NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

November 20, 2015

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Table of Contents

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

Jets' Enunwa hopes to be positive influence after suspension (Dennis Waszak) ..................................................... 1

Jets' Bowles says QB Fitzpatrick to start, barring setback (Dennis Waszak) ............................................................. 3

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

Jets must neutralize Texans star DE J.J. Watt (Kimberley A. Martin) ........................................................................ 4

How acupuncture is helping Chris Ivory (Kimberley A. Martin) ................................................................................ 5

Quincy Enunwa returns to Jets, eager to put domestic violence suspension behind him (Kimberley A. Martin) .... 6

THE RECORD .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Jets say QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to start, barring setback (J.P. Pelzman) ........................................................................ 7

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

Jets' take on J.J. Watt: A Hall-of-Fame talent with a nasty slap shot (Rich Cimini) ................................................... 8

Chris Ivory uses acupuncture to help him carry workload (Ohm Youngmisuk) ........................................................ 9

Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick practices fully, cleared to start against Texans (Rich Cimini) ........................................... 10

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

Jets’ goat vs. Bills defiantly defends his red-zone receiving prowess (Mark Cannizzaro) ....................................... 11

Post-surgery Ryan Fitzpatrick gets Todd Bowles’ green light (Brian Costello) ........................................................ 12

NJ ADVANCE MEDIA ............................................................................................................................................ 13

Can Bobby April fix Jets' special teams problems? 'I've got to do a better job' (Darryl Slater) ............................... 13

5 Kacy Rodgers takeaways: What do Jets expect with Houston Texans starting T.J. Yates? (Darryl Slater) ........... 14

Jets compare J.J. Watt to Hall of Famers, but how do they plan to block him? (Darryl Slater) .............................. 15

What did Mike Maccagnan say about Geno Smith's future with Jets? (Dom Cosentino) ....................................... 16

Could Jets' Sheldon Richardson (hamstring) miss Sunday's game at Houston Texans? (Darryl Slater) .................. 17

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

Thankfully for Jets defense, T.J. Yates-led Texans are truly offensive (Manish Mehta) .......................................... 18

Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick ready to play a week after thumb surgery (Justin Tasch) ................................................ 20

THURSDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS .................................................................................................................. 21

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jets' Enunwa hopes to be positive influence after suspension (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press November 19, 2015

http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/jets-enunwa-hopes-be-positive-influence-after-suspension

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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Quincy Enunwa had a lot of time to just think — and not play football — during the last month.

The New York Jets wide receiver rejoined the team this week following a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.

"I want to keep going forward," Enunwa said Thursday, "and be a positive influence on the team."

Enunwa was banned by the league last month after an incident last year in which he was arrested for simple assault on his girlfriend at a New Jersey hotel. Domestic violence charges were later dropped in the case.

During his suspension, Enunwa was not permitted to play, practice or work out at the Jets' facility with his teammates.

"That time off was kind of rough," he acknowledged. "I can't say that it was the best time of my life, those four weeks off, watching the guys play. It was hard, but I knew I kind of had to get my time done so I could come back out here and help the team as best I could."

He was arrested just after the league put in place tougher penalties for players accused of domestic violence, including a six-week suspension for first offenses and at least a year for second offenses. The NFL and NFL Players Association negotiated the suspension down to four games from six. Enunwa's cooperation, remorse and acceptance of responsibility factored into the reduced ban. The NFL's personal conduct policy also provides for the possibility of mitigation.

"I'm just glad that it's past me and I'm hoping now that I can just focus on football and go out there and help the team as best I can," Enunwa said. "No outside interferences. I want to kind of stay on the straight and narrow for the rest of my career."

Florham Park police said Enunwa pulled the woman off a bed in a hotel on Aug. 31, 2014, and she injured her head and finger. The woman decided to not pursue the case, which was conditionally dismissed in court last October.

Enunwa, in his second season with the Jets, declined to discuss any of the details of the situation.

"I think the best thing for me is to just move past it," he said. "For me, and everybody else involved, family and everything. I kind of just want to keep going forward with football. That being the main focus, I don't want to be a distraction on the team."

Enunwa was a sixth-round draft pick out of Nebraska last year after he had 12 touchdowns for the Cornhuskers in 2013 and was the Gator Bowl MVP. He spent most of last season on the Jets' practice squad, but saw an increased role under coach Todd Bowles and offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.

He surprisingly passed Jeremy Kerley as the Jets' No. 3 receiver, in large part because of his blocking abilities. Enunwa has eight catches for 94 yards in five games this season, but he was being used very much like a tight end. His absence the last four games has coincided with New York's slump in the run game.

"There were certain roles I was used in that we didn't use when I was gone," he said. "So hopefully me being back, I can help as much as possible."

The Jets have a roster exemption this week for Enunwa, which means they need to make a move to officially make room for him. Running back Zac Stacy, who broke his left ankle against Buffalo last week, could be placed on injured reserve.

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Enunwa worked out at Parabolic Performance in New Jersey during his time away from the team, and hasn't felt at all rusty during practice with the Jets this week.

"I've been doing pretty well, running around and flying around," he said. "Surprisingly, the playbook came to me really fast, and that was good."

Enunwa acknowledged he was "a little bit worried" about how some of his teammates would react to him coming back following his suspension. But he said he was open with them, answering their questions, and felt the relationships he has built with several players helped alleviate any potential tension when he returned Monday.

"It has definitely helped me grow a lot," Enunwa said of the entire situation. "I learned a lot about the NFL. I learned a lot about myself. I just want to make sure I don't put myself in any kind of position like that again."

As for what he learned about the NFL, Enunwa realizes there's more than just being a player on the field.

"There's a lot of sides to the NFL," the wide receiver said, "and I never want to be on that side of the NFL (again)."

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Jets' Bowles says QB Fitzpatrick to start, barring setback (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press November 19, 2015

http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/jets-bowles-says-qb-fitzpatrick-start-barring-setback

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Ryan Fitzpatrick is on track to start against his former team.

New York Jets coach Todd Bowles announced that Fitzpatrick will be under center against the Houston Texans on Sunday, barring any setbacks with his surgically repaired left thumb. The quarterback fully participated in practice Thursday, a day after sitting out team drills.

"I thought he did a good job," Bowles said. "I don't think he was any worse for wear from last week. He's not taking pain medicine or anything, so he had a full practice. We'll see Sunday."

Fitzpatrick was injured at Oakland on Nov. 1 when he was hit on a play by the Raiders' Charles Woodson. He left that game, but played through the injury the next two games with his thumb on his non-throwing hand in a brace and covered by a glove.

He opted to have surgery to repair a torn ligament last Friday, the day after the Jets' 22-17 loss to Buffalo, given that New York had nine days before its next game. Waiting until the end of the season for surgery could have led to a more complicated procedure. Fitzpatrick is still wearing the brace and glove, and likely will continue to do so for several weeks as the wound heals.

