Even Brian Schottenheimer’s friends got concerned when they heard the news that offensive consultant Tom Moore was staying with the Jets on a full-time basis for the rest of the season.
“It’s funny because I’m the one getting texts from my friends like ‘What’s going on?’ ” Schottenheimer, the Jets offensive coordinator, said. “But hey look, I love having Tom here, he makes the things we were doing before so much easier.”
The perception is that Moore’s presence with the Jets is a commentary on Schottenheimer’s job performance. The Jets offense ranks 26th in the NFL, but Schottenheimer said he’s not looking over his shoulder, wondering if Moore is going to take his job.
“I don’t get that sense at all, no not at all,” Schottenheimer said. “Obviously you get a guy with that much experience people can think what they want. I mean, I wish I had this guy eight years ago, six years ago. He’s that type of guy and I’ve never felt threatened by Tom, I love having him around. I hope he stays for a long time, it means we’re winning games and doing well.”
* Safety Jim Leonhard has been a key piece of Rex Ryan’s defense for three years with the Jets. A free agent after this season, Leonard said yesterday that he would like to return.
“I love everything about playing here and playing under Rex,” Leonhard said. “It’s one of those situations where you hope it works out but you never know. I don’t know what the organization has in mind. You hope it works out because you love the fans and the organization.”
Leonhard followed Ryan to the Jets from Baltimore when Ryan took over in 2009. He said that free agency experience was easy because he knew he was following Ryan. This time, there is more uncertainty.
“I’d like to think that I’ve done enough here and proved my worth to this team, but you never know,” Leonhard said. “There’s a lot of things that happen. There are no guarantees in this business.”
* Ryan said the offense will be introduced again before Sunday’s game with the Chiefs. Fans at MetLife Stadium booed quarterback Mark Sanchez two weeks ago before the Bills game.
“I’ll bet you he doesn’t get booed this time,” Ryan said, referring to two game-winning drives by Sanchez in the last two games.
* Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said Jamaal Westerman will start over Garrett McIntyre at outside linebacker in the base defense. … Ryan did not have a ringing endorsement of rookie defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis, who made his second start last week.
“Wasn’t great,” Ryan said.
He said if Mike DeVito can’t play this week, Martin Tevaseu may get the start over Ellis.
* G Brandon Moore [hip] and DeVito [knee] did not practice. Ryan said he remains confident Moore can play Sunday. RB/KR Joe McKnight [elbow] practiced on a limited basis. He said he is “day-to-day.”