NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

December 24, 2015

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Table of Contents

ASSOCIATED PRESS ................................................................................................................................................ 1

Jets' Pace on Brady's terrific career: 'Blame Mo Lewis' (Dennis Waszak) ................................................................. 1

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

Mo Lewis’ ’01 hit on Drew Bledsoe gave Tom Brady his chance (Kimberley A. Martin) ........................................... 3

Bill Belichick praises Jets nose tackle Damon Harrison (Kimberley A. Martin) ......................................................... 4

THE RECORD .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

Jets notes: Belichick likes Jets' Harrison (J.P. Pelzman) ............................................................................................. 5

Jets' Pace takes aim at Patriots' Brady (J.P. Pelzman) ............................................................................................... 5

NEW YORK TIMES .................................................................................................................................................. 7

Handful of Plays May Keep Playoffs Out of Jets’ Grasp (William C. Rhoden) ............................................................ 7

ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................... 8

Jets LB Calvin Pace hopes Tom Brady plays for many years ... in the NFC (Rich Cimini) ........................................... 8

Chance for redemption comes Sunday for Jets WR Brandon Marshall (Rich Cimini) ............................................... 9

Here come the Patriots, looking to crush the Jets' playoff dreams (Rich Cimini) ................................................... 10

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

Jets bracing for strategy shift from Tom Brady, Patriots (Steve Serby) .................................................................. 11

Jets honoring the player who ushered in the Tom Brady era (Brian Costello) ........................................................ 13

Why Jets believe Todd Bowles can match wits with Bill Belichick (Brian Costello) ................................................. 14

NJ ADVANCE MEDIA ............................................................................................................................................ 15

How Jets' Eric Decker can repeat his success against New England Patriots' Malcolm Butler (Darryl Slater) ........ 15

Sounds like Jets' David Harris will play vs. New England Patriots, barring setback (Darryl Slater) ......................... 16

Jets' Calvin Pace says 'blame Mo Lewis' for Tom Brady's legendary New England Patriots career (Darryl Slater) . 16

Jets' Calvin Pace on gay slurs aimed at Giants' Odell Beckham Jr.: 'You've got to find a way to get past that' (Darryl Slater) .......................................................................................................................................................... 17

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 18

Damon Harrison not sure about future with Jets (Seth Walder) ............................................................................ 18

Jets' Calvin Pace: 'Blame Mo Lewis' for Tom Brady's success (Seth Walder) .......................................................... 19

WEDNESDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS............................................................................................................... 20

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jets' Pace on Brady's terrific career: 'Blame Mo Lewis' (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press December 23, 2015

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http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/jets-pace-bradys-terrific-career-blame-mo-lewis

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Calvin Pace has seen a lot of Tom Brady over the years.

Too much, as far as the New York Jets linebacker is concerned. And, way too many losses to the New England Patriots quarterback.

"Blame Shaun Ellis," Pace joked on Wednesday. "If Shaun didn't get that hit on the sideline, they might have somebody else at quarterback. But things happen like that sometimes."

Actually, it was Mo Lewis who slammed into Drew Bledsoe's chest during a game in 2001 and injured the Patriots quarterback. In came Brady — and the rest is NFL history.

"Was that Mo Lewis?" Pace said when corrected by a reporter. "I'm sorry. Yeah, Mo Lewis.

"So, blame Mo Lewis."

Lewis actually will be in attendance Sunday at MetLife Stadium when the Jets and Patriots square off.

The former Jets linebacker, who hasn't been in the public eye much since his retirement after the 2003 season, will serve as the team's "pilot of the game" — and maybe have a chance to reverse all that bad karma when he goes to midfield for the pregame coin toss as the honorary captain.

Brady is 22-6 against the Jets, including 1-1 in the playoffs, as a starter with 42 touchdown passes and just 13 interceptions. The Patriots have also won nine of the past 10 matchups.

There's plenty at stake in this one, with the Patriots (12-2) looking to secure home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs and the Jets (9-5) trying to keep place in the postseason hunt.

"It's a big game because it's the next game," Pace said. "You want to be playing significant games in December. We've done a good job of putting ourselves in position to do that. Now, it's just about capitalizing."

In the past, Jets-Patriots included lots of hype through the week, especially during the six seasons Rex Ryan was coach. This year under the low-key Todd Bowles, hardly a peep for New England to use as bulletin-board material.

"There's not a lot of talking like there has been in previous years," Pace said. "It's just: Go out and handle your business like you're supposed to."

Brady has made a career of that with the Patriots, leading them to four Super Bowl titles. New England has also won the AFC East 12 times since Brady became the full-time starter in 2002, including each of the past seven seasons.

The Patriots quarterback isn't slowing down, either, even at age 38. Brady is having one of his best statistical seasons while passing for 4,405 yards with 35 touchdowns and just six interceptions and a 103.8 quarterback rating. That has Pace thinking Brady will keep playing for a while longer.

"Probably another 10 years, to be honest," Pace said. "I don't see that guy retiring any time soon, and he shouldn't. He's done a great job for a long time."

With Christmas coming, Pace had one suggestion for the wish list of all Jets fans.

"Hopefully, he gets traded at some point in time," he joked. "Trade him to the NFC somewhere. He's done it well and done it at a high level for a long time."

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Under Ryan, the Jets were 4-10 against Brady and the Patriots, including a playoff win at New England during the 2010 season. New York is 1-4 during the past five meetings, but each of those games was decided by seven points or fewer.

"The thing about playing them is, I think they bring the best out of us," Pace said. "You've got to be on point when you play them. If not, it's going to be a lopsided score."

The Jets held a fourth-quarter lead in October when the teams played the first time this season. But Brady led a late go-ahead drive and New York blew some late opportunities to get the tying score before falling 30-23.

A slump followed with the Jets dropping three of their next four games. But they've bounced back in a big way with their first four-game winning streak since 2010.

"I'd love to be up by 20 in the fourth quarter," Pace said. "But if that's not the case, it's probably going to come down to No. 12 (Brady). It starts with him. Just find a way to get back there and get some sacks, find a way to get some turnovers. If nothing else, just get a hand in his face and hits on him. I think those things add up.

"It's going to be a tall task, but one I think that we're up for the challenge."

NOTES: Backup QB Geno Smith (illness) and CB Dee Milliner (hamstring) didn't practice. Pace (abdomen), LB David Harris (back), WR Quincy Enunwa (neck) and TE Kellen Davis (back) were limited. ... Bowles on whether New England is the envy of the AFC East: "I think that's a fan question. I'm trying to get our own team off the ground, so I don't worry about the envy or anything else like that."

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NEWSDAY

Mo Lewis’ ’01 hit on Drew Bledsoe gave Tom Brady his chance (Kimberley A. Martin) Newsday December 23, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/mo-lewis-01-hit-on-drew-bledsoe-gave-tom-brady-his-chance-1.11260444

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The Jets have only themselves to blame. More specifically, Mo Lewis.

Had it not been for the former linebacker’s bone-rattling hit on Drew Bledsoe back in 2001, the Patriots never would have had to appoint a sixth-round draft pick as their starting quarterback. Which is how Tom Brady’s future Hall of Fame career and reign over the AFC East began.