The announcement was expected, but Bowles wanted to see how Fitzpatrick handled a practice before declaring him ready to play. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said Fitzpatrick was able to take snaps without any issues and basically was able to do "everything" during practice.

"To be honest with you, he looked like last week," Gailey said. "That was good."

Fitzpatrick acknowledged Wednesday that the thumb was causing him a little bit more pain than before the surgery because of the incision from the procedure. But he was confident he would be starting at Houston, the team that traded him during the offseason.

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Fitzpatrick started 12 games for the Texans last season, but was lost for the season in December when he broke his left leg during a game at Indianapolis. Houston dealt him to the Jets in March, and Fitzpatrick has helped New York to a 5-4 record while throwing for 1,983 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

"They had their plan of what they wanted to do and I didn't happen to be in those plans," Fitzpatrick said Wednesday. "Everybody has to move on in this league."

NOTES: DL Sheldon Richardson sat out again with an ailing hamstring and Bowles maintains he'll probably be a game-time decision. "I don't know if he'll be full speed (Friday)," Bowles said. "He ran around a little bit today." ... CB Dee Milliner's availability is also uncertain as he has missed the last two days with an illness. He returned to the active roster last week and made his season debut against Buffalo after injuring his wrist in training camp. "He's been sick for a couple of days," Bowles said. "He's been under the weather. He's got a high temperature and everything else." ... S Dion Bailey (high ankle sprain) missed practice again and appears likely to miss his second straight game. ... CB Antonio Cromartie (quadriceps), WR Brandon Marshall (toe, ankle), S Calvin Pryor (ankle) and CB Darrelle Revis (hip) were all full participants after being limited Wednesday.

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NEWSDAY

Jets must neutralize Texans star DE J.J. Watt (Kimberley A. Martin) Newsday November 19, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-must-neutralize-texans-star-de-j-j-watt-1.11144707

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Is he like Randy White? Or more like Howie Long?

Questions about Texans defensive end J.J. Watt immediately evoked Hall of Fame comparisons from the Jets' coaching staff. And for good reason.

"He's probably the best defensive end, so he does a lot of things better than other guys,'' coach Todd Bowles said yesterday of Watt, who is second in the NFL with 91/2 sacks. "I don't know if he has any weaknesses. He just has a live motor, he keeps himself in shape, he runs like a linebacker/DB, he's strong.

"I mean, I don't have any adjectives that add for the things that he can do. He's just one of those rare players that doesn't come around very often.''

So how do the Jets (5-4) stop him?

The answer is far more complicated, which is why the coaching staff has spent more than a week studying what Houston's defense does well. But game-planning for the Texans (4-5) means figuring out ways to neutralize Watt. Not only is he a pass-rushing threat, but his 34-inch arms and 821/2-inch wingspan also help him bat down passes. Watt also has great instincts and surprising quickness for his 6-5, 289-pound frame.

"He's one of a kind, I would say,'' Jets tackle Breno Giacomini said.

Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey likened game-planning for Watt to preparing for Long, a Super Bowl champion and two-time All-Pro with the Raiders from 1981-93.

"He reminds me of the way we used to have to handle Howie Long -- same type of player. You have to know where he is and you have to account for him every play,'' said Gailey, who called Watt "one of the premier defensive players in the league, if not the premier defensive player in the league.''

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Watt also poses a threat on offense; he had three touchdown catches last season along with his 19 sacks.

When asked about the possibility of seeing Watt as an eligible receiver on the goal line, defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers said: "We have to leave no stone unturned. This is kind of a vital game for both teams, so I don't think they'll hold anything back.''

On defense, Watt typically lines up on the right side, but Gailey pointed out that the Texans move him around "just enough to make it difficult on you.''

Wherever Watt is, the Jets will have to be ready for him. But Giacomini stressed that the Texans' defense is filled with talented players, including Jadeveon Clowney and Vince Wilfork.

"It's not just him on that defense. The whole front seven is really good,'' Giacomini said. "That being said, he's a hell of a player.''

Bowles called Watt a "faster version'' of Randy White, the Cowboys' Super Bowl XII co-MVP and seven-time All-Pro whose nickname was "Manster'' (half-man, half-monster).

Told of Gailey's Hall of Fame comparison, Bowles said: "Howie had a motor as well. [Watt] may be a little more athletic than Howie, probably a little faster than Howie, but similar. You can go either way.''

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How acupuncture is helping Chris Ivory (Kimberley A. Martin) Newsday November 20, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/how-acupuncture-is-helping-jets-rb-chris-ivory-1.11144701

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Chris Ivory embraces the pain. Twice a week, the running back gets acupuncture treatment, a practice he adopted after being traded to the Jets in 2013. So far, so good.

"It is painful,'' Ivory said Thursday of the traditional Chinese medical treatment, which involves inserting thin needles into the skin. "I don't want to say I'm used to the pain, but I am able to deal with the pain better than I was before.''

Ivory initially was skeptical about the procedure, but "it has helped me so far.'' He's run for 643 yards and six touchdowns and is on pace to eclipse his career high in touches. After 198 carries in 2014, he's at 156 with seven games to go. But the Jets are mindful of his workload.

"You go into the game with a specific number,'' Todd Bowles said, "but if he's rolling, you keep feeding him.''

Fitzpatrick a go

As expected, Ryan Fitzpatrick will start Sunday in Houston, "barring a setback,'' Bowles said. After not practicing for two days following thumb surgery, he was a full participant Thursday.

So how did he look?

"Pretty good,'' offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said. "To be honest with you, he looked like last week. That was good. He took snaps, did everything.''

Jet streams

DT Sheldon Richardson (hamstring), S Dion Bailey (ankle) and CB Dee Milliner (illness) did not practice, but everyone else practiced fully. Milliner has had "a high temperature'' for two days and was sent home,

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Bowles said . . . Antonio Cromartie (quadriceps) will return kicks and play cornerback if he's "full go'' . . . CB Kevin Short was signed to the practice squad and LB Quanterus Smith was released.

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Quincy Enunwa returns to Jets, eager to put domestic violence suspension behind him (Kimberley A. Martin) Newsday November 19, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/new-york-jets-quincy-enunwa-returns-to-team-eager-to-put-domestic-violence-suspension-behind-him-1.11144646

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Quincy Enunwa is just happy it's all behind him.

The Jets receiver spoke on Thursday for the first time since serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.

"Can't say it was the best time of my life, those four weeks off. Watching the guys [play] . . . it was hard. But I knew I had to get my time done so I could help the team as best as I could," said Enunwa, 23, who was suspended without pay on Oct. 19.

The timing of the suspension, which came 14 months after he was arrested on Aug. 31, 2014, and charged with "domestic violence simple assault" after an alleged altercation with his girlfriend in a Florham Park hotel room, was surprising, Jets coach Todd Bowles said at the time. But Enunwa said he wasn't caught off guard.

