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MIAMI -- A few thoughts on the Houston Texans' 23-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

What it means: The Dolphins fell to 0-2 by dropping their second home game to start the 2011 season. They're already two games behind every team in the AFC East. The New England Patriots (2-0), Buffalo Bills (2-0) and New York Jets (2-0) are off to fast starts in a deep division. Miami was 6-2 on the road last year and have to post a similar mark if it wants to get back in the race. The Dolphins have just one home game left in the month of September and October.

Turning point: Dolphins cornerback Vontae Davis went down early in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury. The Texans quickly took advantage. Houston quarterback Matt Schaub connected with Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson on a 23-yard touchdown to put the game out of reach. Schaub fooled Dolphins backup corner Nolan Carroll with a pump fake to free up Johnson in the back of the end zone.

Rookie producer: One of the few bright spots for Miami was the play of Dolphins rookie running back Daniel Thomas. He rushed for 107 yards on 18 carries in his regular-season debut. Thomas did well in between the tackles, which is needed in Miami’s offense. He missed Week 1 with a hamstring injury.

Injury watch: In addition to Davis, Miami linebacker Karlos Danby also suffered a groin injury in the second half and didn't return. For Houston, Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster re-aggravated his hamstring in the second half and didn't return.

What’s next: Miami (0-2) will travel to play the Cleveland Browns (1-1) in Week 3. The Browns won their first game of the season Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. The Dolphins are in must-win territory early in the season. It's going to be a long year for Miami if the team can't win on the road.

DAVIE, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano had no interest in discussing last week's struggles against the New England Patriots.

"On to Houston," Sparano said.

What about Miami's lack of pass rush?

"We're on to Houston," Sparano said.

What's the message for bouncing back after the Patriots loss?

"On to Houston," Sparano said.

How did rookie center Mike Pouncey play in his regular-season debut?

"Houston," said Sparano, hammering the point home.

Sparano's message was clear: Miami cannot afford to look back -- even if the game just happened Monday. Coming off a short week, the Dolphins will try to avoid a 0-2 start at home Sunday against the Houston Texans (1-0). It will mark the second straight week Miami faces a high-powered offense.

Surprisingly, the biggest concern heading into Week 2 is Miami's defense. The unit was No. 6 in the NFL last season. But New England carved up Miami's defense for 622 yards, including 517 yards passing by quarterback Tom Brady.

On a night Miami's offense and quarterback Chad Henne played well, the defense was a liability. It was the opposite of last year's identity.

The Dolphins couldn't stop the pass Monday. They didn't stop the run. They had little pass rush and gave up big plays, including a 99-yard touchdown catch by Wes Welker. Miami also didn't tackle well and struggled defensively in the red zone. The Dolphins allowed New England to score touchdowns on four of six trips inside the 20.

There wasn't much good the Dolphins' defense could take away from Monday's game. It's probably one of those gut-wrenching tapes Miami wants to throw in the garbage and never watch again.

"That was embarrassing. There is no question about it," Dolphins safety Yeremiah Bell said candidly. "But we went through that tape and it's over. Now it's on to Houston and time to prove what kind of defense we really are."

Secondary players such as Bell often talk about having short memories. But it's up to an entire defense to forget what happened against New England. The Texans are coming into Sun Life Stadium with a lot of momentum after scoring 34 points in the first half of last week's 34-7 win against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Texans were the NFL's No. 3 offense in 2010 and No. 4 in passing. They have plenty of firepower with receiver Andre Johnson, quarterback Matt Schaub and Pro Bowl tailback Arian Foster (hamstring), who could make his season debut Sunday.

If Miami's poor defensive performance last week was a one-game fluke, we're about to find out.

"Everyone knows the defense is better than that," Dolphins starting cornerback Sean Smith said. "What we did is in the past. We're definitely looking forward to going out there and showing everybody that we can still get this thing rolling."

Miami's defense was active last season. The Dolphins were ranked in the top 10 in sacks (39) and total yards allowed in 2010. The Patriots gained more than 622 yards Monday and only allowed one sack to Miami linebacker Cameron Wake.

It's only Week 1, but the Dolphins are last in the NFL in total defense by a wide margin. The Patriots are the next closest team, allowing 488 yards to Miami's offense.

"I didn't see the fire from our guys that we usually play with," Bell said. "Whatever reason it was, we didn't have that fire. We need to get back to the basics. We need to get back to competing with guys and get in guys' faces like we did last year."