“Blame Shaun Ellis,” Calvin Pace joked Wednesday, mistakenly attributing Lewis’ hit to his former teammate Ellis, the defensive end who was chasing Bledsoe out of bounds right before Lewis delivered the big blow. “If Shaun didn’t get that hit on the sideline, they might have somebody else at quarterback. But things happen like that sometimes.”

Reminded that it was Lewis who delivered the hit on Bledsoe on Sept. 23, 2001 — a pounding so severe it caused internal bleeding — Pace corrected himself. “I’m sorry. Yeah, Mo Lewis,” he said. “So blame Mo Lewis.”

Coincidentally, Lewis, a three-time Pro Bowler who played his entire career with the Jets (1991-2003), will be their “Pilot of the Game” Sunday, when they host the Patriots (12-2) in a matchup with playoff implications for the Jets (9-5).

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Lewis will serve as an honorary captain and be on hand for the coin toss. Although Brady typically doesn’t go out for the toss, he should be plenty happy to see Lewis. His hit on Bledsoe was a watershed moment for both franchises — one that uncovered a hidden gem on the Patriots’ sideline and ushered in a new age in New England’s dominance of the Jets. The braintrust of coach Bill Belichick and Brady is a big reason why.

“They’ve got their system and they just plug in the next guy and they keep rolling,” Jets defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers said of the Pats’ ability to thrive despite injuries at key positions. “They’ve got a lot of people in and out, but they haven’t changed. They do what they do.’’

With Brady, the Patriots have been AFC champions six times and won four Super Bowls. Even at 38, he hasn’t lost a step. Jets coach Todd Bowles said he doesn’t see a difference in Brady from his rookie season to now.

“They both look the same,” Bowles said, smiling. “They both play the same. He was a great player when he came in. He worked his way into the starting role. He’s had a hell of a career — a storybook.”

Even so, the Jets are confident in their ability to get after Brady and defeat the Patriots in order to improve their wild-card hopes. Still, they know Brady may haunt them for years to come.

“Probably another 10 years, to be honest,” Pace, 35, said when asked how much longer he envisions Brady playing. “I don’t see that guy retiring anytime soon. And he shouldn’t. He’s done a great job for a long time.

“Hopefully, he gets traded at some point in time. Trade him to the NFC somewhere.”

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Bill Belichick praises Jets nose tackle Damon Harrison (Kimberley A. Martin) Newsday December 23, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/bill-belichick-praises-jets-nose-tackle-damon-harrison-1.11260344

FLORHAM PARK. N.J. — Damon Harrison may not be as well-known as his defensive linemates, but Patriots coach Bill Belichick had plenty of praise for the 27-year-old nose tackle.

Harrison, who goes by the nickname “Snacks,” was the only Jets’ defense player Belichick singled out during his conference call with beat writers on Wednesday.

“I think Harrison has had a great year, really hard to block, very disruptive,” he said when asked about the Jets’ defensive line.

And Belichick’s praise of Harrison — who is seeking a big payday after signing his restricted free-agency tender offer ($2.356 million) for 2015 — continued in his news conference with Patriots writers.

“He might be the best of all of them against the run,” he said of Harrison, who has 62 tackles and a half-sack. “He’s got great leverage, reads blocks well, hard to block, penetrates. He’s not just a stay on the line of scrimmage guy. He makes plays in the backfield or knocks the blockers back into the backfield so the runner has to either give ground or cut back into unblocked guys and then they clean them up . . . .I’m not saying they’re not good players, but he’s not only disruptive but he’s also been very productive. He’s a major force.”

Jet stream

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LBs David Harris (back) and Calvin Pace (abdomen) were limited, along with TE Kellen Davis (back) and WR Quincy Enunwa (sore neck). CB Dee Milliner (hamstring) and QB Geno Smith (illness) did not practice . . . Patriots TE Rob Gronkowksi (not injury related) did not practice, while WRs Danny Amendola (knee), Julian Edelman (foot) and Brandon LaFell (foot) were among those who were limited . . . Asked if he’s considering resting some of his players with a first-round bye already clinched, Belichick said: “We’re getting everybody ready to play.”

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THE RECORD

Jets notes: Belichick likes Jets' Harrison (J.P. Pelzman) The Record December 24, 2015

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/belichick-likes-jets-harrison-1.1479743

FLORHAM PARK — Like most coaches, New England’s Bill Belichick doesn’t mind giving praise to the team he’s about to play, but he doesn’t always mention people by name. When he spoke to Jets’ reporters on a conference call Wednesday, he only mentioned by name one member of the Jets’ stout front seven on defense.

Nose tackle Damon Harrison was the player he cited.

"[They’re] very disruptive up front," Belichick said. "I think Harrison has had a great year. [He’s] really hard to block, very disruptive. Their front line is good and their linebackers are good. Their secondary is good. They turn the ball over a lot. They’re a hard team to run against. They’re a hard team to throw against.

"Really they do everything well," Belichick continued, calling them "one of the best defenses in the league. Good in the red area — very good in the red area on both sides of the ball, but especially on defense. It’s a really good football team. They’re well coached, got a lot of good players, they play well and they’re consistent. They make it hard on you."

HARRIS LIMITED: Linebacker David Harris, who missed most of the victory over Dallas because of a lower back contusion, practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. Still, coach Todd Bowles wasn’t quite ready to pencil him in for Sunday’s game against the Patriots.

"If he does a little more [today]," Bowles said, "I’ll be more optimistic."

Also limited in practice were right end Kellen Davis (back) and wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (neck), although Bowles indicated he wasn’t concerned about Enunwa’s availability for Sunday.

Backup quarterback Geno Smith (illness) didn’t practice. For New England, wideout Danny Amendola (knee), linebacker Dont’a Hightower (knee) and safety Patrick Chung (hip) practiced on a limited basis. All three were injured Sunday against Tennessee.

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Jets' Pace takes aim at Patriots' Brady (J.P. Pelzman) The Record December 24, 2015

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/veteran-battle-is-looming-1.1479735

FLORHAM PARK – Calvin Pace, in his 13th season in the NFL, is the unquestioned elder statesman of the Jets.

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But that doesn’t mean he’s a great history professor.

Pace was asked Wednesday, as he has been many times during the course of his Jets’ career, about how difficult it is to slow down all-time great quarterback Tom Brady.

"Blame Shaun Ellis," quipped Pace, who is in his eighth year with the Jets. "If Shaun didn’t get that hit on the sideline, they might have somebody else at quarterback. But things happen like that sometimes."

But Pace was wrong. The violent but perfectly legal hit that knocked Brady’s predecessor, Drew Bledsoe, out of a game in 2001 wasn’t delivered by Pace’s former teammate Ellis. Actually, it was inflicted by another former Jets great, linebacker Mo Lewis.

"Was that Mo Lewis?" Pace said when a media member corrected him. "I’m sorry. Yeah, Mo Lewis.

"So, blame Mo Lewis."

Lewis’ hit injured Bledsoe during a Jets’ victory over the Patriots in Week 2 of the 2001 season, paving the way for an unknown 2000 sixth-round draft choice from Michigan to take over the reins of the Patriots’ offense.

