys we put in there have got to be able to run the football, too, which I think we can do."

The Jets have a valuable asset in Ivory, a game-changing player. But they also have a player whose fearless and physical style puts him at risk of not being available if he's used too often. So as enticing as it might be for the Jets to keep calling Ivory's number, the smart play is to live by a more sensible approach: less is more.

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Those who know Todd Bowles from his Washington days have a high opinion of him (Kimberley A. Martin) Newsday October 17, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/those-who-know-todd-bowles-from-his-washington-days-have-a-high-opinion-of-him-1.10977288

Tae Kwon Do was Todd Bowles' idea.

He was an undrafted rookie, searching for an edge. And Raleigh McKenzie was a low-key, quiet guy just like him.

So three times a week in the late 1980s -- in addition to their offseason training with the Washington Redskins -- the young safety and offensive lineman took part in their special routine. And over time, those martial arts classes helped strengthen their now-unbreakable bond.

"He didn't know how quick and flexible a big ol' offensive lineman I was, and I didn't know how quick Todd's hands were," McKenzie recalled with a laugh on Tuesday while on a college scouting trip for his current organization, the Oakland Raiders.

"I said, 'Man, you've got some of the fastest hands in the world. We sparred one time and he knocked me upside my head.''

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"And he kicked me in my side," said Bowles, now the Jets' coach, belly-laughing outside of the Jets' cafeteria a day later. "I got too cocky one day and -- whoa!"

The native of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was never satisfied. Bowles prided himself on outworking others and was dedicated to fine-tuning his craft.

"For me, it was just about the next day and getting better," he said. "My thought process was: I'm not going to quit, they're going to have to cut me."

As he spent the past week preparing his Jets (3-1) to face the team that signed him almost 30 years ago, memories of his formative years in Washington came flooding back. And those who knew the former Super Bowl XXII champion best couldn't stop raving about him.

Said former Redskins defensive coordinator Richie Petitbon: "I wish they were all like Todd.''

JACK OF ALL TRADES

Truth be told, Bowles never blew away his coaches with spectacular plays.

"Physically, there's really nothing special about Todd," Petitibon said matter-of-factly from his home in Vienna, Virginia. "He wasn't the greatest athlete in the world. He wasn't the fastest guy in the world. He wasn't the toughest guy in the world. But he had everything.

"He's everything that you want at that position. The guy was flawless," added Petitbon, a Redskins safety in the 1970s and the defensive coordinator for their 1982, '87 and '91 Super Bowl teams. "He was our quarterback on defense."

Bowles still takes pride in his finest attribute. "I had great hands," he said, flashing a smile.

But he quickly acknowledged, "I was a jack of all trades, master of none. I couldn't do anything great, but I could see everything. And I could learn everything. And I was never out of position so it was hard to beat me."

Initially, it was difficult to quarterback a Redskins defense that featured Dave Butz, Charles Mann, Dexter Manley and eventual Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green. The first time Bowles called the huddle, someone yelled: "Speak up, rookie!" And in his first NFL game, a teammate changed his play call on the field. "We don't want to run that, we want to run this!" Bowles remembers being told.

"So in the meeting, [we were] asked what happened and I expected everybody to speak up for me, and nobody said a word," Bowles recalled. "I said, 'You have got to be kidding.' Then I really got [annoyed]. So at the start of the next game, I didn't give the huddle call and everybody's waiting. 'Where's the call?' So I called timeout.

"I said, 'Ya'll want to play this game again?' ''

He then went to the sideline and assured coach Joe Gibbs that everything was OK.

"And after that, it was fine," Bowles said, smirking.

THE REAL DEAL

It didn't take long for the Redskins to realize they had a uniquely talented defensive back in Bowles.

"He didn't make interceptions like Odell Beckham makes catches," joked one of his closest friends, Doug Williams, the first black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl and the MVP of Super Bowl XXII. "But [Washington's defensive players] knew one guy would know the right place to be in -- and that was Todd. That's why they respected him. Because Todd knew exactly what was going on on the offensive side of the ball.''

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The same low-key demeanor Bowles displays on the Jets' sideline is "how Todd played the game," said Williams, who was hired as a personnel executive by the Redskins in February 2014. "Whether or not it was good or bad, you couldn't tell. I mean, you knew it was bad, but Todd refused to let you know it was bad because he knew it would get better."

In a statement to Newsday, Gibbs praised Bowles' dedication. "Todd was one of those players that was always prepared and ready to play," Gibbs wrote. " . . . I don't think he ever got too high or too low. Coaching is a tough profession and I think that is a quality that can really help you because you never know what situation might come up each week. It's been great to watch him work his way into this opportunity with the Jets and certainly it's one that is well deserved."

On game day, Bowles' presence was felt. But off the field, he was the quiet guy who often went unnoticed in a crowd.

"Sometimes we would go out or go to a party and the next day, guys are talking about what a good time we had and Todd was almost like an afterthought. Like, 'Oh, Todd, you were there too?' '' said McKenzie, who now scouts for his twin brother, Reggie, the Raiders' general manager. "But he was a leader for us as far as keeping some of those knuckleheads straight."

Bowles never took days off, his former Redskins teammates said. He was always at work, always prepared and always on time. And those are the same traits he preaches to his Jets more than two decades after his eight-year NFL career ended.

"You've got the real deal," McKenzie said, noting that he agreed to be interviewed only because of how fond he is of Bowles. "You've got somebody that is accountable for everything he does. That's one guy that, when you talk about class, he's what you want."

A COACH IN THE MAKING

Petitbon never imagined Bowles would wind up in coaching.

"I thought he was too smart for that," Petitbon joked. "But his success doesn't surprise. I'm proud of Todd. I really am."

Little did he know that his young pupil had been studying his every move along the way, noticing every detail about the way that Petitbon broke down X's and O's, studied film and "ran everything possible," including a 4-3, 3-4 and 46 defense, Bowles said. "I took almost everything from him as a coach."

Even the way he wears his laminated game plan on the sidelines -- attached with a cord clipped to his pants.

"That's from Richie," Bowles said.

Bowles always envisioned being a scout because he wanted to learn the game "from the ground up." But after a brief stint on Green Bay's personnel staff from 1995-96, Williams offered Bowles a job as his defensive coordinator at Morehouse College. And that phone call forever changed the course of Bowles' career.

"I was like, you want me to come in as a coordinator? Not even a position coach? I said, let me try it and see if I like it. And it worked out," Bowles said.

However, those closest to him believe he should have been an NFL head coach much sooner.

"Other people might have gotten to this point a little quicker because of being flamboyant, or whatever. But he just quietly goes about his job and I think the smart people take notice," McKenzie said.

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"The cream usually comes to the top. And in Todd's case, it did," Petitbon added. "He's not interested in publicity, he's not interested in mouthing off or getting noticed. But I think we need more people like Todd. I really do."

On Tuesday afternoon, the day before Williams prepared to bury one of his brothers in Louisiana, he gleefully spoke of Bowles. "Todd's like a little brother to me," he said.

And the outcome of Sunday's game between the Jets and Redskins (2-3) won't have any bearing on their bond.

"I root for Todd every day," Williams said. "I text him every week to let him know 'good luck.' . . . Me rooting for Todd is bigger than the fact that we play this weekend."

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DeSean Jackson will miss Sunday's Jets-Redskins game (Kimberley A. Martin) Newsday October 17, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/desean-jackson-will-miss-sunday-s-jets-redskins-game-1.10976670

The Jets just caught another break.

Redskins speedster DeSean Jackson (hamstring) was officially downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the Jets at MetLife Stadium.

After suffering a setback in practice earlier this week, Jackson was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report. But Saturday, the organization announced that he did not travel with the team to New Jersey.

His absence means Washington (2-3) will be without six of its starters for tomorrow's 1 p.m. game.

Redskins coach Jay Gruden announced Friday that left tackle Trent Williams (concussion), cornerbacks Chris Culliver (knee) and DeAngelo Hall (toe), center Kory Lichtensteiger (shoulder, finger, neck) and tight end Jordan Reed (concussion) would not play. Now, add Jackson to the list.

The Redskins are 4-0 against the Jets when playing on the road and 8-2 all-time. Their .800 winning percentage against the Jets is its best against any opponent with a minimum of 10 games played. But Washington's injuries could result in a change of fortune for the Jets, who began the season 3-1 before last week's bye.

But Jets head coach Todd Bowles cautioned that his players have no reason to be overconfident.

"I think when you try to take people lightly, they're going to kick your butt," he said. "We've just got to go out and play our game."

In August, Jackson said "no one can stop me" -- and he included Jets shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis in that category.

"He's an explosive player. He makes plays," Revis said of the Redskins receiver, who led the NFL with 20.9 yards per catch last season.

But Revis also made it clear that he wasn't concerned about Jackson's game-time status.

"I don't care if he plays or not," the cornerback said. "It's about us as a team."

Now, he and the Jets don't have to worry about facing Jackson after all.