"I can't say that I was surprised just because they were doing investigations. They told me about the investigations," he said, referring to the NFL. "It was kind of disappointing that something came out after everything had happened. But I can't say that I was surprised.

"We had an idea at the beginning of the year. But we didn't know exactly when it was going to happen."

Enunwa's girlfriend chose not to pursue the charges, according to the prosecution, and Enunwa was cleared of the domestic violence charge. Both sides reportedly reached a conditional agreement in which there could be no contact between him and the woman for 90 days.

Enunwa's last game was on Oct. 18, back when the Jets were 4-1. The second-year receiver caught eight passes for 94 yards in five games and had emerged as a solid blocker before his suspension.

Per league rules, Enunwa said he wasn't allowed to work out at the Jets' facility or watch film or study plays. So he enlisted the help of an outside trainer at a nearby facility "to stay in shape as much as possible."

"Surprisingly, the playbook came to me really fast. That was good," he said.

Enunwa politely declined to divulge the details of the domestic violence incident.

"I'm just glad that it's past me," he said. "I'm hoping to now focus on football . . . No outside interferences, I want to kind of stay on the straight and narrow for the rest of my career.

"I think the best thing for me is to kind of move past it . . . I don't want me to be a distraction on a team, I kind of want to keep going forward and be a positive influence on the team."

Enunwa did say he learned a lot from his suspension.

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"It definitely helped me grow a lot," he said. "I learned a lot about the NFL and learned a lot about myself, and I just kind of want to make sure that I don't put myself in any kind of position like that again. There's a lot of sides to the NFL and I never want to be on that side of the NFL again."

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THE RECORD

Jets say QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to start, barring setback (J.P. Pelzman) The Record November 19, 2015

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/jets-say-qb-ryan-fitzpatrick-to-start-barring-setback-1.1459128

FLORHAM PARK – Ryan Fitzpatrick was a full participant at practice Thursday, and the Jets expect the veteran quarterback to start at Houston on Sunday.

Coach Todd Bowles named Fitzpatrick the starter, barring a setback. Fitzpatrick is dealing with a surgically repaired thumb on his left (non-throwing) hand, and is wearing a brace on it.

“I thought he did a good job,” Bowles said. “I don’t think he was any worse for wear from last week. He’s not taking pain medicine or anything, so he had a full practice. We’ll see Sunday.”

Not only will the Jets’ offense likely have its starting signalcaller since mid-August on the field Sunday, but they also will get back one of their key wide receivers.

Quincy Enunwa has rejoined the team after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy. Enunwa had eight receptions for 94 yards, and the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder helped the Jets’ running game with his blocking.

“I want to keep going forward,” Enunwa said Thursday in his first public comments since being suspended, “and be a positive influence on the team.”

Enunwa drew the four-game ban for a domestic violence incident last year involving his then-girlfriend.

Enunwa, a 2014 sixth-round pick from Nebraska, was arrested Aug. 31, 2014 at a hotel near the Jets’ complex. The criminal complaint accused him of “grabbing the victim by her ankle and pulling her off a bed and causing her to strike and injure both her head and finger.”

The charges eventually were dismissed after the woman decided not to pursue the case. Still, he was suspended this year under the auspices of the NFL’s personal-conduct policy. The league and the NFL Players Association negotiated the suspension down to four games from six. Enunwa’s cooperation, remorse and acceptance of responsibility were taken into account in reducing his suspension.

He has not publicly discussed the details of the case, and again declined to do so Thursday.

“I think the best thing for me is to just move past it,” he said. “For me, and everybody else involved, family and everything. I kind of just want to keep going forward with football. That being the main focus, I don’t want to be a distraction [to] the team.”

“I’m just glad that it’s past me,” he added, “and I’m hoping now that I can just focus on football and go out there and help the team as best I can. No outside interferences. I want to kind of stay on the straight and narrow for the rest of my career.”

“That time off was kind of rough,” Enunwa said of the four games he missed, in which the Jets went 1-3. “I can’t say that it was the best time of my life, those four weeks off, watching the guys play. It was hard,

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but I knew I kind of had to get my time done so I could come back out here and help the team as best I could.”

He wasn’t allowed to be at the Jets’ complex, so he worked out on his own. He indicated he hasn’t noticed any rust after returning to practice this week.

“I’ve been doing pretty well, running around and flying around,” he said. “Surprisingly, the playbook came to me really fast, and that was good.

“There were certain roles I was used in that we didn’t use when I was gone,” he added. “So hopefully me being back, I can help as much as possible.”

“It has definitely helped me grow a lot,” Enunwa said of his situation. “I learned a lot about the NFL. I learned a lot about myself. I just want to make sure I don’t put myself in any kind of position like that again.”

What did he learn about the NFL?

“There’s a lot of sides to the NFL,” Enunwa replied, “and I never want to be on that side of the NFL” again.

BRIEFS: DE Sheldon Richardson (hamstring) sat out practice for a second straight day. Bowles said his availability for Sunday likely will be a game-day decision. … CB Antonio Cromartie, who missed the Buffalo game with a deep thigh bruise, practiced full and appears likely to play Sunday. It also is likely he will be the team’s primary kickoff returner. The Jets have lost two returners, Zac Stacy (ankle) and Chris Owusu (concussion), to season-ending injuries.

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ESPN NEW YORK

Jets' take on J.J. Watt: A Hall-of-Fame talent with a nasty slap shot (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York November 19, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/newyork-jets/post/_/id/56304/jets-take-on-j-j-watt-a-hall-of-fame-talent-with-a-nasty-slap-shot

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets have a solid track record when it comes to blocking elite defensive linemen. For instance: They held Fletcher Cox, Ndamukong Suh, Chandler Jones, Mario Williams and Marcell Dareus to a combined two sacks.

On Sunday, they face the best of the best -- Houston Texans star J.J. Watt, who has 9.5 sacks, 16 tackles-for-loss and 28 quarterback hits.

At One Jets Drive, the praise has been flowing like Gatorade. Watt drew comparisons to two Hall of Famers and his hockey skills -- yes, hockey -- caught the attention of one player, who was impressed by his slap shot in a charity event last offseason. You may have seen the video: Watt, on skates, fired a shot past a St. Louis Blues goalie, who helped by taking a dive (literally). But, still, how many NFL players could skate, wind up and unleash a shot without falling on their face?

A quick sampling of the Watt love from the Jets:

Todd Bowles, head coach: "I don't think he has any weaknesses. He has a live motor, he keeps himself in shape, he runs like a linebacker/DB, he’s strong. I don’t have any adjective to add for the things that he can do. He’s just one of those rare players that doesn’t come around very often." Bowles said Watt doesn't

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remind him of anyone from his playing era (the 1980s), but "before that, when I watched football, he’s probably a faster version of Randy White from the Cowboys. Maybe lighter, but probably faster."

