After practice on Friday, Rex Ryan and the Jets talked up the accolades of Muhammad Wilkerson, lobbying for the defensive lineman to receive Pro Bowl honors.
“If Mo doesn’t get in, then it’s personal,” coach Rex Ryan said.
It appears to be personal. Friday night, in a season with no playoffs, the Jets learned there would be no Pro Bowlers, either, after they were shut out when the NFL announced the rosters of the 2014 Pro Bowl.
“I would be shocked if [Wilkerson’s] not on that list,’’ Ryan had said before the teams were announced.
The NFL, through voting by fans, coaches and players, did put Wilkerson on a different list — he and center Nick Mangold were named first alternates and cornerback Antonio Cromartie was named second alternates — but he found himself behind names such as Mario Williams of the Bills and J.J. Watt of the Texans.
Wilkerson, the third-year player from New Jersey, has had a career year with 10 ½ sacks, 40 quarterback hurries, 15 tackles for losses, one INT, one forced fumble and 62 total tackles.
Before the perceived snubbing, Wilkerson had made it known making the roster — singular, this year, as the league removed conference affiliation in an effort to ensure the best players made the cut — would have been an honor.
“Mostly it [would show] my peers in this league think I’m a good enough player, but also my teammates here pretty much think that I’m playing at an elite level. To make it, that’s a big statement being made.’’
Asked if he always had aspirations about making a Pro Bowl, Wilkerson said: “I play this game not just for the financial success for my family and for myself, but I love this game, I love playing with my teammates. I definitely want to make Pro Bowls and Super Bowls and eventually hopefully make the Hall of Fame. I play the game to make sure I try to achieve those goals.”
Another Jet who had a strong case for Pro Bowl consideration was kicker Nick Folk, who has made 31-of-33 field goals, has 118 points and three game-winning field goals.
But the voters deemed Matt Prater of the Broncos and Justin Tucker of the Ravens worthy as placekickers. Prater has gone 23-of-24 with 140 points, and he set the new all-time long field goal record with a 64-yarder in Week 14, while Tucker, 35-of-38, won a game last week with a 61-yarder.
There will be a draft of all selected players on Jan. 22 to make up two teams of Pro Bowlers, with teams no longer separated into NFC and AFC squads.
The only player is listed as questionable for the Miami game is defensive back Ellis Lankster, who has pain in his jaw and has been unable to wear a helmet in practice all week. Cromartie (hip) was limited in practice Friday, but is as probable. Tight end Kellen Winslow Jr., who was sent home on Thursday with an illness, returned to practice Friday. So, too, did safety Ed Reed, who was given Thursday off. Wide receive Santonio Holmes (foot/hamstring), linebacker Quinton Coples (shoulder) and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (shoulder/finger) all practiced and are listed as probable.
“I expect everybody up and ready to play,’’ Ryan said.
Ryan raved about Friday’s practice, the team’s last of the season.
“Oh, we were flying around,” he said. “We’ve had some excellent practice. It’s been a great week of preparation with a lot of spirit and enthusiasm.
“I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to competing against Miami, because it will be a great test for us and testament to how far this team has improved … or hasn’t. The product on the field Sunday will be evidence of that.’’
Ryan said he believes because rookie quarterback Geno Smith will be playing minutes from where he grew up in Miami, he may play better.
“I think that’s a good thing,’’ Ryan said. “There’s always something special about returning home. Players tend to play better when they’re in that kind of environment, going home, local hero, whatever it is. There’s always extra motivations, like playing against a former team. Maybe we saw it last week when David Nelson scored two touchdowns against a team that cut him. That probably felt good.’’
Ryan was funny when asked if he thought the $15,000 fine Richardson was hit with for a questionable roughing-the-passer call on Browns quarterback Jason Campbell was “fair.’’
“Well, the officials have a tough job to do; this is where I’m not going to get fined,’’ he joked. “They’re trying their very best. I also understand we need to protect our players. With that being said … I’m not going to answer the question.’’