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THE RECORD

Jets matchup: Redskins come to MetLife Stadium (J.P. Pelzman) The Record October 18, 2015

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/jets/jets-matchup-redskins-come-to-metlife-stadium-1.1435313

Redskins (2-3) at Jets (3-1)

At MetLife Stadium

Today, 1 p.m.; TV: Ch. 5

Radio: ESPN-FM 98.7

Line: Jets by 6 1/2

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Jets: The Jets are trying to erase some recent negative history that took place during the Rex Ryan era. In Ryan’s six seasons, the Jets were 1-5 coming off byes, and new coach Todd Bowles took a similar approach to Ryan by not working his team hard during the bye week. He did so because they were banged-up and coming off an overseas trip. The Jets are trying to keep pace with New England before next week’s showdown at the Pats.

Redskins: Washington has alternated wins and losses this season and is coming off a defeat, but there’s not much in the way of tangible signs to suggest an upset. The Redskins will be missing six starters due to injury, including WR DeSean Jackson (hamstring), downgraded Saturday from questionable to out. Washington is 0-2 on the road.

KEY MATCHUP

Jets WR Brandon Marshall vs. Redskins CB Bashaud Breeland or CB Will Blackmon. With starting corners DeAngelo Hall (toe) and Chris Culliver (knee) ruled out for this game, Washington figures to have a tough time covering standout receiver Marshall, who has developed a rapport with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick in their first season together. Breeland was a fourth-round draft pick in 2014 and Blackmon is a journeyman who was signed last month. Neither figures to be able to cover Marshall effectively.

HOW THEY’LL WIN

Jets: The offense needs to take full advantage of Washington’s patchwork secondary. Of course, the game plan still will include heavy doses of RB Chris Ivory, which should set up the play-action game for Fitzpatrick. The defense, which gets back the formerly suspended Sheldon Richardson, should have its way against a offensive line missing C Kory Lichtensteiger and LT Trent Williams because of injury.

Redskins: Washington is averaging 4.1 yards per rush and will try to run the ball behind a makeshift O-line. QB Kirk Cousins’ best option in an also-depleted receiving corps is veteran WR Pierre Garcon, who leads the team with 22 receptions and two TDs. The defense has recorded 12 sacks, but figures to have its hands full against the Jets, who have allowed only two sacks of Fitzpatrick. Special teamer Rashad Ross had a 101-yard kickoff return for a TD against the Giants.

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Bowles said Jets can't look past Redskins (J.P. Pelzman) The Record

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October 18, 2015

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/jets/no-looking-ahead-1.1435350

At first glance, the Jets’ game against visiting Washington doesn’t seem to have the potential for very much drama. The banged-up Redskins look like little more than a potential speed bump for the improving Jets, who face a showdown at perennial AFC East powerhouse New England a week from today.

But upon further review, the game does feature several intriguing subplots.

Let’s start with the main reason Washington appears to be an easy opponent for the surging Jets. The injury-plagued Redskins will be missing six starters, including two on the offensive line and both of their regular cornerbacks. Worse yet, that injury list includes star wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who will sit out a fifth straight game because of a nagging hamstring injury.

Washington coach Jay Gruden said Wednesday he was optimistic that Jackson would return to action, but the wideout suffered a setback in practice Thursday and was listed as questionable Friday before being downgraded to out Saturday.

Jackson’s presence would have been huge, considering the Jets’ secondary has had problems containing speed receivers so far this season.

Still, no-nonsense Jets coach Todd Bowles is making sure his players aren’t thinking about the Patriots, who take a 4-0 record into their game at Indianapolis tonight.

When asked if he believes in so-called "trap games," Bowles replied, "No, we’re just focused on Washington."

About the Jets’ 3-1 record, Bowles said, "We’ve only played one quarter [of the season]. It’s like a game, the first quarter doesn’t mean you lost the game. [Winning the] first quarter doesn’t mean we got to the playoffs. We’ve got a long way to go. The season is young. You can go from the penthouse to the outhouse real quick."

One of the Jets certainly should be focused, considering he hasn’t played in a regular-season game since Dec. 28, 2014. Star defensive end Sheldon Richardson sat out the first four games this season because of an NFL-imposed suspension for violating its substance-abuse policy.

"He’s sharp mentally," Bowles said of Richardson, who was allowed to attend meetings during his suspension but wasn’t permitted to practice. "He’s been quick. He’s a quick football player. He’s only practiced a couple days. We’ve got to see in a week or two when his legs wear down to see where he is. But, right now he looks good."

Richardson joins a defense that has stopped the opponent on third down 18 consecutive times entering today’s game.

Bowles hasn’t said whether Richardson will start. His place in the lineup has been taken by sixth overall pick Leonard Williams. Washington passed on Williams with the No. 5 pick, despite many experts feeling it had a need at that position. Instead, the Redskins selected Iowa tackle Brandon Scherff, whom they have converted into their starting right guard.

"A lot of people ask me if I’m trying to get payback or revenge or anything like that" against Washington, Williams said, "but I can’t really say that it’s payback or revenge because they really didn’t do anything to me. They basically just chose what they needed."

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ESPN NEW YORK

Jets' quarterbacks of past, present and future (?) at MetLife Stadium (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York October 18, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/newyork-jets/post/_/id/55058/jets-quarterbacks-of-past-present-and-future-at-metlife-stadium

A look at what's going on around the New York Jets:

1. QB shopping? A small sampling of the 2016 quarterback market will be inside MetLife Stadium today -- the Jets' Ryan Fitzpatrick (free agent), along with Washington Redskins starter Kirk Cousins (free agent) and backups Colt McCoy (free agent) and Robert Griffin III (likely cap casualty). The Jets will be exploring that market if they move on from Fitzpatrick and former starter Geno Smith, with Cousins and RG III among the names that could be on their radar. We already know they like Cousins; they reportedly called Washington to inquire about a trade when Smith's jaw was busted in the preseason.

"He's a good football player," coach Todd Bowles said this week of Cousins. "Very smart. Has a strong arm. Commands the offense very well. Can make all the throws. He's gritty, he's tough. He does a good job."

Personally, I don't think Cousins' current body of work is worthy of significant commitment, but there is a lot of season left. Bowles was less expansive when asked if he believes RG III still has a future in the league, saying, "He was a great player coming out. I think that question is better suited for the Washington guys than it is for me, because I don’t see him on a daily basis." RG III still has tantalizing physical skills, but I don't think his personality matches what Bowles wants in a quarterback: Too much drama, not to mention a coach killer. Therefore, not worth the risk.

2. Rex wanted D-Jax: If Rex Ryan got his way, DeSean Jackson probably would be wearing green, not Washington's burgundy and gold. Ryan lobbied for Jackson when he became a free agent in 2014, but his pleas fell on deaf ears -- and the ears belonged to former general manager John Idzik. Jackson and Darrelle Revis were the two players Ryan wanted most, and Idzik's refusal to budge was one of the reasons for the rift between the two. Ryan never forgot. Months later, he walked up to an assistant coach on the practice field and lamented how good the team might have been if they only had Revis and Jackson, who is out today with a hamstring injury.

3. From USC to D.C. (almost): When the Redskins were on the clock last spring with the fifth overall pick, Leonard Williams thought he would be heading to Washington. The Redskins surprised many, including the Jets, by selecting guard Brandon Scherff. The Redskins reportedly had some concern about Williams' surgically-repaired right shoulder, which hasn't been an issue. So far, neither team has buyer's remorse, as both players have performed well. Years from now, Williams will be regarded as the better pick because an impact defensive lineman is more of a difference-maker than a guard, but just that's me.

Williams said "it worked out perfectly," claiming he has nothing to prove today to the Redskins.

"I don't really see it as payback because they didn't do anything to me," he said. "They just picked off their needs. When the Jets called, they said a lot of teams have been choosing off needs, which is why I fell in their lap. They said they were going to choose the best player available. I was happy when they said that."

4. Missing persons: The "60 Minutes" profile of Revis airs on CBS at 7:30 p.m., and it includes interviews with people in his inner circle. But there are two key people you won't hear from -- his agents, Jonathan Feinsod and Neil Schwartz, the guys who have negotiated $154 million in contracts for Revis. They declined to be interviewed, preferring to remain in the background. It doesn't sound right -- what agent

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passes on national TV exposure? -- but Schwartz and Feinsod are different. They shun the spotlight, which is why you never see or hear them on media platforms. Too bad, because it would be fascinating for the public to get their take on the hardline negotiating stances they have taken over the years. That would be must-see TV. Their reticence creates a mystique, I suppose.

5. Gunner shooting blanks: Along with being a big-play receiver at Ohio State, Devin Smith was known as a terrific gunner on the punt team. That aspect of his game hasn't translated to the NFL, as he was benched after a shaky performance in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles. In fact, he was rag-dolled on Darren Sproles' 89-yard punt return. In college, Smith never was double-teamed, according to Jets special teams coach Bobby April, who studied every play. In the NFL, the gunner faces a lot of double teams and Smith, only 6-foot-1, 199 pounds, simply isn't strong enough yet. That he missed training camp with a rib injury was a major setback.

"I don't think he's deteriorated, I just think he's still climbing the mountain," said April, who hasn't lost hope in Smith.

Smith was replaced by Buster Skrine, who probably will be joined by Darrin Walls (replacing the injured Marcus Williams) as the two gunners against the Redskins.