Other than an injury that caused him to miss 15 games during the 2008 season, Brady hasn’t relinquished that position since, even beating the NFL in federal court earlier this year. That overturned a four-game suspension and kept Brady on the field.

He shows no signs of slowing down at age 38, having compiled 35 touchdown passes and six interceptions this season despite a revolving door of skill-position helpers because of numerous injuries.

Brady said two months ago on a conference call with Jets’ reporters that he hopes to play for another 10 years. And he made it clear he was not joking.

Pace could see that happening.

When asked how long Brady might continue to play, Pace replied, "Probably another 10 years, to be honest. I don’t see that guy retiring any time soon, and he shouldn’t. He’s done a great job for a long time. … Hopefully he gets traded at some point and time. Trade him to the NFC somewhere."

The 35-year-old Pace doesn’t seem ready for retirement either, saying the game is still fun for him.

He also is buoyed by the fact the Jets still are in the AFC wild-card hunt, even though they don’t control their own destiny.

"It’s a big game because it’s the next game," Pace said of Sunday’s game against the Jets’ longtime division rivals. "You want to be playing significant games in December. We’ve done a good job of putting ourselves in position to do that. Now, it’s just about capitalizing.

"The thing about playing them is, I think they bring the best out of us," Pace added. "You’ve got to be on point when you play them. If not, it’s going to be a lopsided score."

Actually, the Patriots haven’t had many lopsided scores against the Jets recently, even though they have won eight of nine games in the series since the Jets upset them in the playoffs in January 2011. The last five meetings have been decided by seven points or fewer. The Patriots overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to win 30-23, on Oct. 25 in Foxboro, Mass.

"I’d love to be up by 20 in the fourth quarter," Pace said. "But if that’s not the case, it’s probably going to come down to No. 12. It starts with him. Just find a way to get back there and get some sacks, find a way to get some turnovers. If nothing else, just get a hand in his face and hits on him. I think those things add up.

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"It’s going to be a tall task, but one I think that we’re up for the challenge."

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NEW YORK TIMES

Handful of Plays May Keep Playoffs Out of Jets’ Grasp (William C. Rhoden) The New York Times December 23, 2015

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/24/sports/football/plays-that-got-away-could-end-up-haunting-the-jets.html?ref=football&_r=0

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Brandon Marshall has never been to the N.F.L. playoffs, and he may not go this season even if the Jets win their final two games. But Marshall, perhaps more than any Jet, understands the fine line that separates success and failure in the league — and what it feels like to be on the wrong side of it.

With two games left in the regular season, the Jets need substantial help to reach the playoffs. At a minimum, they need wins in those last two games, starting with Sunday’s against the New England Patriots.

For Marshall, that makes the game the most important one of his career.

“Yes, absolutely,” he said. “Because it’s the next one.”

What amazes many young players who enter the N.F.L. is not so much the accelerated speed of the game but the virtually nonexistent margin for error.

“If you look at most games, you’re talking about the difference in a game is about two plays,” Jets linebacker Demario Davis told me earlier in the season.

That’s a couple of dozen plays a season. A tackle made. Or missed. A yard gained, or allowed. A fumble. A catch. A drop. Those vital few plays added together — none of them necessarily judged as season-defining moments at the time — are usually the difference, Davis said, between first place and last.

How can my team make the N.F.L. playoffs? It’s a simple question, but answering it can be devilishly complicated. This interactive simulator walks you through the scenarios.

For Marshall, another matchup with the Patriots has him thinking about one play in particular. The Jets’ 30-23 loss at New England in October seems like a lifetime ago but tucked inside it is a moment that still haunts him.

The Jets led by 17-16 early in the fourth quarter and had driven to the Patriots’ 12-yard line. On a third-and-7 with just under 13 minutes to play, Marshall dropped a tough but — for someone of his stature — catchable back-shoulder pass in the end zone that would have padded the Jets’ slim lead. Instead, they settled for a field goal.

The Patriots, granted a reprieve, scored touchdowns on their next two drives and won the game. Marshall berated himself on Twitter — saying he should be “walking back to New York” after the way he had played — but said the missed opportunity would be “my fuel to get better.”

That certainly seems to have been the case. Marshall hasn’t dropped much this season and on Saturday pushed his receiving total beyond 1,200 yards. This week, he was named to the Pro Bowl for the sixth time in 10 seasons. But he is still looking for his first postseason experience.

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If he and the Jets don’t get there, they can look at the handful of plays or coaching decisions that will have kept them out.

Their first loss of the season came in Week 3, at home against Philadelphia, as Ryan Fitzpatrick threw three interceptions and the Eagles’ Darren Sproles returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown.

The loss to New England a month later included not only Marshall’s pivotal drop but also questionable clock management by the Jets’ first-year coach, Todd Bowles, late in the game, which ended when Marshall was called for a false start.

A bad loss at Oakland a week later was distinguished by a gaggle of blunders, and a damaging home loss to Buffalo will be remembered for Bowles’s decision to go for it on a fourth-and-short in the closing minutes rather than kick a field goal. He then compounded the error by directing a potential winning pass toward Kellen Davis, not Marshall.

The Jets are closing strong — they have won four straight since Thanksgiving — but it may be too late. In a division that has been dominated by New England, five losses, largely determined by a dozen or so bad plays, are more than enough to wreck yet another Jets season.

After the October loss to New England, Bowles brushed off any long-term implications by saying, “It’s one game; we’re 4-2.” After the loss to Buffalo dropped them to 5-4, Bowles was asked about the playoff implications and whether another unnecessary loss would finish the team’s playoff chances. “We’re not even thinking playoffs right now,” he said at the time. “It’s a long season. We’re 5-4. We’re in the middle of the pack with everybody else.”

The Jets followed that up with a loss to Houston that dropped their record to .500.

Only then did Bowles address the culture of losing that was suffocating a promising season. How does a franchise that has gone without a title for more than 40 years, one that has missed the playoffs the last four seasons, end the cycle?

“The way we finish ballgames is to execute and play situational football,” Bowles said. “I think once it gets down to the end of the ballgame, there’s a bust here or a bust there that we have to get better at. And that comes with mental toughness, and that’s something that has to be ingrained every year, whether it’s a new coach or rather it’s the same coach.”

The most consistent N.F.L. franchises live in the moment as they plan for the future. But perhaps because of the volatile, highly emotional nature of the game and the short season, in which every game counts, football players and coaches can become so preoccupied by the here and now that many cannot appreciate that what they do in each moment can have a deleterious impact on their teams, their careers and even the course of their franchises. Yesterday and tomorrow are inextricably linked, one moment at a time.

The next ones will come Sunday and, if the Jets can win then, at Buffalo on Jan. 3. But because of missteps they made in the fall, the Jets may need a winter miracle to break their playoff drought.

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ESPN NEW YORK

Jets LB Calvin Pace hopes Tom Brady plays for many years ... in the NFC (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York December 23, 2015

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http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/57354/jets-lb-calvin-pace-hopes-tom-brady-plays-for-many-years-in-the-nfc

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Calvin Pace said he wouldn't be surprised if New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, 38, plays another 10 years. He just wishes it weren't in the AFC East.