Someone had to pay the price for last week's debacle. There was one casualty: Dolphins veteran cornerback Benny Sapp. Miami cut Sapp this week after he allowed the 99-yard touchdown catch to Welker in the fourth quarter.

Miami re-signed veteran corner Will Allen and hopes he can help tighten up the pass defense. Allen spent the past five seasons with Miami and knows the defense well. The Dolphins cut Allen before the regular season.

Allen is a longtime starter and can play on the outside as well as the nickel role. It also doesn't hurt that he's coming back with a chip on his shoulder after being released.

"You always got something to prove, and that's what I think each and every player in this locker room feels like each and every day," Allen said. "Maybe not so much as far as practice. But on Sundays, stepping up and having different competitions and [being] challenged in different ways. Everybody has something to prove all the time."

Sunday is show-and-prove time for the Dolphins' defense, particularly the secondary. The common theme in Miami's locker room was, "Last week was last week." But if Miami’s defense lays another egg at home for the second straight game, doubt might start to creep in with this proud, veteran group.

"That wasn't us out there. We know that," Bell said. "It was the first game, and that's over with. So we're on to the Texans. We're going to put on a much better showing than we did Monday night, that's for sure.

DAVIE, Fla. -- Both are big, physical wide receivers. Both have great hands and are among the best at their position.

But Brandon Marshall of the Miami Dolphins has no doubt in his mind that Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans is the NFL's No. 1 receiver.

"Absolutely, he's the best in the league right now," Marshall said of Johnson, who will face the Dolphins Sunday at Sun Life Stadium. "We play the same position. So I'm chasing him. His career has been amazing. I know he would like to be in the playoffs, and I think we have similar paths as far as missing the playoffs. But, as far as individually, he's a guy that I admire."

Marshall is one of the league's most productive receivers, as well. He's had four straight 1,000-yard seasons and caught at least 100 receptions in three of those years. Marshall also is off to a fast start. He caught seven passes for 139 yards in a Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots.

Johnson and Marshall are becoming the new prototypes at receiver. Both are tall, can jump and have the size of tight ends. Marshall is 6-foot-4 and weighs 230 pounds. Johnson is 6-foot-3 and weighs 226 pounds.

"I think Brandon is a great player," Johnson said on a conference call with Miami media. "I've been watching Brandon play since he's been in the league. I like big receivers. I like to watch the big receivers, because I'm a big receiver."

Both will look to put on a show this Sunday.

Thoughts from the Jets' 20-16 loss to the Texans in a preseason version of "Monday Night Football."

WHAT IT MEANS: Seven months after their crushing loss to the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game, the Jets began another Super Bowl quest Monday night. Rex Ryan’s cast of characters hasn’t changed much since then and, despite a loss to the Texans, there were enough positives to make it a successful preseason opener. They should’ve pulled it out, but rookie reciever Michael Campbell dropped a potential touchdown pass in the final minute.

ON THE MARK: After some spotty practice performances, quarterback Mark Sanchez (6-for-7, 43 yards) stepped up in prime time and was on point with every pass. His lone incompletion was a drop by backup tight end Matt Mulligan. With two starters missing from the offensive line, the Jets kept it conservative, calling only quick throws for Sanchez. But give him credit for his accuracy; that’s an area he’s working to improve. Sanchez was pulled after one quarter and, no, he didn’t want to fight Ryan to get back on the field.

KEY INJURY: The Jets lost backup center Rob Turner (lower leg) to a potentially serious injury. This injury won’t grab big headlines, but it’s costly because of Turner’s versatility. He can play center, guard, tight end and blocks in the wedge on kickoff returns. Turner, who started for the injured Nick Mangold, was carted off in the first quarter and replaced by third-stringer Robby Felix. Luckily for the Jets, Mangold should be back to practice this week.

THIN LINE: Just the other day, Ryan boasted that the Jets’ top seven offensive linemen are the best in the league. It’s not looking that way now. Not only is Turner out, but second-year lineman Vladimir Ducasse was awful.

Ducasse, who started for injured lineman Brandon Moore, allowed a sack at right guard and another at right tackle. The first sack came on the play in which Turner was injured; Ducasse’s failure to hold off defensive end J.J. Watt put Turner in a vulnerable position. Ducasse also got some work at left guard, where -- hooray -- he didn’t allow a sack.

