NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

September 11, 2014

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Table of Contents

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

Jets CB Milliner practices for 1st time in a month (Dennis Waszak) ......................................................................... 2

NEWSDAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 3

Sheldon Richardson: Jets can pressure Aaron Rodgers (Kimberley Martin) ............................................................. 3

Dee Milliner may return Sunday as Jets face first of six straight elite quarterbacks (Colin Stephenson) ................. 4

Michael Vick says that what he did doesn't compare to Ray Rice situation (Kimberley Martin) .............................. 4

THE RECORD .......................................................................................................................................................... 6

Jets notes: Rodgers talks about Rex (J.P. Pelzman) ................................................................................................... 6

Jets' Rex Ryan gets reason to smile (J.P. Pelzman) .................................................................................................... 6

STAR-LEDGER ......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Jets prepare for 'chaos' of Packers' up-tempo offense, which should move faster this week (Darryl Slater) .......... 7

Dee Milliner's status for Jets-Packers could be determined by Thursday's practice, says Rex Ryan (Darryl Slater) . 9

NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................. 11

Jets get encouraging sign from banged-up secondary (Brian Costello) .................................................................. 11

Jets’ Milliner could be back to face the Packers (Brian Costello) ............................................................................ 11

Jets out to follow Seahawks plan and run down Packers (Mark Cannizzaro) ......................................................... 12

Packers will be the true test of Jets’ defense (Brian Costello) ................................................................................ 13

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 14

NY Jets secondary may be turning corner as Dee Milliner practices (Seth Walder) ............................................... 14

Don’t expect miracles out of healed NY Jets cornerback Dee Milliner (Manish Mehta) ........................................ 15

NEW YORK TIMES ................................................................................................................................................ 17

Dee Milliner Returns to Jets in Time for Encounter With Aaron Rodgers (Ben Shpigel) ......................................... 17

WALL STREET JOURNAL ....................................................................................................................................... 19

Jets' Ryan Gets Creative With Secondary (Stu Woo) ............................................................................................... 19

ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................. 20

Milliner boosts Dee-leaguered secondary (Rich Cimini) ......................................................................................... 20

Could Jets unleash 'jet sweep' vs. Pack? (Rich Cimini) ............................................................................................ 21

METRO NEW YORK .............................................................................................................................................. 22

Michael Vick: Ray Rice ‘deserves a second chance’ (Kristian Dyer) ........................................................................ 22

Dee Milliner returns to practice, hopes to play Sunday (Kristian Dyer) .................................................................. 23

NJ.COM ................................................................................................................................................................ 24

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Michael Vick on Ray Rice: 'He has a friend over here' (Dom Cosentino) ................................................................ 24

WEDNESDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS............................................................................................................... 25

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jets CB Milliner practices for 1st time in a month (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press September 10, 2014

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/jets-cb-milliner-practices-1st-205240847--nfl.html

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- Dee Milliner is getting closer to making his season debut for the New York Jets.

The team's top cornerback returned to practice Wednesday for the first time in a month after a high ankle sprain kept him sidelined since Aug. 10.

Milliner was a limited participant, and his status for the Jets' game at Green Bay on Sunday is still uncertain. But it was a promising development for Milliner, who injured his left ankle during training camp.

''I feel great,'' Milliner said. ''I feel good. I did some things the other day and moved around a lot.''

Rex Ryan said a big test to gauge whether Milliner might be able to play this weekend is how the ankle feels Thursday. Milliner worked in team drills, and participated in individual drills with the defensive backs.

''Let's see how he comes back,'' Ryan said. ''(Green Bay) had 75 snaps on offense, and I don't expect Dee to play 75 snaps on defense. But we'll see how he progresses.

''I'm cautiously optimistic that he'll be able to go.''

That means the Jets could have their main cover guy against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' potent offense - even if he's not on the field the entire game.

''Look around, if he can play in a limited role, let's play him in a limited role,'' Ryan said. ''That's how I see it. In his case, I don't believe the injury can get worse. It's pain, it's a lot of different things, but he's healed. I think it's just now working through some soreness and everything else, mental things.''

The Jets started safety Antonio Allen and backup Darrin Walls at cornerback in the 19-14 season-opening win over Oakland last Sunday. Both Allen and Walls were solid, particularly with open-field tackles, but the return of Milliner - who proclaimed during camp that he believes he's the NFL's top cornerback - would be a huge boost to Ryan's secondary.

New York has been thin at the cornerback spot since Milliner was injured, rookie Dexter McDougle was lost for the season with a knee injury and veteran Dimitri Patterson, an expected starter, was released after the Jets said he left the team before a preseason game and didn't speak to anyone in the organization for 48 hours. The Jets have been scrambling to find depth since, and hoping for Milliner to return sooner rather than later.

''I'm very optimistic,'' Milliner said. ''Just have to get out there and do what they tell me to do, just keep working. Basically, just do what they tell me to do, and if I feel good, I'll be out there.''

Right guard Willie Colon (calf) and rookie linebacker Ikemefuna Enemkpali (foot) were limited at practice. Colon isn't concerned about his injury and doesn't think it'll be an issue Sunday, while Enemkpali missed the opener.

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Safety Josh Bush (quadriceps), linebacker A.J. Edds (hamstring) and tight end Jeff Cumberland (personal reasons) did not practice.

NOTES: The Jets drafted S Calvin Pryor with the No. 18 overall pick in May, choosing him over Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, considered by some to be the top safety available. Clinton-Dix ended up being drafted by the Packers three spots after Pryor. ''Both guys were excellent players,'' Ryan said during a conference call with Packers reporters. ''We would have been happy with either guy. But I took the guy who will knock your face in.'' ... QB Geno Smith on the Ray Rice situation: ''The NFL's made a decision and the Ravens have made their decision. I have met Ray and, personally, I think he's a good dude. I think he made a mistake, and in a time like that, you just have to let the powers that be do their job, and they have.'' ... Packers QB Aaron Rodgers on his team's last meeting with the Jets, a 9-0 win for Green Bay in 2010: ''We had a great game. We scored nine points, they scored zero. So, it was a barn burner.''

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NEWSDAY

Sheldon Richardson: Jets can pressure Aaron Rodgers (Kimberley Martin) Newsday September 10, 2014

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/sheldon-richardson-jets-can-pressure-aaron-rodgers-1.9283393

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - The Jets know they're not the Seahawks. But they still expect to get a win when they get their crack at Green Bay.

Armed with a vaunted defense and a strong running game, Seattle spanked the Packers, 36-16, a week ago in the league's regular-season opener. Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson expects to have similar success getting after Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Sunday.

During an interview with Newsday, Richardson cut short a question about the Jets' front seven to pose one of his own.

"Is our front seven better than the Seattle Seahawks'? I think that. I think that,'' he said, flashing a wide smile.

Surrounded by a crowd of reporters a few minutes earlier, Richardson called Sunday's game in Green Bay "a big challenge'' and praised the "shifty'' Rodgers for his "pocket awareness.'' But nevertheless, Richardson said he's confident the Jets can exploit the Packers' "few weaknesses.''

Rodgers was sacked three times and threw an interception against the defending Super Bowl champions.

"No, we do not think we're the Seattle Seahawks,'' the 2013 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year said, laughing. "We've just got to get after it. He's a great quarterback -- but no one likes pressure.''

The teams haven't met since the Packers beat the Jets, 9-0, at MetLife Stadium in 2010. It was Rodgers' only start against the Jets, and he completed only 15 of 34 passes, his lowest completion percentage (44.1) in a game since becoming a starter in 2008, according to ESPN Stats and Information.

Although the Packers' personnel has changed considerably since then, Rex Ryan is studying tape of that game.

"He seems like the same guy because he's got a bazooka for an arm and he's accurate and he can move,'' Ryan said of Rodgers, who is 5-1 in home openers and has thrown for 300-plus yards in each of the Packers' past three home games.

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"A Peyton Manning, a Tom Brady can just pick you apart with accuracy,'' Ryan said. "This kid combines accuracy with escapability, and I think that's really what separates him from most quarterbacks in the league.''

Notes & quotes: Josh Bush (quadriceps), Jeff Cumberland (personal) and A.J. Edds (hamstring) did not practice, while Dee Milliner (ankle), Willie Colon (calf) and IK Enemkpali (foot) were limited . . . Packers RB Eddie Lacy (concussion) did not practice.

