NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

November 1, 2015

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Table of Contents

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

Derek Carr leads Raiders into meeting against Jets (Dennis Waszak) ....................................................................... 2

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

Jets head to Oakland to see if they measure up (Bob Glauber) ................................................................................ 3

Visit to Oakland's hostile Black Hole doesn't scare Brandon Marshall (Kimberley A. Martin) .................................. 4

Raiders receiver Amari Cooper catches Jets' attention (Kimberley A. Martin) ......................................................... 5

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

Jets limping into matchup with Raiders (J.P. Pelzman) ............................................................................................. 7

Jets matchup: Week 8 vs. Oakland (J.P. Pelzman)..................................................................................................... 8

Jets seek to rebound against Raiders (J.P. Pelzman) ................................................................................................. 8

NEW YORK TIMES .................................................................................................................................................. 9

Jets-Raiders Preview: Darrelle Revis Faces Fresh Talent (Ben Shpigel) ................................................................... 10

Ryan Fitzpatrick Approaches Record of Fellow Ivy League Alumnus (Zach Schonbrun) ......................................... 10

ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................. 12

Gillette sweep found nothing, report says; not requested by Jets (Rich Cimini, Mike Reiss) ................................. 12

Will the disappearing Quinton Coples resurface on trading block? (Rich Cimini) ................................................... 13

Jets can't afford a very Brady sequel against Raiders (Rich Cimini) ........................................................................ 14

Latest chapter in Jets-Pats rivalry: Bugs and suspicious activity (Rich Cimini) ........................................................ 16

NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................. 17

One Jet falling victim to defensive musical chairs (Brian Costello) ......................................................................... 18

Why Raiders matchup is such a crucial test for Bowles’ Jets (George Willis) ......................................................... 18

Chris Ivory talks Jets future, London and mom’s influence (Steve Serby) .............................................................. 19

The lingering feeling Jets must shake on trip to Oakland (Brian Costello) .............................................................. 23

NJ ADVANCE MEDIA ............................................................................................................................................ 25

Here's some more Jets-New England Patriots paranoia for you (Dom Consentino) ............................................... 25

Darrelle Revis vs. Amari Cooper highlights Jets-Oakland Raiders matchups (Dom Cosentino) .............................. 27

As he prepares for Jets, why is Oakland Raiders' Derek Carr better in Year 2? (Darryl Slater) ............................... 27

Jets did request in-game investigation of New England Patriots, per report (Darryl Slater) .................................. 28

4 things Jets must do to beat Oakland Raiders (Darryl Slater) ................................................................................ 30

Charles Woodson: Jets to face Oakland Raiders' ageless wonder (Dom Cosentino) .............................................. 31

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 32

Jets defense Ganging up against the run (Seth Walder) ......................................................................................... 32

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SATURDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS .................................................................................................................. 33

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Derek Carr leads Raiders into meeting against Jets (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press October 31, 2015

http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/derek-carr-leads-raiders-meeting-against-jets

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — When Derek Carr looks back at the film from his NFL debut against the New York Jets nearly 14 months ago, it's more for sentimental value than scouting.

With a new coaching staff led by Todd Bowles and an upgraded secondary keyed by Darrelle Revis, the Jets are a far different team than the one Carr encountered a year ago.

Carr is also a much different quarterback with 22 starts under his belt and new playmakers on the outside in Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree that have helped make him one of the top up-and-coming quarterbacks in the league.

"It's fun to look at. I've got to remember that one," Carr said. "I threw my first touchdown there, so I can't forget it, but it's definitely not the same me. It's not our same team. Nothing is similar, so you can't really watch it."

The Jets (4-2) will get to see the upgraded offense for the Raiders (3-3) when the two teams meet in Oakland on Sunday.

The Raiders scored on their first seven drives in last week's win at San Diego and have their most potent offense in years, led by the young trio of Carr, Cooper and running back Latavius Murray.

It's a far cry from a year ago when Bowles faced Carr as defensive coordinator for Arizona when the Cardinals came to Oakland and won.

"He's a lot more poised this year than last year," Bowles said. "He's always had the arm talent. He could always run. He can make all the throws. I think he's doing a heck of a job directing the offense right now."

Here are some other things to watch when the Jets visit the Raiders:

NOWHERE TO RUN: New York has the NFL's top-ranked rushing defense, which is not good news for Latavius Murray and Oakland's 23rd-ranked running offense. The Jets enter the game allowing a league-low 71.5 yards per game and 3.4 yards per rush. They have also given up just two rushing TDs this season.

But Oakland is nearly as stingy. The Raiders are ranked third overall against the run, giving up just 84.3 yards per game and 3.7 yards per rush. Oakland hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 10 straight games. New York's Chris Ivory comes in with 501 yards rushing in five games, and ranks third in the NFL with 100.2 yards per game.

RAIDER KILLER: It would be no surprise if Raiders fans were sick of seeing Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. He has faced Oakland three previous times with three different teams and come out on the winning side each time. After leading last-minute comebacks for Buffalo and Tennessee, Fitzpatrick beat the Raiders easily last year with Houston. No quarterback has ever beaten the Raiders with four different organizations.

"I've been there the last few years," he said. "I keep coming back in different uniforms. It's one of those things."

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DRAFT DECISIONS: When the Raiders went on the clock during the draft at fourth overall, the speculation was they were choosing between Cooper and defensive lineman Leonard Williams. They went with Cooper and are ecstatic with the results. Even though Williams had expressed a desire to play with the Raiders, he's happy to be a key contributor on the Jets' stout line.

"I think it worked out pretty well that I came to the Jets," Williams said. "I'm under a lot of great players to learn from Sheldon Richardson, Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison, those guys have been able to take me under their wing and show me a lot of stuff."

BLACK HOLE: Jets receiver Brandon Marshall is excited for his return trip to the notorious Black Hole at the Oakland Coliseum. Marshall made three trips to Oakland early in his career when he played in Denver.

"That's my favorite stadium to play in," he said. "Every time before the game, I'll run to the Black Hole and I'll just stare at them and mean mug them and they just throw stuff at you. It's fun."

CENTER OF CONCERN: The Jets could be without center Nick Mangold after he injured his neck last Sunday at New England. X-rays and other tests on Mangold's neck were negative, but Bowles was uncertain as to whether he would be available at Oakland. If Mangold can't go, Dakota Dozier or Wesley Johnson would fill in.

"We have them on the team, so the comfort level is there," Bowles said of Dozier and Johnson. "Obviously, they're not Mangold or they'd be in front of him. I'm confident these guys can go in and do their job and play."

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NEWSDAY

Jets head to Oakland to see if they measure up (Bob Glauber) Newsday October 31, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/jets-head-to-oakland-to-see-if-they-measure-up-1.11039995

OAKLAND, Calif. - There are times when you can tell more about a team in the wake of a demoralizing loss than an exhilarating win. For the Jets, this is one of those times.

Coming off a 30-23 loss to the Patriots last week, they face another major test when they face the Raiders on the road.

The Raiders aren't in a class with the Patriots. No one is right now. But if you saw the Raiders demolish the Chargers on the road last week (before allowing Philip Rivers to make it at least respectable in garbage time of the second half), you know the Jets have a huge task.

When a team loses a game the way the Jets did last week and then travels across the country to face a young team on the rise and injected with confidence -- then a matchup that might have looked easy on paper before the season now looks mountainous.

Just ask Jets defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers, who together with Todd Bowles implemented a game plan that nearly worked against the unbeaten Patriots. Asked what he was thinking when he watched videotape of Derek Carr's offense doing a number on the Chargers, Rodgers said, "Here we go again."

Yes, the Raiders really do look like a different team with a more confident Carr now in his second season. Rookie receiver Amari Cooper has been a revelation, living up to his billing as the top receiver in this year's

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draft. He might be a once-in-a-generation-type receiver, with prototypical size, speed and, perhaps most importantly, route-running ability.

This is not a dink-and-dunk, take-what-you-give-them offense like the Patriots, whose ability to solve schemes is among the best in NFL history. No, the Raiders still like the vertical game, and the Jets must be mindful of Carr's ability to throw home-run passes, especially to Cooper.

"They're a formidable team," Rodgers said. "They broke big plays in the passing game , they had trouble covering Cooper, and they opened up the running game. All the backs were a factor."

The Raiders once were one of the league's most dominant franchises, but in recent years -- really, in recent decades -- they have been one of the league's biggest flops. They drafted poorly, hired and fired coaches with metronomic regularity and, with rare exception, were abysmal.

But in the last two years, they may have hit on three important positions for a team: quarterback, pass rusher and wide receiver.

Carr was a second-round pick last year, right behind Buffalo outside linebacker Khalil Mack, who has emerged as one of the league's most dominant pass rushers, and Cooper, who has been the runaway choice for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

General manager Reggie McKenzie also has rebuilt the offensive line and sprinkled in a handful of veterans throughout the lineup to add depth and experience.

Pulling it all together is Jack Del Rio, the former Broncos defensive coordinator in his second go-round as a head coach after a prior run with the Jaguars.

The Jets (4-2) have been mostly impressive, with Bowles showing a calm but firm hand in leading the excellent getaway. But this game could prove as challenging as trying to vanquish the perennial AFC East champion Patriots, especially because it comes on the heels of such a close loss.

"It's a matter of shaking off that loss and getting ready for that win that next week," Bowles said. "Putting it behind you and understanding that it's a process and getting back to the fundamental things you do well and come out and play better the next week."

Bowles liked what he saw this week from players and coaches in terms of their preparation.

"The head coach has to make sure everybody is fine, so they have to move on, but the assistant coaches know exactly what happened and it stews on them all the time," he said. "You've got to make sure they can put it past them and move on to the next week. I think our guys are doing a good job."

To get to 5-2, they'll have to. Another loss on the road against a quality team and a 4-3 record . . . then here come the doubts.

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Visit to Oakland's hostile Black Hole doesn't scare Brandon Marshall (Kimberley A. Martin) Newsday October 31, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/visit-to-oakland-s-hostile-black-hole-doesn-t-scare-brandon-marshall-1.11023455

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - There's nothing quite like the O.co Coliseum, according to Brandon Marshall.

"It's my favorite place to play," the Jets receiver said on Wednesday.

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And the "Black Hole" -- made up of fervent, costume-clad fans occupying an end zone -- makes the Coliseum a hostile environment like no other.

"I played in Denver so I've battled against them a few times," said Marshall, who was with the Broncos from 2006-09. "That's my favorite stadium to play in. Every time before the game, I'll run to the Black Hole and I'll just stare at them and mean-mug them and they just throw stuff at you. It's fun. It's great football."