Chan Gailey, offensive coordinator: "He's one of the premier defensive players in the league, if not the premier defensive player in the league. We were talking about it the other day. It reminds me of the way we used to have to handle Howie Long. Same type of player. You have to account for him on every play. They move him around a decent amount, enough to make it hard. He plays the majority of the time to our right, but they move him around just enough to make it difficult on you."

Breno Giacomini, right tackle: "He's one of a kind. ... He's a high-effort player. His pad level is great. He does a good job of reading the tackle's set. If you give him something, he's going to take it. Technique is real critical this week. He's high-effort. He's always around the ball. For us, it means we just have to keep finishing until the whistle is blown." (Giacomini will block Watt the majority of the time.)

Ryan Fitzpatrick, former Texans quarterback: "He plays hard every snap in practice too, but it was a big difference when you’re wearing a red jersey and he’s not allowed to hit you, versus when you’re out there and the lights are on."

D'Brickashaw Ferguson, left tackle: "I was impressed with his ice skating -- hockey. He wasn't actually playing ... well, yeah he was. It was a charity event. I remember he did a slap shot. He looked very smooth and it's a cool thing to see guys be multi-talented."

Kacy Rodgers, defensive coordinator: "Ultra-, ultra-talented player. When you start talking about him, you look at his work ethic, the way his motor runs. We were just looking at some stuff from the past, last year, when they used him in goal-line situations -- a multi-talented guy. You remember when he came out, and I had the opportunity to interview him at the combine. He’s kind of a self-made man. He was a walk-on, then earned a scholarship, so when you watch him and what he’s accomplished, you are just truly impressed."

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Chris Ivory uses acupuncture to help him carry workload (Ohm Youngmisuk) ESPN New York November 19, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/newyork-jets/post/_/id/56294/chris-ivory-uses-acupuncture-to-help-him-carry-workload

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. –- Chris Ivory is on pace to shatter his career high in carries, and the running back’s physical running style can take its toll.

That is one reason why the New York Jets' workhorse has taken to acupuncture as part of his weekly rehab regimen. Twice a week, the bruising 6-foot 222-pound back has needles stuck into him in an effort to help him feel fresh, pain free and recover.

“If you know a little bit about it, it does (seem like something that works),” Ivory said when asked about if the treatment works. “It is something that gets deeper in the muscle than your normal deep-tissue massage. So far that has worked for me.”

The Mayo Clinic describes acupuncture as a treatment that “involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain... many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. Some believe that this stimulation boosts your body's natural painkillers and increases blood flow.”

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Ivory first started using acupuncture when he joined the Jets in 2013. He says he usually undergoes the treatment on Monday and Friday each week.

The Jets want to do all they can to keep their bruiser fresh. Ivory has already carried the ball 156 times for 643 yards and six touchdowns through eight games. Last season, Ivory had a career-high 198 carries for 821 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games.

Ivory exploded for 166 and 146 yards against the Dolphins and Redskins, respectively, in Weeks 4 and 6 (the Jets had a bye in Week 5). But in the Jets’ following three games, Ivory gained a total of 84 yards and two touchdowns. He rebounded with 99 yards against Buffalo last Thursday, but the Jets are cautious about wearing their bell cow out.

“You go into a game with a specific number,” head coach Todd Bowles said of Ivory’s carries. “But if he’s rolling and he’s having a good day and you like what he's doing, you keep feeding him. Obviously, if we got to throw the ball more, his carries will drop a little bit.”

Ivory is averaging 19.5 carries per game. While he averages 4.1 yards per carry this season, he averaged just 1.1 yards per carry in the Jets’ two games against Oakland and Jacksonville prior to his 99-yard game against Buffalo.

“I feel good,” Ivory said. “Just have to continue to stay doing the things that have been helping me and just continue my rehab program and see how far it takes me.”

That program has consisted of cold tub, hot tub, maintenance exercises and treatments, acupuncture, massage and daily hydration. Ivory said he tried dry needling treatment before giving acupuncture a try.

“I tried dry needling before and that didn’t work so well with me,” Ivory said. “It just depends on the person and technique. (Dry needling) is more like targeting one area, and the needs in that muscle versus acupuncture.

“It is very similar but acupuncture I guess they hit a few different main muscle trigger points in the body. Let’s say one main muscle, they follow all the muscles that follow that main muscle and everything around it, which brings in new blood within the area.”

Even the muscular Ivory admits to feeling the pain of the needles being poked into him.

“It is painful,” Ivory said. “But after a while, well for me, I’ve gotten a little, I don’t want to say used to the pain but I am able to deal with the pain better than I was before.”

Cornerback Darrelle Revis says he also uses acupuncture as a treatment.

“It is fine,” Revis said of acupuncture. “It has its upside and downside to it. But that's something I use in the offseason.”

Ivory admits he was initially skeptical of acupuncture when he first tried it, but not anymore.

“Like I said, it has helped me so far,” he said.

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Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick practices fully, cleared to start against Texans (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York November 19, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/newyork-jets/post/_/id/56292/jets-qb-ryan-fitzpatrick-practices-fully-cleared-to-start-against-texans

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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Now it's officially official: Ryan Fitzpatrick will start for the New York Jets on Sunday.

After sitting out Wednesday, Fitzpatrick practiced fully Thursday and will start against the Houston Texans, Todd Bowles confirmed. There were no issues with Fitzpatrick's surgically repaired left (non-throwing) thumb, according to the coach.

"I thought he did a good job," Bowles said. "I don't think he was any worse for wear from last week. He's not taking any pain medication or anything. He had a full practice and he'll play Sunday, barring any setbacks."

Fitzpatrick, who underwent surgery last Friday to fix a torn ligament, missed practice on Monday and Wednesday. Because of the long week -- the Jets played last Thursday -- he has been able to return on a gradual basis. That, of course, is the reason why he chose the "mini-bye week" to have the operation.

There wasn't much doubt about Fitzpatrick's status this week. The Jets' plan from the outset was to start him against Houston, and Fitzpatrick declared Wednesday he was ready to start. Bowles waited a day because he wanted to see Fitzpatrick handle the functions that require his left hand -- taking snaps from under center and executing handoffs to the right side.

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NEW YORK POST

Jets’ goat vs. Bills defiantly defends his red-zone receiving prowess (Mark Cannizzaro) New York Post November 19, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/11/19/jets-goat-vs-bills-defiantly-defends-his-red-zone-receiving-prowess/

Kellen Davis insisted this has not been a particularly long week since his spotlight blooper moment in the Jets nationally televised 22-17 loss to Rex Ryan’s Bills last Thursday at MetLife Stadium.

Davis, the backup tight end and the intended receiver for that ill-fated incomplete fourth-quarter, fourth-down pass that doomed the Jets, knows what you’re thinking. And he does not care.

A week later, Davis defended the play call and his pass-catching prowess — knowing there are legions of Jets fans wondering why, on the most important play of the game, Ryan Fitzpatrick was throwing to a blocking-specialist tight end who has one catch on one target this season and four NFL receptions since 2012.