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Dee Milliner may return Sunday as Jets face first of six straight elite quarterbacks (Colin Stephenson) Newsday September 10, 2014

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/dee-milliner-may-return-sunday-as-jets-face-first-of-six-straight-elite-quarterbacks-1.9282600

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- That daunting gauntlet of superstar quarterbacks the Jets are going to face for six straight games begins Sunday, when Rex Ryan's team heads to Green Bay to take on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Thankfully for Ryan and the Jets, help looks as if it's on the way for the beleaguered secondary.

Dee Milliner, the second-year cornerback who sat out the season-opening win over Oakland last Sunday and has been sidelined the past four weeks by a high ankle sprain, practiced Wednesday for the first time since Aug. 10. The former first-round pick could be in the lineup when the Jets (1-0) visit Green Bay (0-1).

"I'm very optimistic," Milliner said when asked about his chances of playing on Sunday. "[I] just have to get out there and . . . basically, just do what they tell me to do. And if I feel good, I'll be out there."

Milliner's return would be coming at a perfect time, as the Jets begin a stretch in which they face six consecutive elite quarterbacks. After staring down Rodgers this weekend, the Jets will face the Bears' Jay Cutler, the Lions' Matthew Stafford, the Chargers' Philip Rivers, the Broncos' Peyton Manning and the Patriots' Tom Brady.

Milliner, who finished a rocky rookie season last year on an upswing -- he was named Defensive Rookie of the Month for December, and had two interceptions in the Jets' final game against Miami -- was supposed to be the No. 1 cornerback on the Jets this season, with the departure of Antonio Cromartie and following the front office's decision not to sign a high-profile free agent at the position in the spring.

But Milliner sprained his ankle in training camp, on the same day that rookie Dexter McDougle, slated to be a backup, suffered a season-ending knee injury. Then, when veteran free-agent cornerback Dmitri Patterson skipped out on the preseason game against the Giants and subsequently was cut, that left the Jets with journeyman Darrin Walls and converted safety Antonio Allen to start at corner against Oakland in the season opener.

On Wednesday, Milliner rotated in with the rest of the corners and did team drills during practice, according to Ryan, who said the Jets will want to see how Milliner feels Thursday before making any decisions about his availability on Sunday.

"This was the first time he's really worked football drills," Ryan said of Milliner. "Let's see how he comes back [Thursday] . . . [Oakland] had 75 snaps on offense; I don't expect Dee to play 75 snaps on defense. But we'll see how he progresses . . . I'm cautiously optimistic that he'll be able to go."

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Michael Vick says that what he did doesn't compare to Ray Rice situation (Kimberley Martin)

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Newsday September 10, 2014

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/michael-vick-says-that-what-he-did-doesn-t-compare-to-ray-rice-situation-1.9283284

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Michael Vick knows that he has become the NFL's poster child for career rehabilitation.

In recent days, the Jets backup quarterback has fielded dozens of questions about Ray Rice, who was suspended indefinitely by the NFL on Monday after TMZ.com released a video showing him punching his then-fiancée inside an elevator at an Atlantic City hotel. But Vick doesn't think his involvement in an organized dogfighting ring is comparable to the Rice situation because "you're comparing dogs and humans."

"This one is tough," he told Newsday Wednesday. "I think what I did doesn't compare to what this case is and what came out of this. It's just a situation where men have to understand that we're men. Women are a lot smaller and not as physical as us. We just have to think before we react. It's not man-on-man. It's man-on-woman and that's unfair."

Vick, who was suspended indefinitely from the NFL and spent 23 months in federal prison, clarified that the Rice situation isn't worse than the crime he committed.

"It's just as bad," he said. "I won't compare dogs to humans in this situation. But you're talking about a man putting his hands on a woman, so it's a totally different realm. You're not talking about somebody abusing an animal. You're talking about a man abusing a woman."

The former No. 1 overall pick in 2001 resurrected his career in 2009 and went on to play five seasons in Philadelphia. In March, he signed a one-year, $4-million deal with the Jets.

It's unclear if Rice's return to the NFL will ever happen. But until then, Vick knows he'll continue to field questions about athletes re-establishing their images and their careers. And he's OK with that.

"Yeah, once again, I'm being used as a prime example," he told Newsday. "But that's cool though. It's cool, it's all right. You can set the guidelines based on my situation. Obviously, everything is not going to be to that magnitude, maybe worse, maybe a bit more easier to deal with. I just think it all depends on the crime that's been committed."

Vick admitted Wednesday that he often wondered whether he'd get a second chance.

"I doubted it, yeah. I mean, I didn't know," he told reporters. "You got the whole world coming at you and everybody looking at you like you're the worst person in the world . . . You've just got to keep the faith and lean on the people who've always been there for you and the people that are there to help you. And I think that'll get you through. Hopefully that'll work for Ray."

Vick reiterated that Rice deserves another chance to play again, but he isn't sure if that will happen.

"Honestly, I think everybody deserves a second chance. Everybody . . . But there's going to be a grace period and we all just have to sit back and reflect on what's been done," he said, adding that he plans to reach out to Rice.

"Ray Rice is a great football player, but I think there's some things he has to work on, some issues he has to deal with."

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THE RECORD

Jets notes: Rodgers talks about Rex (J.P. Pelzman) The Record September 11, 2014

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/jets/jets-notes-rodgers-talks-about-rex-1.1085774

Rodgers on Ryan

Since taking over as Green Bay’s starting quarterback in 2008, Aaron Rodgers has faced a Rex Ryan-coached defense only once.

On Halloween in 2010, the Packers were held without a touchdown by the host Jets, but still managed a 9-0 victory. That Green Bay team went on to win the Super Bowl.

"I think they are very creative," Rodgers said Wednesday on a conference call when asked about the Jets’ defensive schemes. "Anytime you have a creative schemer like Rex, you can come up with some stuff that you just don’t see all of the time with the different personnel packages they put out there and types of looks, fronts and pressures behind it. They have a lot of variance in their pressures and in their coverages behind it. There are not a lot of things you can really key on. It’s about trying to trust your protections and trying to figure out who is coming [to rush the passer] each play."

Colon limited

Right guard Willie Colon (calf) was limited in practice, but neither he nor Ryan believe the injury will keep him out of Sunday’s contest at Green Bay.

"Sometimes those things can be bothersome," Ryan admitted, but added, "I don’t think it’s going to keep Willie out."

Linebacker Ikemefuna Enemkpali (foot) also was limited at practice. Safety Josh Bush (quadriceps), linebacker A.J. Edds (hamstring) and tight end Jeff Cumberland (personal reasons) missed practice.

Packers progressing

For Green Bay, starting right tackle Bryan Bulaga (knee), who was injured in the season-opening loss at Seattle, was limited in practice. Running back Eddie Lacy (concussion) still hasn’t been cleared to return to practice, although coach Mike McCarthy was optimistic about his status on a conference call.

"He’s progressing," McCarthy said. "He looked good [Wednesday]. He’s actually in a workout right now. Once we get the results from that and see how he progresses, we’ll see if he’ll be available" today.

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Jets' Rex Ryan gets reason to smile (J.P. Pelzman) The Record September 11, 2014

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/rex-gets-reason-to-smile-1.1085815

FLORHAM PARK – It had been a long time since the Jets received some good news about the cornerback position, but Wednesday’s events put a smile on the face of coach Rex Ryan.

Second-year cornerback Dee Milliner practiced Wednesday for the first time since suffering a high-ankle sprain Aug. 10. It’s possible that he could return to action Sunday — just in time for the Jets’ visit to Wisconsin to face Green Bay and a high-powered passing attack led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

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"I’m very optimistic" about playing Sunday, Milliner said after practice. "[I] just have to get out there and, like I said, do what they tell me to do, [and] just keep working. Basically, just do what they tell me to do, and if I feel good, I’ll be out there."

Milliner was asked if he felt any rust while participating in team drills.

"No, it’s not rust," he said. "You just have to get back into it. ... I haven’t been out there in a while; I have to get back to normal and get back in a rhythm."

Ryan also is optimistic about Milliner’s availability on a limited basis for Sunday, but cautioned that the Jets will have to see how he feels today after practicing Wednesday.

"Let’s see how he comes back [today] after he did work," Ryan said. "I don’t expect Dee to play 75 snaps on defense [Sunday]. But we’ll see how he progresses. Like I said, I’m cautiously optimistic that he’ll be able to go. But I think [today] will be a big tell for us."

Milliner was listed as limited, meaning he didn’t take part in all of the 11-on-11 drills. However, Ryan said he did "quite a bit" of work in those drills.