"I don't see that guy retiring anytime soon," the New York Jets linebacker said Wednesday. "He shouldn't. He's done a great job for a long time.

"Hopefully, he gets traded at some point in time," Pace added, half-jokingly. "Trade him to the NFC somewhere."

The Jets would throw a big party if that happened.

Pace, 35, the oldest player on the team, has been playing for the Jets since 2008, which means he's had many Brady confrontations. His record against Brady is 4-10. They've had some good games against him and some bad ones. Either way, the Patriots usually figure out a way to win.

Pace expects a close game on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

"It's probably going to come down to No. 12," he said of Brady. "It starts with him. We just have to find a way to affect him, get sacks, find a way to get some turnovers. If nothing else, just get a hand in his face and get some hits on him. It's going to be a tall task, but I think we're up for the challenge."

If it weren't for Brady, the Jets almost certainly would have won some division titles over the last 15 years. Pace joked, "Blame Shaun Ellis." Actually, he meant Mo Lewis, who unwittingly gave Brady his start by knocking Drew Bledsoe out of the lineup with a vicious hit on Sept. 23, 2001.

Pace corrected himself, adding that if Lewis "didn't make that hit on the sideline, there might be somebody else at quarterback."

Curiously, the Jets invited Lewis to serve as the honorary game captain on Sunday. He had a terrific career for the Jets, certainly worthy of being recognized in this manner, but why do it for a game against the Patriots? Obviously, Lewis had no idea his hit would change the course of history, but it always will be remembered as a symbolic turning point, the beginning of 15 years of Brady domination -- and torment for the Jets.

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Chance for redemption comes Sunday for Jets WR Brandon Marshall (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York December 23, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/57344/chance-for-redemption-comes-sunday-for-jets-wr-brandon-marshall

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- One of the lasting images from Week 7, New York Jets at New England Patriots, came from the Jets' locker room after the game. Brandon Marshall sat on his locker stool for what seemed like 20 minutes, staring into space as teammates dressed around him. He was so upset with his performance that he took to Twitter to tell his followers he deserved to be walking back to New Jersey.

Marshall played perhaps his worst game of the season, dropping two passes (including one in the end zone) and finishing with only four catches for 67 yards. He also was called for a game-ending penalty as the Jets attempted a desperation comeback in the final seconds. They lost, 30-23.

It's redemption time for Marshall.

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The rematch is Sunday at MetLife Stadium, a game that "is everything for us," according to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Jets (9-5) need a win to maintain a realistic hope of making the playoffs. What they need is a vintage performance by Marshall, who insisted he's not dwelling on The Drop, which would have given them an eight-point lead early in the fourth quarter.

"It's part of the game, man," said Marshall, who has a total of seven drops, according to ESPN Stats & Information. "It's unfortunate that it's a play that probably would've put us in position to win. But it happens. You get targeted 180 times and you drop 10 balls. I know that's probably high for some of you guys, but I'm OK with that. As long as I'm shooting a high percentage and putting our team in a good position, I'm fine with that."

For Marshall, the October matchup stood out for another reason: It marked the first time he was neutralized by an opponent. Patriots coach Bill Belichick has a reputation for game planning to stop the opponent's No. 1 weapon, and he was successful against the Jets.

Was it an exotic plan to stop Marshall? Not really. The Patriots covered him with No. 2 cornerback Logan Ryan, who received safety help over the top. That allowed them to put No. 1 cornerback Malcolm Butler on Eric Decker in single coverage. It was a very Belichick-ian strategy.

It frustrated the Jets, who looked at times as if they were playing with one-hand tied behind their back.

"It worked for them last time, so we have to look at what they’re trying to do and try to have the counter to that," Jets coach Todd Bowles said, alluding to the double-teaming of Marshall. "You never know what they’re going to come out with. They come out with different game plans all of the time."

Obviously, the Jets have to do a better job of getting the ball into Marshall's hands -- he has a team-high 93 receptions -- but there is a fine line. They don't want to force it.

"There are times when they’re going to have multiple guys on him and it’s going to be hard to throw to him," Fitzpatrick said. "He’s a guy we always want to get the ball to, but we’ve also just got to make sure that we kind of pick and choose the right time to do it. But he’s always going to be a big part of our offense."

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Here come the Patriots, looking to crush the Jets' playoff dreams (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York December 22, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/57289/here-come-the-patriots-looking-to-crush-the-jets-playoff-dreams

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Ten things to know about the New England Patriots (12-2), who visit MetLife Stadium on Sunday to face the New York Jets (9-5):

1. Another year, another 12 wins. The Patriots reached the dozen mark for the sixth consecutive year, the second-longest streak since the 1970 merger. Love them or hate them, you have to respect their success. The defending Super Bowl champions already have clinched a first-round bye, but they need another win to lock up the No. 1 seed. That will be their motivation to beat the Jets -- that, and their utter disdain for them.

2. Injuries will be a major theme throughout the week, as the Patriots lost two key players last week to knee injuries -- wide receiver Danny Amendola and linebacker Dont'a Hightower. No doubt, the always-transparent Bill Belichick will provide updates. They're also banged up at running back. They plucked the once-great Steven Jackson, 32, off the scrap heap to replace power back LeGarrette Blount, who joined

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Dion Lewis on injured reserve. No matter; Tom Brady can throw it every down if he has to. In the first meeting against the Jets, he passed on 57 of 66 plays.

3. Brady is one of the leading candidates for league MVP. So what else is new? He leads the NFL in passing yards (4,405) and touchdown passes (35), and he's fourth in passer rating (103.8). He was at his best in the fourth quarter of the Week 7 victory over the Jets -- 14-for-17, 150 yards and two touchdowns. Jets linebacker Calvin Pace refers to Brady as the "G.O.A.T."

4. Tight end Rob Gronkowski returned to an every-down role in New England's Week 15 victory over the Tennessee Titans, which means he's over his knee injury -- bad news for the Jets. In the previous meeting, he ravaged them for 11 catches, 108 yards and a touchdown; you might recall the Jets forgetting to cover him on the winning score. One negative on Gronk: He has committed a team-high 10 penalties (plus two declined), including six offensive pass-interference calls.

5. Without the injured Julian Edelman, the Patriots have a pedestrian receiving corps, particularly if Amendola is out, too. The main WR targets in Week 15 were Keshawn Martin and Brandon LaFell, who has five drops in only 69 targets. The recently acquired Leonard Hankerson was pressed into action. New England keep signing guys off the street and plugging them in. In fact, the Patriots have used 70 players on their roster, a league high.

6. Remember in the offseason, when people were ripping Belichick for letting his two starting corners, Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, walk out the door? Belichick is no dummy; he knew what he was doing. As great as Revis is, the Patriots are managing without him. With Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan at corner, they're ranked eighth in pass defense, five spots higher than the Jets, who have Revis.

7. The Patriots have developed a nice, three-man rotation at defensive end, with Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard. Jones recorded two sacks last week, giving him a career-high 12.5. You might recall the Jets passed on Jones to pick Quinton Coples in the 2012 first round, which didn't work out too well. The Patriots have recorded a sack in a league-high 26 consecutive games, setting up a terrific matchup against the Jets' offensive line. The Jets have allowed only 20 sacks, second-lowest in the league.