“Well, if you look at my red-zone stats, I’ve had quite a few touchdowns,’’ Davis told The Post with a hint of defiance in his voice. “I don’t really care [what the critics say]. It comes with the territory. I’m a ballplayer. It’s not going to affect me.’’

Davis has 51 career catches in his eight NFL seasons and 13 of them have gone for TDs. His one catch as a Jet this season was a touchdown. His best season came in 2011 with the Bears when he caught 18 passes and five of them went for TDs.

“I love the red zone, I absolutely love it,’’ Davis said. “I wouldn’t even care if I didn’t get any catches in the field; I love the ball in the red zone. I like scoring touchdowns.’’

Asked why he’s so proficient in the red zone, Davis said, “I guess I’m just good at it. It’s just a good area for me.’’

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It was not, however, a good area when the Bills crossed up the Jets with a defensive look they were not expecting and blew up the play to clinch the game.

“During the course of the week, we pick out our favorite play in the red zone,’’ Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said, speaking publicly about the play for the first time. “For what [Buffalo] had done [in the past], that’s what we chose. That’s the one [play] we’d worked on the most to get ready to play their defense. They ended up playing something very different so it didn’t work out as well as we’d hoped.

“They jammed [Davis at the line of scrimmage], but they dropped everybody. They played max drop and they’d been a zero blitz, ‘here they come, bring the farm.’ That’s what they’d done in every game up until then.

“You beat yourself up because if you knew that was going to happen you’ve got about four other calls you’d rather have made. But that’s life.’’

Davis refused to beat himself up over the failed play.

“I’ve been in the spotlight plenty in my career,’’ he said. “We didn’t make the play, but it’s one play in a season of 1,000 plays. You can’t make them all. Of course I wish we would have connected. If I had been able to get to the ball it would have been a great touchdown.’’

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Post-surgery Ryan Fitzpatrick gets Todd Bowles’ green light (Brian Costello) New York Post November 19, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/11/19/post-surgery-ryan-fitzpatrick-gets-todd-bowles-green-light/

Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick practiced fully on Thursday, and coach Todd Bowles said he would start Sunday’s game with the Texans.

It was the first practice for Fitzpatrick since undergoing surgery on his left thumb last Friday.

“I thought he did a good job,” Bowles said. “I didn’t think he was any worse for wear from last week. He’s not taking pain medicine or anything. He had a full practice so he’ll play Sunday barring any setbacks.”

Fitzpatrick said Wednesday that he was going to play, but Bowles said he needed to see him practice before making a decision. Fitzpatrick injured the thumb on Nov. 1 against the Raiders and played the last two games with it in a brace.

DT Sheldon Richardson (hamstring) did not practice again Thursday and his status for Sunday’s game remains up in the air.

“I’m hopeful [he can practice Friday],” Bowles said. “It looks like he’s going to be a game-time decision. He ran around a little bit today.”

CB Dee Milliner (illness) and S Dion Bailey (ankle) also did not practice.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (knee) sat out of practice again Thursday, but told reporters in Houston that he is fine and he will play against the Jets.

The Jets have not run a trick play all season. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said he is not a fan of them.

“In general, I haven’t been a trick-play guy,” Gailey said. “That’s not to say every now and then we might just pull one out of the hat. In general, I haven’t been one of those kinds of guys. I want to out execute them and out hit them and do those kinds of things to move the ball, not just trick them. Those things percentage-wise: there was a great reverse call that Cincinnati had Monday night in the first or second

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drive, whenever it was, except it didn’t work. Then you’re behind the sticks. I just, in general, have not been a big trick-play guy but every now and then you’ve got to try to pull one out of the hat somewhere.”

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NJ ADVANCE MEDIA

Can Bobby April fix Jets' special teams problems? 'I've got to do a better job' (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media November 20, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/11/bobby_april_jets_special_teams_struggles.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — The Jets' special teams have been a mess this season. There's really no other way to put it.

From a numbers standpoint, the Jets are 28th in the NFL in punt coverage, 16th in kickoff coverage, 18th in punt returns, and 28th in kickoff returns. All told, they are 27th in Football Outsiders' special teams DVOA.

The Jets have allowed three — yes, three — opposing touchdowns on special teams this season, through nine games. Three in nine games. Yikes.

One came in last Thursday's 22-17 loss to the Bills, when Devin Smith fumbled a kickoff return and the Bills returned it for a touchdown. Another happened in a 24-17 loss to the Eagles, when Darren Sproles returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown. (Do the math on the margins in those games.)

The third touchdown didn't cost the Jets a game. It happened in a win over Washington — a blocked punt that Washington fell on in the end zone.

The Jets' first-year special teams coordinator, Bobby April, is a veteran in that job. He's done it in the NFL since 1991. He can recall just one other time when his team allowed three special teams touchdowns in a season.

"I think with the Rams one year we gave up three," he said. "I'm pretty sure we did one year. Not this early. It's bad, bad to give up three in nine games. Bad."

April is understandably frustrated by how poorly the Jets' special teams have performed this season. Now, can he fix the problems?

"It's frustrating to give up those plays," he said. "It's very frustrating, because I like our guys. I think what we're doing is right. I think the way we're practicing is right. We just have to eliminate — and I have to help them — the kind of errors we've had. I've got to do a better job. That's the bottom line.

"I believe in coaching. I believe it makes a big difference. I do think we are improving, despite some of these things. We've just got to eliminate plays. And that's a big 'just gotta.' I have expectations that we can step in against anybody and go toe-to-toe with anybody in that area."

The Jets haven't done that on a consistent basis in recent years. Since longtime special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff retired after the 2012 season, the Jets have employed three special teams coordinators — Ben Kotwica in 2013, Thomas McGaughey in 2014, and now April.

In 2013, the Jets finished 10th in special teams DVOA. In 2014, they finished 16th. In Westhoff's final year, 2012, the Jets were 21st in special teams DVOA. So from that standpoint, they've been a bit better since he left, but not elite.

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5 Kacy Rodgers takeaways: What do Jets expect with Houston Texans starting T.J. Yates? (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media November 19, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/11/kacy_rodgers_takeways.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — Jets defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers on Thursday held his weekly media powwow, as his team prepares for Sunday's game at the Texans.

Here are five takeaways from what he said:

1. DeAndre Hopkins. The Texans' best wide receiver is a tough matchup, but the Jets will counter with elite cornerback Darrelle Revis. Hopkins has 71 catches this season for 927 yards and seven touchdowns. A third-year pro, he looks ready to eclipse last season's 1,210-yard output. Hopkins is tied for third in the NFL with 103 receiving yards per game. He's second in touchdown catches among wide receivers, behind only the Giants' Odell Beckham Jr., who has eight. Hopkins is third in the league with 7.9 catches per game and first with 123 total targets. Hopkins uses his 6-foot-1, 207-pound body to his advantage. "He's a very physical receiver," Rodgers said. "He really does a great job of bodying smaller DBs out. He's extremely strong. He really works to get position, and his hands are extremely strong. He goes up and grabs a lot of balls."