6. Reinforcements (maybe): To improve his sagging punt team, April hopes to add more defensive players to the coverage unit. Obviously, defensive players are better tacklers than offensive guys. Not counting the punter and long snapper, six of the nine in the last game were defensive players. Thing is, it will be hard to raise that number, because two of them, Marcus Williams and Jaiquawn Jarrett, are out with injuries. Still, you have to like April's spirit. He said he challenged his players to "rise from the ashes."

7. Calvin knows: In 2010, linebacker Calvin Pace was suspended the first four games for a PED violation, so he knows exactly what Sheldon Richardson will experience in his first game back from a four-game ban for marijuana. Monday morning, Pace said, won't be fun. "I felt like I was in a car accident," he said.

8. Revolving doors: In four games, the Jets have used 62 unique lineup combinations on offense, among the lowest in the league. By contrast, the Redskins are among the leaders with 111 in five games.

9. Fewer flags: The right side of the offensive line, Willie Colon and Breno Giacomini, combined for 22 penalties last season -- way too many. This season, they have three between them (all by Giacomini) at the quarter mark. Kudos to them, but it stems from the culture created by the head coaches. You can figure out what I mean.

10. The last word: Bowles on Fitzpatrick: "I think he's at a point in his life where he understands where he is and he appreciates everything. I think his (five) kids are enjoying him doing it and he's enjoying playing. I can't speak for him, but it seems like he's very comfortable here and he's enjoying the guys around him and the camaraderie."

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Forget history, Jets have no excuses against banged-up Redskins (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York October 17, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/newyork-jets/post/_/id/55029/forget-history-jets-have-no-excuses-against-hurting-redskins

The New York Jets are dealing with some bad karma this week -- a miserable track record coming off bye weeks (1-5 since 2009) and a six-game losing streak to NFC opponents. They believe things are different

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under Todd Bowles, and Sunday's game against the banged-up Washington Redskins is a good opportunity to prove it.

My take? Karma, shmarma.

Talent wins in this league, and the Jets (3-1) have enough on defense to rattle Kirk Cousins and force him into a multiple-turnover game. Cousins is one of six quarterbacks with more interceptions than touchdowns, and he will be hard-pressed to solve the Jets' pressure schemes. As Redskins coach Jay Gruden said, "They have blitzes I can't even draw up." Those blitzes will occur with more frequency if deep threat DeSean Jackson (hamstring) misses his fifth straight game.

In other words, karma can't block Muhammad Wilkerson & Co.

The Redskins (2-3) are a tough-minded team, but they will be down at least five starters (nine if you count those previously lost to season-ending injuries). The Jets should win unless their minds are on next week and a potential first-place showdown with the New England Patriots.

Bowles' No. 1 job is to prevent that from happening, to keep his team from getting swept up in the early success and/or underestimating the Redskins.

"You can go from the penthouse to the outhouse real quick," Bowles said.

Kickoff is 1 p.m. at MetLife Stadium. The top storylines:

1. The rich get richer: Sheldon Richardson, coming off a four-game suspension, makes his 2015 debut. He's not expected to start in the base defense -- it would be wrong to yank rookie Leonard Williams after his best game -- but you'll see Richardson in sub packages. The coaches will monitor his snaps throughout the game, hinting he could play anywhere from 15 to 20 snaps. Don't be surprised if he exceeds that number. Either way, the Jets are getting another impact player on an already stacked defensive line. The Redskins are in trouble, with left tackle Trent Williams (neck/spine) and center Kory Lichtensteiger (shoulder/finger) sidelined with injuries.

"It's amazing, man, we have so much depth," Stephen Bowen, a former Redskin, said of the Jets' defensive line. "We want to dominate and be the best defense in the league."

2. Bloated turnover total: The Jets already have 13 takeaways, equaling their 2014 total. How do you like them apples, Rex? The Redskins have committed a turnover in 16 straight games, the longest streak in the league, so you have to figure the Jets will add to their ever-growing total. The game will be decided on third downs. In recent weeks, the Jets have dominated like few teams have, recording 18 consecutive stops on third down -- their best stretch since a streak of 21 in 2010. That's just filthy good. Conversely, Washington is decent on third down (ranked No. 6). Cousins likes to dink and dunk, and he has a threat out of the backfield in Chris Thompson, who reminds the Jets of Darren Sproles. Uh, oh.

3. Buckle your chinstraps: The prevailing theme from the Jets' locker room this week was their respect for the Redskins' front seven. They praised their physical style of play. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said, "Wow, they're strong. This is our biggest challenge, offensively." The Redskins, No. 6 in total defense, were gashed on the ground last week by the Atlanta Falcons, but it will be hard for the Jets to duplicate that. Why? The Falcons did it with scheme, stretching the defense with outside zone runs. The Jets are a between-the-tackles, power-running offense, not a finesse team that lives on the perimeter. This will be a huge test for Chris Ivory and the offensive line. If that fails, just throw. Washington will be without its starting corners, Chris Culliver and DeAngelo Hall.

4. Who will be the surprise star? Nearly 65 percent of the Jets' offense has come from Ivory, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Bowles isn't complaining, but he'd also like to develop another reliable weapon

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or two -- a point he emphasized leading into this game. Who will it be? The most logical candidate is rookie wide receiver Devin Smith, but he's had trouble beating press coverage at the line of scrimmage. Unless they start throwing to the tight ends, it'll have to be Smith, who is eager for a breakout game.

5. Todd's emotional attachment: Bowles played seven years for the Redskins and started on a Super Bowl-winning team, so, yeah, this game is nostalgic for him. As he said, "You see the helmet and you understand how you got your start and your upbringing as a player. That's something I'll never forget." As an assistant coach on five teams, Bowles went 5-6 against Washington.

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Examining possibility of Jets trading for 49ers TE Vernon Davis (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York October 17, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/newyork-jets/post/_/id/55040/examining-possibility-of-jets-trading-for-49ers-te-vernon-davis

Reaching into the mailbag for a New York Jets question (and answering the others via Twitter):

@RichCimini if Vernon Davis is really on the block will & should the jets make a move for let's say a 6th rounder ?#jetsmail

@RichCimini: It's a good question, considering the Jets' lack of production at tight end, but I don't think it will happen for a number of reasons. The obvious: He's 31 years old, dealing with a knee issue that has caused him to miss two games. He hasn't been the same player since 2013, when he tied a career high with 13 touchdown catches. Davis had only 26 catches last season, noticeably slower than his once-feared 4.4 speed. Oh, and let's not forget his salary -- $4.35 million in the final year of his contract. You'd basically be trading for a two-month rental. I'm sure the 49ers would love to get something in return for a player they're going to lose anyway, but it makes no sense for the Jets.

Another factor to consider is the role of the tight end in Chan Gailey's offense. Cynics might ask, "What tight end?" Basically, the position is non-existent in the passing game. Jeff Cumberland and Kellen Davis have combined for only two receptions on four targets. There are two ways to explain this unusual phenomenon: Gailey has no use for tight ends or the tight ends aren't good enough to warrant use. Personally, I think it's a combination of both. This might surprise some people, but I don't think Davis would be much of an upgrade over Cumberland, if at all.

The Jets definitely want to develop another reliable option in their passing offense, but I think it'll have to come from within. Another factor: They already have a bunch of players in Davis' age group, and they should be thinking about getting younger, not older. This is a small point, but it also should be noted they might not have a sixth-round pick in next year's draft. The conditional pick for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, initially a seventh-rounder, could escalate to a six, based on playing time.

Funny thing is, the Jets almost drafted Davis in 2006. They ended up taking D'Brickashaw Ferguson with the fourth pick, but Davis was next on their list. It didn't happen then, and it won't happen now.

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NEW YORK POST

The time is now for Sheldon Richardson to finally grow up (Steve Serby) New York Post October 18, 2015

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http://nypost.com/2015/10/18/the-time-is-now-for-sheldon-richardson-to-finally-grow-up/

Sheldon Richardson was the quintessential Rex Ryan Jet. A beast. A baller. A sneering, angry, mean green wrecking machine. Hostile, agile, mobile. Walked the talk. All that.

In truth, there isn’t a coach in the NFL who wouldn’t have craved a player like this. A difference-maker. A bad loser. A Pro Bowler.

Then Sheldon Richardson fell apart.

He comes back Sunday against the Redskins, returning to the team and the teammates and the fans he let down for this second chance, this last Jets chance, to regain their trust as a reformed and rehabilitated man ready, willing and able to sack the insidious demons eager for his Jets career, if not his life, to go to pot.

He comes back to make his 2015 debut to rejoin a defensive line and a defense that showed it could function just fine without him. But will be so much better with him.

He comes back to play for the first time with Darrelle Revis and Leonard Williams and Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brandon Marshall.

He comes back to play for the first time for coach Todd Bowles, whose culture demands professionalism on and off the field and will not tolerate marijuana-reeking drivers racing recklessly and lawlessly into the night.

He comes back to what has a chance to be his first playoff team since he was drafted 13th in 2013 by former general manager John Idzik.

But if he doesn’t grow up, he will be someone else’s rolling ball of butcher knives when he puts the uniform on, and someone else’s problem child when he takes it off.

“I think he needs to just approach everything with professionalism, and he’ll be fine,” Revis said.

Bowles is trying to save Richardson from living on and over the edge while harnessing the overflowing football talents of a bully manchild in the trenches — where remorseless belligerence and law-of-the-jungle justice not only is discouraged, it is a necessary evil.