If Turner’s injury is long term, the Jets will have to sign an experienced backup center. It’s a thin market. In fact, the best available center might be former Giant Shaun O’Hara.

THE PLAXICO VOID: The biggest story of the game -- Plaxico Burress -- wasn’t at the game. He was home, nursing an ankle injury and schmoozing with ESPN’s Mike Tirico in a phone interview during the fourth quarter. (In case you’re wondering, Burress reiterated that he expects to practice full on Wednesday.) Without Burress, the other new receiver, Derrick Mason, was in a prominent role. Mason caught all three passes thrown to him for 21 yards -- a solid debut, considering his lack of practice time with Sanchez.

THE ROOKIES: It was a nice start for the Jets’ draft class, especially nose tackle Kenrick Ellis (one batted pass), QB Greg McElroy (208 yards passing) and WR/KR Jeremy Kerley (32.5 average on kickoff returns). Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson started the game, but didn’t have any wow moments -- although he did have an offsides penalty. Running back Bilal Powell (nine carries, 25 yards) also played well and could push Joe McKnight for the No. 3 tailback job. McKnight left with a possible concussion.

KID QB: With backup QB Mark Brunell (finger) sitting out, McElroy played the second, third and fourth quarters, leading the offense to three field goals and a touchdown (2-yard scoring pass to Patrick Turner). McElroy lost a fumble on a strip sack, but he kept his composure and demonstrated some of the attributes that led the Jets to draft him in the seventh round -- smarts, poise and accuracy. Too bad he doesn’t have a gun.

WHAT A COMEBACK: Eight months removed from breaking his shin in a freak practice collision, safety Jim Leonhard was back on the field, back in the Jets’ starting lineup. It was a welcomed sight for the defense, which relies on Leonhard to make calls on the field.

INJURY WATCH: Linebacker Bart Scott hurt his left ankle/leg on the first play of the game. The replay looked bad, but he returned on the second series. He watched most of the second half with a huge wrap on his leg. Stay tuned.

INACTIVES: QB Mark Brunell, WR Plaxico Burress, C Nick Mangold, RG Brandon Moore, LB Brandon Long, G Trevor Canfield. The Texans played without RB Arian Foster and WR Andre Johnson, their offensive stars.

Next up in ESPN.com's Power Rankings series were the best offensive players who aren't quarterbacks.

I was surprised to see only three offensive linemen appear on the ballots of our eight panelists: Miami Dolphins left tackle Jake Long, Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas and New York Jets center Nick Mangold.

Only four voters, including me, mentioned more than one lineman. AFC South blogger Paul Kuharsky and NFC South blogger Pat Yaskinkas must have been assembling fantasy teams because they didn't name a single grunt.

My ballot:

1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings running back
2. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals receiver
3. Andre Johnson, Texans receiver
4. Chris Johnson, Titans running back
5. Calvin Johnson, Lions receiver
6. Jake Long, Dolphins left tackle
7. Antonio Gates, Chargers tight end
8. Nick Mangold, Jets center
9. Roddy White, Falcons receiver
10. Jason Witten, Cowboys tight end

Nobody can argue against how crucial offensive linemen are to a team's success. And since we removed quarterbacks from the equation, they make even more sense to appear on this list. If a team has an established quarterback, then the next thing to do is protect him.

Without offensive linemen, there's not enough time for the star receivers to get open or lanes for running backs to bolt through.

The importance of left tackles was underscored when the Dolphins selected Long first overall in 2008. Long has lived up to the expectations at a critical position by making the Pro Bowl each of this three seasons. He was voted All-Pro last year.

Mangold is the best center in the game. While centers aren't necessarily viewed as prominent enough to draft early, Mangold's dominance is indisputable. He has been an All-Pro the past two seasons and a Pro Bowler three straight. That's why he made my list.

While I stepped away from the AFC East blog for a week, Khaled Elsayed of Pro Football Focus released a series of articles in which he rated the 101 best players from last season.

The list generated murmurs about Elsayed's sanity because he listed New England Patriots quarterback and reigning (unanimous) MVP Tom Brady at No. 33.

Although grading players off television isn't the same as grading coaches' game film, and grades are only as good as the evaluators and the consistency of their systems, Pro Football Focus at least puts in the time to scrutinize every play from every game in myriad ways.

Elsayed has a basis for his opinion beyond pulling names out of the air, which many readers will assume he did.