2. The impact of T.J. Yates starting. Quarterback Brian Hoyer is out with a concussion, so the Texans will turn to Yates, who is really a third-stringer. He has seven career starts, all as a rookie in 2011. But Rodgers doesn't expect the Texans' offense to change much with Yates under center. The Jets are preparing for Houston's offensive system, more so than a specific quarterback. Rodgers and head coach Todd Bowles are banking on the Texans not changing too much with Yates replacing Hoyer "We're evaluating their system," Rodgers said. "They really throw the ball extremely well. They're not going to change their offense. They're going to do what they do." Rodgers doesn't expect Houston to simplify its plan significantly. "I would expect them to come out and be really aggressive," he said. "Everything that we watched, they're really not a conservative team. They're not a team that runs it 50 times a game. They're pretty wide open. I don't really see that changing, from what we're seeing on tape." Houston has run the ball 239 times this season, compared to 395 passing attempts. That's 26.6 runs per game, compared to 43.9 passes.

3. Concerns about Demario Davis' coverage? It seems like Rodgers is asked this question every other week. And that's because Davis, the Jets' weak-side linebacker, has had issues covering running backs in the open field this season. The latest hiccup came in last Thursday's loss to the Bills, in which running back Karlos Williams ran past Davis for a 26-yard touchdown catch. But Rodgers insisted he's not worried about Davis in coverage, because the coaches see Davis in practice every day, and feel good about him. "A couple times, Demario's gotten beat, and it's been some technique things," Rodgers said. "Really, as you look at that, he wasn't the sole culprit on giving up that play. He could've had some more help. His leverage could've been better." What would it take for Rodgers to start feeling worried about Davis? "If he gave up seven or eight touchdowns in a game or something," Rodgers said, half-jokingly. "But in all fairness, we watch it, and we address situations that we put guys in. And we really, really don't feel like that is a problem."

4. Antonio Cromartie's first half struggles. Cromartie, a cornerback, this week was critical of how he played in the season's first half. He said his problems stemmed from him focusing too much the offense's tendencies, rather than just trying to play the receiver in front of him. Rodgers offered some more insight on this fine line Thursday. "We play a lot of man coverage, so those guys' margin for error is very thin," he

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said. "So that's where it's a fine line between having a good idea of what's coming, anticipating the route, or guessing a little bit. Sometimes, that gets you in trouble, if you're guessing this route and they run that route."

5. Leonard Williams' rookie hurdles. Williams, a defensive end, said after the Bills game that he needs to improve some pass rushing techniques if he wants to be on the field more in the Jets' third-down packages. He has played well, for the most part, this season. Rodgers, a former defensive line coach, isn't down on Williams. Far from it. "There's still a learning experience for Leonard," Rodgers said. "Really, he's doing an outstanding job. He wants to be there on third down, and he's really working hard. We're not disappointed in him. Being a rookie, his technique still has to improve, but he's hungry."

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Jets compare J.J. Watt to Hall of Famers, but how do they plan to block him? (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media November 19, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/11/can_the_jets_block_houston_texans_jj_watt.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — Jets right tackle Breno Giacomini is in his eighth NFL season, and fifth as a starter. So he's blocked a lot of great pass rushers. Julius Peppers, Cameron Wake, Rob Ninkovich, Chris Long, and Ahmad Brooks immediately came to Giacomini's mind, when he listed his toughest matchups Thursday.

But Giacomini has never faced the defensive end he'll meet Sunday: J.J. Watt.

"He's one of a kind," Giacomini said. "He's on a different level."

The Jets visit Watt's Texans on Sunday. Houston lines up Watt at different spots along its defensive front, but he most often aligns across from the right tackle, said Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.

Watt might be the NFL's best player, period. This is his fifth NFL season. He was a first-team All-Pro selection the past three years, when he had 20½, 10½, and 20½ sacks. Through nine games this season, he has 9½, second-most in the NFL. In his career, Watt has 66½ sacks, 13 forced fumbles, and 11 fumble recoveries.

According to Pro Football Focus, Watt this season leads the NFL with 19 quarterback hits and five batted down/deflected passes.

He is, quite simply, the best pass rusher the Jets will face this season, and perhaps the best player Giacomini will encounter in his entire career.

Giacomini has yet to allow a sack this season, according to PFF. He has allowed two quarterback hits. How much will those numbers increase Sunday?

The Jets on Thursday praised Watt. They recognize the havoc he can create.

Gailey compared him to Howie Long, and said an offensive coordinator must game plan "a great deal" based on Watt's presence. Jets coach Todd Bowles said Watt is "probably a faster version of Randy White," the Cowboys Hall of Famer from the 1970s and 1980s, a seven-time first-team All-Pro.

Bowles said Long had a relentless "motor," just like Watt, but Watt "may be a little more athletic than Howie, and probably a little faster than Howie.

"I don't know if [Watt] has any weaknesses. He just has a live motor, keeps himself in shape. He runs like a linebacker/DB. He's strong. He's just one of those rare players that doesn't come around very often."

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Giacomini can't worry about those Canton-invoking comparisons. He must adhere only to what he notices from Watt on film. And Giacomini sees a pass rusher whose awareness matches his athleticism and furious playing pace.

Giacomini said Watt will notice any slight tendency in the way an offensive tackle lines up or sets his feet — a potential tip about whether the play is a run or pass, or what direction the ball is heading. If you tip off Watt, you're in trouble.

"If you give him something, he's going to take it," Giacomini said. "Technique is real critical this week. I've seen it on tape. That's what he does. He sees stuff, and right away, you can see that he's going to react to the play. You don't want to give him any tips. You don't want to give him an advantage."

Though Watt typically matches up with the right tackle, the Texans "move him around just enough to make it difficult on you," Gailey said.

Sometimes, Watt will stand up in his alignment. Sometimes, he'll put his hand down, in a three-point stance.

"You have to know where he is, and you have to account for him every play," Gailey said. "They can put him anywhere, so you're guessing when you call plays, in some respect. He's on the right the majority of the time, so you do play the percentages, in that respect. But you can't tell the guys, 'Hey, 100 percent of the time, this is the way it's going to look.' Because it may be different."

This also makes it harder for the Jets: Watt isn't the Texans' only talent in their front seven. That contributes to them having the NFL's best third-down defense. Vince Wilfork is their nose tackle, Brian Cushing their middle linebacker, 2014 No. 1 draft pick Jadeveon Clowney their pass-rushing outside linebacker.

The presence of other pass rushing threats helps get Watt into one-on-one matchups, said Giacomini, the man tasked with making sure that matchup doesn't spoil the Jets' Sunday afternoon in Houston.

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What did Mike Maccagnan say about Geno Smith's future with Jets? (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media November 19, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/11/what_did_mike_maccagnan_say_about_geno_smiths_futu.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — General manager Mike Maccagnan didn't exactly give Jets quarterback Geno Smith a ringing endorsement for the future on Wednesday.