“I think Sheldon just has to play well, and stay out of trouble, obviously,” guard Willie Colon said. “Anytime a guy gets in trouble like that, you want him to be OK off the field. Being OK off the field is not doing the mistakes he did to get himself in that type of position.

“We all knows what Sheldon means to this team. He knows what he means to this team. He’s a superstar, we love him, I love him like a little brother. I worry about him off the field, I worry about his decision-making and how he’s going about his business.

“Sheldon’s not a dummy, man. He’s a tough kid, he’s smart. I know people may not believe that, but he is a smart guy. He just has to make better decisions, and that comes with maturity and that comes with the right people around him telling him the right thing to do.”

Williams — the best player in the draft, passed over one pick earlier by the Redskins in favor of guard Brandon Scherff — is a natural. His presence allows Richardson — appearing to be in a pensive mood during the week, chatting quietly in a comer with Stephen Bowen — to ease back in without bearing the burden of savior.

“He’s an awesome defensive lineman and we’re happy to have him back,” Revis said.

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Richardson has sounded humbled and contrite and, thankfully, has not promised to come out “guns blazing.” He may have baggage, but at least he doesn’t have Greg Hardy’s baggage.

Both defenses will dare their opposing quarterbacks to beat them, but Redskins running back Alfred Morris figures to have tougher sledding than Jets counterpart Chris Ivory, which would mean Kirk Cousins will have a more difficult time beating the Jets than Fitzpatrick will have beating the Redskins.

It isn’t only that Bowles will blitz Cousins back to the White House, this modern-day New York Sack Exchange is backed by Revis Island, and that will unnerve Cousins. The blueprint demands Fitzpatrick does not do the things that cause you to lose.

The Jets cannot afford to look past the Redskins and ahead to the Patriots in Week 7. If you fancy yourself a contender, you take care of business and beat the teams you should beat at home. Especially after your bye week.

The Redskins are depleted in the secondary and are missing their stud left tackle (Trent Williams) and their starting center (Kory Lichtensteiger). Richardson should feast while he is in there. Colon has compared Richardson to former Ravens and Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas and marvels over his range.

“He can play across the board, honestly, and play well,” Colon said. “And then his ability to cover. You can put him at a linebacker position, he could survive out there.”

It’s Sheldon Richardson’s first step on a long climb back.

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Darrelle Revis talks playing in NY, Tom Brady and his perfect mate (Steve Serby) New York Post October 17, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/10/17/darrelle-revis-talks-playing-in-ny-tom-brady-and-his-perfect-mate/

Post columnist Steve Serby took a trip to Revis Island for some Q&A with All-Pro Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis.

Q: What’s so great about playing in this market?

A: This is where people come, and dreams come true, whether it’s sports, modeling, acting, restaurant businesses, club businesses, go down the line, Wall Street, go down the list. It’s diverse in a lot of ways. It’s all different cultures that come to this one city and live here. I mean, it’s crazy. So you get all of that mix (chuckle) and you get to see different walks of life of how people were raised or how they grew up, and people accept you for who you are.

Q: Do you have a sense for how this city is kind of adopting the Mets?

A: When any New York team plays good, the city is behind ’em 100 percent. They support ’em as best they can. It’s been a lot of Met fans who have been suffering over the years, so like I said, they’re just trying to be very supportive for the team.

Q: Do you have any favorite New York athletes?

A: Probably … Jackie Robinson … Derek Jeter.

Q: Did you enjoy watching Jeter play?

A: Sometimes you watch people and they do things effortlessly, and he’s one of those guys. I know it’s a lot of stuff behind the scenes that he does, studying the game and knowing the game. You see a focus and

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an awareness that he has. Derek Jeter is by far the best baseball player I’ve seen — I’ve seen. I’m only 30 years old (laugh).

Q: Have you made any concessions to age yet as far as diet or workout regimen?

A: I think I’ve been solid on my diet since I tore my ACL [in 2012]. That whole deal just kind of made me revamp how I approach the game a little bit more. Stay healthy, that’s the biggest thing as you get older, just you gotta stay healthy.

Q: After the ACL, you cut out certain foods?

A: I cut out a lot of things in my life (laugh). I was in a tough spot at the time, a very dark place for me, so I just had to revamp a lot of stuff.

Q: You said you cut out a lot of things … such as?

A: I’m not telling you all that (laugh), but I just changed a whole bunch of stuff and it’s helped my game now where I’m at.

Q: Describe strong safety Calvin Pryor.

A: He’s very confident. He walks around with confidence. He plays with confidence. He’s in the right position — last year he had to play free [safety], so this year he’s in the right position. You can tell he’s more comfortable, and he’s making more plays.

Q: Free safety Marcus Gilchrist.

A: He’s our quarterback back there. By far one of the best safeties I’ve ever been around. Followed him in San Diego. When you actually work with somebody on a day-to-day basis, you see how talented and how gifted he is.

Q: Rookie defensive lineman Leonard Williams.

A: Leonard’s the Golden Child (chuckle). He has a lot of talent, a lot of potential, and … it’s scary (chuckle). He’s getting it. It’s always a learning curve, going from college to NFL, and he’s jumped on it pretty quick. The sky’s the limit for him and his talent.

Q: Other than his physical talents, what about Brandon Marshall makes him an elite receiver?

A: I think a lot of people don’t give Brandon a lot of credit for how smart he is. He understands the game, his football IQ is very high. And the conversations we always have, it’s always about football, or angles — you line up this way, I line up this way, I’m thinking this. His football IQ skyrockets out the roof.

Q: Did you just have a natural football IQ or is that something you developed by all the study you do?

A: I think my game has evolved into, once I see things once or twice, or maybe three times, I understand, I get it. You can’t fool me (chuckle). And that goes into that whole Peyton Manning-type of deal. Like he could see something and adjust from it that fast, and I try to do the same thing. It’s just basically you see that picture, and you just frame it. You frame the picture that you see by watching film, and once you see it out in practice a number of times, and then you see it on Sunday, you’re like looking at the shot, because you know they’re about to run that play.

Q: So that must be some chess game between you and Peyton and you and Tom Brady.

A: Oh yeah, definitely, by far. Brady’s another one. His competitiveness, and his love for the game, I think a lot of people don’t talk about no more. The love of the game. And, there’s certain guys that take it to a next level because of their love of the game, whether if it’s studying, whether if it’s competing, they want to be the best of all time. And you see that week to week.

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Q: Do you think Brady’s the best of all time?

A: Yeah. I’ll say so.

Q: Does he approach practice the same way you do?

A: Oh yes, definitely, no doubt, there’s no doubt. I mean, Brady, every practice [he would say]: “I’m coming at you today 2-4.” [I would say] “Bring it!” You know me. We’re gonna duke this out and see who falls at the end of the day, and that’s what you love about great players. They don’t back down from a challenge, no matter what it may be. That’s when the respect comes in too as well.

Q: Why do you practice the way you practice?

A: Because I feel those situations are gonna come up in a game, and why not be prepared? It’s like in school, you gotta study for the test to make a good grade. You can’t just come in there and wing it and just think (laugh), “I’m gonna get an A.” It may be setting a standard, but at the same time it’s, “I need to do this to get prepared for what’s about to come Sunday,” so I’ll rather be overprepared than be underprepared (chuckle).

Q: Do you think Brady is motivated by Deflategate?

A: I don’t know. That’s a question that you would probably have to ask him. I know personally Brady is competitive, he just wants to win games, and … that’s him. He’s probably one of the fierce competitors I’ve been around.

Q: How weird is it going to be for you walking into Foxborough next week, and what kind of reception do you think you’ll get?

A: It’s not gonna be weird at all. I’ve played there with different color jerseys on. It’s a familiar place to me, I’m going out there to play a game.

Q: Do you think you’ll be cheered, booed, both?

A: I don’t really care about that, I’m gonna play a game. … I’ve been booed, I’ve been cheered, I’ve seen it all.

Q: Describe coach Todd Bowles.

A: He wants to dominate. That’s his approach, is to dominate, and we have the talent to do it. Do I want to dominate? I think everybody in this locker room personally wants to dominate and make plays and help the team win. Everybody wants to do that. I think collectively, if we have the same approach, which we do. … He leads and we follow behind him, and we gotta take his approach.

Q: Odell Beckham Jr.

A: Is he a talent, yes, he’s pretty awesome. He has a lot of potential.

Q: Your son Jayden is 7 and plays quarterback. Would you let him play football later on in life?

A: Whatever he wants to do. I’m not a parent who forces my child to do anything. If he wants to do it, I’m gonna just tell him, “Do it 100 percent.”

Q: Does he remind you of you at a similar age?

A: I’ve been to a couple of his football games. It’s weird. … It’s like you’re seeing like a smaller you (laugh). He has a unique game to himself. He’s very aggressive. He’s tough, he’s tough.

Q: He plays both ways. Does he wear 24?

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A: Naw, naw. He wears his own number. I was talking to somebody the other day, and they were like, “Your son doesn’t wear your number.” It’s like, “Naw, he needs to have his own identity.”

Q: What number does he wear?

A: 21.

Q: Describe the personality of your 9-year-old daughter, your daughter Deyani Shavae.

A: Laidback, she’s kind of chill. She does cheering and she plays basketball.