Football fans are passionate. But Raiders fans? They're a special breed. And they're one of the main reasons being the road team in Oakland is never fun.

"They have a smaller stadium than most, as far as it being closed in," Jets coach Todd Bowles said. "Their fans dress up more than anybody else I've seen, as far as wearing the spikes and all the other stuff. And they have a great tradition there. So it'll be a fun place to play."

Does Bowles have any fun memories of playing in Oakland?

"I remember Bo Jackson running for a touchdown," the former NFL safety said with a smile. "I don't think that was funny at the time. It might be funny now."

Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has played several times in Oakland during his 11-year career and joked: "I keep coming back in different uniforms. My parents are in Arizona, it's on the West Coast, so any time you get family that goes to a game, unfortunately they can't sport the jersey.

"The fans are pretty crazy out there. [It's like] you're in the witness protection program. I think it's a fun atmosphere. I'm sure coming off of last week's win, it'll be nice and noisy."

All kidding aside, the Jets (4-2) have taken notice of how well the Raiders (3-3) have played lately. Led by second-year quarterback Derek Carr, rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper and the third-best rushing defense in the league, the Raiders are coming off a 37-29 road win over Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers (2-5).

"They're big and they're tough, obviously," Bowles said when asked about Oakland's defensive front. "They're similar to Washington and New England to that standpoint. And it's going to be another tough ballgame playing them out there.

"I mean, you saw what they did to San Diego last week, so we've got our work cut out for us."

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Raiders receiver Amari Cooper catches Jets' attention (Kimberley A. Martin) Newsday October 31, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/raiders-receiver-amari-cooper-catches-jets-attention-1.11040154

He's "special." He's a "demon." And, according to Brandon Marshall, he's a "stud muffin" too.

Amari Cooper has it all. And for that reason, the Raiders' rookie receiver might be the toughest matchup to date for the Jets and Darrelle Revis.

"He's not your typical rookie receiver," Dee Milliner said. "You're probably going to think he's in Year 3 or 4 because of how crisp he is in his routes and how he's going to attack it going after the ball."

Milliner would know. He and Cooper were a part of Alabama's championship team when the Crimson Tide crushed Notre Dame, 42-14, in the BCS National Championship Game on Jan. 7, 2013.

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As Milliner sat at his locker after Thursday's practice, he recalled Alabama's SEC Championship Game win over Georgia in December 2012 -- a 32-28 victory capped by Cooper's game-winning 45-yard touchdown catch with 3:15 to play.

"You know he's going to get double- or triple-teamed and he just finds a way to catch the ball," Milliner of his college buddy.

Despite his age, Cooper, 21, already is turning heads on the NFL stage. Through the Raiders' first six games, he's caught 33 passes for 519 yards and three touchdowns.

In comparison, Marshall, a 10-year veteran, has 41 catches for 578 yards and four TDs.

"I've been a fan of Amari Cooper since college. He's a stud. He's a stud muffin," Marshall said this past week, adding that Cooper is a cross between Chad Johnson and A.J. Green.

". . . I don't even know how to explain this guy,'' Marshall said. "I've never really seen this type of player before."

Cooper is an NFL star in the making. But the question is: Can Revis contain him?

"Most definitely," Milliner said. "He has the ability to do that. It's going to be a good matchup. Both of them are crafty at what they do, so it's going to be a good game."

The Jets (4-2) need a bounce-back win after last week's defeat in New England and the Raiders (3-3) are looking to ride the momentum of their 37-29 upset of the San Diego Chargers. Sunday's game at O.co Coliseum will pit Oakland's young upstarts against the Jets' savvy vets. But experience might not necessarily be an edge.

"Yeah, we've seen everything, but you can't take anybody lightly," cornerback Buster Skrine said. "And they're a good team. I think they're better than their record right now. Their team is playing like vets right now."

Raiders second-year quarterback Derek Carr appears to be coming into his own.

He was 24-for-37 for 289 yards and three touchdowns (plus no turnovers) last week against the Chargers. He appears to be much improved since his last meeting with the Jets, in Week 1 last season, when he threw mostly short passes against Rex Ryan's defense and finished 20-for-32 for 151 yards and two touchdowns in a 19-14 win.

"He's a lot more poised this year than last year," Jets coach Todd Bowles said. "He's always had the arm talent. He could always run. He can make all the throws. I think he's doing a heck of a job directing the offense right now."

Meanwhile, Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack is making a name for himself in Year 2.

"I think he's one of the more talented guys in terms of his size and athleticism in the league," Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said of the former University of Buffalo star.

But as well as Carr and Mack have played, much of the talk has been about Cooper, who not only is a deep threat but a receiver who can produce plenty of yards after the catch.

"He's a special athlete. There's no doubt about it," Milliner said of Cooper, whom the Jets interviewed at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. "He's got all-around game. He can do the short plays and he's got the speed and ability to go downfield and catch the balls up top."

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Skrine highlighted Cooper's vision and Milliner touted his former teammate's dedication to his craft. "I know he's probably doing all the extra work that he needs to get to a different level than anybody else. That's just a thing that he does. That's him," Milliner said.

Bowles also raved about Cooper's route-running ability and his "great hands."

"He's everything as advertised," he said. "He's smart, he's quiet, he's humble, but on the field, he plays like a demon."

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THE RECORD

Jets limping into matchup with Raiders (J.P. Pelzman) The Record October 31, 2015

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/gang-green-limping-into-sunday-s-game-1.1445647

FLORHAM PARK – The Jets' come-from-ahead loss at New England six days ago wasn't merely a tough blow psychologically, but also has proven to be a tough defeat to take from a physical standpoint.

Numerous players came out of that game injured, and it was a banged-up Jets team that flew Friday to the West Coast to take on Oakland on Sunday.

Center Nick Mangold, who suffered a neck injury in the final minute of the Jets' loss to New England, didn't practice Friday for the third consecutive day. He is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game.

Coach Todd Bowles said, "It's possible" that Mangold could play against the Raiders. "But the longer the days go on that he doesn't do anything, the less possible it becomes," Bowles added.

No. 2 wide receiver Eric Decker was limited in practice Friday for a second consecutive day after sitting out Wednesday's workout. He is listed as questionable, but seems to have a good chance of playing. Decker injured his left knee in a Week 2 victory at Indianapolis and bruised it again versus the Patriots.

He said Friday he is "trying to battle against soreness and swelling, and just trying to be smart as the week progresses so I give myself the best chance to play every Sunday.

"For me, it's really day by day at this point," Decker said. "I'm doing everything I can to prepare myself for Sunday. We've got a long flight ahead of us, so I've just got to take the right steps."

Injuries have made the Jets especially thin at that position as they prepare to face the Raiders. Rookie wideout Devin Smith (ankle) and fourth-year pro Chris Owusu (concussion) have been ruled out for Sunday's game, and Owusu was waived with an injury settlement Friday afternoon to make room for fifth-year running back Stevan Ridley (knee), who was activated off the physically unable to perform list.

Ridley could make his Jets' debut, considering that second-string running back Bilal Powell (ankle) has been ruled out for a second consecutive game. That left starter Chris Ivory and reserve Zac Stacy as the team's only healthy running backs until Ridley's activation.

Mangold was noncommittal about whether he would play Sunday. Bowles said he would travel with the team. Bowles said Wesley Johnson or Dakota Dozier would start if Mangold cannot play.

Johnson, who was promoted from the practice squad Wednesday, played left tackle for most of his college career at Vanderbilt, but started seven games at center for the Commodores in 2011. He also played there in a backup role during the preseason. Dozier finished the game at New England after Mangold went down with 54 seconds to go.

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BRIEFS: Former Jets QB Boomer Esiason said during Westwood One's radio broadcast of the Miami-New England game Thursday night that a source told him the Jets had requested the NFL to sweep the visiting locker room for hidden listening devices before the Jets played at New England last Sunday. The NFL said the Jets made no such request. League spokesman Brian McCarthy said on Twitter: "We have for years conducted regular and random checks. We do not get into details of specific games." … CB Darrin Walls was fined $8,681 by the NFL for a low block on a kickoff against New England. … SS Calvin Pryor (sprained ankle) won't travel with the team. He said he hopes to play a week from Sunday against Jacksonville and admitted the ankle sprain is more of a high than a low one.

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Jets matchup: Week 8 vs. Oakland (J.P. Pelzman) The Record November 1, 2015

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/jets-matchup-week-8-vs-oakland-1.1446093

Jets (4-2) at Raiders (3-3)

At O.co Coliseum; Today, 4 p.m.; TV: CBS; Radio: ESPN-FM 98.7; Line: Jets by 3

What’s at stake

Jets: The Jets are trying not to fall too far behind New England (7-0), which routed Miami on Thursday. A loss would put them three games behind the Patriots in the AFC East. The Jets have lost their last three games played in the Pacific time zone.

Raiders: Oakland is seeking its first 4-3 start since 2011, and a victory would mark only the second time in the last 13 seasons that the Raiders have notched a fourth win before suffering a fourth defeat.

Key matchup

Jets CB Darrelle Revis vs. Raiders WR Amari Cooper. Cooper, a first-round draft pick from Alabama, has burst onto the scene as a rookie with 33 receptions and three TDs. Revis has six takeaways, including three interceptions. The veteran has played up to his incredibly high standards for the most part, but allowed a TD catch by Washington’s Pierre Garcon two weeks ago and was beaten for a potential score by Julian Edelman last week (Edelman dropped the ball).

How they’ll win

Jets: The Jets must run the ball effectively against an Oakland defense that allows only 3.7 yards per rush. Perhaps the addition of former New England standout Stevan Ridley, activated Friday, can give the Jets’ ground game a change of pace to go with the bruising Chris Ivory. C Nick Mangold (neck) is doubtful and his absence would be crucial, not only because of his talent but his experience in making the protection calls against the pass rush.

Raiders: Ageless S Charles Woodson has four interceptions this year, and it will be interesting to see if he can bait veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick the way he would a younger signal caller. Fitzpatrick has had at least one turnover in every game this season. Oakland’s offensive line must keep second-year QB Derek Carr (11 TD passes, three picks) upright against the Jets’ array of blitzes.

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Jets seek to rebound against Raiders (J.P. Pelzman) The Record November 1, 2015

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http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/jets-seek-rebound-against-oakland-1.1446148

Along with their luggage, the Jets took a lot of frustrating what-ifs with them when they departed Massachusetts seven days ago.

The Jets will find out today whether they remembered not to pack those regrets for their trip to the West Coast.

The Jets blew a fourth-quarter lead in a loss to undefeated New England last week, but they believe they have shaken off any aftereffects from that loss.