Bart Scott, not considered the best inside linebacker on the New York Jets roster, was No. 29.

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams was rated third behind only Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith and way ahead of superstars such as Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson.

Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis isn't on the list anywhere.

The list is, to be diplomatic, interesting.

The AFC East representatives who did make the list:

• 3. Kyle Williams, Bills defensive tackle: The only Bill on the chart.
• 26. Jake Long, Dolphins left tackle: The highest-rated tackle -- right or left.
• 29. Bart Scott, Jets inside linebacker: Elsayed calls David Harris "inferior" and didn't include him.
• 30. Nick Mangold, Jets center: The highest rated at his position.
• 31. Cameron Wake, Dolphins outside linebacker: Dolphins should offer him for Brady, straight up.
• 33. Tom Brady, Patriots quarterback: Brady was the sixth QB. Hey, at least he beat out Antonio Garay (37th).
• 60. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots tight end: rated fourth behind Dallas Clark, Marcedes Lewis and Antonio Gates.
• 67. Logan Mankins, Patriots guard: Run blocking was dominant enough to overcome a half-season of work.
• 70. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Jets left tackle: Ahead of Joe Thomas.
• 71. Devin McCourty, Patriots cornerback: Ahead of Asante Samuel and Brent Grimes.
• 73. Sione Pouha, Jets nose tackle: Combination of size and hustle mentioned as reason he's so highly rated.
• 85. Shaun Ellis, Jets defensive end: Division-leading fifth Jets player on the list.
• 89. Paul Soliai, Dolphins nose tackle: Elsayed said his final nine weeks graded among best in the NFL.
• 99. Anthony Fasano, Dolphins tight end: On the list for his blocking acumen.

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below this article.

I expect a lively discussion.

I'm pretty sure I have some explaining to do.

ESPN.com's blog network began its series of positional power rankings Tuesday with wide receivers. I included only one AFC East target on my ballot, omitting some big names readers will disagree with.

Although Brandon Marshall earned enough votes to crack the top 10, he didn't appear on my list. Neither did Wes Welker, Steve Johnson or Braylon Edwards.

My ballot:

1. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
2. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
3. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
4. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
5. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers
6. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs
7. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
8. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles
9. Brandon Lloyd, Denver Broncos
10. Santonio Holmes, New York Jets

Nine of my 10 nominees comprised the consensus top 10. The lone discrepancy was the last slot.

I almost didn't vote for Holmes. I originally had Pittsburgh Steelers burner Mike Wallace on the list, but I couldn't deny the direct impact Holmes had in closing out colossal victories for the Jets.

Holmes' stats weren't staggering, but he started the season with a four-game suspension that kept him out of the lineup and off the practice field. Once the NFL activated Holmes, it took him a couple weeks to get back into the offense. Then he was sensational. He had eight touchdowns in his last 11 games, including two out of three postseason games.

I couldn't bring myself to include Marshall. He had a nice reception total, but he scored only three touchdowns (one by December) and averaged the fewest yards per catch of any wide receiver with at least 850 yards. The Miami Dolphins had one of the NFL's weakest red-zone offenses, and a top 10 receiver should be able to help in that regard.

Welker didn't make the cut because he had a terrible season when it came to drops. ESPN Stats & Information charted a league-leading 11 drops. Welker averaged fewer yards than Marshall despite nearly half of his total (848 yards) coming after the catch (410 yards). That's a lot of long handoffs.

New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis has no problem with head coach Rex Ryan declaring them the next Super Bowl champs -- again.

Revis stopped by the "First Take" set at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Fla., and was asked about the title guarantee Ryan made last week at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

"It's always motivational," Revis said. "Rex, man, if you really know him, he's a very passionate guy and a player's coach. We like the energy. We like what he talks about.

"What he said, winning the Super Bowl, that's why we play this game. You play this game to get a ring. If you're not playing for that, then you shouldn't be in the NFL."

Revis talked about lobbying the Jets to acquire receiver Chad Ochocinco and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

"You're always trying to better your team and trying to get over that hump," Revis said. "We lost the last two AFC championship games. We need to get over that hump."

Revis also discussed Bart Scott's foray into professional wrestling, Hines Ward on "Dancing With the Stars" and the NFL's toughest three receivers to cover.

Pro Football Weekly recently assembled its "Super 50" rankings for the 2010 season.