8. What's this, a problem area for the Patriots? Much like the Jets, they've experienced a few hiccups on special teams. Theirs comes in the form of the yips; they've muffed a punt in four straight games.

9. Is there a "kryptonite" that can dismantle the Patriots? Maybe. They've blown two leads of at least 14 points. Only one other team has done that in the past 10 years -- the '09 Patriots.

10. If you're not scoring at home, the Patriots have won eight of the past nine meetings, dating to 2011.

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NEW YORK POST

Jets bracing for strategy shift from Tom Brady, Patriots (Steve Serby) New York Post December 24, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/12/24/jets-bracing-for-strategy-shift-from-tom-brady-patriots/

This is a different Jets team than the one that fought the Patriots to the bitter end two months ago.

“A lot better,” Calvin Pace said. “The chemistry is better, the communication’s better. And obviously we’re riding a four-game win streak, so the confidence is there.”

But this is still the same Tom Brady.

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“Hopefully, he gets traded at some point in time,” Pace cracked. “Trade him to the NFC somewhere. He’s done it well and done it at a high level for a long time.”

Ever since Mo Lewis knocked Drew Bledsoe out of New England early in the 2001 season. Brady, 38, has said he plans playing 10 more years, and when Pace is asked how long he expects the Jet-killer to play, he says: “Probably another 10 years, to be honest. I don’t see that guy retiring any time soon, and he shouldn’t.”

Jets fans want to believe if Mark Sanchez can beat Brady in a divisional playoff game in Foxborough, Mass., then Ryan Fitzpatrick can do it Sunday at MetLife Stadium with their playoff dreams on the line.

“If anything we can take from that previous game, just got to finish,” Pace said. “I thought we played 58 good minutes. The last two minutes of the game, I’m not gonna say you fall asleep or you fall in a lull or you’re tired.

“That’s the one guy you can’t fall asleep on.”

Shame on the Jets if they ever fall asleep on Brady. For the better part of 14 years, Brady has played Michael Jordan to their Patrick Ewing. Secretariat to their Sham.

Brady was 13-for-16 for 135 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter of the Patriots’ 30-23 victory over the Jets on a day his receivers dropped 11 balls and he still threw for 335 yards. On a day when he threw 54 times and was Bill Belichick’s leading rusher with 15 yards.

Pace said he expects Brady to hand off more than nine times this time, but you never know with these guys. Brady’s short passing game can also serve as his running game.

“I’d probably say definitely 40,” Pace said. “As long as they’re keeping the chains moving, I think it’s all the same to them.”

Nose tackle Damon Harrison is built to stuff the run rather than chase Brady.

“This time around, it being December, you will like to think that they will come in and try to run the ball,” Harrison said. He chuckled and added: “I can almost say they will run it more than six times.”

The defensive game plan against Brady always starts with pressure up the middle and getting him off his spot.

“I think it’s a little bit easier to do that these days, but it’s those couple of times you don’t get him off the spot where he kills you, you know?” Pace said.

Pace said he believes Brady is the straw that stirs the drink more than he ever had to stir it when he was younger.

“Man-for-man, I think they had a lot more talent,” Pace said. “They just had a lot bigger names than they have now. So I think he’s got a lot more on his plate now, where it’s a little bit The Tom Brady Show. I think he’s expected to put guys in the right place a little bit more. This is from the outside looking in, I could be totally just full of it right now but … you know, when I first got here, they just had a lot more weapons. I think it’s more on his shoulders now.”

Belichick was gushing over how the predators on the Jets defensive line complement each other.

“They just basically run over the guy in front of them,” Belichick said. “The guy that gets there first hits the quarterback and the other guys jump on the pile. They’re hard to block. They’re all good. They’re all productive. You can’t just gear it towards one guy. There are too many guys. They’re big, they’re physical, very strong.”

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Belichick singled out Harrison in particular.

“He might be the best of all of them against the run,” Belichick said. “He’s got great leverage, reads blocks well, hard to block, penetrates. He’s not just a stay-on-the-line-of-scrimmage guy. He makes plays in the backfield or knocks the blockers back into the backfield so the runner has to either give ground or cut back into unblocked guys and then they clean them up … he’s also been very productive. He’s a major force.”

Some Christmas cheer from Santachick. And here’s what Santachick doesn’t bother to remind you: Brady makes such quick decisions, gets the ball out so quickly, that unless you have Joe Klecko and Mark Gastineau coming off the edge — he can render any New York Snacks Exchange virtually moot. The Jets sacked him three times in Week 7 — all in the first half.

“He’s just sharp, man,” safety Marcus Gilchrist said. “He knows how to read coverages, read defenses, and he can put the ball wherever the ball needs to be.”

And whatever the ball might weigh.

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Jets honoring the player who ushered in the Tom Brady era (Brian Costello) New York Post December 24, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/12/24/jets-honoring-the-player-who-ushered-in-the-tom-brady-era/

Sunday is Fan Appreciation Day at MetLife Stadium, but the Jets have a funny way of showing appreciation for the fans.

The Jets have selected former linebacker Mo Lewis to be their “pilot of the game,” an honorary captain who does a few things on game day, including being at midfield for the coin toss. Lewis, of course, is the man who ushered in the Tom Brady era, and the misery that has come along with it when he hit Drew Bledsoe in 2001, injuring the Patriots quarterback, who was replaced by Brady.

Four Super Bowl titles later, Lewis has a huge place in Patriots history.

Lewis deserves recognition for his Jets career. He had 52.5 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries, 14 interceptions and 1,006 tackles between 1991-2003. This just feels like a strange game to bring him back for.

Is Brady going to give him a hug during pregame?

This will be Lewis’ first time at a Jets game since his retirement. Lewis had a lot of memorable moments in his career, but none as memorable as the one on Sept. 23, 2001 in Foxborough. Lewis drilled a scrambling Bledsoe along the sideline, shearing a blood vessel in Bledsoe’s chest. Brady came on and ended up leading the Patriots to their first Super Bowl title that season.

The Jets have won one division title since the hit.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick had a ton of praise for Jets nose tackle Damon Harrison. Belichick brought him up during a conference call with New York reporters Wednesday morning and then praised him again to the reporters in Massachusetts.

“I mean he might be the best of all of them against the run,” Belichick said. “He’s got great leverage, reads blocks well, hard to block, penetrates. He’s not just a stay on the line of scrimmage guy. He makes plays in the backfield or knocks the blockers back into the backfield so the runner has to either give ground or cut back into unblocked guys and then they clean them up. He’s had a lot of production — 60 tackles or whatever it is. He’s made a lot of plays for that position. You see some guys playing that position that

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don’t make many tackles. I’m not saying they’re not good players, but he’s not only disruptive but he’s also been very productive. He’s a major force.”

Harrison is scheduled to become a free agent in March. It sounds like he might have a suitor up north if the Jets let him walk.

LB David Harris (back) was able to practice on a limited basis. CB Dee Milliner (hamstring) and QB Geno Smith (illness) did not practice. TE Kellen Davis (back), WR Quincy Enunwa (neck) and LB Calvin Pace (abdomen) were all limited.