"I think any loss is a tough loss," coach Todd Bowles said Friday, "but we had a good week at practice. Guys were energized."

Earlier in the week, Bowles said, "It’s a matter of shaking off that loss and getting ready for that win that next week; putting it behind you and understanding that it’s a process and getting back to the fundamental things you do well [to] come out and play better the next week."

The Jets likely will need to play well to win today, because the Raiders (3-3) do not appear to be the pushovers they have been in recent years. In fact, Oakland easily could be 5-1. The Raiders lost to Chicago on a last-second field goal, and quarterback Derek Carr was driving them toward a potential go-ahead field goal in the fourth period against Denver before throwing a game-clinching pick-six.

The Raiders led San Diego, 37-6, a week ago before holding on for a 37-29 road victory.

Thus, the devoted fans who fill the so-called "Black Hole" at one end of the stadium have something to cheer about, even though it’s very possible that the Raiders could leave Oakland again after this season. They also departed the Bay Area after the 1981 season before returning in 1995.

"It’s a tough place [to play], no question," said Jets receiver Eric Decker, a former Bronco. "They’ve got some dedicated fans and some crazy fans. They’ve been playing some pretty good football as well, so I think we’re going to find [a tough] atmosphere when we got there."

Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick lives in Arizona and expects some family members to be in attendance, albeit incognito.

"Anytime you get family that goes to a game" in Oakland, Fitzpatrick said, smiling, "unfortunately they can’t sport the jersey. The fans are pretty crazy out there. [It’s like] you’re in the witness protection program. I think it’s a fun atmosphere. I’m sure [with the Raiders] coming off of last week’s win it’ll be nice and noisy."

"I played in Denver, so I’ve battled against them a few times," wide receiver Brandon Marshall said. "That’s my favorite stadium to play in. Every time before the game, I’ll run to the Black Hole and I’ll just stare at them and mean-mug them, and they just throw stuff at you. It’s fun. It’s great football."

The Jets also may have to overcome the absence of veteran center Nick Mangold, who suffered a neck injury at New England and didn’t practice all week. He is listed as doubtful. Coincidentally, one of the three games he’s missed in his career due to injury occurred four years ago when the Jets lost at Oakland, 34-24.

If Mangold doesn’t play, Wesley Johnson or Dakota Dozier will get the start. Johnson said that if he plays, "I’m really just looking forward to the opportunity."

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NEW YORK TIMES

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Jets-Raiders Preview: Darrelle Revis Faces Fresh Talent (Ben Shpigel) New York Times October 31, 2015

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/sports/football/jets-raiders-preview-darrelle-revis-faces-fresh-talent.html?ref=football&_r=0

4 p.m., CBS

Matchup to Watch

Amari Cooper vs.

Darrelle Revis

Cooper, drafted fourth over all in May, leads all rookies with 33 receptions, 519 yards and three touchdowns, and only two other receivers — Cleveland’s Travis Benjamin and Indianapolis’s T. Y. Hilton — also have four catches of at least 40 yards. Last week, Cooper became the first rookie to record at least 100 receiving yards in three of his team’s first six games since Mike Ditka in 1961, but on Sunday he visits Revis Island. Revis has six takeaways this season — three interceptions, three fumble recoveries — though he was beaten for a touchdown two weeks ago by Pierre Garcon of Washington and almost again last week in New England until Julian Edelman dropped the pass. Cooper may not have their experience, but he has Revis’s respect. Said Revis, “He’s a talent.”

NUMBER TO WATCH

39

That is the age of Oakland safety Charles Woodson, who remains a force, even as one of the league’s oldest players. In October, Woodson was selected as the conference defensive player of the month for the fifth time, trailing only the former Bills defensive end Bruce Smith (six) for the most times. This season, he also became the only player in league history to intercept two passes in a game — doing it against Peyton Manning — at age 39 or older.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK

‘That’s my favorite stadium to play in. Every time before the game, I’ll run to the black hole and I’ll just stare at them and mean mug them and they just throw stuff at you. It’s fun.’

Jets receiver BRANDON MARSHALL, below, when asked about the boisterous, chain-mail-wearing crowd at Raiders home games.

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Ryan Fitzpatrick Approaches Record of Fellow Ivy League Alumnus (Zach Schonbrun) New York Times October 31, 2015

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/sports/football/ryan-fitzpatrick-approaches-record-of-fellow-ivy-league-alumnus.html?ref=football

The golden era for Ivy League football, at least in terms of producing quarterbacks, was probably the early 1980s. Five quarterbacks found their way into the N.F.L. A few of them even stuck.

There was Jeff Kemp, who emerged from Dartmouth to lead the Los Angeles Rams into the 1984 playoffs. There was Princeton’s Bob Holly, a dashing backup to Joe Theismann in Super Bowl XVII. There was Jim Crocicchia, who got a call from the Giants after graduating from Penn in 1987. The players were on strike;

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the Giants needed a quarterback. He made his debut on “Monday Night Football,” completed six passes for 89 yards, and never played in the N.F.L. again.

So it seems to go for quarterbacks from the Ivy League, which was established in 1954. Universities in the league have produced 14 of the 44 presidents (and some decent tight ends and safeties, too). But only 25 quarterbacks have appeared in N.F.L. games, and eight played before the end of World War II. The most venerated of any of them, Sid Luckman, retired in 1950.

Yet Luckman’s total of 137 passing touchdowns still stands as the highest for any Ivy League alumnus. And now, after 65 years, it is in peril.

“I knew I was getting closer,” Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said last week.

It is, he acknowledged, an obscure and trivial statistic. But the fact that he enters Sunday’s game against Oakland only three touchdowns behind Luckman is testament to Fitzpatrick’s longevity at a position that has not been kind to his Ivy League brethren.

Brian Dowling was a Yale legend in the late 1960s, but he never got an N.F.L. start in five seasons. Neither did Archie Roberts, who set 14 Ivy League records as a quarterback for Columbia. His pro career registers only one game: mop-up duty for Miami in a 41-0 loss in 1967. He soon retired — thankfully, because he became one of the most renowned heart surgeons in the country.

John Witkowski, another Columbia alumnus, actually did earn a start in his career, which involved three games in 1984 and two in 1988. It came in the Detroit Lions’ season finale against the Chicago Bears, a year before the Bears won the Super Bowl. He got hammered, completing only three throws. The Bears finished with 12 sacks. But Witkowski earned a moment to savor.

“It’s something that not many can say they’ve done,” Witkowski said from his home in Orchard Park, N.Y.

Witkowski was lucky, after all. Others did not have much of a chance in the pros. One of Brown’s early quarterback prospects, Jimmy Jemail, must have thought he had a good situation in 1921, as the starter for a new metropolitan franchise, the New York Brickley Giants. But after the team lost its first two games, 55-0 and 17-0, the owner, Billy Gibson, suddenly disbanded it, and Jemail’s career went with it. A few years later, Gibson suggested to a young bookmaker, Tim Mara, that he revive the franchise. Mara trimmed the name and founded the New York Giants in 1925.

That franchise has welcomed Ivy League quarterbacks. Bill Hutchinson played his one season there in 1942 (no touchdowns, two interceptions), and Gary Wood wore blue for five years in the 1960s (nine total starts). Even Jason Garrett played two games for the Giants in 2000, at the end of an eight-year career out of Princeton. His name should be familiar to Giants’ fans: He now coaches the Dallas Cowboys.

The Ivy League has played in the lower tier of Division I football (now the Football Bowl Subdivision) since 1982, so comparing it with the Pac-12 is silly. But Kemp, whose N.F.L. career lasted 11 seasons, said that being one of the few guys from an entire conference could feel isolating.

“My wife would watch me after the games, and she’d chuckle because I’d be wandering around looking lost,” Kemp said. “I couldn’t find anyone from the Ivy League. Everyone would be saying hi to all their friends, and I’d be looking around saying, gosh, I don’t know any of these guys.”

Kemp had an advantage: He was the son of Jack Kemp, a former All-Star quarterback in the A.F.L. But another Dartmouth alumnus, Jay Fiedler, had a tougher time getting noticed after his college career ended in 1994. He went undrafted, latched on as a third-stringer in Philadelphia, spent two years out of football and even coached at Hofstra before finally breaking through in Miami in 2000. (The last of Fiedler’s 69 touchdown passes was thrown in his stint with the Jets in 2005.)

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“Just getting that opportunity was the toughest challenge for me,” Fiedler said. “I don’t know if they didn’t think I could or what. It’s just not too many people knew about me.”

Similarly, Fitzpatrick was overlooked coming out of high school in Gilbert, Ariz. — enough so that Harvard Coach Tim Murphy worried that other teams were not recruiting him for a reason.

“I just figured they knew something we didn’t know,” Murphy said. “Fortunately, we were right and they were wrong.”

Murphy, who has coached at Harvard for 22 years, offered his best explanation for why players like Fitzpatrick have not come around more often.

“I think it’s pretty simple,” Murphy said. “Those guys who end up being some of the best college prospects in the country as quarterbacks are so highly recruited.”

Fitzpatrick, whose 11 touchdowns and 61.4 completion percentage have helped the Jets to a 4-2 start, considered Luckman’s record a “cool distinction.”

“It’s not like when I started my career, I was saying, all right, that’s the number right there,” Fitzpatrick said. “But I think it’s one of those things that, if it happens, it will be cool.”

And a small fraternity of former players will be watching.

“I think it’s great that Fitz is doing what he’s doing,” Witkowski said. “Even though he’s from Harvard.”

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ESPN NEW YORK

Gillette sweep found nothing, report says; not requested by Jets (Rich Cimini, Mike Reiss) ESPN New York October 31, 2015

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14012992/nfl-security-checked-newyork-jets-locker-room-gillette-stadium

NFL security swept the New York Jets' locker room at Gillette Stadium this past Sunday for electronic listening devices, The Boston Globe reported, citing multiple league sources.

The league did not confirm the sweep, but NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said via Twitter that "we have for years conducted regular & random checks. we do not get into details of specific games."

NFL security's actions surrounding Sunday's game came under the microscope when analyst Boomer Esiason said Thursday night during the Miami Dolphins-New England Patriots broadcast on Westwood One radio that a source told him the Jets had asked the league to sweep the visitors locker room for bugs. Esiason repeated the statement Friday morning on his weekday WFAN radio show.

However, an NFL spokesman said, "No such request was made by the Jets."

declined to comment Friday. Coach Todd Bowles, speaking at his daily news conference, said, "I know nothing about it. We just go up there to play football."

In an unrelated move, NFL security also questioned multiple game-day employees for the Patriots on the sidelines who were equipped with headsets, the Globe reported.