You might be surprised by the dearth of highly placed AFC East names. You can guess who earned the top spot, but there's a large gap until the next one and an even larger drop until the third.

Two New England Patriots made the top 50 and another pair appeared among 25 honorable mentions. The New York Jets had three players total, the Miami Dolphins two. No Buffalo Bills made the cut.

The list, which appears in the Feb. 6 edition, was compiled "with the help of coaches and evaluators from around the NFL."

Here are the AFC East representatives with a comment from Pro Football Weekly's staff:

1. Tom Brady, Patriots quarterback: "Brady was exceptional in the regular season, completing 324 of 492 passes for 3,900 yards with 36 touchdowns and a mere four interceptions. Including the postseason, Brady went 339 passes without throwing a pick."

13. Darrelle Revis, Jets cornerback: "His statistics don't show it -- no sacks, interceptions or forced fumbles this season -- but Revis remains one of the best cover corners in the league. During a stretch in the middle of the season, the Jets' corner limited Greg Jennings, Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson and Terrell Owens to a combined nine catches for 74 yards."

45. Cameron Wake, Dolphins outside linebacker: "The former CFL star finished third in the league with 14 sacks. He helped the Dolphins' defense improve from 22nd in 2009 to sixth in '10. He is a relentless pass-rusher, using his speed to get past tackles to the quarterback."

46. Jake Long, Dolphins left tackle: "Long has established himself among the elite at his position. Despite knee and shoulder injuries, he started all 16 games for the third consecutive season."

48. Nick Mangold, Jets center: "The Jets' offensive line is one of the NFL's best, and Mangold is the team's most important player up front. He hasn't missed a start in five NFL seasons."

49. Jerod Mayo, Patriots linebacker: "Mayo seemed to always be around the ball in 2010, leading the league with 175 tackles and adding three fumble recoveries. ... With injuries on the defensive line and lots of youth, Mayo picked a good year to have his best season."

Listed among the 25 honorable mentions (in alphabetical order): Jets left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Patriots receiver Wes Welker, Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

Miami Dolphins tackle Jake Long and Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson have pulled out of the Pro Bowl because of injuries, an NFL source has informed me.

Their withdrawals opened the door for New England Patriots left tackle Matt Light and receiver Wes Welker to be selected to their third Pro Bowls.

Long injured his shoulder in Week 10, but didn't miss a start. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl each of his three NFL seasons since being drafted first overall.

Johnson has an ankle injury. He battled the problem all year and was deactivated for the regular-season finale.

The Buffalo Bills have locked up the third overall pick in April's draft. The Miami Dolphins own the 15th choice.

The order is set through the seventh pick. The winner of Sunday's night game will impact the rest of the order. But the Dolphins will be slotted 15th no matter what, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Playoff teams are slotted based on when they're eliminated from the tournament. We must wait to learn where the New England Patriots and New York Jets will select.

The order so far:

1. Carolina Panthers
2. Denver Broncos
3. Buffalo Bills
4. Cincinnati Bengals
5. Arizona Cardinals
6. Cleveland Browns
7. San Francisco 49ers

Who will the Bills select?

I have no clue. Neither does anybody else.

We have four months to find out what their options might be after they comb through their roster, conduct the offseason evaluation process, pick up or lose players via free agency and then scout and interview hundreds of college prospects who will fluctuate with every combine workout, pro day, suspension, personal background disclosure or injury revelation.

And even then, once the Bills were on the clock eight months ago, how many people predicted they would draft running back C.J. Spiller?

That's why it's folly at this juncture to guess who the Bills -- or any other team -- will target in the first round, let alone assign the name of a specific candidate.

But here's what we can do for Bills fans. We can take a look at the recent history of third overall picks.

2010: Gerald McCoy, Buccaneers defensive tackle

2009: Tyson Jackson, Chiefs defensive end

2008: Matt Ryan, Falcons quarterback

2007: Joe Thomas, Browns tackle

2006: Vince Young, Texans quarterback

2005: Braylon Edwards, Browns receiver

2004: Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals receiver

2003: Andre Johnson, Texans receiver

2002: Joey Harrington, Lions quarterback

2001: Gerard Warren, Browns defensive lineman

2000: Chris Samuels, Redskins tackle

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- A few thoughts on the New York Jets' comeback victory against the Houston Texans.