"I feel great," Milliner said.

"If he can play in a limited role, let’s play him in a limited role," Ryan said. "That’s how I see it. In his case, I don’t believe the injury can get worse. It’s pain, it’s a lot of different things, but he’s healed. I think it’s just now working through some soreness and everything else — mental things."

Milliner also missed some time in the spring because of a nagging hamstring injury, so he likely will be a little rusty whenever he returns. Still, his presence would be a welcomed addition to what is a patchwork secondary.

Milliner, the ninth overall pick in the 2013 draft, struggled for much of his rookie season before coming on strong in the final four games. He was projected as the team’s No. 1 corner this year before he sprained his left ankle last month in practice at Cortland, N.Y., when he landed awkwardly after trying to defend a long pass.

On that same day, third-round pick Dexter McDougle suffered a season-ending knee injury, and in late August, the Jets released veteran cornerback Dimitri Patterson after they said he was AWOL for a game. All of this attrition at cornerback led to the Jets starting converted safety Antonio Allen and career backup Darrin Walls at the cornerback spots on opening day. They played well in the 19-14 win over Oakland.

But that was against rookie Derek Carr, as opposed to a veteran superstar such as Rodgers.

Still, the Jets aren’t in awe of Rodgers and Co., who need a victory to avoid Green Bay’s first 0-2 start since 2006.

"He’s a great quarterback," defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson said of Rodgers, "but no one likes pressure.

"It’s a big challenge," Richardson added, "but they’ve got a few weaknesses and we’re going to exploit that as much as possible."

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STAR-LEDGER

Jets prepare for 'chaos' of Packers' up-tempo offense, which should move faster this week (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger

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September 10, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/09/jets_prepare_for_chaos_of_packers_up-tempo_offense_which_should_move_faster_this_week.html

FLORHAM PARK – Thursday is the final full day of practice for NFL teams, the time when they fine tune their game plans for the coming Sunday. But Jets coach Rex Ryan wants this Thursday to bring “organized chaos” for his defense.

Ryan’s goal, when taken at face value, seems counterintuitive, and a potential step backward in game preparations. For Ryan, though, it is all part of readying his defensive players for what they will face Sunday at Green Bay, whose no-huddle, up-tempo offense can leave defenses confused and scrambling, even as the ball is snapped into the hands of Aaron Rodgers – one of this generation’s finest quarterbacks.

Ryan hopes to get the chaos out of the way during Thursday’s practice. So he will do what he did last year before the Jets faced the Patriots’ fast-paced offense. When the scout team offense faces the starting defense in practice, Ryan won’t send in his defensive call until the offensive players have lined up.

He would never send in a call this late during a game, of course. By forcing his defenders into an exaggerated, chaotic situation during practice, he thinks they might be better equipped to handle it Sunday at Lambeau Field.

“That way, when you get in a game, it’s no big deal,” Ryan said.

The Packers hope to run 75 plays per game – faster than they’ve ever been under ninth-year coach Mike McCarthy, who said in the offseason that he wanted to make a concerted effort to increase his offense’s tempo.

Green Bay has gradually increased its pace in recent years. In 2010, when the Packers won the Super Bowl, they ran 62.5 plays per game. That number dipped to 61.8 in 2011. The Packers leaned more on no-huddle plays in the next two years, during which they averaged 65.1 and 67.1 plays per game – 11th in the NFL last year.

More NFL teams are moving faster these days, especially franchises that have elite quarterbacks like Rodgers. In 2012, Tom Brady and the Patriots led the league with 74.4 plays per game. In 2013, they were second, with 71.1, and Denver and Peyton Manning topped the list, with 72.3 plays per game.

Taking into account offensive time of possession, the Patriots last season ran 2.34 plays per minute of possession time. The Packers ran 2.17. The Jets’ defense got experience against this break-neck pace while splitting their meetings with the Patriots in 2013.

In a loss at New England, the Patriots ran 2.46 plays per minute. They were even faster while losing at the Jets in overtime – 2.96 plays per minute – though New England possessed the ball for just 23 minutes and 40 seconds of that game, so it wasn’t a totally exhausting day for the Jets’ defense. But games against frenetically paced teams can tax defenders’ bodies and minds.

“Everybody has to be in shape and know exactly what you’re doing,” said Jets nose tackle Damon Harrison. “When you get tired and you’re in better shape, you don’t resort back to old, bad habits. If you’re a guy that’s in shape, the quick tempo shouldn’t bother you that much. It’s always tough for defensive linemen when guys are running the hurry-up offense. But I think we’ll be fine.”

In the Packers’ 36-16 season-opening loss at Seattle, their tempo was limited. Green Bay ran just 57 plays – 2.14 per minute. The extreme noise level in Seattle “slowed their tempo down drastically,” said Jets coach Rex Ryan. As the Packers return home this week, to a friendlier environment for clear communication at the line of scrimmage, Ryan and his players expect the pace to quicken.

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“Them being at home, I’m sure it’ll be a lot easier for them to really get into it,” Harrison said.

Rodgers is the sort of sharp-minded quarterback who perfectly fits a no-huddle offense. The NFL first saw this approach in earnest with quarterback Jim Kelly and the Bills’ K-Gun offense in the early 1990s. Like Kelly then, Rodgers is now in the prime of his career. Rodgers, 30, is beginning his seventh year as the Packers’ starter. Over the past five seasons, he has completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 159 touchdowns and 38 interceptions. The Packers went 52-19 over that span in games he started.

A broken collarbone last season limited Rodgers to nine games, and prevented the Packers’ offense from getting a full season with him running the no-huddle system. Rodgers is responsible for calling most plays at the line of scrimmage, after he surveys the defensive alignment and determines how best to attack it. Being able to see the defense, and then call a play, gives no-huddle teams a better chance of using the optimal play. Or at least that is the goal of this increasingly popular approach.

“It seems like there are more full-time teams that have a higher pace,” said Jets linebacker Jason Babin, an 11th-year veteran.

Babin said Rodgers often does not approach the line and immediately snap the ball. Usually, he surveys the defense, alerts his teammates of the play call and then gets the snap. This gives the Jets’ defense at least some time to adjust and move around, to counter whatever motioning and formation alterations Rodgers calls for.

“For this defense, (pre-snap shifting) is something we’re accustomed to, because there’s a lot of communication, a lot of moving parts,” Babin said. “It won’t be something necessarily that is out of the realm of what we do normally.”

The challenge, Babin said, is trying to determine when Rodgers will take his time at the line, after hurrying to get there, and when he will want the snap instantly after lining up.

“It’s a feel, like: Are they really hurrying up? Or are they trying to look like they’re hurrying up?” Babin said.

This is the sort of game – the sort of tempo – that will test Ryan’s assertion that his team is deeper this season. Babin, for instance, was signed on the eve of training camp to provide pass-rushing depth, as the backup rush outside linebacker behind Quinton Coples. Might this be a game in which Babin sees more than just occasional, situational action, in order to keep Coples fresh?

Defensive substituting can be a challenge against an offense that doesn’t want to substitute a lot, in order to run plays in rapider succession – something McCarthy has stated as a mission. But Ryan expects the Jets to “roll guys in quite a bit” this week.

No, the Jets don’t have to visit Lambeau in the frigid days of December. Ryan said he expects the Packers’ offensive tempo might slow by then, at least in snowy games. The first few weeks of the season, though, are ripe for no-huddle offenses to try to exhaust defenses, Ryan said.

“I think a lot of times, you see it even more so earlier in the season than you do late, because the (players’) conditioning sometimes weighs in,” he said. “It’s hot, humid. We pride ourselves on being in shape. We know it’s going to be a challenge that way.”

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Dee Milliner's status for Jets-Packers could be determined by Thursday's practice, says Rex Ryan (Darryl Slater) Star-Ledger September 10, 2014

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http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/09/dee_milliners_status_for_jets-packers_could_be_determined_by_thursdays_practice_says_rex_ryan.html

FLORHAM PARK – Dee Milliner returned to Jets practice Wednesday, exactly a month after he sustained a high left ankle sprain in a training camp practice. While the Jets are hopeful about Milliner’s progress, they won’t have a true read on whether he can play Sunday at Green Bay until Thursday’s practice unfolds.

Jets’ coach Rex Ryan wants to see how his No. 1 cornerback responds after receiving limited action in Wednesday’s practice – the first time he has practiced, period, since he got hurt.

“I’m cautiously optimistic with his return,” Ryan said of the possibility that Milliner could play at Green Bay.

