Manish Mehta of the Star-Ledger tweeted and the Notorious Ohm wrote in the NYDN that Jim Leonhard was in fact practicing for the media today.

S Jim Leonhard, though, was practicing with a cast on his thumb. So we’ll see what Rex Ryan says about the possibility of him playing on Sunday. I’ll hit you guys up later.

Ryan seemed to hint at it yesterday in his press conference, so that Leonhard might play would be a big boost for the Jets and the team’s plan for Wes Welker. Leonhard still might not start, but having him available would be a big plus for this team. For sure, there’s no way he would field punts with three screws in his hand, and a cast over top of it.

Is this a strategic feint by Ryan to get Belichick overthinking? It seems out of character for him to do so … that’s more a Mangini type thing. Ryan doesn’t exactly strike me as someone full of guile.

Shout out to Mike D. who gave me the heads up.

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Kyle Richardson writes a feature on Kenwin Cummngs, the guy the team just brought up from the p-squad.

“The real good thing about being on the practice squad,” Cummings said, “is you’re going against our No. 1 offense. You’re going against the best. You’re getting the best practice you can get, you’re getting the best look you can get. That helps so when you do get pulled up, you’ve been doing it every day, going against the No. 1 offense every day. It’s not going to be that big of a deal.”

Cummings’ last game action was in the final preseason game against the Eagles when he grabbed seven tackles and a sack of speedy quarterback Michael Vick. A workhorse since training camp, No. 54 feels he’s continued to improve on several areas of his game.

“I feel like overall I’ve gotten better, better on my feet. I’m able to move and cover guys better,” he said. “I feel a lot lighter on my feet. I like to bring it, so that helps some, too.”

Cummings was a guy I gravitated to following when the team picked him up in 2008. The fact that he’s stayed with the team for the most part during a time where the linebacker unit has only gotten better is pretty impressive. I’d like to see how long the team can keep him around, and I’d like to see whether they can work him into the game plan. For now though, Special Teams is where he’ll have to make his mark.

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Just a reminder that with Wes Welker healthy, things will be different for the Jets. Not just because Tom Brady has another receiver, but because it will help him avoid the big hits from the Jets blitzers.

While Brady was not sacked, he was hit 21 times, often finding himself running for cover. Edelman stepped in with eight catches for 98 yards, and was targeted 16 times. The since-released Joey Galloway had five catches for 53 yards, and was targeted 12 times.

What Brady could not do is what he’s done so productively before and since: Communicate telepathically with Welker for a sure completion.

This time, blitzing Brady may create more opportunities than it eliminates. Mentally, Welker gleans the pass protection, how much time Brady will have, and where the holes in the defense are.

“You have to understand who’s blitzing and things like that,” Welker said. “You may have to quicken up your route knowing it’s man coverage and they’re blitzing. You have to make sure you’re getting open quick, because the quarterback doesn’t have as much time as he usually does.”

It’s not just the hot route designed for a quick-hitting catch. Welker is also among the league leaders in yards after the catch, as well as one of its most sure-handed receivers.

When Welker went into RFA, I wanted the Jets to get him, and thought it was a great signing/trade for the Patriots. He and Brady are on fire, connecting for more than 90% of their passes during the last month. With that said, Welker’s more a product of the system than anything else. First, he plays with Randy Moss, who always draws the tougher assignment. Second, he plays mostly out of the slot, where he doesn’t have to worry about the sideline most of the time, so his routes are more multidimensional. Third, he’s got Tom Freaking Brady throwing to him.

Tom Brady has always been a fantastic timing QB, and one of the best ever at short-timing routes. Without Welker in Week 2, he had to hold onto the ball longer to get it to Edelman, Galloway or Moss, and thus he got hit more. The fact that Welker’s routes are often short and quick, means he can get open quickly on the second or third best corner on an opposing team, makes all the difference in the world. Although it would be nice to mark Revis on Welker, it’s probably not the smartest thing for the Jets to do.

I think that Dwight Lowery or Lito will take the bulk of the snaps against Welker, but Rex Ryan made a point to talk up Justin Miller yesterday, and he’s had real success in the past at covering slot guys. It’s going to be interesting …

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The three coordinators took their turns at the podium Thursday. On whether Justin Miller can play defense, covering Wes Welker, the no-huddle, how to get Sanchez started quicker in-game, Ahmad Carroll’s “average” play and much more.

New York Jets Defensive Coordinator Mike Pettine, 11.19

On Justin Miller improving…

I’m sure he was working out when he wasn’t on a team, but there is no substitute for real football action. You need to get back into football shape. That’s something that comes with getting your timing back and just playing. It was good to see today. He really stood out today that he had a good day. I don’t know what he did for Mike Westhoff, but I just know from what he was doing on the scout team, he looked like he’s definitely getting his legs back, which is encouraging.

On if Miller will be ready to help on defense this Sunday…

Read more…

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The good souls (who are Giants fans, mind you) over at Global Sports Fraternity made a video of … well … it’s hard to explain.

That’s so fake. Like Rex even wears a whistle.

While I don’t enjoy watching my team’s coach get choked to death by a supermodel with stickybuns or seeing Mark Sanchez kicked into the Saarlac Pit by a punk, it’s still amusing.

/Yes, it’s a Star Wars reference on TJB.

//You shut up, Erik Boland.

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