Q: What’s it like being one of New York’s Most Eligible Bachelors?

A: (Laugh) As for right now, I like it that way. Whenever I meet her, I hope she’s an awesome woman, and we (laugh) could take it to that next level.

Q: What would be your definition of an ideal mate?

A: Someone just genuine, down to earth … supportive. I’m not difficult.

Q: Would marriage be something after football is over?

A: I don’t know. It depends on that special woman that I meet. Depending on how it goes, we’ll see.

Q: I’m trying to hook you up here.

A: I see, I see (laugh).

Q: Describe your island.

A: It’s a place where I feel comfortable at. It’s a good place. It’s a good place for me.

Q: To bring a ring back to New York, what would that mean for your legacy?

A: I’m not really concerned about my legacy, it’s just I’m a winner. I came from a prestigious high school of winning, so that’s all I know (chuckle). I won a state championship my senior year. Should have won my junior year, we lost in the state playoff. … I should have two (chuckle) state championships, but that’s all I know. That’s all I know, is to work hard, and win.

Q: Who presents you at the Hall of Fame?

A: (Laugh) Oh, man. Am I going to the Hall of Fame? Is that the word on the street?

Q: You’re already in.

A: I have no idea. … Let me get back to you on that.

Q: What drives you now?

A: Winning … having great guys around that want to win as well. … If I could sit here and have the perfect career, I’m going in my ninth year, I wish I could have won all nine Super Bowls (chuckle). That’s just not realistic.

Q: But even now you’re as hungry to win as you ever were?

A: I’ve always been hungry. I’m just getting older, and as you get older, time ticks. You gotta win. You have to win.

Q: Winning a Super Bowl here in New York, how optimistic are you that you’ll help this organization win one?

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A: I’m not gonna put any added pressure. … We all would love to win one here, especially because it’s been 40-plus years. Do we have the talent to do it? Yeah we do have the talent to do it. We gotta keep getting better. Even last year, when we started off 2-2 in New England, and everybody was writing us off, but we actually clicked around that time. Here, we clicked from the beginning of the season, which is awesome, too. We can’t be up and down. We just gotta stay consistent, rack some more wins up, hopefully contend for the division, and get in the postseason. And then once you get in the postseason, depending on how the ball rolls, if you get that first-round bye, it’ll only take you two games. If we can pull that off, it’s that more closer up it. So we just gotta continue to just keep working, and if we do, I think everybody at the end of this will look back and say, “Wow, we actually did something special.”

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How Jets plan to avoid dangerous trap Redskins represent (Brian Costello) New York Post October 17, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/10/17/how-jets-plan-to-avoid-dangerous-trap-redskins-represent/

There should be a giant sign outside MetLife Stadium on Sunday: Beware of Trap.

This feels like a classic trap game for the Jets. They are 3-1, coming off a bye with the Patriots looming next week. It would be easy to overlook the 2-3 Redskins coming to town.

“We’re just focused on Washington,” Jets coach Todd Bowles said this week.

He better hope his team is listening.

Things are going well for the Jets, but a loss to the Redskins would knock them down a peg. Jets players seem to be hearing Bowles’ message.

“I think we’re going to have our hands full,” safety Marcus Gilchrist said. “By no means, do I think this will be an easy game for us. We’re going to have to bring our A game.”

The Jets defense has been lights-out this season. They are second overall in the NFL and first in scoring defense, allowing just 13.8 points per game. The Redskins are coming off a tough, overtime loss to the Falcons. They have a stingy defense, which ranks sixth overall. On offense, they have a tough running game and quarterback Kirk Cousins is completing 68 percent of his passes.

The Redskins defensive line is huge and will pose a stiff challenge for the Jets offense.

“It’s probably the best front we’ve seen all year,” Jets receiver Brandon Marshall said. “That front seven, they’re monsters up there.”

Marshall has been a huge part of the Jets’ early success. He leads the team with 30 catches and 400 yards. But he said he and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick still have areas to improve upon.

“The cool thing about Fitz and also myself is we feel like we left a lot of meat on the bone,” Marshall said. “We’re definitely not where we want to be. When you look at the film, it’s not where we want to be.”

The Redskins are banged up in the secondary with starting cornerbacks Chris Culliver and DeAngelo Hall both out with injuries. Marshall and fellow wide receiver Eric Decker could have big days.

The showdown with the Patriots is coming next week in Foxborough, Mass., but that matchup will lose some of its spice if the Jets fall to the Redskins.

Beware of Trap.

Marquee matchup

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Jets offensive line vs. Redskins defensive line

Washington is huge up front. Nose tackle Terrence Knighton is 354 pounds. Defensive end Chris Baker is 325 and on the other side is 299-pound Jason Hatcher, the tiny guy of the group. The Jets offensive line is going to have a major challenge this week, opening up holes for Chris Ivory and protecting Ryan Fitzpatrick.

The Jets have allowed just two sacks this season, the lowest total in the NFL. The Redskins have 12. Right guard Willie Colon might return after missing the Dolphins game with an injured knee. If he can’t go, Brian Winters will start again.

“They’re big, they’re strong,” Jets coach Todd Bowles said of the Redskins’ front seven. “They get after the passer. They’re very good in the run game. I think [defensive coordinator] Joe Barry is doing a great job with the guys down there. They really get after it. It’s going to be, probably, one of the more physical ball games we play.”

4 Downs

The return of Richardson

He’s baaaack.

The Jets get Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson returns this week after a four-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy. Just how much Richardson will play remains a mystery. Coach Todd Bowles said this week Richardson has to get into “football shape” before he can start playing his usual workload.

Bowles and defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers also must figure out how to keep everyone happy on the defensive line with Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison and Leonard Williams all playing well in Richardson’s absence.

“One, the first thing we talked about when Todd got here was a team first mentality and the best guy is going to play,” Rodgers said. “We look at it as a good problem to have. You can’t have enough good players. Those guys have a rotation. Everybody is going to play and we all go with it.”

Triple threat

Bowles described the Redskins running backs as a “three-headed monster” this week. Washington has three backs who can do some damage. Alfred Morris leads the way, rushing for 276 yards this year. Rookie Matt Jones has 220 yards and three touchdowns. Those two are big bruisers. Then, the Redskins have quick back Chris Thompson, who has 108 yards rushing and 17 catches for 124 yards and a score.

The Jets did better against the run against the Dolphins than they did in their prior two games with the Eagles and Colts. The addition of Richardson should also help the run defense.

Third-and-none

The Jets defense was phenomenal on third down against the Dolphins, holding them to 0-for-12. They have a streak of 18 straight failed third-down conversions, dating back to the Eagles game.

“There’s no science to it,” Bowles said. “A couple plays we got lucky on. It wasn’t all us. Sometimes it was them. A lot of times, we made a bunch of plays, whether the ball was tipped or sacked or they threw incompletions. We just find [that] we want to keep it going and build momentum and hopefully we can keep it up.”

Hurt-Skins

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The Redskins arrive in New Jersey banged up. They will be without starting left tackle Trent Williams, center Kory Lichtensteiger and starting cornerbacks DeAngelo Hall and Chris Culliver. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson has been ruled out. He has not played since Week 1 because of a hamstring injury.

All of this should play right into the Jets’ hands, right?

“When you take people lightly, they’re going to kick your butt,” Bowles said.

The Jets, on the other hand, are quite healthy after their bye week. The only big question marks Sunday are Colon (knee) and running back Bilal Powell (groin), who are game-time decisions.

Costello’s call

The Jets looked terrible the last time they faced an NFC East opponent at home, spotting the Eagles a 24-0 lead last month in their only loss. They know they can’t do that again. This time, they come out fast, but Washington gives them a game.

Jets 24, Redskins 17

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NJ ADVANCE MEDIA

3 key Jets matchups vs. Washington Redskins, including Sheldon Richardson vs. a journeyman (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media October 18, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/10/3_key_jets_matchups_vs_washington_redskins_includi.html#incart_river_mobileshort

FLORHAM PARK — The Jets (3-1) host Washington (2-3) on Sunday at 1 p.m. at MetLife Stadium. Here's a look at three matchups that could affect the outcome:

Jets DE Sheldon Richardson vs. Washington LT Ty Nsekhe

The scary thing about the Jets' defense is that they've done all kinds of damage in their first four games without Richardson, who might be their second-most-talented defender after cornerback Darrelle Revis. And now that Richardson's back following his four-game suspension, he gets to play against a Washington offensive line that will be without Trent Williams, an excellent left tackle, and center Kory Lichtensteiger. Nsekhe, Williams' replacement, has been with the Colts, Rams, and Saints since entering the league in 2012. Sunday will be his first start. Yikes.

Jets C Nick Mangold vs. Washington NT Terrance Knighton

Mangold and the rest of the Jets' offensive line are off to a fine start—an NFL-best two sacks allowed in four games. But Knighton is the main cog for a Washington front seven that offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said would be the Jets' "biggest challenge offensively" so far this season. The 6-foot-3, 354-pound Knighton is a load; Jets head coach Todd Bowles XXX

Jets ILBs Demario Davis and David Harris vs. Washington RB Chris Thompson

Think back to the first half of the Jets' loss to the Eagles three weeks ago. Think about how speedy running backs Darren Sproles and Ryan Mathews created problems as pass-catchers against Davis and Harris. Wsshington has Alfred Morris and Matt Jones to run the ball, but it also has Thompson, who has 17 catches this season, to do what Sproles and Mathews can do.. "He's one of those similar-type of guys," Jets head coach Todd Bowles said. Washington head coach Jay Gruden said Thompson "separate zones and man

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coverage against linebackers." And Jets defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers said Thompson presents "a matchup problem." Look for Washington to try to get him the ball in space.

