The Jets hope practice makes perfect.
A week ago, coach Rex Ryan was upset by a poor practice on offense the Friday before the Jets played the Ravens. The result two days later was one of the worst offensive performances in franchise history.
Ryan, who called Thursday’s practice the team’s best of the year, was pleased with yesterday’s as well, saying: “It was a much better Friday practice. Everyone was bouncing around. I feel good about it. Based on this practice we expect to play well [tomorrow].”
Jets left guard Matt Slauson said the practice was “a million times better” than last week’s.
“We came out enthusiastic, energetic and guys were flying around,” Slauson said. “I know there are what’s called ‘gamers,’ who can take it easy during practice and explode on game day, but I haven’t met a whole lot of those people.”
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Though center Nick Mangold is listed as questionable on the injury report, Ryan said he feels good about Mangold, who was still limited in practice yesterday, returning to the lineup tomorrow after missing two games with a high ankle sprain.
“I’m ready to go,” Mangold said. “I’m chomping at the bit to get back. It’s going to be a good feeling to get back out there be with the guys.”
In other injury news, WR Plaxico Burress (elbow) and LB Calvin Pace (abdomen) practiced in full and will play. The Patriots will be without former Jets RB Danny Woodhead, who’s listed as doubtful with an ankle injury. Patriots LB Jerod Mayo is also listed as doubtful with a knee injury and isn’t expected to play.
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The Jets will make a roster move to fill the spot vacated by LB Bryan Thomas, who’s out for the season with an Achilles injury. Though they won’t announce it until today, it appears the Jets will bring in DT Jarron Gilbert from the practice squad. Gilbert has been used as a tight end in practices of late and could be used as an extra blocker to help the Jets abysmal running game.
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Ravens DT Haloti Ngata was fined $15,000 for his hit on Mark Sanchez last Sunday. On a third-quarter sack and forced fumble that was returned for a touchdown, Ngata led with his helmet, which hit Sanchez square in the back. No penalty was called on the play.
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Jets DT Marcus Dixon said he can’t wait to see his mentor tomorrow when the Jets play the Patriots. DE Shaun Ellis, who after a long career with the Jets signed as a free agent in New England, took Dixon under his wing and helped him develop.
“I’m looking forward to seeing ‘Big Cat,’ but I’m more looking forward to beating the Patriots,” Dixon said. “It’ll be good to see him, but it’ll be good to see him and beat the Patriots. That would be a great night.”
Dixon said Ellis told him “when he first got [to New England] it felt weird, because he’s always been the Patriot killer.”
Ryan said it’s “going to feel really strange” seeing Ellis wearing a Patriots uniform.
“He certainly is going to be motivated,” Ryan said.
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It looks like rookie DT Kenrick Ellis, the Jets’ third-round draft pick, will have to wait another week to make his debut.
Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine hinted on Thursday that Ellis was close to being put on the active roster for tomorrow’s game. But Ryan, who praised Ellis, yesterday said, because of the need for more DBs in the game, Ellis won’t dress tomorrow but his time is coming, saying, “He’s done a great job on the practice field, and it’s just a matter of time for that young man.”
“I prepare every week like I’m going to be active and until that time comes I’m going to keep working hard on the scout team and preparing until my number is called,” Ellis said. “I’m still raw on certain things, I don’t play any special teams and we have a great group of defensive linemen.”