The two investigations turned up nothing, according to the report.

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According to a league source, the three Patriots employees questioned on the sidelines were done so at the request of Jets security director Robert Mastroddi, who requested to know the identity of the individuals because he noticed they were wearing headsets and standing in the proximity of the Patriots bench.

During the second half, Richard Farley and Lenny Bandy of NFL security spoke with the three employees, the source said. One of them said he was hired solely on game days, and relayed that his responsibilities were to coordinate in-stadium audio activities with other employees of Kraft Sports Productions. Farley and Bandy were told that his duties include pregame and halftime events, audio for the Jumbotron, use of wireless microphones on the field and sidelines, and proper operation of the referee's microphone; the employee is specifically responsible for replacement batteries in the referee's microphone and/or any issues with the functionality of the microphone. In carrying out those responsibilities, the employee communicates on a two-way radio with colleagues on the field and in a booth.

The two other employees that Farley and Bandy spoke with also noted that they worked with the Patriots' marketing team and were responsible for in-game entertainment. One of them agreed to allow Bandy to listen to his headset and Bandy determined that the duties described by the employee were consistent with what he was hearing.

According to the source, when Bandy relayed his initial findings to Mastroddi, Mastroddi told him that he didn't believe those responsible for maintaining the referee's microphone should be team employees. Bandy then called NFL headquarters to speak with Jay Reid of the league's officiating department, and was told that the league does not hire individuals to ensure the interoperability of the referee's microphone with the stadium public address system; that is considered a local responsibility.

As part of the investigation during the game, Bandy took a photo of one of the employees in question, who was wearing a Patriots hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants. The picture of the employee has him holding a Patriots hat, along with sunglasses. Photos of the employee's credential and two-way radio were also taken.

The issue was discussed during the NFL's standard game operations Monday wrap-up meeting.

Meanwhile, later on Monday, Mastroddi called Bandy to inform him that he had been contacted by a reporter regarding the matter. At that time, Bandy informed Mastroddi that based on the information gathered, there was nothing to indicate that the conduct or actions of the employees was inappropriate.

Mastroddi was told by Bandy that absent the development of new information to the contrary, the matter would be considered closed.

The Jets declined comment and referred questions to the league.

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Will the disappearing Quinton Coples resurface on trading block? (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York October 31, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/newyork-jets/post/_/id/55538/will-the-disappearing-quinton-coples-resurface-on-trading-block

OAKLAND -- Reaching into the New York Jets' mailbag for Week 8 (and answering other questions on Twitter):

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@RichCimini: I don't know how you can say Quinton Coples looks lost on the field; he's never on it long enough to look anything. And therein lies the issue. He has played only 48 defensive snaps over the past three games, a sharp decline in his playing time. The coaches have a ready answer for this, claiming it's because the personnel packages that include him haven't been used much, based on the offensive looks they've been seeing in recent weeks.

It's coachspeak.

While it's technically true, it begs the question: Why isn't Coples used in more packages? We're talking about a former first-round pick (16th overall in 2012), so the presumption is he has talent. But here's the thing: Todd Bowles goes by what he sees and evidently doesn't think Coples has the skill set to contribute in packages other than the base defense, which we all know isn't used that much anymore because of wide-open passing attacks. The production doesn't lie: He has half as many penalties (four) and solo tackles (eight).

So what will happen to Coples? It wouldn't surprise me if the Jets listen to trade offers before Tuesday's deadline. It'll be tough to move him because of next year's salary ($7.75 million, the amount of his fifth-year option), but it's worth exploring because it's hard to imagine the Jets keeping him next year at that price if his role stays the same. It's worth noting the $7.75 million is guaranteed for injury only at this point.

It's too bad the Miami Dolphins are in the AFC East. Otherwise, they'd be an ideal landing spot now that pass rusher Cameron Wake is out for the season. Dolphins executive vice president Mike Tannenbaum was the Jets' general manager when Coples was drafted, but it's probably a non-starter. Why would the Jets want to help a division foe?

Any trade consideration also would be based on the Jets' confidence level in rookie Lorenzo Mauldin, who probably would replace Coples in the base defense. My sense is, no, they wouldn't be comfortable with Mauldin in that role just yet.

In the end, I think Coples will finish out the season with the Jets. But 2016 might be a different story.

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Jets can't afford a very Brady sequel against Raiders (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York October 31, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/newyork-jets/post/_/id/55523/jets-cant-afford-a-very-brady-sequel-against-raiders

OAKLAND -- When defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers punched up the video of the Oakland Raiders' last game, his first thought was: "Here we go again." Another explosive offense, he meant.

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No, the Raiders aren't the New England Patriots -- far from it -- but they were on fire in their 37-29 win over the San Diego Chargers, amassing 412 total yards behind Derek Carr and Amari Cooper. They caught the attention of the New York Jets, who still might be feeling the effects of last week's Tom Brady-induced whiplash.

The Jets (4-2) insist they've put the New England loss behind them. We're about to find out if they're right. The Raiders (3-3) have a well-balanced offense and a pressure-minded defensive front that will force quarterbacks into bad decisions. A laughingstock for more than a decade, they finally seem to be moving in the right direction.

This is a toss-up game, and the Jets need to stack a few of these for their playoff resume. Because it's a conference matchup, it could have wild-card implications (see: head-to-head tiebreaker). Kickoff is 4:05 p.m. ET at O.Co Coliseum.

The top storylines:

1. Looks like a bagel: There probably will be a hole in the middle of the offensive line because Nick Mangold is doubtful with a neck injury. Barring a miracle recovery by their Pro Bowl center, the Jets will play without Mangold for only the fourth time in nine-plus seasons. They're 1-2 without Mangold, including a loss in Oakland in 2011. His importance to the offense can't be overstated, especially in a loud, hostile environment. He's irreplaceable, according to linemate Willie Colon. Well, somebody has to replace him. It'll be Dakota Dozier (four career snaps) or Wesley Johnson (zero), neither of whom is a natural center. The front office goofed by not having a better contingency plan. The Raiders certainly won't lose any sleep wondering if it's Dozier or Johnson.

2. Darrelle vs. Amari: The Jets weren't tipping their hand, but you have to think they'll put Darrelle Revis on Cooper, the rookie sensation. This is why they're paying him the massive sum of $16 million this year. It'll be a fun matchup. You're talking about one of the best cornerbacks of this generation and one of the top young receiving stars in the game. The Jets have a lot of respect for Cooper, whom they rated as one of the top prospects in the draft.

Todd Bowles was positively effusive in his praise of Cooper, who plays like a savvy vet -- i.e. he catches with his hands, not his body, and he doesn't slow down in and out of his breaks. Revis suffered a couple of hiccups the last two games on in-cutting routes near the goal line (one TD and one dropped TD), but he still draws respect from opponents. He has been targeted a league-low 30 times among starting corners, according to Pro Football Focus.

3. Brandon's bounce back: Coming off last week's killer drop, Brandon Marshall should respond with a big game. The Raiders, ranked 32nd in pass defense, are vulnerable at cornerback. Their starters are underachieving former No. 1 pick D.J. Hayden and recent waiver pick-up David Amerson. They play a lot of man coverage, with a single-high safety. Marshall was neutralized last week by the Patriots, who doubled him more than any previous opponent. Look for the Jets to move him around the formation, trying to create favorable matchups.

4. A tight-end sighting? The Raiders' tight-end coverage, in a word, stinks. Tight ends have caught 35 passes for 435 yards and seven touchdowns against the Raiders, begging the question: Will the Jets even try to exploit the obvious weakness? Maybe not. As we all know, they're not big on throwing to the tight ends, although Jeff Cumberland was targeted in the end zone last week. It might be a good idea to give it another shot.

5. Mack truck: To beat the Raiders, you have to block their edge rushers, Khalil Mack and Aldon Smith. Breno Giacomini's ability to handle Mack's outside speed and power will be one of the key matchups in the game. The offense has to help Giacomini by staying out of third-and-long situations because that

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would be a recipe for disaster. When the Raiders' freaky, costume-wearing fans smell blood, they get loud and crazy. The Jets have been flagged for nine false starts, 24th in the league. That number will surely grow, especially without Mangold directing traffic.

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Latest chapter in Jets-Pats rivalry: Bugs and suspicious activity (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York November 1, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/newyork-jets/post/_/id/55553/latest-chapter-in-jets-pats-rivalry-bugs-suspicious-activity-and-accusations

OAKLAND -- A look at what's happening around the New York Jets:

1. Anybody listening? Mike Westhoff was the Jets' special teams coach from 2001 to 2012, and he doesn't recall anyone in the organization worrying about hidden listening devices, or bugs, in the visitor's locker room at Gillette Stadium. He said there was one year in which the Jets' security director checked the coaches' box for bugs and found nothing, but that was the extent of it. Westhoff's dislike for the New England Patriots is well-known, so you know he's not protecting anyone.

"I know they do s---," Westhoff told me on Saturday, "but in my experiences there, we never had an issue with that type of thing."

We're talking about this because of the stories that have emerged over the past two days -- a league-ordered sweep of the Jets' locker room last Sunday (supposedly random) and an in-game complaint by the Jets that resulted in the league questioning three Patriots' employees on the sideline. The Jets were troubled by the presence of Patriots' employees outside the bench area and notified the league, according to the Boston Herald and Pro Football Talk. In fact, PFT obtained a league e-mail detailing the Jets' concerns. The league questioned the employees and reportedly found no wrongdoing. Could you imagine if the league had discovered foul play? It could've exploded into SpyGate 2.0.

My two takeaways: Even when the Patriots aren't cheating, they get into their opponents' heads because of their reputation. Because it's always tit-for-tat in this rivalry, it wouldn't be a surprise if something unflattering about the Jets will mysteriously surface during the run-up to the Week 16 rematch at MetLife Stadium

2. Bending the rules: You might recall James Carpenter was penalized for a false start on Nick Folk's late-game field goal last week, turning a 50-yarder into a 55-yarder. From Westhoff's perspective, the Patriots pulled a fast one, stemming their line before the snap. In other words, their defensive linemen moved laterally. The reason, Westhoff said, was to get the opponents' blockers to flinch. And it worked.

"By the letter of the law, it wasn't illegal, but they violated the spirit of the rule," Westhoff said of the Patriots. "They're always doing things on the edge."

Folk made the kick.

3. Marshall Law: I've been doing this a long time, and I have to say Brandon Marshall is one of the most compelling players I’ve covered. You never know what you’re going to get. We’re only six games into the season, and we’ve already seen the Full Marshall: Breathtaking plays, costly mental lapses and headline-making comments.