Ryan said Milliner participated “quite a bit” Wednesday, in both position and team drills. Milliner “rotated in with guys” during team drills – a good sign for Milliner’s recovery.

Ryan didn’t want to put any expectations on Milliner’s potential return until after Thursday’s practice.

“We’re just now scratching the surface,” Ryan said. “Let’s see how he comes back tomorrow after he did work (Wednesday), the first time he’s really worked football drills. Let’s see how he comes back.”

Ryan is particularly interested in seeing “just how his body recovers. Sometimes, you can feel good. You get out there and you think you can do it, and then the next day, it’s like, ‘Oooh.’ It’s almost where you can’t run even. I’ve seen that happen. Hopefully it doesn’t happen this time.”

The way the Packers play makes it extremely unlikely that Milliner would be able to participate in a full game Sunday.

“They want to have 75 snaps on offense,” Ryan said. “I don’t expect Dee to play 75 snaps on defense. But we’ll see how he progresses. Like I said, I’m cautiously optimistic that he’ll be able to go. I think tomorrow will be a big tell for us.”

If Milliner does play Sunday, he is not limiting his personal expectations about what he can do.

"If on the field, I’m playing," he said. "So if I’m out there, expect the most out of me."

Milliner said he didn't feel physically limited in what he was able to do Wednesday. He said he had done "a little bit" of cutting and back pedaling before Wednesday, but not as much as he did Wednesday.

"I feel great," Milliner said. "I’m very optimistic (about playing Sunday). If I feel good, I’ll be out there."

The things he has to do in order to play: "Just moving around, basically," Milliner said. "Breaking, and just doing different things that I haven’t done in a while. I haven’t been out there in a while. I have to get back to normal and get back in a rhythm. If you rush it and come back too fast (from the injury), you can hurt it again and just cause more pain or more heartache on the injury you already have."

As Ryan alluded to, the Packers’ no-huddle offense can tax defensive players who are on the field for every snap. But even if Milliner can play Sunday, Ryan probably isn’t going to throw him out there for the entire game, as Ryan mentioned.

In the season-opening win over the Raiders, the Jets started converted safety Antonio Allen and backup Darrin Walls at the cornerback spots. It remains unclear whose playing time would be most limited if Milliner does indeed return Sunday, even in a limited role.

Ryan doesn't exactly have a ton of proven options at cornerback, so he would not hesitate to play Milliner in a limited role.

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"Look around," Ryan said. “If he can play in a limited role, let’s play him in a limited role. That’s how I see it. In his case, I don’t believe the injury can get worse. It’s pain (tolerance). He’s healed. I think it’s just now working through some soreness and mental things.”

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NEW YORK POST

Jets get encouraging sign from banged-up secondary (Brian Costello) New York Post September 10, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/09/10/an-encouraging-sign-for-the-jets-secondary/

Jets cornerback Dee Milliner was back on the practice field for the first time in four weeks on Wednesday, a sign he may play Sunday against the Packers.

Milliner went through positional drills, backpedaling and running, during the portion of practice open to the media. The team will release an injury report later Wednesday to indicate how much he was able to practice.

Milliner missed the end of training camp and last week’s season opener with a high left ankle sprain. The Jets started unproven Darrin Walls and converted safety Antonio Allen at cornerback last week against the Raiders. Both players fared well, but Aaron Rodgers is a different challenge than Derek Carr.

Milliner, the No. 9 overall pick in 2013, had a rough rookie season, but the Jets were encouraged by how he finished the year. He showed improvement during the first two weeks of training camp and in the team’s first preseason game before suffering the injury.

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Jets’ Milliner could be back to face the Packers (Brian Costello) New York Post September 10, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/09/10/jets-milliner-could-be-back-to-face-the-packers/

The Jets are optimistic Dee Milliner will play Sunday against the Packers after the second-year cornerback practiced on a limited basis Wednesday.

Milliner has missed the past four weeks with a high left ankle sprain. Wednesday was the first time he was on the field in uniform since suffering the injury in Cortland on Aug. 10.

“I’m very optimistic.” Milliner said about playing this week. “[I] just have to get out there and, like I said, do what they tell me to do, just keep working. Basically [I have to] just do what they tell me to do, and if I feel good, I’ll be out there.”

Ryan said Milliner did “quite a bit” in practice and did some team drills. Even if Milliner can play Sunday, it sounds as if it will be in a limited role.

“[The Packers] want to have 75 snaps on offense. I don’t expect Dee to have 75 snaps on defense,” coach Rex Ryan said. “We’ll see how he progresses. I’m cautiously optimistic that he’ll be able to go. I think [Thursday] will be a big tell for us.”

The Jets need reinforcements in the secondary, where Darrin Walls and Antonio Allen started at cornerback against the Raiders. Ryan was asked if it would be better to wait until Milliner can play a full game than play him in a limited role.

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“Look around. If he can play in a limited role, let’s play him in a limited role,” Ryan said. “That’s how I see it.”

Milliner said if he plays, he’ll be ready to go.

“If I’m out there, expect the most out of me,” he said.

The Jets took safety Calvin Pryor with the 18th pick in May’s draft. The Packers took safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix three picks later.

The two were considered the top safeties in the draft, but some people had Pryor No. 1 and others had Clinton-Dix on top.

Ryan was asked in a conference call with Green Bay media why the Jets took Pryor instead of Clinton-Dix.

“Both guys are excellent players. We would have been happy with either guy, but I took the guy that will knock your face in,” Ryan said.

Clinton-Dix fired back at Ryan.

“I’m not afraid to do that at all, and you’re going to continue to see that out of me,” Clinton-Dix said. “If that’s what they thought, then hey, that’s up on him, and I’m going to show him.”

TE Jeff Cumberland (excused for personal reason), S J osh Bush (quad) and LB A.J. Edds (hamstring) did not practice. G Willie Colon (calf), LB Ikemefuna Enemkpali (foot) and Milliner were all limted. For the Packers, RB Eddie Lacy (concussion) did not practice and RT Bryan Bulaga (knee) was limited.

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Jets out to follow Seahawks plan and run down Packers (Mark Cannizzaro) New York Post September 10, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/09/10/jets-out-to-follow-seahawks-plan-and-run-down-packers/

It was only two games: One in Seattle, one at MetLife Stadium.

So there’s not nearly enough of a sample section from a lopsided Packers’ loss to the Seahawks and a Jets’ win over the Raiders to truly tell what will happen when the Jets play the Packers Sunday at Lambeau Field.

But even the small, two-game sample size is enough to give you a glimpse at how the Jets can fly out of Green Bay with a 2-0 record.

Start with the two guys named Chris — Johnson and Ivory — who will be toting the ball for them.

Chris Johnson and Chris Ivory combined for 170 rushing yards on 23 carries Sunday in the Meadowlands, with Ivory gaining 102 yards on 10 carries, one of which went for a 71-yard touchdown, and Johnson gaining 68 yards on 13 carries.

The Packers’ defense yielded 207 rushing yards to the Seahawks, good for a 5.6-yards per carry average.

There is an age-old axiom in football that states: “The tape doesn’t lie.’’

This is what the Jets saw on tape: Seattle’s lead back, Marshawn Lynch, who ran for 110 yards, looking like he was being treated to a spa day while roaming through the belly of the Green Bay defense. By one published account, the Packers’ defense missed 16 tackles in the game and 50 of Lynch’s 110 yards came after the first hit.

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Surely, those 16 missed tackles must have Johnson and Ivory salivating at the possibilities Sunday.

Complacency, though, can be the most dangerous equalizer in sports. The Jets’ assuming they’ll be able to push the Packers around the way the Super Bowl champions did will be a big mistake.

“We’re looking for a dog fight,’’ right guard Willie Colon said. “I don’t think we’re going into this thinking that we’re going to do what Seattle did. We’ve got to respect them on their home turf. We understand we’re going out there to hostile territory. They’re coming off a tough loss. We know they’re going to be fired up, they’re going to be home. So it’s going to be important for us to being our ‘A’ game.’’

The Jets “A’’ game must lean heavily on the running game, because that will not only take pressure off second-year quarterback Geno Smith but it will keep Packers gunslinger quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the sideline longer.

“I feel confident we can run the ball,’’ Rex Ryan said. “Each game is a little different. They may play you a certain way that maybe they didn’t play Seattle. But we go into every game no matter who we play we want to run the ball and run it effectively, and we feel like we have the players to do that.’’