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Washington Redskins-Jets predictions: Our staff picks for Sunday's game (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advanced Media October 18, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/10/washington_redskins-jets_predictions_our_staff_pic.html#incart_river_mobileshort

This is how Team NJ Advance Media sees Sunday's game between Washington (2-3) and the Jets (3-1) shaking out. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at MetLife Stadium. Per Bovada, the Jets are favored by seven points.

Darryl Slater, Jets beat writer (2-2 against the spread, 3-1 straight up): Another week, another average quarterback for the Jets' defense to face. This time, it's Kirk Cousins, he of five touchdowns and six interceptions in the first five games, for a 2-3 team. This is a game the Jets absolutely should (and need to) win, heading into that big trip to New England next week. Washington showed some life last week, while losing at Atlanta in overtime. Washington will show some life again this week. It won't be enough against Sheldon Richardson, Darrelle Revis, and the rest of the Jets' imposing defense—even if Ryan Fitzpatrick is far from perfect again (and he will be). Jets 21, Washington 13

Steve Politi, columnist (4-0 against the spread, 4-0 straight up): Kirk Cousins has trouble avoiding trouble under the best of circumstances, and the Jets' defense— even more loaded than before with Sheldon Richardson returning from his suspension—is certainly not that. Look for the blitz-happy schemes to force the Redskins quarterback into a turnover or four, and leading to a relatively easy Jets victory. Jets 27, Washington 16

Dom Cosentino, Jets beat writer (1-3 against the spread, 2-2 straight up): Let's see: The Jets' fantastic defense adds Sheldon Richardson, and Washington's got six starters out, including left tackle Trent Williams and wideout DeSean Jackson. In a normal world, it would be easy to pick the Jets. But the Jets, historically, haven't always lived in a normal world. Right, right. But something feels different now, thanks to head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan. This is a game the Jets should win easily. And, for once, it doesn't feel like a stretch to say they're going to do just that. Jets 20, Washington 3

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NFL TV schedule: Washington Redskins vs. New York Jets live stream: Time, TV, channel, how to watch online (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media October 18, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/10/nfl_tv_schedule_washington_redskins_vs_new_york_je.html#incart_river_mobileshort

After their bye week, the Jets are back in action Sunday afternoon at home against Washington.

The Jets beat Miami, 27-14, in their last game, on Oct. 4 in London. Last Sunday, Washington lost in overtime at Atlanta, 25-19.

This is the Jets' last home game until Nov. 8 against the Jaguars. After facing Washington, the Jets will visit New England and Oakland the next two weeks. (Those are the Jets' only back-to-back road games this season.)

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Here's a look at some other details for Washington-Jets:

What: Washington (2-3) at Jets (3-1)

When: Sunday, 1 p.m.

Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford

All time: Washington 8-2

Last meeting: Jets, 34-19 (Dec. 4, 2011)

Line: Jets -6 (via Bovada)

Over/under: 40.5 (via Bovada)

TV: Fox (click here to see if the game is on in your area), with Kenny Albert doing play-by-play, Daryl Johnston as the analyst, and Holly Sonders as the sideline reporter

Radio: 98.7 WEPN-FM, with Bob Wischusen doing play-by-play and Marty Lyons as the analyst

Live stream: NFL Game Pass (subscription required)

Satellite radio: SiriusXM 230, SIRI 113, Internet 821

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DeSean Jackson 6th Washington Redskins starter declared out vs. Jets (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media October 17, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/10/desean_jackson_6th_washington_redskins_starter_dec.html#incart_river_mobileshort

Washington receiver DeSean Jackson, who had been listed as questionable on Friday's injury report with a hamstring injury that has kept him from playing since Week 1, was officially downgraded to out on Saturday for Sunday's game at the Jets.

Now that Jackson can't play, the total number of Washington (2-3) starters declared out is at six. Jackson joins a will-not-play list that already includes left tackle Trent Williams (concussion), center Kory Lichtensteiger (shoulder, finger, neck), tight end Jordan Reed (concussion), and cornerbacks Chris Culliver (knee) and DeAngelo Hall (toe).

Jackson had a setback Thursday, when he felt a twinge in his hamstring. He left practice and didn't return.

Jets head coach Todd Bowles, whose team is 3-1, cautioned more than once this week that Washington's injuries hardly meant the Jets could just put their feet up, light a cigar, and enjoy a glass of brandy after taking the field on Sunday. Defensive end Sheldon Richardson and cornerback Antonio Cromartie also echoed that sentiment. These Jets seem to know they can't yet start looking ahead to next Sunday's game in Foxborough against the rival Patriots.

Star Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, who had been called out by Jackson this summer, said this week he didn't care whether Jackson played.

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Sheldon Richardson bummed Trent Williams won't play for Washington Redskins vs. Jets (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media

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October 17, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/10/sheldon_richardson_bummed_trent_williams_wont_play.html#incart_river_mobileshort

FLORHAM PARK — Sheldon Richardson wasn't happy to hear that five Washington starters, including three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams, would not play Sunday at the Jets.

"That's sad, actually," Richardson told NJ Advance Media on Friday. "I met Trent at the Pro Bowl [after last season]. I was ready to square off with him."

Richardson, the Jets' talented defensive end, will play Sunday for the first time this season after having served a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's recreational drug policy.

Williams, who's been listed on Washington's injury report all week with injuries to his neck and spine, was officially declared out on Friday because of a concussion. He will be replaced by Ty Nsekhe, who will be making his first NFL start.

Washington center Kory Lichtensteiger (shoulder, finger, neck) was also declared out, as was tight end Jordan Reed (concussion) and cornerbacks Chris Culliver (knee) and DeAngelo Hall (toe).

With Williams and Lichtensteiger out, Washington will start an offensive line with limited NFL experience, though the Jets are not ready to take Washington lightly as a result.

Richardson played his college ball at Missouri, while Williams played at Oklahoma. The two schools used to be rivals in the Big 12 before Missouri jumped to the SEC. And even though Richardson and Williams did not face off during their college years—Williams is three years older—Richardson has long been aware of and respected Williams' ability.

"I knew of him when he was at Oklahoma," Richardson said. "He was a dominant force then. Just a little Big 12 thing I've still got attached to me. [It's] little things like that I bring into football games that I consider personal. Whatever it is to make the game more fun for me."

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Jets Q&A with Trevor Reilly, on Mets' 1986 'fluke' title, and thinking Hillary Clinton is 'weak' (Darryl Slater) NJ Advanced Media October 17, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/10/jets_vs_washington_redskins_4_downs_interview_trev.html#incart_river_mobileshort

FLORHAM PARK — Trevor Reilly is one of the most talkative players in the Jets' locker room. The second-year outside linebacker, a former seventh-round draft pick, isn't shy about debating all manner of topics with his teammates, and even with reporters. From politics to sports, Reilly has an opinion about everything.

Reilly, 27, is also an interesting story in his own right. He is from Valley Center, Calif., a small inland town 50 miles north of San Diego. Before starring at Utah, Reilly served a two-year Mormon mission in Sweden. He and his wife of five years, Jessica, have three children. Their daughter Shayn is a kidney cancer survivor, currently in remission.

Reilly has primarily been a special teams player for the Jets, though he is getting action as a situational pass rusher this year. In his three games played this season, Reilly has one sack, against Cleveland, which

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resulted in a fumble that the Jets recovered. Reilly has played 41 defensive snaps this year — 21 percent of the action in his games. He has received 50 special teams snaps.

This week, Reilly took some time to answer questions about how he went to Citi Field and rooted boisterously against the Mets in the NLDS, why he can't stand Hillary Clinton, and what he'd change about the NFL's marijuana testing policy and collective bargaining agreement. As usual, Reilly was candid, to say the least.

You're a big Dodgers fan and you attended Game 3 of the NLDS on Monday at Citi Field. What was that like?

"We ran into Tommy Lasorda. He was in this MVP section, and I said hello. He asked us who we were, what we did. He let us in, and we talked for a half hour. We talked about some old stories when he was a pitcher. He's crazy, man. Crazy in a good way, though. He's not nuts. He's just fiery and he's still got a lot of energy [at age 88]. It was awesome. We got into the stadium, and right there, there was this VIP area, and he was in there shaking hands and kissing babies. I went right up to him and said, 'Tommy.'"

You heckled the Mets during the game, right? What were you yelling?

"'Eighty-six is a fluke! Bill Buckner!' Guys were flipping me off. It's pretty vicious out here. It never, ever was going to turn violent. They said, 'You guys [the Dodgers] wasted all your money.' I said, 'At least we could, because you guys lost all yours to [Bernie] Madoff.' It's fun. It makes the games fun. It never even got close to a physical altercation."

[Center Wesley Johnson, tight end Zach Sudfeld, and quarterback Bryce Petty attended the game with Reilly.]