Quite obviously, Marshall still is playing at a high level at age 31, evidenced by four 100-yard receiving days. But, oh, those killer mistakes -- the brain-cramp lateral in Week 3 and the fourth-quarter, end-zone

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drop last week in New England. He also created an unnecessary story by airing dirty laundry on national television, telling the world he "got into it" with a teammate -- Devin Smith, he later revealed.

The argument stemmed from the blunder at the end of last week's game, when Marshall was flagged for a false start because he was moving when the ball was snapped. There's some confusion as to what actually should've happened. Not wanting to throw anyone under the bus, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey declined to get into specifics, but it seems like Marshall got burned while trying to cover for the rookie's mistake on an alignment mix up. By bringing it up on TV in the form of a teasing, cryptic comment, and elaborating the next day, he was letting everyone know it wasn't all his fault. All he did was spark a brush fire.

Like I said ... compelling. Now, watch, he'll score two touchdowns today against the Raiders.

4. Putting on the Fitz: Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn't played a lot of football in Oakland -- today will mark his third career start -- but he tends to play well when performing before the Black Hole. He's 2-0, with a 72-percent completion rate (44 for 61), 459 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. He grew up in Arizona, so it's a chance for his entire family to attend the game.

"Unfortunately, they can't sport the jersey," he said. "Fans are pretty crazy (in Oakland). You're like in the witness protection program."

5. J-K staying put: A few weeks ago, Jeremy Kerley looked like he'd be someone the Jets might consider dealing before the trading deadline -- I think he might have welcomed a change of scenery -- but his value has increased because of the attrition at wide receiver. Quincy Enunwa is suspended for three more games, Smith is out with an ankle injury and Chris Owusu is gone (waived/injured), leaving Kerley as the clear-cut No. 3 receiver. He also remains the only punt returner on the roster.

"When they give me a chance, I know I can make plays," said Kerley, who scored last week.

The downside is that it limits what they can do offensively. Kerley has to be used in the slot, which means Eric Decker -- effective in the slot -- probably will go back to spending more time on the outside.

6. Good Rid-dance to PUP: Stevan Ridley will enjoy a financial benefit for being removed from the physically-unable-to-perform list. According to his contract, he gets a $21,875 roster bonus for every game he's active. After two weeks of practice, Ridley is expected to make his Jets debut against the Raiders. Don't be surprised if he plays a key role.

7. Moore & Amari: Former Jets and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rob Moore, who got into coaching a few years back, is the Raiders' wide receivers coach. It means he gets to coach one of the top rookies in the league, Amari Cooper. Moore came from the Buffalo Bills, where last season he coached Sammy Watkins. It's called being in the right place at the right time.

The Jets spoke highly of Cooper all week, and there's a reason. He was one of the highest-rated players on their draft board, along with defensive end Leonard Williams and linebacker Dante Fowler, Jr.

8. Strange, but true: The Jets play in the nation's largest market, and they apparently don't have any stars with nationwide appeal, according to the NFLPA Top 50 sales list -- based on sales of officially licensed merchandise. Only one Jet made the list -- Darrelle Revis at No. 47.

9. Houston, we've got a QB problem: I wonder if the Houston Texans wish they could take a mulligan on the Fitzpatrick trade. They chose the wrong Ryan.

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NEW YORK POST

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One Jet falling victim to defensive musical chairs (Brian Costello) New York Post October 31, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/10/31/one-jet-falling-victim-to-defensive-musical-chairs/

OAKLAND, Calif. — Outside linebacker Quinton Coples has been a missing man this season for the Jets.

Coples’ production is low, but it’s hard to produce when you are not on the field. Coples has no sacks and just three quarterback hits, and his playing time has dwindled in recent weeks. He has played 44 percent of the defensive snaps, but just 33 snaps in the last two weeks.

Jets coaches said it is because they are featuring packages that don’t include Coples. But wouldn’t they be using packages with Coples if they thought he was one of their best 11 players?

“When you look at [Coples], he’s really done everything we’ve asked of him,” defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers said. “We’ve kind of … gone back and forth in the meeting room. We’ve got several guys that you could say, ‘Well, we want to try to get him more involved.’ Not necessarily that they’re doing something wrong, it’s just that the packages each week just didn’t fit. As far as what he’s doing for us, we have no problem with what we’re getting out of him.”

The Jets have a lot of good players on defense, and the coaches are trying to figure out how to get Sheldon Richardson, Muhammad Wilkerson, Leonard Williams, Damon Harrison and Buster Skrine on the field at the same time. The odd man out has been Coples, who said he is not down.

“I approach it in a positive way,” he said. “I’m just not getting a lot of shots, but I’m doing my job. That’s all you can ask for. Sometimes it plays out in your favor. Sometimes you’re doing things that’s not seen as helping, but it actually is — like if you get a QB hit, it’s not necessarily as glorified as a sack, but if you get a QB hit … and it causes an interception, that’s a turnover. It makes a difference. You might not get the glory, but it helps you win the game.”

The 2012 first-round pick could be in his final weeks as a Jet. The team picked up his fifth-year option for 2016, worth about $7.75 million, but that is not guaranteed other than for injury. It would not be surprising if the team cuts him loose this winter.

Raiders safety Charles Woodson still is going strong. The veteran has four interceptions this season.

“On the scouting report you do a double take, was it really 1998 when he came in the league?” Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said. “ It’s amazing. Obviously, he’s got to be a true pro just in terms of the way he takes care of himself and prepares and certainly the mental aspect of the game.”

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Why Raiders matchup is such a crucial test for Bowles’ Jets (George Willis) New York Post November 1, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/11/01/why-raiders-matchup-is-such-a-crucial-test-for-bowles-jets/

OAKLAND, Calif. — When Jets defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers clicked on a film of the Raiders’ 37-29 victory over the Chargers last week, he realized these weren’t the laughable Raiders of recent years.

“If you just sit down and really watch that game against San Diego, that really, definitely was an impressive piece of film to watch,” Rodgers said earlier this week.

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Normally, playing the Raiders would be a gimmie on the Jets schedule. But Oakland is 3-3 and on the upswing under new coach Jack Del Rio, second-year quarterback Derek Carr and rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper. No longer are they a doormat.

When the Jets meet the Raiders on Sunday at O.co Coliseum, it becomes a game that will test whether the Jets have the focus and fortitude to avoid losing the kind of the game that could raise questions whether they’re capable of being an elite team this season.

Last week’s game against the Patriots was viewed as a test to see if the Jets could contend with the defending Super Bowl champions. And despite a 30-23 loss, the Jets came away believing that, except for a few mistakes, they’re just as good as their AFC East rival. But a loss against the Raiders on Sunday will erase any positives in that defeat and saddle the Jets with a two-game losing streak that would drop them to 4-3.

Coach Todd Bowles acknowledged good teams quickly bounce back from defeat.

“It’s a matter of shaking off that loss and getting ready for that win that next week,” he said, “putting it behind you and understanding that it’s a process and getting back to the fundamental things you do well and come out and play better the next week.”

That’s the challenge the Jets. The real Jets need to stand-up on Sunday. They need to venture into the Black Hole, against an up-and-coming team and prove losing to the Patriots was just a speed bump on their way to playoffs. Bowles said he thinks his team has what it takes.

“We know we’re a tough team when we practice and prepare well,” he said. “For the most part we’ve done that, but we’ve got to get better with a few situational football things to close games out.”

The Raiders won’t make it easy. They’re teeming with confidence after whipping the Chargers in San Diego. Carr passed for 289 yards and three touchdowns, and Cooper, the first-round pick from Alabama, caught five passes for 133 yards and a touchdown as the Raiders took a 37-6 lead a cruised from there.

“We went out there and played for one another,” Carr said. “We didn’t play selfishly and we just tried to do our job to help our teammates look good.

Rodgers was impressed.

“It seems like with the offense he’s in now, they’ve let him cut loose and the ball is going down the field,” he said of Carr. “There’s a lot of vertical routes. They like to throw the ball down the field and this guy has outstanding arm talent.”

It will be the first home game for the Raiders in three weeks. It also is Halloween weekend, which ensures the wacky crowd in Black and Silver will be more intimidating than usual.

If the Jets are what they believe they are, they will handle the elements. They will handle the trip to the West Coast. They will handle the crowd, handle losing to an arch-rival one week and bouncing back against a young, aggressive opponent the next.

“I think it’s a fun atmosphere,” Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said. “I’m sure coming off of last week’s win, it will be nice and noisy.”

Last week, the Jets tested themselves against the best in the NFL. This week, they test themselves.

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Chris Ivory talks Jets future, London and mom’s influence (Steve Serby) New York Post October 31, 2015

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http://nypost.com/2015/10/31/chris-ivory-talks-jets-future-london-and-moms-influence/

Jets workhorse back Chris Ivory runs through some Q&A with Post columnist Steve Serby.

Q: Is there extra motivation for you because it’s your contract year?

A: It’s in the back of my mind because we’re talking about the future. But I’m motivated every time I put the uniform on.

Q: All things being equal, would you want to continue your career here?

A: Yeah. I would.

Q: Why?

A: For one, I’ve gotten adjusted to being here so far with a new staff — now they’re no longer new ’cause we’ve adjusted to the new coaching staff and everything. And it’s just being around guys that you get comfortable with. Not only that, the organization’s great, too, starting with the training room. They really look out for you and your best interests.

Q: Is one of your goals being the leading rusher?

A: It’s a goal, but I don’t focus too much on that. I focus more on really trying to get the win. But if you want to say goals, I try to be one of the best running backs in the game.

Q: Describe your on-field mentality.

A: Aggressive.

Q: Why do you run so angry?

A: I wouldn’t describe it as angry, I describe it more as just being a physical runner. That’s just the way I’ve run since I started ball. That’s how they coached me to run.

Q: You would rather deliver the blow than have one delivered to you?

A: I’ve heard that a lot too coming up. What I took from it was, don’t sit there and wait for the blow. Instead of receiving the blow, you give it, you know? ’Cause sometimes you can be running and brace up for a hit. You’re taking more of the blow than giving it, if that makes sense. Once I was told that, I tried to do the same thing they’re doing — they’re trying to deliver a blow, so I’m gonna try to deliver a blow.

Q: Yards after contact separates you from most running backs.

A: My mentality is to not let one guy bring me down. So that’s what I go in trying to do. When I come across from a defender, in my head I’m thinking, “Don’t let this one man bring me down. And if he does, give him a fight.” I pride myself in yards after contact and just trying to beat the first guy.

Q: Do you see fatigue, or fear, in defenders’ eyes in the fourth quarter sometimes?