Colon said: “We have great backs, and [when] we get those guys the ball and get them in a rhythm, anything’s possible.’’

This has potential to be a big game for the Jets’ offensive line based on the way Packers nose tackle Letroy Guion, who played sparingly in preseason, was manhandled by the Seattle line. Guion’s struggle last week surely have Packers fans longing for B.J. Raji, who’s on injured reserve with a torn biceps muscle.

The Packers also have issues at inside linebacker, where Brad Jones struggled against Seattle, missing three tackles, dropping a potential interception and being called for two penalties.

After the game, Seattle defensive end Michael Bennett excoriated the Green Bay defense when he said to NFL.com: “I saw supposedly some of the best players in the league not want to tackle Marshawn Lynch.”

So as bad as the Packers looked in Seattle, the Jets must beware of the wounded animal in its own house.

“Any time you’re playing against a defense that’s missing a lot of tackles, that’s always a good thing for a running back,’’ Johnson said. “But we can’t go in there and dwell on the things they did wrong [against Seattle]. Each week everything is always different. Just like we watched the film, Green Bay went back and watched the film and tried to correct some of the mistakes they made.’’

Johnson and Ivory, with a little bit of Bilal Powell mixed in, looks like it could be a legitimate force for the Jets. It could be just the formula to get them out of Green Bay, where they are more than a touchdown underdog, with an upset victory.

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Packers will be the true test of Jets’ defense (Brian Costello) New York Post September 10, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/09/10/packers-will-be-the-true-test-of-jets-defense/

The Jets believe they can be one of the best defenses in the NFL. This week, we get to find out if they are right.

Facing the Packers and superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers at Lambeau Field will be the barometer of whether this Jets’ defense is as good as it thinks it is or just good when facing teams such as the Raiders and their rookie quarterback last week.

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The Jets are embracing the challenge of facing Rodgers.

“He’s considered one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League, so going against him is going to be very difficult,” rookie safety Calvin Pryor said. “But he has to understand we’re no slouches. He’s going against a great defense as well. When everybody thinks about Aaron Rodgers, they have to think about the New York Jets’ defense as well. We’re playing on an even playing field.”

Rodgers’ numbers are staggering. He has the highest passer rating in NFL history at 104.7. In his past 30 starts in Green Bay (minimum 10 passing attempts), he has a 28-2 record with a 112.4 rating, 75 touchdowns and just 17 interceptions.

The numbers left the normally brash Rex Ryan wishing he was playing a New Jersey high school team.

“I’d like to see us play Delbarton or somebody,” Ryan joked. “It will be a big test.”

Green Bay lost its opener in Seattle and is trying to avoid its first 0-2 start since 2006. The Seahawks beat up the Packers last week 36-16, and the Jets think Green Bay has some holes.

“It’s a big challenge, but they’ve got a few weaknesses,” defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson said. “We’re going to exploit that as much as possible. Get ’em unsettled.”

While Richardson did not get specific, it sounds as if he believes the Jets’ front seven can get to Rodgers. The Packers’ offensive line is missing its starting center, J.C. Tretter, and right tackle Bryan Bulaga injured his knee last week and was limited in Wednesday’s practice.

“He’s a great quarterback, but no one likes pressure,” Richardson said.

Rodgers may not have running back Eddie Lacy behind him this week. Lacy suffered a concussion against Seattle and did not practice Wednesday. But the Packers were never going to attack the Jets on the ground anyway. The holes on the

Jets’ defense come in the secondary, not up front. The Jets are hopeful cornerback Dee Milliner can play after missing last week with a high left ankle sprain. On the other side will probably be Antonio Allen, who made his first start at corner against the Raiders.

Oakland never really tested the Jets’ defensive backs. Derek Carr spent most of the game throwing short passes and the Jets did a good job of keeping the receivers in front of them. That won’t happen this week. Rodgers is sure to test the unproven defensive backs with deep throws to receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb.

“He’s got an arm to make throws to every spot on the field,” Ryan said. “He’s got great movement skills. A lot of times with great quarterbacks a lot of guys can do one or the other. They can either really run well or they can sit back — a Peyton Manning, a Tom Brady — and just pick you apart with accuracy. This kid combines accuracy with escape-ability. I think that’s really what separates him from most quarterbacks in the league.”

The Jets think they have a defense that is better than most. We’re about to find out.

“Being that it’s Aaron Rodgers and he’s one of the most talked about quarterbacks in the league,” cornerback Darrin Walls said, “it will say a lot about our defense and who we are.“

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

NY Jets secondary may be turning corner as Dee Milliner practices (Seth Walder) New York Daily News

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15 | P a g e

September 10, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-jets-secondary-turning-corner-dee-milliner-practices-article-1.1935612

The Jets might actually be able to play a starting cornerback against Aaron Rodgers.

That that sentence even has to be written is indicative of the problems the Jets have in the secondary, but the good news for the Jets is that they are 1-0 and Dee Milliner may be able to play on Sunday. Milliner was able to practice for the first time Wednesday since he suffered a high ankle sprain on Aug. 10. Rex Ryan said he was “cautiously optimistic” that the cornerback will be able to play this week. Milliner went even further, saying he is “very optimistic,” that he’ll be ready to go.

“If he can play in a limited role, let’s play him in a limited role,” Ryan said.

After Milliner hurt his ankle and Dimitri Patterson went AWOL and was released, the Jets were left without either of their starters at what was already a tenuous position to begin with. The Jets started safety-turned-cornerback Antonio Allen, and depth corner Darrin Walls last week against the Raiders, but were barely tested by rookie QB Derek Carr, who hardly threw downfield. Should Milliner return, it isn’t known who would start opposite him, although Allen seems the more likely candidate after playing better than Walls did against the Raiders.

The benefit of possibly having Milliner return pales in comparison to the challenge the Jets face from Rodgers and Co. As Ryan pointed out Wednesday, Rodgers is the NFL’s all-time career leader in QB rating. His top receivers, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, should be a handful for the secondary to deal with no matter who is playing cornerback.

“(Rodgers) combines accuracy with escapability, and I think that’s really what separates him from most quarterbacks in the league,” Ryan said.

The Jets talked themselves up all summer — with Calvin Pace telling the Daily News they have the best defense in the league and Milliner proclaiming himself the top corner in the league — so clearly, their own expectations are high even against an explosive offense such as Green Bay’s.

“Going against the elite competition, it can be a game that you can prove yourself,” Milliner said. “Because . . . you’re going against the best.”

Sheldon Richardson was pleased that Milliner might be able to play against the Packers, but cautioned against coming back too early from injury.

“It will be a good thing. Finally get the starting cornerback,” Richardson said. “Hopefully he’s 100%, don’t want him out there if he’s not 100, so no excuses really.”

PRYOR COMMITMENT: The Jets took Calvin Pryor with the 18th pick of this year’s draft while fellow safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was still on the board. Clinton-Dix went to the Packers. “Both guys were excellent players,” Ryan said on his conference call with Green Bay reporters. “We would have been happy with either guy. But I took the guy who will knock your face in.”

RUSH JOB: Chris Johnson sounded pretty pleased with the state of the Jets’ running game after Sunday’s 19-14 victory over the Raiders. “We rushed for over 200 yards so nothing I can complain about,” Johnson said. “I think (offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg) knows how to get the ball in his playmakers’ hands.”

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Don’t expect miracles out of healed NY Jets cornerback Dee Milliner (Manish Mehta)

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New York Daily News September 10, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/mehta-don-expect-miracles-healed-jets-cornerback-dee-milliner-article-1.1935698

Dee Milliner practiced Wednesday without shiny red boots, a bright red cape or the 19th letter of the alphabet emblazoned on his chest. According to eyewitnesses, he didn’t leap tall buildings in a single bound or exhibit feats of superhuman strength, either.

Milliner’s impending return from a month-long hiatus due to a high ankle sprain has turned into the stuff of legend in the run-up to the Jets’ road test against the Packers on Sunday.

Somewhere along the way in the past 30 days, Milliner morphed into Deion Sanders . . . or that other guy (No. 24) with the fictional island (five-time Pro Bowler) who was the engine of Rex Ryan’s defense for years (rhymes with “Leave us”).

Milliner, who did his most extensive football-related work since suffering the injury on Aug. 10, would be a welcomed addition, but he’s far from a secondary savior.

Ryan admitted that he’s “cautionary optimistic,” and Milliner proclaimed he’s “very optimistic” that he’ll be earning his paycheck at Lambeau Field this weekend, but everyone should temper their expectations.