"Geno is under contract for next year," Maccagnan said. "But I think we're just going to see how this thing progresses because we still have a little under half of the season left. Geno has done a good job so far, and we'll see how he progresses going forward."

Could this Smith's last season at One Jets Drive? It's not certain, but it is possible.

Smith, of course, was slated to be the Jets' starting quarterback this season. And early on in training camp, he looked like the better option compared to Ryan Fitzpatrick. But then came The Punch from IK Enemkpali, which broke Smith's jaw and effectively cost him his job as the starter.

Smith's only opportunity to play this season came during a Week 8 loss at the Raiders, when Fitzpatrick tore a ligament in his left thumb on the sixth play from scrimmage. Smith wasn't awful—27-for-42, 265

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yards, two touchdowns, one interception—but the Jets' defense was, and they wound up playing from behind most of the way.

"He hasn't done anything so far in the very limited amount of time we've got to see him play in a regular season game," Maccagnan said. "I think the jury is still out, not necessarily in a bad way."

Despite the injury and his subsequent surgery, Fitzpatrick has been able to keep playing otherwise. And barring some sort of additional serious injury to Fitzpatrick, it seems unlikely Smith will see the field again in the final seven games.

Maccagnan said the Enemkpali punching incident—a situation head coach Todd Bowles and several veterans strongly hinted Smith could have diffused—did not alter his perception of Smith.

"Not really, in fact, I think, if anything—and not really having been around the organization prior to this year—I thought Geno handled it fairly well," Maccagnan said. "I think he's gone back [and] tried to focus on becoming a good football player and [gone] from there."

But what about Smith's future with the Jets? A 2013 second-round pick, Smith made 29 starts in his first two seasons. He didn't have a go-to receiver like Brandon Marshall—David Nelson was the Jets' second-leading pass-catcher in 2013, for crying out loud—but he's now turned the ball over 42 times, including 35 interceptions. And Maccagnan and Bowles were not with the Jets when Smith was drafted.

This season was supposed to be Smith's chance to prove his worth. But now it's worth wondering whether that opportunity will ultimately come with the Jets.

Smith has one year remaining on his rookie contract, at an inexpensive rate. His salary for next year is only $675,000 (plus a $414,491 workout bonus), and none of that is guaranteed. His salary-cap charge, assuming he's on the 2016 roster, would be roughly $1.6 million. And by cutting him, the Jets would see roughly $1 million in cap savings, while eating approximately $507,000 in dead money.

But would they want to cut him? Fitzpatrick is not under contract for 2016, and it's possible the Jets could try to re-sign him after the season. Smith could then be an inexpensive backup option again. But the Jets also have rookie Bryce Petty—"We like him from a potential standpoint," Maccagnan said—and depending on where Petty is with his development, the Jets might want to roll with him as the backup.

So: The Jets have options with Smith's future. But they also have the luxury of being able to make their decision one way or another without any costly consequences.

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Could Jets' Sheldon Richardson (hamstring) miss Sunday's game at Houston Texans? (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media November 19, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/11/could_jets_sheldon_richardson_hamstring_miss_sunda.html#incart_river_index

FLORHAM PARK — Sheldon Richardson, the Jets' star defensive end, did not practice again Thursday, due to a sore hamstring.

This came as no surprise, since coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday that Richardson was unlikely to practice Thursday.

Richardson missed Wednesday's practice, as well. Bowles said after that practice that he hoped Richardson would be able to practice Friday.

Could Richardson miss Sunday's game at the Texans?

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It's possible. Bowles said Richardson likely will be a game-time decision. Richardson said he's optimistic he will play, though players always say that.

Richardson has the benefit of extra rest. He hurt his hamstring during last Thursday's loss to the Bills — the Jets' most recent game.

Also sidelined at Thursday's practice was backup strong safety Dion Bailey (high ankle sprain). He didn't practice Wednesday, either.

But it looks like starting strong safety Calvin Pryor will return Sunday from a high ankle sprain, so the Jets probably won't need Bailey.

Center Nick Mangold (neck, hand) was sidelined at Wednesday's practice. Based on what he did during the open portion of practice Thursday, it seemed there was a decent chance he'd practice.

Backup cornerback Dee Milliner (illness) was absent Thursday for the second straight day.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, coming off Friday surgery on his left (non-throwing) thumb, didn't practice Wednesday, as planned. The Jets' plan called for him to do more Thursday at practice. During the open part of practice, he threw some balls.

Fitzpatrick said Wednesday that he'd be fine to start Sunday.

Jets coach Todd Bowles said later Thursday that Mangold and Fitzpatrick fully participated in practice, while Bailey, Richardson, and Milliner officially did not. No Jets players were limited Thursday, according to Bowles.

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Thankfully for Jets defense, T.J. Yates-led Texans are truly offensive (Manish Mehta) New York Daily News November 20, 2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/mehta-thankfully-jets-texans-offensive-article-1.2441223

On a 10-point fear factor scale, T.J. Yates registers a solid 1.5.

Maybe a 2.0 on a good day.

For all the recent criticism heaped on the Jets defense, there is this sobering truth about the next opponent: Their quarterback stinks.

Todd Bowles’ team isn't exactly facing Dan Pastorini or Warren Moon in the heart of Texas on Sunday. The 4-5 Houston Texans, like the rest of the AFC South, don’t strike fear in anyone. Yates, the journeyman third-stringer thrust into the starting lineup after Brian Hoyer suffered a concussion on Monday night, isn’t scaring anyone.

“He’s a professional for a reason,” outside linebacker Calvin Pace said.

He’s a professional thanks to the actions of a demoted head case/knucklehead (Ryan Mallett) backup.

The Jets defense has lost its way in recent weeks, but the elixir is waiting in Houston, where it will be a minor miracle if a Yates-led offense will be able to crack double-digit points against a ticked-off unit.

Besides, the Texans offense emits a malodorous odor. It stinks to high heaven.

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Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who has an NFL-high 122 targets, is a dangerous weapon that will likely go to waste on Sunday. Texans coach Bill O’Brien admitted that he's streamlined the offensive playbook in recent weeks to improve efficiency.

“It's the NFL,” Bowles said of the Texans’ supposed dumbing-down of their offense. “I don't know what simplified means, because everybody’s complicated. They might do some different things that (Yates) does better. I don’t know about simplifying.”

Yates led the Texans' to a go-ahead touchdown in a 10-6 win over the then-undefeated Bengals on Monday night, but he didn’t exactly conjure up images of George Blanda. Yates can thank Hopkins for a highlight-reel, one-handed catch on his lone touchdown pass.

His other three drives (excluding a game-ending kneel-down) yielded one first down and three punts.

“He’s one of those gunslinger-type of quarterbacks,” cornerback Buster Skrine said. “He likes to go deep. It’s like facing a quarterback you never played before. You can’t underestimate him, because you never know what he can do.”