A: You can definitely tell as the game goes down — I wouldn’t say fear — but you can definitely tell that there’s wear and tear on the guys as the game goes on.

Q: How do you tell that?

A: Body language.

Q: Such as?

A: As far as tackling, it seems like there’s a lack of want-to. They’re not showing that same aggression that they were before, like really trying to get in there and make a tackle, you know? After a while, in the fourth

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quarter, it comes to a point to where they’re coming up to you now, they’re patting their feet, or they’re diving at your ankles.

Q: Every running back has his own style. How would you characterize your style?

A: I guess a downhill runner, with the ability to bounce it outside.

Q: Who in the NFL has a similar style to you?

A: Probably Marshawn [Lynch] and A.P. [Adrian Peterson]. Those are the top two that come to mind when I think about a guy being physical and having speed.

Q: How sore are you the Monday after a game?

A: I’m usually pretty stiff. I’m usually sore for about 2-3 days, depending on how often we ran, and how much I come across collisions.

Q: You guys take a pounding?

A: Yeah. Definitely take a pounding. Guys are saying that the value of running back went down. But I think the value is just as high as any other position being that they take so much pounding. Every play, somebody’s tackling them.

Q: There’s not much wear on those tires because you didn’t really carry the ball much your first three seasons in New Orleans, right?

A: Definitely. In my opinion, I think they’re still pretty fresh as well. I have a lot of tread left on ’em. I’ve always been in a system where we rotate. I guess that’s called a committee.

Q: So you think the best is yet to come for Chris Ivory?

A: Yeah. I feel like I’m getting better. I think I found something that works for me, and I’m sticking to it.

Q: Can you describe what that is?

A: I do acupuncture twice a week. I do massages twice a week.

Q: When did you start that?

A: I started my first year here. But I wasn’t as consistent with it as I am now.

Q: Do you talk trash?

A: I’m not a big trash-talker, man. They really have to do something like crazy out there for me to open up and talk trash to ’em (smile). But I’m not really a vocal, trash-talking guy. I’m more about performing and let my performance speak for itself.

Q: Who was your favorite player growing up?

A: Emmitt Smith.

Q: What was it about the way he ran?

A: Around that time, guys that made moves on guys was really big, so the fact that he was elusive … just had good agility, the ability to make a guy miss in space.

Q: You can do that.

A: I can.

Q: People talk about your quick feet.

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A: I get more comfortable as the game goes, so I think it depends on how comfortable I am in that game, and the amount of space that I have in between me and the defender.

Q: That probably throws guys off who just think you’re a power back, right?

A: Yeah.

Q: What did you think of London?

A: I liked it, but I didn’t really get to experience it, and I didn’t have a problem with that. We were down there to play a game. I had time on a Friday, I went down to a little pub and had the fish and chips.

Q: What did you think of them?

A: It was good. Saturday we had a lot more time than we did on Friday, so Saturday was supposed to be a bigger day to really get to experience a little bit before meetings. I stayed in the room.

Q: Describe Ryan Fitzpatrick.

A: A veteran in the game. He knows what to look for. Just him in the huddle being as comfortable and poised as he is, I feel like we feed off that as a unit.

Q: Coach Todd Bowles.

A: Means business. I think it’s real big when you have a coach that actually played the game.

Q: Superstitions?

A: Eating pasta before the game.

Q: Athletes in other sports you admire?

A: Michael Jordan, Barry Bonds.

Q: You attended a Rangers game at the Garden recently. What did you think of the crowd?

A: It was definitely different (smile). I thought it was cool, man. Fortunately they scored four times, so we were able to be in the mix of that crowd just getting excited every time they scored.

Q: Describe your mother.

A: She has a big heart. She cares about other people, she’s always trying to help out other people … strong woman.

Q: Do you get your inner strength from her?

A: I think so. Coming up for a while, it was just me and her. She was a single parent, her and my father got a divorce like fifth grade. Then my stepfather [Kenny] came in the picture. I believe I was seventh grade, maybe sixth. They got married, and he treated me as if I was his own, to this day.

Q: Does your mother come to the games at all?

A: She will. She has to pick and choose right now, they run a Little League football out in Longview, Texas, and they do that every Saturday.

Q: Describe your fiancée Nicole.

A: We’ve been together for six years now. She has the personality that I’m looking for, and she has a big heart. I feel like anybody that you can connect with that’s like your friend and you love her at the same time, somebody that you can just talk to about anything, that’s what she is.

Q: You proposed to her in Hawaii?

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A: It was supposed to be on the Fourth of July. It ended up being on the third of July. We were supposed to go to a dinner, and I was gonna talk to one of the waiters and see if they could put the box underneath the [pot cover] next to the food. But we were in the room, ready to go out, and a song came on that both of us really like. It’s by this guy named Serani. The song came on, and it just felt like the right time, so I just did it there in the room (smile).

Q: Hobbies?

A: I’m a big movie guy. I really like to fish — hadn’t been fishing in a while though. I’m a nature guy. And I just like traveling.

Q: Three dinner guests?

A: Denzel [Washington], Will [Smith]. … My mom used to be real big on Whitney Houston, so I’ll say Whitney Houston just for her.

Q: Favorite actress?

A: Halle Berry.

Q: Favorite entertainer?

A: Kevin Hart.

Q: Favorite meal?

A: Pizza, burgers.

Q: Do you still have a chip on your shoulder being undrafted?

A: I never really had a chip on my shoulder, I just felt like I was overlooked, but I knew a lot of that had to do with me being injured and only playing four games or five games my last year in college. It was really no chip, it was more putting in the work and doing something to stand out to separate yourself from everybody else. So that’s what I tried to do, and I think I accomplished that.

Q: What drives you?

A: I think I’m self-driven. And really just want to be one of the best running backs out there.

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The lingering feeling Jets must shake on trip to Oakland (Brian Costello) New York Post October 31, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/10/31/the-lingering-feeling-jets-must-shake-on-trip-to-oakland/

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Jets don’t have to worry about being jet lagged here on the West Coast. They have to worry about a Pats lag.

Coming off a tough, 30-23 loss to the rival Patriots last week, the Jets now travel across the country to face a dangerous Raiders team that has a couple of the most exciting young players in the NFL. The 4-2 Jets will get beat if their minds are still on what happened in Foxborough, Mass.

“It’s a matter of shaking off that loss and getting ready for that win that next week,” coach Todd Bowles said. “Putting it behind you and understanding that it’s a process and getting back to the fundamental things you do well and come out and play better the next week.”

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The Jets are coming off a tough outing against Tom Brady and the high-powered Patriots offense. Now, they get Derek Carr and Amari Cooper, a formidable combination in their own right. The 3-3 Raiders scored 37 points against the Chargers last week.

“Here we go again,” defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers said this week. “That’s exactly what we just told them. If you just sit down and really watch that game against San Diego, that really, definitely was an impressive piece of film to watch.”

Sunday’s game opens November, and we will find out if the Jets can make a run at the playoffs over the next two months or fade like so many other Jets teams have. Bowles was asked this week about the identity of his team.

“I think we’re tough,” Bowles said. “I think we’ll be a tough out. We show up every week to play. We have to make plays, nobody’s going to give us any games. We know we’re a tough team. We know we’re a tough team when we practice and prepare well. For the most part we’ve done that, but we’ve got to get better with a few situational football things to close games out.”

The message all week has been to turn the page from New England.

“It’s a tough loss, but we have to be able to move on from it,” guard Willie Colon said. “If we don’t and we go into Oakland with this still on our mind and we play and we’re not physical like we need to be, Oakland will beat us. We can’t have that.”

Marquee matchup

Jets CB Darrelle Revis vs. Raiders WR Amari Cooper

The Raiders look like they have landed a star in the rookie Cooper. He had five catches for 133 yards and one touchdown last week against the Chargers. He is the first rookie with three 100-yard receiving games in his team’s first six games since Mike Ditka in 1961.

“Smart. Doesn’t play like a rookie,” Jets coach Todd Bowles said. “Great pattern runner. Rarely do you see receivers come out of college and they are able to run patterns. He’s got body control. Great hands; can catch it in traffic. He’s got the full gamut. He can get off the ball. He’s got speed. He can catch the ball. He runs routes. A route runner is more dangerous than just a speed guy or a big receiver and he can do both.”

On the other side is Revis, who has made his reputation by shutting down the other team’s top wide receiver. Revis has shown some vulnerability this season, but expect the 30-year-old to dial it up this week against Cooper. Revis had no interest in talking about Cooper this week, a sign he may be tired of hearing about the rookie.

4 downs

The black hole

No stadium in the NFL is quite like the Oakland Coliseum, with its assortment of Raiders fans wearing their spiked shoulder pads and face paint. Expect the crowd to be juiced up for this one after the Raiders won a big road game last week in San Diego. After years of nothing to cheer about, the Raiders have a good young quarterback in Derek Carr and a tremendous rookie in wide receiver Amari Cooper.

The Jets expect it to be loud.

“That’s my favorite stadium to play in,” said receiver Brandon Marshall, a former Bronco. “Every time before the game, I’ll run to the Black Hole and I’ll just stare at them and mean mug them and they just throw stuff at you. It’s fun. It’s great football.”

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The Jets are 3-12-1 in the building all-time. They lost their last game here in 2011 when the Raiders shocked them.

“They have a smaller stadium than most as far as it being closed in,” said coach Todd Bowles, who played in the stadium. “Their fans dress up more than anybody I’ve seen as far as wearing the spikes and the other stuff. They have a great tradition there. It’ll be a fun place to play.”

The replacements

The Jets are banged up entering this game. They are going to need contributions from some unfamiliar faces. The biggest hole might be in the middle of the Jets’ offense if center Nick Mangold can’t go. Mangold injured his neck at the end of last week’s game. He did not practice all week and was listed as doubtful on Friday. If he can’t play, the Jets would turn to either Dakota Dozier or Wesley Johnson, neither of whom have played much in their careers.

The Jets also may need wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins to step up with Chris Owusu done for the season with a concussion and Devin Smith out with an ankle injury. On defense, Dion Bailey will start at safety for Calvin Pryor (ankle), who has been having a nice season.

Ivory not hamstrung

The Jets offense was not the same last week. A big reason why was running back Chris Ivory’s inability to play a complete game because his left hamstring tightened up. Ivory practiced this week and said he feels fine. The Jets activated Stevan Ridley off the PUP list on Friday, so he and Zac Stacy will back up Ivory and spell him if the hamstring acts up again.

A fascinating matchup in this game will be the Jets rushing offense, which is ranked third in the NFL, vs. the Raiders rushing defense, which is also third in the NFL.