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Why Jets believe Todd Bowles can match wits with Bill Belichick (Brian Costello) New York Post December 23, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/12/23/why-jets-believe-todd-bowles-can-match-wits-with-bill-belichick/

In one corner, you have Bill “The Hoodie” Belichick with 223 career wins, four Super Bowl titles, six conference titles, about to take the Patriots to their seventh straight appearance in the playoffs and 12th in 13 years. In the other, you have Todd Bowles with 11 career wins and fighting for his first playoff appearance in his first full season.

It certainly looks like a coaching mismatch on paper in this week’s Jets-Patriots game, but the way Bowles’ players speak about him, you’d think he has a chance to be another Belichick. The Jets players universally praise Bowles and the job he has done this year.

“His leadership [stands out],” cornerback Buster Skrine said. “He never panics. He’s always just the same guy consistently every day. He’s just a great coach.”

Bowles is the fourth coach Skrine has had in his five-year career. Skrine came to the Jets from the Browns, who change coaches almost annually. He said Bowles commands instant respect in the locker room because Bowles played in the NFL. He spent eight years as an NFL defensive back, winning a Super Bowl with the Redskins.

“He understands and he’s been in certain situations before,” Skrine said. “Hearing it from a former player you’re like ‘yeah, he’s played the game’. He’s probably had losing seasons and then ended up winning. Just knowing that he’s been in every situation that we haven’t even been through yet, you’re more comfortable listening to his advice.”

Sunday’s game with the Patriots is the latest big test for Bowles. He needs to get past Belichick and the Patriots to keep the Jets’ playoff hopes alive. They can be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss and wins by the Steelers, Chiefs and Broncos.

So far this year, Bowles has handled every challenge that has come his way. He dealt with the training camp fight that sidelined quarterback Geno Smith deftly. He kept the Jets level-headed after early-season success, picked them up after a midseason stretch when they lost four of five and now has them positioned to possibly return to the playoffs for the first time in five years.

Bowles was asked what he admires about Belichick.

“Consistency,” Bowles said. “I don’t know if you admire it, but you notice it. You know he’s a damn good football coach and he coaches a damn good football team and you respect that. He’s been doing it for a long time. They’ve been consistent every year. They’ve won Super Bowls, they’ve won the division every year. He’s doing a hell of a job.”

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Rex Ryan, Bowles’ predecessor, made the Patriots into the Jets’ white whale. They were chasing Belichick and Tom Brady and could never quite catch them. It looked like they would overtake them when they won in the 2010 playoffs, but since then the Jets have lost eight of nine games against the Patriots.

Veteran linebacker Calvin Pace said the Jets have taken on Bowles’ personality after adjusting from the more boisterous Ryan. Pace said it’s a lot quieter around the Jets locker room now and it took a while for the players to totally buy into Bowles.

“We finally got it, I think,” Pace said. “It sunk in and we’ve learned a lot from some of these close losses that we’ve had. Those are things that stick out the most — his demeanor through a lot of situations good or bad. He’s always the same guy, always even-keeled and I think it’s carrying over to us.“

During games, players say they love the way Bowles calls the defense.

“He really trusts his players,” Skrine said. “Sometimes he’ll call Cover Zero [blitzes with no safeties deep] five times in a row. One thing about him is he trusts his game plan and we stick to our game plan. The way we go about it is they have to adjust off us, like we’re the offense.”

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NJ ADVANCE MEDIA

How Jets' Eric Decker can repeat his success against New England Patriots' Malcolm Butler (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media December 24, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/12/how_jets_eric_decker_can_repeat_his_success_agains.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — Though the Jets lost to the Patriots earlier this season, Jets wide receiver Eric Decker had a successful showing against cornerback Malcolm Butler, who wound up making the Pro Bowl.

Decker in that game had 12 targets, six catches, and 94 yards. That is tied for his most targets of the season. In just two other games has he accumulated more receiving yards.

Decker in New England was targeted nine times when Butler defended him. Decker caught five of those passes, for 82 yards, according to Pro Football Focus, which rated Jets-Patriots as Butler's second-worst game of 2015.

Decker has been a matchup problem out of the slot for a lot of defenses this season.

But why was he so successful against Butler back in October? And can Decker repeat that success Sunday, when the Jets host the Patriots, in a massively important game for the Jets' playoff hopes?

Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey can't be sure about the answer to the latter question. But he's certain about the former. The film showed Gailey exactly why Decker performed so well against Butler in New England.

"He got [Butler] where he didn't let him get his hands on him," Gailey said. "That's what Decker is really pretty good at, is not allowing people to get their hands on him. If he can get him where they don't have their hands on him, he can get away from most anybody."

Gailey said "tenacity" is what makes Butler so effective.

"He just keeps coming at you," Gailey said. "He keeps dogging you and playing you tight every down. You don't get a down off. He doesn't take a down off, so you don't get a down off."

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Sounds like Jets' David Harris will play vs. New England Patriots, barring setback (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media December 24, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/12/sounds_like_david_harris_will_be_fine_to_play_for.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — Nothing is official yet, but based on the way Jets coach Todd Bowles sounded Wednesday, it appears as though middle linebacker David Harris will be able to play in Sunday's huge game against the Patriots.

Harris exited Saturday night's win in Dallas after bruising his back, putting his status for Patriots-Jets in question.

But on Wednesday, Harris participated in practice, albeit on a limited basis. Bowles said he will "be more optimistic" about Harris' status for Sunday if he is able to do "a little more" in Thursday's practice.

For now, it's a good sign for Harris that he was able to get on the practice field Wednesday, and make some progress. He is one of the Jets' most important players on either side of the ball.

Barring any setbacks or unforeseen developments the rest of this week, none of the Jets who were sidelined or limited at Wednesday's practice are expected to be unavailable against the Patriots — perhaps with the exception of oft-injured reserve cornerback Dee Milliner, who is dealing with a hamstring injury.

Here are the full initial injury reports for both teams, issued Wednesday:

Jets

Did not practice Wednesday: CB Dee Milliner (hamstring), QB Geno Smith (illness)

Limited in practice Wednesday: TE Kellen Davis (back), WR Quincy Enunwa (neck), LB David Harris (back), LB Calvin Pace (abdomen)

Full practice participation: WR Eric Decker (knee), QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (left thumb), T Breno Giacomini (ankle), C Nick Mangold (hand), WR Brandon Marshall (ankle)

Patriots

Did not practice Wednesday: LB Jonathan Freeny (hand), TE Rob Gronkowski (not injury related)

Limited in practice Wednesday: WR Danny Amendola (knee), TE Scott Chandler (knee), S Patrick Chung (foot), S Nate Ebner (ankle), WR Julian Edelman (foot), LB Dont'a Hightower (knee), G Josh Kline (shoulder), WR Brandon LaFell (foot), S Devin McCourty (ankle)

Full practice participation: CB Justin Coleman (hand), DE Chandler Jones (abdomen)

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Jets' Calvin Pace says 'blame Mo Lewis' for Tom Brady's legendary New England Patriots career (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media December 23, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/12/jets_calvin_pace_says_to_blame_mo_lewis_for_tom_br.html#incart_river_index

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FLORHAM PARK — Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is still going strong, at age 38. His quarterback rating this season, 103.8, is the fourth-highest of his career.