Saying that '86 was a fluke will get under people's skin a little bit.

"It was. It really was, though, man. [Bill] Buckner, he takes the ball and goes and tags out, it's over. It goes right through his legs. That's a lot of luck."

[The game was actually tied when the ball rolled toward Buckner, so him fielding the ball would not have won it.]

Who are you rooting for in the NLCS?

"The Cubs. Nah, I'll root for the Mets. I'm in New York. I'll root for the Mets. I don't have any ill will against the Mets. Honestly, I'd like to see the Jays win the whole thing. When I was a kid, I saw Joe Carter hit that home run [in the 1993 World Series]. That was my first recollection of baseball."

So you have a lot of opinions about stuff ...

"I have opinions about everything."

Thoughts on the presidential election?

"I like Jim Webb. I am [a Republican], but I can go across. Jim Webb is a conservative Democrat, very conservative. The things I like: With the budget, he wants to re-do all the [government] programs. He wants to spend money on the military. He protects the Second Amendment. On the Republican side, I like [Ben] Carson. He's conservative. He's a little bit [weird]. But he's probably the smartest guy in the room at all times, which I like. That's always a plus."

How would you describe your political views?

"I'm conservative. Probably both [a social and fiscal conservative]. Like Webb's view on abortion and gay marriage, he just thinks the government should stay out of people's personal lives, which I agree with. I'm

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not necessarily saying I'm for gay marriage or abortion. I'm just saying I think less government means more freedom. So if you want to do that [abortion and gay marriage], that's your prerogative. As long as it doesn't infringe on my life or my children."

Webb and Carson are long shots, so who do you like out of some presumptive favorites: Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio?

"I think Woody's guy is Jeb, right? [Yes, Jets owner Woody Johnson is running the finances for Bush's campaign.] Bernie and Hillary, I wouldn't vote for either of them, to be honest with you. Bernie, if you add up all the money that he wants to spend on programs and subsidization, it's $18 trillion over an eight-year term. We don't have that kind of money. Hillary, I just think she's weak. The Benghazi thing, and the emails. What has she really done ever that's been significant, as far as politics go? Our international situation is probably the worst it's been since [Jimmy] Carter. So as far as that, she did terrible [as Secretary of State]. She's a woman, though, so she'll get votes for it. I think she's weak, though. I'd rather see Sanders than her. Sanders, at least, I think he seems like an honest guy. When I see her, I think automatically she's lying to me."

What do you think of the Washington Redskins' nickname?

"I don't care. I think that's been such a trivial issue. I mean, it's not a good word. I don't think it's a good word, right? I don't know the entire historical context of it, but I'm assuming. Was it used like the n-word was used with African-Americans? Or like mick with Irish people? Is it on that level? I grew up around Indian reservations. Five of them. You'll find some people who are offended by it. But the majority don't care. At least, that's my personal experience with people, and these are Native Americans. They live on a reservation. They have a tribe, living the Native American lifestyle that you would think of. With the exception of a few guys, most of them couldn't care less. I'm indifferent. I don't know enough about it to have an opinion. Is it more like 'Hey, you mick' or 'Hey, you n-word'? Or is it somewhere in the middle? Mick is not offensive to me, and I'm Irish. You see someone ever get offended by: 'You Irish mick'?"

What is your opinion on the NFL testing for marijuana?

"They should just get rid of it. I mean, it's legal in half the states. It's legal in two of them recreationally. I've never smoked marijuana before. I have a family member who uses it medically, and it's good for him. Put it to you this way: If you asked all these doctors if they'd rather have guys eating marijuana brownies for pain or taking Vicodin, what do you think they would say? They'd probably say, 'Eat the brownie.' But it's one of those things where the NFL wants to keep its image up, too, I'm sure. They don't want a bunch of dope heads running around."

How could the collective bargaining agreement be better?

"We want guaranteed money. I come to work every day not knowing if they're going to fire me. If they fire me, I don't get my check. That sucks. You can't make permanent plans. That's why I don't move my family out here [from the Salt Lake City area]. Ninety percent of us are pretty much on the bubble every week. The reality is, the rich guys are going to get their money regardless. We're talking about the top 10 percent. In every other sport except football, you sign a deal and you make the roster, they've got to pay you the rest of the way [through the contract], man."

Well, the players' union agreed to that CBA.

"I know they did. They got strong-armed. I think part of the problem is, it's not fair to guys who make a lot of money to have to represent in the CBA [negotiations], because they represent the 10 percent. They don't represent the 90 percent. It's not fair to them because it puts them in an awkward situation. It's like the Quarterback Club for trading cards. It's not the same. They get more than everybody else. It's not fair

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to them to represent the rest of us. We're scrapping it out at the bottom to make the roster. The moral of the story is, we've got to hold out [in the next negotiations], and get the guaranteed money. We don't need time off. We need to get the money guaranteed. I think the problem is, we elect rich players to represent each team. We elect the top 1 percent of each team. [Left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson is the Jets' union representative.] Who are they going to look after? They're like, 'I already know I'm getting paid. I'd rather have time off.' Think of it that way. They wouldn't vote me in [as a union rep], but I'd do it. How it works is they usually vote [you as a rep] if you're a veteran of so many years, and you've got to be this type of player."

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Jets get Sheldon Richardson back to 3-1 team as they prepare to face Washington (Seth Walder) New York Daily News October 17, 2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/sheldon-richardson-returns-surprising-3-1-jets-article-1.2401243

Sheldon Richardson has found himself in an unusual position.

It’s not just that he’s making his season debut in Week 6 following a four-game suspension for testing positive for marijuana. It’s also that he’s actually part of a winning team.

The Jets are 3-1, and for the first time in his professional career, Richardson will be suiting up for a team that is two games over .500 when Gang Green plays host to Washington on Sunday.

“Most definitely feels better than the last few seasons,” Richardson said.

“My rookie year... we won one, lost one, won one, lost one,” the defensive lineman added about the 8-8 campaign. “And then last year we went 1-8, so, you kinda figured the playoff picture was out early.”

The Jets are only a quarter of the way through the season, but they are legitimately in the playoff conversation. Not only is Gang Green 3-1, but the defense looks exceptional and all three of the team’s wins were solid.

“That’s what this team is striving for,” Richardson said of the playoffs, “and we’re in a position to keep it rolling.”

Richardson was allowed to be in the team facility for meetings during his suspension, but couldn’t participate in practice. He didn’t care much for watching football, but he would get pumped up by his teammates when they made plays. They made a lot of them, playing well without their Pro Bowl defensive lineman.

“I was happy for my guys,” Richardson said. “Happy for the defense, happy for the offense. Just happy for the team period.”

But when things went wrong he blamed himself for not being out there.

“Even mad a few times. At myself,” he said. “About the Philly (loss). Other than that couldn’t really complain too much because those guys were winning.”

It may not be the last time that Richardson ends up watching the Jets. Having served the four-game suspension from the league, Richardson could be handed another.

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He was charged with resisting arrest and multiple traffic violations after allegedly driving 143 mph in July in Missouri. He has yet to receive any discipline from the league for that, and there’s not telling when that might come.

But for now he’s back full-time, and Richardson says the mood is up in Florham Park, relative to the past couple years, with the team playing so well.

“Yeah, I mean the camaraderie is always going to be the same, but guys (are) just a little more jolly coming in to work,” he said. “Just trying to keep that feeling going.”

Richardson’s streak of not finishing above .500 actually stretches back to his time before the pros, as Missouri went 5-7 his last year there. In 2011, the Tigers went 8-5. Asked if he thought this Jets team could be the one to break that personal streak, Richardson said he has a “strong feeling” that it would.

Todd Bowles wouldn’t say if Richardson would start on Sunday, and it will be interesting to see how much the rookie head coach elects to use his returning star. The coach has indicated that the defensive lineman will need to work himself back into football shape.

Richardson, meanwhile, wants to be out there as much as he can.

“I’m ready to play a full game,” he said. “I can.”

This should be a juicy matchup not just for Richardson, but the Jets’ defense as a whole.

Washington’s offense isn’t exactly intimidating with Kirk Cousins at quarterback, so there’s reason to believe this is a team the stout Jets defense could chew up and spit out. Washington will be even less threatening with DeSean Jackson outdue to a lingering hamstring injury.

The Jets’ defensive line should wreak havoc in the backfield with Washington’s starting left tackle (Trent Williams) and center (Kory Lichtensteiger) out. That means it could be a nice welcome-back game for Richardson, who joins a position group — led by Muhammad Wilkerson — that has been playing well.

So will it be the same old Richardson on the field, right from the start?

“It’s hard to get a good in-game picture from practice. My last game was last season, didn’t play that much in the preseason,” Richardson said. “So we’ll see.”

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Jets WR Brandon Marshall tweets support for Mets with Yankees hat (John Healy) New York Daily News October 17, 2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/brandon-marshall-tweets-support-mets-yankees-hat-article-1.2401592

Brandon Marshall really dropped the ball on this one.

The former Chicago Bear and current Jets receiver was having trouble picking a team to root for in the NLCS.

Marshall asked his Twitter followers to help him decide between the Cubs and Mets.

A few hours before Saturday’s Game 1, Marshall revealed he will be cheering for the Mets and added a photo of himself with a blue and orange baseball cap photoshopped onto his head.