Living on the edge

The Raiders are going to challenge the Jets’ offensive line, which has allowed just four sacks this season. Khalil Mack, Aldon Smith and Malcolm Smith have given Oakland a fierce pass rush. Malcolm Smith and Mack each have three sacks. Aldon Smith has 1 ½.

“They have two great edge pass rushers, guys that are a mismatch for pretty much everybody in the league with the talent level that they have out there,” Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said. “They put a lot of pressure on the quarterback, anytime you can do that, you have a chance to be successful.”

Costello’s call

This could be a very tough game for the Jets, especially with center Nick Mangold likely out. This is a great test of their resilience coming off last week’s loss. I think they answer the call and bounce back. Darrelle Revis stops Amari Cooper and Brandon Marshall has a big day.

Jets 28, Raiders 16

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NJ ADVANCE MEDIA

Here's some more Jets-New England Patriots paranoia for you (Dom Consentino) NJ Advance Media October 31, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/10/heres_some_more_jets-new_england_patriots_paranoia.html#incart_river

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You know that story about the NFL sweeping the Jets' locker room at Gillette Stadium for bugs before last Sunday's game at the Patriots? The one both a person with knowledge of the situation and a league spokesman said did not begin with a complaint from the Jets?

Hold on to your hats. There's more. Like, way more.

Both the Boston Herald and the Boston Globe on Friday night said the league also questioned Patriots employees—the Herald said it was three people, the Globe said it was two—about possible stadium communications issues before ultimately determining everything was up to snuff.

The Globe's story said the Jets did not initiate the complaint that led to the questioning of the employees. The Herald's story, which used ominous words like "interrogation" and "unprecedented," said exactly the opposite.

Here's the Globe:

One of the employees works full time with the [Patriots] and was producing the in-stadium entertainment; the other employee is a local resident and game-day employee who was holding spare batteries and monitoring the communication system between the officials on the field and in the booth upstairs.

The Herald, meanwhile, said the Jets had indeed filed a complaint—and that their locker room was also checked for listening devices only after they complained. That latter point contradicts what a person familiar with the situation—who asked to remain anonymous—and NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy had told NJ Advance Media earlier Friday.

Whee! From the Curtis Martin trade to "I resign as HC of NYJ" to Spygate, isn't Jets-Patriots fun?

Neither the Globe nor the Herald mentioned any specific reason why the Jets—or the Kremlin, or Joe Friday, or Chief Wiggum—asked the NFL to question the Patriots' employees about any of this stuff.

Citing its source, the Herald said:

The NFL employee said the reason for the questioning stemmed from a complaint filed by the Jets, who demanded to know whether the radio frequencies and stadium operations were performed up to an appropriate standard.

Why the Jets would make this request was never explained. But the Herald's report went on to describe how seriously the NFL's gumshoe sprang into action:

The NFL employee took photographs of each Patriots employee and their identification badges, demanded to check their cell phones and also checked their radios to ensure they were operating through the proper channels. The NFL employee also said they already swept the visiting locker room for bugs.

After the questioning, which lasted about 15 minutes, the NFL employee continued to hover over the three Patriots employees until the third quarter, when a stadium operations manager told the NFL employee to route all further inquiries through Patriots and Gillette Stadium management.

Both the Globe and the Herald reported that no wrongdoing was discovered.

All of this began with comments from former Jets quarterback and current WFAN radio host Boomer Esiason, who said he "was told" the Jets had asked to have their locker room swept for bugs in advance of last Sunday's game. McCarthy, the league spokesman, later said the Jets had not asked for any such thing, and that such sweeps are commonplace, though McCarthy also wouldn't say whether a sweep had taken place at Gillette Stadium last week.

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Before the Jets boarded a flight to the West Coast on Friday for Sunday's game at the Raiders, head coach Todd Bowles was asked about any sweeps for listening devices at Gillette Stadium. The reports about the questioning of Patriots' employees had not yet surfaced when Bowles spoke.

"I know nothing about it," Bowles said. "We just go up there to play football."

All of this is either another manifestation of the paranoia other NFL teams reportedly have when playing the Patriots, or it's the Patriots purposely leaking stories to local reporters to foster that impression—just another mind trick from Pats coach Bill Belichick to get everyone thinking all manner of subterfuge is always possible. The Pats could also want this out there to expose just how oppressive and obtuse the league can be, given its overzealous pursuit of Deflategate.

Crap. Now who's being paranoid?

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Darrelle Revis vs. Amari Cooper highlights Jets-Oakland Raiders matchups (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advanced Media October 31, 2015

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

FLORHAM PARK — The Jets (4-2) play at the Raiders (3-3) on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Here's a look at three matchups that could affect the outcome:

Jets CB Darrelle Revis vs. Raiders WR Amari Cooper

The Jets have varied their defenses so much this season there's no telling whether Revis will shadow Cooper stick to one side of the field. As usual, Revis has been terrific this season: Just 14 catches on 30 targets against for 169 yards, per Pro Football Focus. But Cooper is The Next Big Thing among NFL receivers. The fourth overall pick in this year's draft, Cooper averages 15.7 yards per catch and (per PFF) a league-best 9.2 yards after catch. Revis will probably be on him at some point. The question is how much.

Jets WR Brandon Marshall vs. Raiders CB D.J. Hayden

Marshall was doubled on every play last week at the Patriots, who clearly wanted Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to look elsewhere. And while the Raiders have a terrific pass rush with Khalil Mack and Aldon Smith off the edge, their cover corners aren't as good as the Pats': Hayden gave up 10 catches on 13 targets last week at the Chargers, according to PFF.

Jets LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson vs. Raiders OLB Khalil Mack

Mack, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2014 draft, is one of the league's best young edge rushers. Pro Football Focus has him with 22 hurries and three batted passes to go along with three sacks. But he's quick and athletic, which could pose a challenge of the edge for Ferguson, the veteran mainstay who has done a fine job of keeping quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick upright this year. Fitzpatrick has been sacked just four times this year, and per PFF, he's only been pressured on 80 of his 228 dropbacks (35 percent).

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As he prepares for Jets, why is Oakland Raiders' Derek Carr better in Year 2? (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media October 31, 2015

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

With the Jets set to visit Oakland on Sunday afternoon, we decided to catch up with someone who knows the Raiders quite well: Vic Tafur, who covers them for the San Francisco Chronicle.

You can find Vic on Twitter right here. And you can find his stories right here.

Now on to our questions about the Raiders, and his answers.

Second-year quarterback Derek Carr is off to a strong start this season (11 touchdowns, three interceptions). What particular adjustments or improvements, coming off his rookie season, have resulted in what he's done so far in 2015?

"The biggest thing is the improved supporting cast. James Jones and Andre Holmes were the leading receivers a year ago, and one was cut [Jones] and the other barely sees the field. Running the ball also helps. The Raiders couldn't a year ago. Finally, Carr is smart and has a good arm, and has made the second-year jump many coaches talk about."

What is it about wide receiver Amari Cooper's skill set and approach that has made him so impressive as a rookie?

"The word you always heard about with Cooper was 'polished,' and he has been that. Great route runner already as a rookie. He was so open in college that I don't think his explosiveness got enough attention. It does now."

What are some of the most noticeable changes you've seen around the Raiders with new coach Jack Del Rio's arrival?

"He is not afraid to change something quickly, whether it's been personnel or scheme. I was joking with one exec about old coaches hitting their head against the wall repeatedly — and wondering if the wall was still there. Players have bought in and love that he is a former player." [Del Rio was an NFL linebacker from 1985-95.]

How do you think the Raiders will approach covering receiver Brandon Marshall? Lots of double teaming, like the Patriots did? If cornerback D.J. Hayden has to handle Marshall in one-on-one coverage, how has Hayden typically fared against bigger-bodied receivers?

"I think David Amerson, the Raiders' other cornerback, will get first crack at Marshall, and they will double some. With T.J. Carrie's move from corner to safety [after Nate Allen's knee injury], Amerson has emerged as the Raiders' best guy — and is starting just weeks after coming in off the street. He's bigger than Hayden, who has improved but still forgets to turn his head when the ball is in the air."

What is the feeling around the Raiders organization and locker room regarding the potential move to Los Angeles?

"None. Players know it's out of their hands and few have any real ties to Oakland, with all the roster makeover under fourth-year general manager Reggie McKenzie."

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Jets did request in-game investigation of New England Patriots, per report (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media October 31, 2015

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

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OK, let's reset, and get you up to speed.

There were reportedly two security-related investigations involving the Patriots in their win last Sunday over the Jets at Gillette Stadium.

And to reiterate once again, right up top here: Neither inquiry found evidence of any wrongdoing by the Patriots, according to multiple reports.

One reported investigation involved the NFL sweeping the Jets' visiting locker room at Gillette Stadium, pregame, for listening devices. (Nothing was found.) The NFL would not confirm that this sweep happened, but a league spokesman did tell NJ Advance Media that the Jets did not request such a sweep. These sweeps are common practice by NFL security personnel.

But the Jets reportedly did instigate another in-game investigation last Sunday. It involved NFL security questioning Patriots employees about their game-day duties, and making sure those people were properly credentialed. Like the listening device inquiry, this turned up nothing fishy.

This latter inquiry, involving Patriots employees, surfaced Friday night. On Saturday morning, Pro Football Talk took things a step further, and provided alleged email evidence that the Jets did indeed instigate the investigation.

Here's PFT:

"Jets Security Director Robert Mastroddi made an inquiry with NFL Security regarding the presence of two individuals wearing headsets and Patriots attire, who were positioned outside of the bench area on the Patriots sideline," the email states. "Mastroddi requested to know who they were, and expressed concern given their proximity to the Patriots bench."

Lenny Bandy and Dick Farley of NFL Security thereafter investigated the situation, questioning three employees of Kraft Sports, whose responsibilities include in-stadium entertainment, such as the music and other sound coming through speakers in the stadium. (Kraft Sports is owned by Robert Kraft, who also owns the Patriots.)

One of the employees also is responsible for keeping fresh batteries in the referee's in-stadium microphone. But Mastroddi didn't initially accept the explanation that a team employee would be responsible for ensuring the performance of the referee's microphone; Mastroddi said "people responsible for maintaining the referee's microphone should be League contractors and not Kraft Sports employees wearing Patriots gear." In response to Mastroddi's concerns, Bandy called 345 Park Avenue and spoke with Jay Reid of the officiating department, who confirmed that the referee's in-stadium microphone is handled by the teams, not by the league.

Look, you could say this is simply a case of Mastroddi doing his job. The Jets pay him to monitor these sort of things. But he probably should know who is responsible for what on the sideline.