Jets players and coaches echoed those sentiments with a straight face.

“We have a healthy respect for T.J. Yates,” defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers said Thursday.

On any given Sunday, you can be embarrassed, even by substandard players stealing money, so it makes sense to adopt that mind-set. But the smart money will be on Yates getting buried by a green-and-white avalanche that has plenty to prove, with the Jets having lost three of the last four games.

The Jets are solid on paper. Bowles’ defense is in the top 10 in total yards allowed (fourth), rushing (first), passing (ninth), points allowed (ninth), red-zone efficiency (second) and takeaways (fourth), but a closer examination reveals cracks.

The Jets’ turnover rate has significantly slowed after a dizzying start that included 15 in the first five games. Bowles’ defense hasn’t forced a turnover in its last three losses in the past four weeks. The formidable front that was nearly impossible to run against early on has allowed an average of 121 yards on 4.7 yards per rush in the past three games. Bowles’ defense has had its fair share of tackling woes too.

The second half of the loss to the Bills last week was especially maddening. The Jets forced four consecutive three-and-outs and didn’t allow a first down for 22½ minutes before failing to make a defensive stop until it was too late.

“I think we’re doing okay,” Pace said. “I don’t think we've put a full game together in terms of stopping the run, good against the pass and turnovers. That being said, it’s been good. I'm upbeat about it, positive about it. I think we’re getting better.”

Thankfully, the Texans are up next. Houston has the No. 29 passing offense, No. 28 rushing attack and No. 26 scoring offense. The Texans are in the middle of the pack when it comes to third downs and red-zone efficiency. Other than that, they’re extremely potent.

“We’re playing against the scheme,” Bowles said.

Yates will start his first game since his three-interception performance in a divisional playoff loss to the Ravens during his rookie season in 2011. Yates went 3-4 as a starter that year, including a wildcard win over the Bengals, after Matt Leinart suffered a collarbone injury.

He had a grand total of 36 pass attempts (zero TDs, four INTs) in the next three seasons with Houston and Atlanta before relieving Hoyer earlier this week.

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“I would expect them to come out and be really aggressive,” Rodgers said. “They’re not a conservative team. They’re not a team that runs it 50 times a game. They’re pretty wide open.”

Sound scary?

Not really.

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Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick ready to play a week after thumb surgery (Justin Tasch) New York Daily News November 19, 2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-insider-fitzpatrick-set-play-week-surgery-article-1.2441181

A day after declaring he would start on Sunday in Houston, Ryan Fitzpatrick returned to a full practice Thursday after undergoing surgery on his left thumb last Friday to repair a torn ligament.

Fitzpatrick just threw off to the side on Wednesday in order to get an extra day to heal, but appeared back to normal on Thursday.

“I thought he did a good job,” Todd Bowles said of his quarterback. “I didn’t think he was any worse for wear from last week. He’s not taking pain medicine or anything, so he had a full practice, so he’ll play Sunday. Barring any setbacks, he’ll play Sunday.”

HOP TO IT

Darrelle Revis has his hands full with top-notch wide receivers nearly every game, but his toughest test yet might be coming on Sunday against Houston’s DeAndre Hopkins.

Hopkins began the week third in the NFL in receiving with 927 yards to go along with seven touchdowns. He has 71 receptions on a league-leading 125 targets.

“He’s one of the best in the league,” Revis said of Hopkins. “He kind of reminds me of Anquan Boldin. They give him a lot of targets. They move him around. He’s their go-to guy. He makes a lot of plays.”

Hopkins missed practice Thursday but said he’s “100%” and Texans coach Bill O’Brien thinks he’ll play.

BALLROOM BLITZ

Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey was surprised the Bills didn’t come with the all-out blitz they normally would on the fourth-and-4 attempted pass to Kellen Davis last Thursday.

Buffalo rushed just three and dropped everyone else in coverage after jamming Davis at the line of scrimmage. Davis got hung up and the pass sailed over his head for an incompletion.

“They played match-drop and they’ve been a zero blitz, here they come, bring the farm (defense,)” Gailey said. “That’s what they’ve done in every game up until then. So it worked out that — you beat yourself up. If you knew that was going to happen, you’ve got about four other calls you’d rather have made, but that’s life.”

LESSON LEARNED

WR Quincy Enunwa spoke for the first time Thursday since returning from a four-game suspension for violating the personal conduct policy. The suspension stemmed from an alleged domestic violence incident in 2014. The charges were dismissed but Enunwa was suspended for four games anyway.

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“I learned a lot about the NFL,” Enunwa said. “I learned a lot about myself. I just kind of want to make sure that I don’t put myself in any kind of position like that again. There’s a lot of sides to the NFL,” he added. “And I never want to be on that side of the NFL.” ... DT Sheldon Richardson (hamstring,) S Dion Bailey (ankle) and CB Dee Milliner (illness) all missed practice Thursday. … C Nick Mangold (neck, hand) returned to practice.

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THURSDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

BASEBALL

American League

TORONTO BLUE JAYS — Selected the contracts of RHPs Blake McFarland from New Hampshire (EL) and Blake Dragmire from Dunedin (FSL).

National League

CHICAGO CUBS — Agreed to terms with RHP Andury Acevedo on a one-year contract.

American Association

LINCOLN SALTDOGS — Signed RHP Randy Hamrick.

WICHITA WINGNUTS — Signed RHPs Seth Harvey and Richard Ruff.

Can-Am League

SUSSEX COUNTY MINERS — Released RHP Matt Sommo, OF Brady Wilson, 1B Vince Guglietti and INF Andrew Dundon.

FOOTBALL

National Football League

BALTIMORE RAVENS — Placed DB Asa Jackson on injured reserve. Signed RB Terrance West from the practice squad.

DENVER BRONCOS — Waived G Shelley Smith. Claimed C Sam Brenner off waivers from Miami.

HOUSTON TEXANS — Waived CB Jumal Rolle. Claimed QB Brandon Weeden off waivers from Dallas.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — Released DT Hebron Fangupo from the practice squad. Signed TE Ross Travis to the practice squad.

MIAMI DOLPHINS — Signed LB James-Michael Johnson. Signed DT Deandre Coleman and OT Chris Martin to the practice squad.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS — Signed WR Donte Foster to the practice squad.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Released DE Julius Warmsley from the practice squad. Signed WR Douglas McNeil to the practice squad.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League

ARIZONA COYOTES — Called up F Michael Bunting and D Dakota Mermis from Rapid City (ECHL) to Springfield (AHL).

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American Hockey League

HAMILTON BULLDOGS — Acquired D Connor Walters from Owen Sound (OHL) for their 2016 eight-round pick in the OHL Priority Selection and Barrie’s (OHL) 2019 fifth-round pick.

SOCCER

National Women’s Soccer League

WASHINGTON SPIRIT — Traded M Angela Salem to Boston for two 2016 second-round draft picks.

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