Just one small problem: It was a Yankees hat with Met colors.

Oops.

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Perhaps Marshall is just trolling both fanbases and is taking allegiance with the Bronx Bombers.

If not, he might want to correct himself before Mets fans refuse to welcome him onto the bandwagon for trying to pass a Yankee hat off as a Mets one.

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Once seen as quarterbacks on the rise, Jets' Geno Smith and Washington's Robert Griffin III no longer have bright NFL futures (Manish Mehta) New York Daily News October 17, 2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/mehta-jets-geno-better-shot-comeback-rg3-article-1.2401237

Geno Smith and Robert Griffin III are fighting a common opponent much more formidable than oversized human beings trained to hurt them: Perception.

The young quarterbacks are in career limbo thanks to a confluence of the worst events this summer. Smith was clocked in the jaw by a teammate. Griffin was concussed (maybe).

Both have promise, but neither is scheduled to play when Washington faces the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

The Daily News canvassed the league to discover that front office decision makers and scouts believe that Smith might have a better chance than Griffin to rebound from his latest setback.

“They’re the same guy,” said one personnel director. “Both are slightly delusional about their abilities. In five years, RG3 will be some type of ambassador for Baylor. Geno will be a backup quarterback.”

Griffin’s issues with Washington appear irreconcilable. The prevailing sentiment in league circles is that he’ll be long gone before Washington’s $16 million option kicks in next year.

Smith’s career might be salvageable. The third-year signal caller was in line to be the Jets’ Week 1 starter before a silly dispute with linebacker IK Enemkpali over a matter of $600 turned ugly. Ryan Fitzpatrick’s revival has marginalized Smith, who won’t have a chance to play again this season unless the veteran implodes or gets hurt.

“It’s not really a test of patience for me,” Smith told the Daily News in a quiet moment. “It’s more a test of courage. You get a lot of people who like to say a lot of things that are untrue. You want to say things back, but it’s like, ‘What’s the point?’ I leave it alone. I know who I am. I know what I can do. So I focus on that.”

Smith will be his team’s No. 2 quarterback against Washington. Griffin, meanwhile, has been a healthy scratch all season.

Griffin’s success as a rookie in 2012 is a distant memory. Injuries and circumstance have changed his relationship with the organization that traded four draft picks, including three first rounders, to move up to select him four years ago.

“I’m sure he can find a place to compete (for a starting job) in the future,” one scout said, “But he needs to make more of an effort to hone his craft rather than try to be a celebrity.”

Although scouts and personnel men across the league aren’t privy to the inner workings of Smith’s practice habits, there’s a feeling that the Jets quarterback has been humbled by the punch heard ’round the NFL. His physical skills aren’t in doubt, but there are still fair questions about his ability to lead a team.

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“They did him a disservice by forcing him to play (right away),” said an NFC front office executive. “The talent is there, but the mental makeup isn’t. A year under Fitz should help... Geno may end up being the starter with the Jets.”

It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Smith resurfaces this season. He’s taken the right steps by putting in the time to improve in practice. He’s taken to coaching. He’s confident that he’ll have an opportunity one day.

“When I say ‘chance,’ it’s not ‘a’ chance,” Smith said. “You get a number of chances in this league. It’s about going out there and winning a game. A chance is all up to circumstances sometimes. Sometimes it’s not. That’s just like navigating through life. You get your opportunities to showcase what you’re made of. No matter when you get that opportunity, you got to be ready for it.”

Smith has been levelheaded in the wake of the chaos that sidetracked his career on the morning of Aug. 11. His daily message to himself is simple: Avoid the wild swings that can swallow a young player in turbulent times.

“People always say, ‘Hey, it’s a business,’ but until you experience it, I don’t think you can get a full grasp of it,” Smith said. “I have learned a lot. Not just from this instance, but from a number of instances. It’s about handling your business the right way. Being the guy. It’s that simple. Nothing else really matters. I don’t really pay attention to anything outside of the fact that I got to walk in my shoes and be the guy that I know that I am.”

Smith doesn’t make excuses for his 11-18 record as a starter, 57.5% completion rate and 41 career turnovers. Those are obvious strikes against him, but he’s shown tantalizing flashes of top-end play that make you wonder whether he can find his way for another team down the road.

“Everybody has bad games,” Smith said. “I don’t know, maybe for some reason out here, it gets overblown. I understand that when you go 4-12, it’s not good on anybody. So I always take full responsibility for anything I do on the field.”

Smith’s elusive search for consistency might ultimately lead him in a different direction. Griffin already appears to have a head start.

“I understand what he feels and kind of get a sense of it,” Smith said of Griffin. “But I’m not him and he’s not me. So it’s different... We all want to be out there.”

Smith might get his chance somewhere other than New York.

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METRO NEW YORK

3 things to watch for as the Jets face the Redskins after their bye week (Kristian Dyer) Metro New York October 17, 2015

http://www.metro.us/new-york/3-things-to-watch-for-as-the-jets-face-the-redskins-after-their-bye-week/zsJojo---nmBw0qYu4cUI/

The bye week is here and gone for the New York Jets, a dinged up team now returning to health ahead of Week 6 and the Washington Redskins. And while the Redskins may not look it, they are a pretty good team.

The 2-3 Redskins are bland in some areas, particularly a ground game that lacks imagination and doesn’t really seem to align itself with their scheme. But they do have big play potential and Kirk Cousins can make

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throws down the field when he has time, but he is also prone to mistakes and errors when pressured. And their defense, while it struggles in consistently stopping the run, is very quietly putting together a solid season.

The key to this game will be all about bringing the pressure, especially with Sheldon Richardson returning from a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. If the Jets can get into that backfield, they should be able to stop this Redskins passing game that can be dangerous if Cousins has time in the pocket.

Create pressure, hit the quarterback. If the Jets do these things they will be 4-1 by late afternoon this Sunday. Here are three things to watch’ from the Jets in Week 6:

Slowing Down DeSean

A hamstring injury has limited DeSean Jackson in recent weeks but the Redskins speedster at wide receiver will play this Sunday and give his team a much-needed dimension on offense. Jackson can stretch the field but also go over the middle, giving quarterback Kirk Cousins some relief. “It will be a big impact. He is one of our most explosive players,” said Redskins head coach Jay Gruden. “He’s our most explosive player. When you lose a guy of that caliber, it’s hard to replace him. Hopefully, we’ll get him back, but only time will tell. He’s getting better and progressing nicely.” Over the past six seasons, Jackson has four years where he’s topped 1,000 yards.

Cloning Week 4 Fitzpatrick

Outside of Week 3 when he threw three interceptions and looked shaky in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Ryan Fitzpatrick has been relatively steady. He’s on pace for a season that would put him near the top of the Jets record books for passing yards and touchdowns in a season. But he’ll also be near the top in turnovers as well, something that could hurt this 3-1 team’s playoff chances. “Sacks and turnovers are two things that we really put an emphasis on. Obviously, the turnovers especially on my end have to come down a little bit in terms of the interceptions,” Fitzpatrick said this week. “I think we’re on the right track in terms of what we’re doing with not giving up a lot of sacks.” The bearded one nailed the sacks part: Fitzpatrick has been taken down only two times this NFL season, a stark contrast to the protection issues from the past few seasons.

Run the Ball

The Redskins have a very, very under-rated defense but one area where they can be exposed is the ground game. Teams haven’t pounded this defense very much but they are giving up 4.4 yards per carry, a number that puts them in the bottom half of the league. The Jets, with their own vaunted running game, should be able to reel off some nice gains and keep things open down the field for their wide receivers. Don’t be surprised to see the Jets go heavy with the run early in the game, then hit Brandon Marshall and Devin Smith down the field.

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SATURDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

BASEBALL

National League

LOS ANGELES DODGERS — Announced the resignation of athletic trainer Stan Conte.

BASKETBALL

National Basketball Association

Daily Clips Cont.

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UTAH JAZZ — Exercised the third-year team option for Gs Dante Exum and Rodney Hood and the fourth-year team option for G Trey Burke and C Rudy Gobert.

CYCYLING

USA CYCLING — Named Chuck Hodge technical director.

FOOTBALL

National Football League

BALTIMORE RAVENS — Signed RB Terrence Magee from the practice squad. Waived CB Charles James II.

CHICAGO BEARS — Signed DL Bruce Gaston. Placed DL Ego Ferguson on injured reserve.

DENVER BRONCOS — Signed RB Kapri Bibbs from the practice squad. Released TE Richard Gordon.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Signed LB Amarlo Herrera from the practice squad. Released KR Marcus Thigpen.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Signed OL Cameron Fleming from the practice squad. Placed CB Tarell Brown on injured reserve.

OAKLAND RAIDERS — Signed WR Walt Powell. Signed DB Keenan Lambert to the practice squad.

TENNESSEE TITANS — Signed LB Justin Staples from the practice squad. Placed LB Deiontrez Mount on injured reserve.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League

NHL — Suspended Colorado D Tyson Barrie for three games without pay for charging and interference on Anaheim’s Simon Despres.

ANAHEIM DUCKS — Recalled D Shea Theodore and D Korbinian Holzer from San Diego (AHL). Placed D Simon Despres and D Clayton Stoner on injured reserve.

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