Here's more from PFT's Saturday report:

The email obtained by PFT points out that a reporter from Sports Illustrated had approached Mastroddi after the game, because the reporter noticed that Mastroddi had been "very active" with NFL Security on the sideline. Mastroddi said he declined comment on or off the record, but that he informed Jets executives about his concerns and the ensuing investigation.

The NFL now considers the sideline inquiry a non-issue, one that did not require a follow-up. NFL security regularly checks people during games across the league. It's just that the Jets-Patriots rivalry tends to magnify these things.

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The Jets deferred comment on the Mastroddi sideline investigation to the NFL, which declined to comment on the record.

During his Friday press conference, Jets coach Todd Bowles was asked about the reported listening device sweep. He said he knew nothing about it. News of the second investigation, into the Patriots employees and possible stadium communications issues, didn't emerge until after Bowles' press conference.

The Boston Herald and Boston Globe had conflicting reports Friday about whether the Jets triggered this inquiry or not. The Herald reported they did — and PFT's report now supports that. The Globe reported they did not. Both newspapers reported the NFL found no wrongdoing by the Patriots whatsoever in connection with last Sunday's game.

Despite an NFL spokesman saying on the record that the Jets did not request the listening device sweep, the Herald reported they did. According to PFT's Saturday report, "it's still unclear" if the Jets requested that sweep.

Never a dull moment in Jets-Patriots.

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4 things Jets must do to beat Oakland Raiders (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media November 1, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/11/4_things_jets_must_do_to_beat_oakland_raiders.html#incart_river

The Raiders have been a mess for a long time.

Since they lost the Super Bowl after the 2002 season, they have enjoyed exactly zero winning seasons. From 2003-14, they won eight games twice, in 2010 and 2011. Every other year, they won two, three, four, or five games.

But after going 3-13 last season, following back-to-back 4-12 years, the Raiders are off to a 3-3 start this year.

On Sunday afternoon, they host the 4-2 Jets, who are coming off a loss at the Patriots.

Here are four things the Jets must do to beat these improved Raiders:

1. Run the ball. This is a key for the Jets in every game, since their offense starts with establishing power running back Chris Ivory. But it especially rings true in this game, since the Raiders have the NFL's third-best rushing defense. In the past four games, they have allowed just 90, 43, 98, and 39 rushing yards. Impressive. The Jets need to hope Ivory doesn't have another instance of hamstring tightness, which limited him in New England.

2. Rattle Derek Carr. The Raiders' second-year quarterback is playing with much more poise this season. He didn't have a bad rookie year (21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions). This season, he is better (11 touchdowns and three picks). But the Jets' defense, especially their front and secondary, have a knack for making quarterbacks look bad. Carr is a young quarterback, but he's not entirely inexperienced anymore. Jets coach Todd Bowles sees that. "He's a lot more poised this year than last year," Bowles said. "He's always had the arm talent. He could always run. He can make all the throws. I think he's doing a heck of a job directing the offense right now. There are subtle things [with poise], like having a good command of the offense. Not panicking in the pocket when the pressure comes around you. Keeping your eyes downfield. Not getting happy feet. And for a young player, he's doing a great job."

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3. Contain Amari Cooper after the catch. The rookie is one of the NFL's finest young wide receivers, but how will he handled his biggest test yet, a matchup with cornerback Darrelle Revis? The Jets raved, leading up to this game, about Cooper's precise route running. He's also extremely dangerous after the catch. He finished last week ranked fourth in the NFL with 9.2 yards after the catch per reception, according to Pro Football Focus. So the Jets' secondary must focus on proper tackling technique against him.

4. Force Oakland to not double cover Brandon Marshall. This gets back to our first item. If the Jets can establish the running game and make the Raiders respect receiver Eric Decker in coverage, that should loosen things up for Marshall, their star receiver. He faced a lot of double teams — more than he has all season — in last week's loss at the Patriots. He finished with just four catches for 67 yards. The Jets need more from Marshall. And they could get it in Oakland, if they force the Raiders to not double cover him for most of the game, as the Patriots did. Plus, the Raiders rank last in the NFL in passing defense, in terms of yards per game. They are 14th in yards per catch allowed.

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Charles Woodson: Jets to face Oakland Raiders' ageless wonder (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media November 1, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/11/charles_woodson_jets_to_face_oakland_raiders_agele.html#incart_river_mobileshort

FLORHAM PARK — Thirty-nine.

As in one less than 40. As in one more than 38. As in, hold on, Charles Woodson still plays in the NFL?

Yep. Woodson, who turned 39 on Oct. 7, is still a Raiders starting safety, and he's still playing at a high level heading into Sunday's game against the Jets at O.co Coliseum. Woodson, who moved from free safety to strong safety this season, has four interceptions, and he needs one more to pass ex-Jets safety Ed Reed for the second-most career picks (65) since the 1970 merger.

(The guy who's in first place with 71? Hall of Famer Rod Woodson, who currently an assistant defensive backs coach with the Raiders. Also, Charles and Rod are not related.)

Woodson, a converted cornerback, was drafted fourth overall by the Raiders in 1998, the year after he led the University of Michigan to a national title and became the only player to win the Heisman Trophy as a defender.

"On the scouting report, you do a double-take," Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said this week. "Was it really 1998 when he came into the league?"

Some perspective: Jets rookie defensive end Leonard Williams was four years old the day Woodson was drafted.

Woodson's 13 defensive touchdowns are tied for most all-time. He won a Super Bowl ring with the Packers five years ago. He was just named the AFC's defensive player of the month for October. He also picked off Jets quarterback Geno Smith when the team's met in last year's opener.

Did you know?

The Raiders have a rich and colorful history dating back to their AFL days. But haven't had a winning season since they lost to the Bucs in Super Bowl XXXVII in January 2003. The closest they came was 2010 and 2011, when they finished 8-8. But they also fired head coaches Tom Cable and Hue Jackson after both of those seasons, which is just so Raiders.

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Jets defense Ganging up against the run (Seth Walder) New York Daily News October 31, 2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-ganging-run-article-1.2418962

When Mike Maccagnan dished out $150 million in free agent contracts to build a dream team secondary, Gang Green looked like it had put together a formidable defense. But the plan only would result in such an elite unit if the Jets were able to do what they’d been successful at for several years: stop the run.

With substantial talent on the defensive line such as Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison, Sheldon Richardson and now Leonard Williams, the Jets were set up perfectly to continue their streak of stifling opposing running backs. But having the players is not the same as getting results, so no one truly knew how tough Gang Green’s run defense would be. With seven weeks of the NFL season in the books, the Jets are simply the very best. The Jets (4-2) rank first overall in rush defense, allowing 71.5 yards per game, heading into their game in Oakland on Sunday against the Raiders (3-3).

“I think last game, the Patriots ran five or six times? That says a lot,” Buster Skrine said. “(They said) We’re not even going to try to run. We’re just going to try to pass.”

New England technically ran nine times, but only five of those were by running backs. And it’s worth noting that while the Jets’ defense certainly had a large role in that, having Tom Brady might have played a role too.

The Jets have a mighty pass defense in their own right, but Skrine said their job is made easier by the front seven.

“With every defense, the first two downs are important, because third down becomes predictable,” Skrine said. “Having those guys up front, if they can hold ‘em to 2nd-and-7 or more, then we can lick our chops and do what we want to do.”

The Jets have been particularly good at stopping the run lately, holding their last three opponents to a combined 109 yards on the ground. Inside linebacker David Harris said he thought some of the players were aware of the No. 1 ranking in stopping the run, but he eschewed most of the credit and said the defensive line was the biggest reason why that was the case.

“The guys up front have been playing lights out,” Harris said. “They’re shooting gaps and getting those (tackles for loss), blowing stuff up.”

Against Oakland, the Jets will face the 23rd-ranked rushing offense led by Latavius Murray, who has accumulated 421 yards on the ground thus far this season.

Obviously, the Jets’ run defense has been just part of what ultimately has become a defense that lived up to the hype. Gang Green’s No. 2-ranked overall defense is obviously the biggest reason why the team has been so successful so far this year.

“We imagined having a dominant defense,” Skrine said. “We just knew that we had to build the chemistry, over time.”

“People are finding out what we’re doing and it’s still working,” he added.

Daily Clips Cont.

33 | P a g e

That success has not just given the Jets’ four wins, but it’s put them in a commanding position to make the postseason. Despite being down in their division by two games, ESPN and Football Outsiders currently project playoff odds for the Jets at 84.2% and 83.2%, respectively. Part of the reason for that is not only how well the Jets have looked, but how poor their competition in the AFC is.

But most Jets players are keeping on the blinders, trying to avoid looking ahead toward the postseason.

“You start looking that far ahead, you get in trouble,” Breno Giacomini said. “You’ve got to respect the opponent that you have in front of you.”

And despite the favorable odds, nothing is guaranteed.

“I mean, we know where we’re at,” Skrine said. “I guess this is how we look at it: November and December is the most important time in football. Weeks 6 through 10 — they’re like the dog days. Season’s getting long. Everybody’s getting hurt. I think the whole NFL looks at it like that. The people that win right now are usually the people in the playoffs.”

Sunday’s contest against the Raiders happens to fall on November 1.

“Critical,” Skrine said of his team’s upcoming stretch. “A win right here is critical. You have to win on the back end too, but you’re not pressured to see if other teams win or not (if you do). These are important (games).”

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SATURDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

FOOTBALL

CINCINNATI BENGALS — Activated LB Vontaze Burfict from the PUP list. Terminated the contract of WR Greg Little.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Signed G Kitt O’Brien to the practice squad.

OAKLAND RAIDERS — Signed LB Korey Toomer from the practice squad. Waived DE Shelby Harris.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS — Waived RB Jarryd Hayne. Signed RB Kendall Gaskins from the practice squad.

TENNESSEE TITANS — Signed WR Rico Richardson from the practice squad. Waived TE Chase Coffman.

HOCKEY

AHL — Suspended Milwaukee C Vladislav Kamenev two games for a boarding incident in an Oct. 29 game vs. Manitoba. Suspended Grand Rapids LW Tyler Bertuzzi and Toronto C Sam Carrick pending the league’s review of their actions during an Oct. 30 game.

BAKERSFIELD CONDORS — Recalled C Alexis Loiseau from Norfolk (ECHL).

COLLEGE

OHIO STATE — Suspended QB J.T. Barrett one game after being cited with a misdemeanor offense of operating a vehicle under the influence.

WAKE FOREST — Suspended men’s sophomore basketball F Cornelius Hudson and men’s sophomore basketball G Rondale Watson for violating athletic department rules.

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