Milliner isn’t a panacea for the Jets’ issues on the back end.

Although defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson believes it’ll be a “major boost” if Milliner plays on Sunday, he has realistic hopes for the second-year cornerback.

“Everybody gets beat, but he covers.” Richardson told the Daily News. “He’s one of the best ones we got. We’ve been waiting on him to get healthy so he can prove that.”

Milliner, the ninth pick of the 2013 draft, provided plenty of agita for Jets fans last season. He missed much of the offseason program recovering from shoulder surgery before an Achilles injury cut short his preseason. He missed three regular-season games due to a hamstring injury. Ryan benched him three times before a solid December that included three interceptions and earned him Defensive Rookie of the Month honors.

Milliner grabbed headlines during training camp by telling The News that he was the best cornerback in the NFL.

“I’m not going to say somebody that plays the same position is better than me,” Milliner said at the time. “Don’t care if they’ve been in the league 10 years and I’ve been here five months. That’s how it’s going to go. I’m the best. I’m not going to say that another man that plays the same position . . . and say he’s better than me? I can’t do that.”

He had an uneven camp, sometimes getting beat by Eric Decker and even Stephen Hill in practice, before hurting himself defending a deep pass to rookie receiver Quincy Enunwa.

The Jets’ dire cornerback situation only magnified Milliner’s importance. Before long, the narrative became bizarre: Somehow, Milliner would be the elixir for the cornerback woes. His flaws receded into the background.

Ryan wasn’t ready to say that Milliner is a shoo-in to face Aaron Rodgers & Co. How his body responds to his first real day of backpedaling, breaking and turning in a month will go a long way toward determining if he’ll play on Sunday.

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The Jets wisely have taken a cautious approach in Milliner’s rehab to avoid a potential setback, but Ryan suggested that his second-year corner could be used in a limited fashion against Green Bay.

The Packers’ break-neck tempo that aims for 70+ offensive plays per game makes it highly unlikely that Milliner will be out there for every snap.

“Look around,” Ryan said of his cornerback options. “If he can play in a limited role, let’s play him in a limited role. That’s how I see it.”

Ryan has been told by team trainers that Milliner is “healed,” so it’s simply about “working through some soreness. . . and mental things” at this point.

“You got to be careful,” Milliner said. “Because if you rush it and get back too fast, you could hurt it again or just cause more pain or heartache.”

Ryan’s cornerbacks held up fairly well against Raiders rookie Derek Carr in the Jets’ season-opening win, but Rodgers, surely seething after getting embarrassed by the Seahawks in Week 1, will be exponentially harder to handle.

The Jets held Rodgers to a 44% completion rate in their last meeting four years ago — his lowest since becoming a full-time starter in 2008, according to ESPN Stats & Information — but Ryan had Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie at his disposal.

Those guys aren’t walking through the door. Milliner is the best they got now.

“If I’m out there,” Milliner said on his availability this weekend, “expect the most out of me.”

Just don’t expect any miracles.

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NEW YORK TIMES

Dee Milliner Returns to Jets in Time for Encounter With Aaron Rodgers (Ben Shpigel) New York Times September 10, 2014

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/11/sports/football/dee-milliner-returns-to-jets-in-time-for-encounter-with-aaron-rodgers.html?ref=football&_r=0

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Rex Ryan and John Idzik stood beside the aerial lift separating the Jets’ two practice fields and fixed their gaze on the player wearing a green jersey, No. 27. There was Dee Milliner, in a helmet and shoulder pads, doing all the things that cornerbacks — healthy cornerbacks — are supposed to do.

He backpedaled. He sprinted. He shadowed receivers. He caught passes. He accomplished these tasks with aplomb, without grabbing at the left ankle he sprained a month ago Wednesday, so after practice Ryan declared that he was “cautiously optimistic” that Milliner would play Sunday at the Green Bay Packers.

“Look around,” Ryan said, referring to the depleted secondary. “If he can play in a limited role, let’s play him in a limited role.”

The Jets need Milliner as much as they need Antonio Allen, or Darrin Walls, or Kyle Wilson, or Muhammad Wilkerson, or Sheldon Richardson, or Calvin Pryor, or anyone, really, who can help contain Aaron Rodgers, one of the league’s elite quarterbacks, and the Packers’ prolific up-tempo offense.

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Ryan said he relished the challenge of devising a game plan to frustrate Rodgers. Sort of.

“I’d like to see us play Delbarton or somebody,” Ryan said, referring to a local high school team.

Alas, no luck there. No prep schools, not this week or any other. The schedule tells the Jets to play in Wisconsin, so they will, for their first trial against a team with excellent receivers, a strong running game and a non-rookie at quarterback. In other words, not the Raiders.

How the Jets confused Derek Carr on Sunday, when they limited Oakland to 11 yards over an eight-series stretch (and 158 over all), will not work against Rodgers, who manipulates the pocket as well as any quarterback in the N.F.L. In his last 30 starts at Lambeau Field in which he has thrown at least 10 passes, the Packers are 28-2 and Rodgers has a 112.4 passer rating, 75 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

“Anytime you have a creative schemer like Rex,” Rodgers said in a teleconference Wednesday, “you can come up with some stuff that you just don’t see all of the time with the different personnel packages they put out there and types of looks, fronts and pressures behind it. They have a lot of variance in their pressures and in their coverages.”

Ryan said that Rodgers combined “accuracy with escapability,” and from his film study Richardson said he did not watch the rush; he sensed it. He feels the pocket closing in, if it does, and relies on footwork, his shiftiness, to work through his progressions.

“He’s a great quarterback,” Richardson said. “But no one likes pressure.”

The Jets generated pressure against Carr, a lot of pressure, sacking him twice and chasing him out of the pocket. The Seahawks, in their 36-16 victory against Green Bay in Week 1, generated pressure against Rodgers, a lot of pressure. And they did so with a four-man rush, without blitzing, by rotating in pass-rusher after pass-rusher.

“It’s not about what Seattle did,” Wilkerson said. “It’s about our game plan.”

As for that game plan, Ryan said he would review the Jets’ approach the last time the teams played, in 2010, when they lost, 9-0, but held Green Bay to its lowest point total in a game that Rodgers started and finished since he took over as quarterback in 2008. But, Ryan added, the personnel has changed so much, for both sides, that the same strategy does not apply.

The Jets, for instance, started Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis at cornerback that afternoon. On Sunday, they will start some combination of Milliner, Allen and Walls, with Wilson manning the slot. Assuming he is cleared, Milliner figures to start, and though Allen and Walls each fared well last week, Ryan lavishes so much praise on Allen — his ball skills, his tackling, his athleticism, all on display against Oakland — that it is hard to imagine that he would not start on the other side.

A strong training camp, coupled with his encouraging end of last season, reinforced to Ryan — not that he needed much convincing — that Milliner was ready to elevate his play once again and become a No. 1 corner. And then, in one of a few incidents that exposed the cornerback corps’ vulnerability, he sustained a high ankle sprain during a drill on Aug. 10.

Milliner missed the final three preseason games, so these practices are not unlike, to a degree, a continuation of training camp for him.

“I haven’t been out there in a while,” Milliner said. “I have to get back to normal and get back in a rhythm.”

Milliner has two practices remaining to get back to normal. Then comes Sunday, when, if he plays, he said, he has no excuses for not performing well.

“If I’m out there,” Milliner said, “expect the most out of me.”

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WALL STREET JOURNAL

Jets' Ryan Gets Creative With Secondary (Stu Woo) Wall Street Journal September 10, 2014

http://online.wsj.com/articles/jets-ryan-gets-creative-with-secondary-1410395877?tesla=y&mod=WSJ_NY_Sports_LEFTTopStories&mg=reno64-wsj&url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204398304580146212151512650.html?mod=WSJ_NY_Sports_LEFTTopStories

FLORHAM PARK, N.J.—The idea hit Rex Ryan in the middle of the 2005 season, when he was defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.

Besides Ray Lewis, his best player was Adalius Thomas, who had a defensive end's body but a wide receiver's swiftness. Why not put him at safety and cornerback too?

Thomas ended up playing every defensive position that year, from the defensive line to the secondary. He led the league in non-offensive touchdowns and, according to Pro-Football-Reference.com, was the team's best overall player in 2005 and in 2006, when he also made the All-Pro team while anchoring the league's No. 1 defense.

Such left-field thinking helped earn Ryan a reputation for being a defensive guru. As the head coach of a Jets team that has lost its three best cornerbacks from the preseason roster, he is again flashing some inventiveness to patch up his defense.