As Jets fans will remember, Brady became the Patriots' starter in 2001, after Jets linebacker Mo Lewis hit quarterback Drew Bledsoe and seriously injured him. All these years later, Brady is still around, and still playing well.

That Lewis hit happened on Sept. 23, 2001. A week later, Brady made his first start. The Patriots are 172-49 in regular season games he started, and 21-8 in the postseason, with four Super Bowl rings.

This Sunday, the 12-2 Patriots visit the 9-5 Jets, in a huge game for the Jets' playoff hopes. So how much longer does Calvin Pace, the Jets' veteran outside linebacker, think Brady will play?

"Probably another 10 years, to be honest," Pace said Wednesday. "I don't see that guy retiring any time soon. And he shouldn't. He's done a great job for a long time. Hopefully, he gets traded at some point in time. Trade him to the NFC somewhere. He's done it well and done it at a high level for a long time."

Wishful thinking there from Pace, who who entered the NFL in 2003, and was still in college at Wake Forest when Brady became New England's starter. For all these years, the Jets have dealt with Brady twice every regular season in the AFC East.

"Blame Shaun Ellis," Pace joked. "If Shaun didn't get that hit on the sideline, they might have somebody else at quarterback. But things happen like that sometimes."

He was told it was actually Lewis who made the hit on Bledsoe.

"Was that Mo Lewis?" Pace said. "I'm sorry. Yeah, Mo Lewis. So blame Mo Lewis."

As it turns out, Lewis will be the Jets' honorary captain for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Though this week is a critical game for the Jets, Pace, a member of the team since 2008, said, "We just can't go out there and make it into a Super Bowl."

The Jets' previous coach, Rex Ryan, talked up these Jets-Patriots games. New coach Todd Bowles? Not so much.

"There's not a lot of talking like there has been in previous years," Pace said. "It's just: Go out and handle your business like you're supposed to."

The Jets were 4-1 entering a loss at the Patriots in October. That loss began a 1-4 slide. And the Jets followed that skid with four straight wins.

"I think we've grown," Pace said. "I think we're playing with better poise. The trust is there amongst everybody. You grow a lot of times in this league by bad things happening to you. You can either fold, and your season can crumble, or you can pull it together. You learn a lot more sometimes by losing versus winning."

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Jets' Calvin Pace on gay slurs aimed at Giants' Odell Beckham Jr.: 'You've got to find a way to get past that' (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media December 23, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/12/jets_calvin_pace_on_odell_beckham_targeted_by_gay.html#incart_river_index

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FLORHAM PARK — Jets strong-side linebacker Calvin Pace, in his 13th season, is his team's longest-tenured player. So he has heard plenty of things on an NFL field during his time in the league.

What does Pace think of Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. apparently being the frequent target of gay slurs from opponents? (Former NFL receiver Michael Irvin told the Daily News that's the case.)

"Football is not a nice game, man," Pace told NJ Advance Media on Wednesday. "You hear a lot of stuff. A lot of different things can be said. I can't sit here and say I've heard a lot of racial slurs in my time.

"I'm trying to focus in on what I've got to do [during a game]. You've got to find a way to get past that, and just keep playing."

Beckham went into a rage during Sunday's game against the Panthers. Most notably, he executed a helmet-to-helmet spearing hit against cornerback Josh Norman.

The NFL suspended Beckham one game for his actions. (Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson said the league went "overboard" with the suspension.)

What did Pace think of Beckham's behavior Sunday?

"Man, it's football," he said. "I think if he could take it back, he might. He might not. In a game like that, with a name that Beckham has, you've just got to play with a little bit more poise. You can't get into all that personal one-on-one battles.

"You've still got to go out there and win a game. He's a crazy phenomenal player, man. I'm sure he'll grow from it, he'll learn from it, and it'll make him a better player."

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Damon Harrison not sure about future with Jets (Seth Walder) New York Daily News December 23, 2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-insider-damon-harrison-not-future-article-1.2475602

Damon Harrison hopes he will still be wearing green and white next year.

The run-stuffing nose tackle is having another very good season and is about to enter free agency. Surely he wants to cash in, but ideally he’d to do so in New York.

“I want to remain a Jet,” Harrison said. “Jet for life.”

He said he hasn’t thought about his free agency all that much yet, but he does consider himself the best nose tackle in football.

“Yes sir,” Harrison said.

Why?

“Body of work. I’ve only been a starter for three years. But in those three years I think I’ve done a pretty good job of fulfilling that job description,” he said. “You hear people say you’re just a two-down player, but there’s only three downs in football. I mean, I’m on the field for a better portion of the downs.”

And Harrison said he takes pride in his run-stuffing abilities.

“I do exactly what they ask me to do,” Harrison said. “And do it pretty well.”

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On Wednesday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was effusive in his praise for Harrison.

“I mean he might be the best of all of them against the run,” Belichick said. “He’s got great leverage, reads blocks well, hard to block, penetrates. He’s not just a stay-on-the-line-of-scrimmage guy. He makes plays in the backfield or knocks the blockers back into the backfield so the runner has to either give ground or cut back into unblocked guys and then they clean them up.”

Harrison actually grew up a Patriots fan, despite being from Louisiana. What if, as much as the Jets fans might dislike it, New England came calling during free agency? Would Harrison consider switching sides in the rivalry?

“It’s a business,” Harrison said. “I can’t say yes and I can’t say no.”

WORKING WAY BACK

ILB David Harris (back contusion) returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday. “If he does a little more tomorrow I’ll be more optimistic,” Bowles said regarding Harris’ availability. ... QB Geno Smith missed practice with an illness. CB Dee Milliner (hamstring) also didn’t practice.

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Jets' Calvin Pace: 'Blame Mo Lewis' for Tom Brady's success (Seth Walder) New York Daily News December 24, 2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-calvin-pace-blame-mo-lewis-tom-brady-success-article-1.2475594

The Jets are honoring a “Patriots legend” on Sunday.

Gang Green curiously will make former Jets linebacker Mo Lewis their “Pilot of the Game” for their divisional showdown against New England — the team whose greatness arguably was jump-started by Lewis’ infamous hit on Drew Bledsoe that ushered in the Tom Brady era.

Even before word came out that the Jets were planning to highlight their former linebacker, Lewis’ name came up in the locker room.

“Blame Mo Lewis,” Calvin Pace said Wednesday. “If (he) didn’t get that hit on the sideline, they might have somebody else at quarterback.”

Lewis had a good career — he spent 13 years with the Jets, went to three Pro Bowls and was named a First-Team All-Pro in 1998 — and deserves to be honored. But at a Patriots game? With Brady on the field? That might send shivers down the backs of fans, remembering the linebacker’s fateful hit.

In order to make the postseason, Gang Green likely has to win out against the Patriots and Bills (and get some help, too), and that makes Sunday’s rivalry game that much more important. And there’s Brady — as always — standing in the Jets’ way.

And it could remain that way for many seasons to come. Pace figures Brady has plenty left in the tank.

“Probably another 10 years, to be honest,” Pace said. “I don’t see that guy retiring any time soon. And he shouldn’t, he’s done a great job for a long time.”