In the Jets' season-opening, 19-14 win over the Raiders Sunday, Ryan twice had Quinton Coples, a 6-foot-6, 270-pound defensive end-turned-linebacker, line up opposite a receiver. Coples's job was to shove the receiver at the line of scrimmage, then drop back into a zone defense. Then cornerback Darrin Walls or Antonio Allen, who started the play standing 10 yards behind Coples, would cover the receiver downfield.

The second time, Coples didn't do much, as the Raiders ran the ball. But the first time, on the Jets' first defensive play of the game, Coples barely got his right arm on receiver Denarius Moore, who took the tap in stride and ran right by Coples on the passing play.

"I never did it in a real game," said Coples, who said he started learning the technique over the off-season and practiced it during training camp.

But Coples might not even need to hit the receiver cleanly when he does this. Allen, who had played safety until injuries forced the Jets to move him to cornerback last month, said Coples' huge presence opposite the receiver might be enough to confuse the quarterback.

"If he sees a big guy over there, he's probably not going to look over there," Allen said. Sure enough, Oakland quarterback Derek Carr threw in the opposite direction that play for no gain.

Ryan has used this strategy over his career. With the Ravens, he had Thomas line up opposite the Bengals' Chad Johnson. The first time that happened, according to the Baltimore Sun, the receiver said, "What's your big [butt] doing out here?"

"There are more ways to skin a cat," Ryan said this week. "We're not just going to line up out there and play the coverage you want us to."

The strategy marks a return to the Ryan of old. Last year, he stubbornly had cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie, who was dealing with a nagging injury all season, and Dee Milliner, who was a rookie, defend

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receivers without any help. The Jets finished the year ranked 22nd in passing yards allowed per game, and Ryan conceded near the end of the season that he might have been asking too much from his cornerbacks.

But for Ryan, perhaps roster conundrums lead to ingenuity. In interviews during training camp, Ryan and his former head coach at Baltimore, Brian Billick, said the makeup of their roster forced them to change on the fly. Billick said it was Ryan's idea to switch from a four-linemen, three-linebacker defense to one that featured three linemen and four linebackers. The reasoning: The team had better linebackers than linemen at the time. "Give me the best 11 players," Billick said, "and we'll figure it out."

Ryan said during training camp that he also loved the idea of playing three safeties, something he often did last year. Two safeties would play their traditional roles, while he would substitute a linebacker with Allen, who would cover a tight end. That move led to Allen intercepting a pass last season from New England quarterback Tom Brady and intended for tight end Rob Gronkowski and returning it for a touchdown.

This week presents a much tougher challenge than Oakland, who started a rookie quarterback in Carr. The Jets face the Packers' Aaron Rodgers, the highest-rated quarterback in league history, in Green Bay. They might get help with the return of Milliner, who practiced for the first time Wednesday after spraining his ankle on Aug. 10, but Ryan said Wednesday that he didn't expect Milliner to play the entire game.

Ryan said he doesn't relish the challenge of having to figure out how to defend Rodgers and Green Bay. "I'd like to see us play Delbarton," Ryan said Wednesday, referring to the New Jersey high school.

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ESPN NEW YORK

Milliner boosts Dee-leaguered secondary (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York September 10, 2014

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/42900/milliner-boosts-dee-leaguered-secondary

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Rex Ryan joked he'd rather be playing Delbarton High -- a nearby prep school -- instead of the Green Bay Packers this week. Yes, the Packers are a tough matchup for the New York Jets and their depleted cast of cornerbacks, but help is on the way.

Injured Dee Milliner practiced Wednesday for the first time in four weeks, participating "quite a bit" in team drills, according to Ryan. Barring a setback, Milliner, who suffered a high-ankle sprain Aug 10 in training camp, is expected to make his 2014 debut.

Milliner said he's "very optimistic" about his chances of playing Sunday.

"I'm cautiously optimistic that he'll be able to go," said Ryan, who wants to see how Milliner responds Thursday before giving a thumb's up.

Milliner probably wouldn't play every snap in the game, according to Ryan, but his presence would help -- assuming he's healthy. The secondary held up well last week, but the opponent was hardly a big-time threat -- the Oakland Raiders, led by rookie quarterback Derek Carr. Now they face Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson & Co.

Not surprisingly, the brash Jets didn't sound intimidated at all.

"It's a big challenge, but they've got a few weaknesses and we're going to exploit that as much as possible," defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson said.

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If Milliner plays, he'd almost certainly start on one side, with Darrin Walls or converted safety Antonio Allen on the other. Walls is more experienced at the position, but the Jets really like Allen's instincts and aggressiveness, so it wouldn't be a shock if it's an Allen-Milliner tandem, with Kyle Wilson in the slot.

The potential problem with Milliner is that he missed most of training camp, raising the possibility of rust and conditioning issues. Some players are plug-and-play; Milliner is the kind of player who needs reps.

"I have to get back to normal and get back in a rhythm," Milliner said.

The Jets expected to open the season with Milliner and Dimitri Patterson as their starting corners, but stuff happened. Patterson got hurt, missed time, went AWOL and was released. Rookie Dexter McDougle, whom they expected to contribute, suffered a season-ending knee injury on the same day Milliner his ankle. Out of desperation, they switched Allen to cornerback.

They caught a break in Week 1, facing an inferior opponent that allowed The Replacements to get comfortable and gain some confidence. The Packers (0-1), with Rodgers and their up-tempo offense, could have a Lambeau Field day against them.

"I think, overall, it's a good group that's just going to keep on getting better," Rodgers said of the Jets' secondary. "They get a lot from their pass rush and front seven, and the different types of schemes they come up with. And it seems like the back end is tied to the pressure package they run, and they understand timing of the route concepts and when the ball is going to come out."

As Richardson said, "[Rodgers] is a great quarterback, but no one likes pressure."

Ryan is a defensive mastermind, and a highly competitive individual, so you have to figure he's geeked up to be confronted with the kind of challenge.

Or maybe not.

"I'd rather face some bad team, if I had my druthers," he said.

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Could Jets unleash 'jet sweep' vs. Pack? (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York September 10, 2014

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/42913/could-jets-unleash-jet-sweep-vs-pack

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets started copying the Seattle Seahawks' model from the moment former Seahawks executive John Idzik was hired as the general manager 20 months ago. We're talking about everything from team-building philosophy to the daily "competition" mantra.

Could the Jets also steal from their playbook?

Don't be surprised if they use the "jet sweep" Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, who couldn't handle it last week in their season-opening loss to the Seahawks. In that game, wide receiver Percy Harvin rushed for 41 yards on four carries, scorching the edges of the Packers' defense. The jet sweep is an outside running play in which a wide receiver or running back motions across the formation and gets the ball from the quarterback. The Minnesota Vikings, too, have run the play, using Cordarrelle Patterson.

The NFL is a copy-cat league, and the Jets' coaches just spent a few days studying tapes of the Packers' struggles against the run, so you don't have to be a Bill Walsh disciple to figure out the Jets could unleash their version of the jet sweep -- although they wouldn't have to change the name, would they?

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"We've got some pretty good speed," Rex Ryan said. "Chris Johnson can run, there's no question about that. Mike Vick can run. We've got guys who can run.

"They kind of sprung that one on (the Packers) with Percy Harvin. He's an explosive guy. I don't know if it would be as explosive as it was with Percy Harvin. He's pretty special."

The Jets like to put Johnson in different places, so he'd definitely be a candidate to line up wide for a sweep.

"We've been working on those type of plays in camp," Johnson said. "We'll continue to look at film and get this game plan together. If that's something we feel we can be successful with, I'm sure it will be in the game plan."

In the opener, the Jets used Vick in the slot on two gadget plays near the goal line. One play resembled a jet sweep, with Johnson taking a direct snap and pitching to Vick on a sweep. Instead of running, Vick pulled up and threw an incomplete pass to Eric Decker. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg is a clever guy. He put that play on film, knowing he could run variations of the play in the future -- a setup, if you will.

A potential wild card is wide receiver Saalim Hakim, who probably is the fastest player on the team. Hakim said he ran a 4.22 40 at his pro day. He didn't play any snaps last week at wide receiver (he actually played two snaps at defensive back), but we know he's not afraid to carry the ball. After all, he's a kickoff returner.

"I'm available for all positions," he said. "I'll play anything and everything."

Asked about the jet sweep, he smiled.

"You're gonna have to wait and see," he said.