The current Jets linebacker did have one idea that would be the next best thing to a Brady retirement.

“Hopefully he gets traded at some point,” Pace said wryly. “Trade him to the NFC somewhere.”

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Todd Bowles said that even at 38, Brady is playing as well as he was when he was much younger. The numbers — 4,405 yards passing, 35 TDs and just six INTs this season— back that up.

“They both look the same,” Bowles said of Brady back then and Brady now. “They both play the same.”

Earlier in the year, the Jets played the Patriots close but surrendered a fourth-quarter lead to lose in New England. But Gang Green is hoping for a different result, even if they’re still facing the same old Brady.

“I’d love to be up by 20 in the fourth quarter, but if that’s not the case it’s probably going to come down to No. 12,” Pace said. “It starts with him. Just find a way to affect him. Getting sacks, find a way to get some turnovers. If nothing else get a hand in his face, hits on him, I think those things add up. It’s going to be a tall task, but it’s one that I think we’re up for the challenge.”

For the most part, the two rivals have played in tight games over recent years. Even when the Jets were atrocious last season, they only lost by a combined three points in two defeats to New England. “The thing about playing (them) is I think they bring the best out of us,” Pace said. “We’ve got to be on point when we play them. Because if not, it’s going to be a lopsided score. Gotta execute, gotta be where you’re supposed to be. Just go out there and make plays.”

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WEDNESDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

BASEBALL

COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE — Suspended Pittsburgh RHP Clario Perez 80 games (Altoona-EL), Minnesota C Kerby Camacho (GCL Twins) and N.Y. Mets SS Jose Martinez (GCL Mets) 60 games and Baltimore LHP Will Dennis 50 games for violating the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

American League

BALTIMORE ORIOLES — Agreed to terms with OF Hyun Soo Kim on a two-year contract.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX — Claimed OF Jerry Sands off waivers from Cleveland.

DETROIT TIGERS — Agreed to terms with INF Alberto Gonzalez, OF Nate Schierholtz, INF/OF Jordany Valdespin and RHPs Logan Kensing, Melvin Mercedes and Dustin Molleken on minor league contracts.

HOUSTON ASTROS — Claimed RHP Danny Reynolds off waivers from the L.A. Dodgers.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS — Claimed LHP Rob Rasmussen off waivers from Seattle.

SEATTLE MARINERS — Assigned OF Dan Robertson outright to Tacoma (PCL).

National League

CHICAGO CUBS — Released INF Brendan Ryan. Claimed LHP Edgar Olmos off waivers from Baltimore.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS — Claimed OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis off waivers from the N.Y. Mets and 1B Andy Wilkins from Texas.

NEW YORK METS — Assigned C Johnny Monell outright to Las Vegas (PCL). Agreed to terms with OF Alejandro De Aza on a one-year contract.

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PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Agreed to terms with 1B/OF John Jaso on a two-year contract. Claimed RHP Yoervis Medina off waivers from the Chicago Cubs.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS — Agreed to terms with C Jhonatan Solano on a minor league contract.

Can-Am League

NEW JERSEY JACKALS — Signed RHP Danny Moskovits.

BASKETBALL

National Basketball Association

WASHINGTON WIZARDS — Waived C Ryan Hollins. Signed G/F Jarell Eddie.

FOOTBALL

National Football League

NFL — Fined Carolina CB Josh Norman $26,044 for his actions during last week’s game.

ATLANTA FALCONS — Signed G Collin Rahrig to the practice squad.

BUFFALO BILLS — Signed S Jonathan Dowling to the practice squad.

CLEVELAND BROWNS — Placed WR Andrew Hawkins on injurEd reserve. Signed LB Jayson DiManche from the practice squad and OL Conor Boffeli to the practice squad.

DALLAS COWBOYS — Signed LB Derek Akunne and CB Buddy Jackson to the practice squad.

DENVER BRONCOS — Placed S David Bruton on injured reserve. Signed DB Shaun Prater.

HOUSTON TEXANS — Placed LB Tony Washington Jr. on the practice squad-injured list. Signed LB Jordan Dewalt-Ondijo to the practice squad.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Signed LB Edwin Jackson to the practice squad.

MIAMI DOLPHINS — Signed RB Jahwan Edwards to the practice squad.

NEW YORK GIANTS — Placed FB Nikita Whitlock on injured reserve. Re-signed S Brandon Meriweather

OAKLAND RAIDERS — Placed DE Mario Edwards Jr. on injured reserve. Signed LB John Lotulelei from the practice squad.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS — Placed RB Melvin Gordon on injured reserve. Signed RB Dreamius Smith from the practice squad and P Kasey Redfern to the practice squad.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Waived RB Travaris Cadet. Signed RB DuJuan Harris from the practice squad.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Released DT Justin Hamilton from the practice squad. Signed WRs Deshon Foxx and Antwan Goodley to the practice squad.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Signed WR Evan Spencer from the practice squad and WR Andre Davis to the practice squad.

TENNESSEE TITANS — Released WR Rico Richardson and QB Mike Kafka from the practice squad. Signed WR Gavin Lutman and QB Bryn Renner to the practice squad.

Daily Clips Cont.

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Arena Football League

ORLANDO PREDATORS — Agreed to terms with DE Donte Paige-Moss.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League

ARIZONA COYOTES — Signed RW Conor Garland to a three-year, entry-level contract.

DETROIT RED WINGS — Assigned D Xavier Ouellet to Grand Rapids (AHL).

FLORIDA PANTHERS — Assigned D Josh Brown from Portland (AHL) to Manchester (ECHL).

MINNESOTA WILD — Assigned D Guillaume Gelinas from Iowa (AHL) to Quad City (ECHL).

NEW YORK RANGERS — Assigned G Magnus Hellberg and D Chris Summers to Hartford (AHL).

ST. LOUIS BLUES — Assigned F Jordan Caron to Chicago (AHL).

American Hockey League

AHL — Suspended Hershey LW Liam O’Brien and Rockford RW Ryan Hartman three games.

IOWA WILD — Returned D Austin Coldwell to Quad City (ECHL).

LAKE ERIE MONSTERS — Returned F Joe Devin to South Carolina (ECHL).

SAN DIEGO GULLS — Recalled D Eric Knodel from Utah (ECHL).

ECHL

ALLEN AMERICANS — Signed D Nolan Descoteaux. Released G Nolan Bowker as emergency backup.

TULSA OILERS — Signed D/F Justin Mansfield.

UTAH GRIZZLIES — Signed G Mark Owuya.

SOCCER

U.S. SOCCER — Named John Hackworth U-17 men’s national team coach.

Major League Soccer

NEW YORK RED BULLS — Signed Ms Chris Thorsheim and Mael Corboz and M/D Scott Thomsen.

North American Soccer League

MIAMI FC — Signed G David Sierra.

COLLEGE

EAST CAROLINA — Named Kenwick Thompson defensive coordinator, Deke Adams defensive line coach, Phil McGeoghan wide receivers coach and Terrell Smith assistant athletics director for football operations.

Daily Clips Cont.

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MISSOURI — Reinstated senior QB Maty Mauk to the football team.

TCU — Announced basketball G Alex Robinson has transferred from Texas A&M.

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