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METRO NEW YORK

Michael Vick: Ray Rice ‘deserves a second chance’ (Kristian Dyer) Metro New York September 10, 2014

http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/nfl/2014/09/10/michael-vick-ray-rice-deserves-second-chance/

Michael Vick wants former Ravens running back Ray Rice to know he has a friend in the Jets quarterback.

Rice is now out of the NFL after a surveillance video surfaced this week of him punching his wife in the elevator of a New Jersey casino. The incident, which happened earlier this year, was already investigated by the league and Rice was originally suspended two games by the NFL. But with the release of the latest disturbing video, the league suspended Rice indefinitely and the Ravens released him.

Vick, of course, was arrested and served prison time for his role in a dog fighting ring which included beating and killing dogs. Vick has since worked to rehab his image.

“I think everybody deserves a second chance. Everybody,” Vick said on Wednesday following practice. “Regardless of what has been done, depending on the magnitude of [it]. Obviously, in this situation I think he deserves a second chance. There’s going to be a grace period. I think we all just need to sit back and reflect on what’s been done. Ray has to figure out what’s best for him moving forward. I think the people in the proper decisions will make the right decision when the time comes from him.”

Vick noted Rice “has some issues he needs to work on,” but is hopeful the running back will return to the league at some point. Vick said he will call Rice and offer him council.

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“He still has a friend over here. Just because somebody makes a mistake, you just can’t abandon [him]. You can’t just can’t walk away from him, put a doormat on him,” Vick said. “You got to encourage him. But ultimately at the end of the day, Ray has to take care of Ray and his issues. You can’t help with that, you can only be there with him for a split second.”

There was a public outcry over what was popularly deemed as a slap on the wrist when Rice was suspended just two games initially. The league since formed a new policy on domestic violence, which included a six-game suspension for a first offense. The new suspension policy did not include Rice, the league said.

But after the latest video of Rice surfaced, the league then retroactively exceeded that standard with the indefinite suspension.

“I think they’re doing everything appropriate to make sure they make the right decision. Obviously, you’re not always going to get it right,” Vick said. “I think this was kind of a trial and error period where you have to go through it to figure out what the proper solution for it should be– now and going forward. I think this is a situation where you have to let the process play out. At the end of the day, everybody did the right thing.”

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Dee Milliner returns to practice, hopes to play Sunday (Kristian Dyer) Metro New York September 10, 2014

http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/nfl/2014/09/10/dee-milliner-returns-practice-hopes-play-sunday/

Dee Milliner is back, and the timing couldn’t be better against a Green Bay offense among the best in the league.

After some initial time stretching and warming up while the special teams unit practiced, Milliner did some limited drills with the secondary on Wednesday. It was a promising development as the second-year cornerback hasn’t played since the first preseason game with a high ankle sprain.

The passing defense on Sunday limited Raiders quarterback Derek Carr to 151 yards in his NFL debut with cornerbacks Darrin Walls and Antonio Allen performing well. But the task will be steeper against Aaron Rodgers, one of the best quarterbacks in the league, in Week 2.

Head coach Rex Ryan said he’s “cautiously optimistic” Milliner will be ready to play against the Packers. Milliner was listed as limited and Ryan said he did “quite a bit” of work with the secondary in practice.

“Again, we’re now just scratching the surface. Let’s see how he comes back [Thursday] after he did work — first time he’s really worked football drills. Let’s see how he comes back,” Ryan said. “I don’t expect Dee to play 75 snaps on defense [against Green Bay]. We’ll see how he progresses. I’m cautiously optimistic he will go. [Thursday] will be a big day for us.”

Milliner also used the word “optimistic” to describe his outlook for Sunday.

“It’s not rust. You just have to get back into it,” Milliner said. “Get back in a rhythm of things, like you said, I haven’t been out there in a while, I have to get back to normal and get back in a rhythm.”

Right guard Willie Colon (calf) was limited in practice Wednesday. Safety Josh Bush (quad) and tight end Jeff Cumberland (personal reasons) were among the more prominent names who did not practice.

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NJ.COM

Michael Vick on Ray Rice: 'He has a friend over here' (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com September 10, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/09/michael_vick_on_ray_rice_he_has_a_friend_over_here.html

FLORHAM PARK -- One day after saying he didn't know what he would tell Ray Rice, Jets quarterback Michael Vick said he planned to reach out to Rice, the former Ravens and Rutgers running back who's been exiled from polite society after video surfaced of him slugging the woman to whom he's now married.

“I’ll definitely reach out to Ray," Vick told reporters at Jets HQ on Wednesday. "He still has a friend over here. Because somebody made a mistake, you just can’t abandon him. You can’t just walk from him or go dormant on him. You’ve got to encourage him."

Tuesday, in an interview with WFAN's Mike Francesa, Vick had said the situation surrounding Rice was "just so out of control," but that pro athletes have to be aware that every one of their actions has consequences.

"Somebody told me you can go 23 hours in a day and do the right thing, and [in] the last hour screw up, and that’s all people are going to remember," Vick told Francesa.

Vick once lost two years during the prime of his career after pleading guilty to charges related to dogfighting. But a major difference between Vick's case and Rice's—aside from the nature of their transgressions, obviously—is that Vick faced punishment from the law. Legally, Rice was given a slap on the wrist, never mind that his actions—striking and knocking Janay Palmer Rice unconscious in the elevator of an Atlantic City casino—were known long before video of the actual assault went public this week. Which is when the NFL finally decided, you know what, this might be something we ought to take seriously.

Vick, who re-joined the NFL in 2009 after his stint in federal prison, admitted Wednesday he used to think he'd never get that chance.

“I doubted it. I didn’t know. You’ve got the whole world coming at you and everybody looking at you like you’re the worst person in the world," Vick said. "Obviously there’s going to be some doubt there. You’ve just got to keep the faith, lean on the people who have always been there for you, and the people who are there to help you. I think that will get you through.”

By and large, the public able to forgive Vick because he paid his debt to society. That won't be true for Rice. In an interview last month with NJ.com, Vick said Rice would have to "make amends" for what he's done, that he'd have "to show people that you’re trying to help yourself and bring awareness to that situation to help others, to prevent it. You’ve got to become an advocate.”

Wednesday, Vick said he thinks Rice deserves a chance to return to the NFL at some point.

“I don’t know. I hope so. I think there’s some things that he has to work on, some issues that he has to deal with," Vick said. "I’m pretty sure that the right protocol is going to be taken before he’s reinstated.

“Obviously, I think everybody deserves a second chance—everybody, regardless of what has been done, and depending on the magnitude of the crime. I can say that. But there’s going to be a grace period. We all just have to sit back and reflect on what’s been done. Ray has to figure out what’s best for him moving

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forward. I think the people in the proper positions are going to make the right decision when that time comes for him."

Asked to explain what he meant by a "grace period" for Rice, Vick said, "It’s very important. It’s time to reflect. It’s time to think about everything, and try to make sure that if another opportunity is presented that you get it right, and throughout that period you’ve just got to pray, and hope that everybody makes the right decision that’s in your favor."

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WEDNESDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

Associated Press September 10, 2014

http://www.chron.com/sports/article/Wednesday-s-Sports-Transactions-5746373.php FOOTBALL National Football League ARIZONA CARDINALS — Re-signed LB Marcus Benard. CINCINNATI BENGALS — Signed DT Devon Still from the practice squad. Signed CB Onterio McCalebb and TE Ryan Otten to the practice squad. Placed TE Tyler Eifert on the injured reserve/return list. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Placed CB Mike Jenkins on injured reserve. Waived DE Scott Solomon. Claimed DE Jacquies Smith off waivers from Buffalo. Signed CB Crezdon Butler. Canadian Football League WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS — Signed DL Ameet Pall and DB Shea Pierre. HOCKEY National Hockey League NHL PLAYERS' ASSOCIATION — Free agent F Saku Koivu announced his retirement. SOCCER Major League Soccer MLS Atlanta Named Darren Eales president. National Women's Soccer League SKY BLUE FC — Announced D Caitlin Foord signed with Perth Glory (Australia W-League) COLLEGE BROWN — Named Sean Kirwan and Gill Conners men's assistant lacrosse coaches. CHOWAN — Named Tamoria Holmes women's assistant basketball coach. FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON — Named Pete Lappas director of men's basketball operations. FARMINGDALE — Named Sean Chamberlain men's lacrosse coach. MINNESOTA ST. (MANKATO) — Named Brent Pollari women's assistant basketball coach.

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