What it means: Bill Parcells used to have a saying: “Sometimes God is playing in these games.” Someone is watching over the Jets, who staged the miracle of miracles. After blowing a 16-point lead, they went 72 yards in 39 seconds -- with no timeouts -- to stun the Texans. Santonio Holmes -- yes, him again -- scored the game winner with 10 seconds left, 30-27, giving the Jets their most improbable win in recent memory.

Miracle Mark: Mark Sanchez did it again, overcoming a so-so day to complete his final four passes. The biggest pass was a 42-yard strike to Braylon Edwards, setting up Holmes’ game-winner. It was Sanchez’s third fourth-quarter comeback win of the season. Say this for him: The kid never gives up.

Holmes, sweet Holmes: How good is Holmes? Holmes, who scored the game winner last week in Cleveland, made the biggest play of the game again. He should market the “Tone Time” slogan, because it’s something special. He scored two touchdowns, finishing with seven catches for 126 yards. Holmes provides a big-play dimension the Jets haven’t had at wide receiver in a long time.

Defensive collapse: Shame on the defense, letting the Texans score 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. They left tight end Joel Dreessen uncovered for a 43-yard touchdown. On their ensuing possession, the Texans marched 73 yards on seven plays, as the defense mounted little resistance. There was no pass rush and miscommunications in the secondary. Maybe coordinator Mike Pettine should return the play calling to Rex Ryan because the defense seemed clueless in crunch time.

Fumble-itis: Shonn Greene never will be an elite running back until he learns to protect the ball. Greene coughed it up in the fourth quarter -- wasn’t even a hard hit -- and so began the Texans’ comeback from the Jets’ 43. Greene was pulled from the game, replaced by LaDainian Tomlinson.

The McCain mutiny: Brice McCain is the Texans’ No. 3 cornerback, but he rotates with rookie Kareem Jackson and Glover Quin. The Jets made a concerted effort to attack McCain whenever he was on the outside, covering Holmes or Edwards. McCain played pillow coverage -- soft -- leaving himself vulnerable to quick slants.

Big Wood hurt: RT Damien Woody, the emotional leader of the Jets’ offensive line, injured his right knee in the first quarter and didn’t return. A Houston defender rolled up his leg from behind, causing the knee to bend awkwardly. A significant injury would be a blow, as Woody is a vital cog in the running game. He was replaced by Wayne Hunter.

What’s next: It’s a quick turnaround for the Jets, who face the Cincinnati Bengals (2-8) Thanksgiving night at home. They will have light practice Monday, followed by a full practice Tuesday. That they’re playing at home is a big advantage on a short week. Get ready for the verbal ping-pong match between Revis and Chad Ochocinco.

The Darrelle Revis Recovery Tour will resume Sunday against Houston Texans stud Andre Johnson.

Revis ended last season as maybe the brightest in the NFL's defensive galaxy. The New York Jets shutdown cornerback dominated elite receivers. He was considered the best player on a team that reached the AFC championship game and carried Super Bowl aspirations into 2010.

But the season didn't start well for Revis. First a contract standoff and then an injured hamstring knocked him down several pegs. He didn't always guard the other team's best receivers. Antonio Cromartie took on added responsibility to compensate.

Revis looks like he's returning to last year's form. He was masterful against Detroit Lions behemoth Calvin Johnson two weeks ago, keeping him to one catch for 13 yards.

Revis will face another challenge with Andre Johnson at the Meadowlands.

Jets head coach Rex Ryan said Wednesday that Revis either will be heads up on Andre Johnson or on the same side of the field, depending on the coverage scheme.

"They have one of the best receivers -- if not the best -- in the game," Ryan said of Andre Johnson. "How do you just sit back and say, 'Hey, we have one-on-one coverage over there [and not throw to him]?’

"Everything you're programmed to do says to throw it over there. Well, we've got the best corner. It ought to be a great match-up over there."

Last year, Revis allowed 2.9 receptions and 26.4 yards a game to a schedule that included Randy Moss twice, Terrell Owens twice, Andre Johnson, Roddy White, Chad Ochocinco, Reggie Wayne, Marques Colston, Steve Smith and Mike Sims-Walker.

Andre Johnson had four catches for 35 yards when they played on opening day last year.

"When you go out and play against anybody, you always want to get the best of them," Andre Johnson said. "Last year, when we played against each other, they executed the game plan, and they were very successful doing it. That's pretty much it. They took it to us.

"You definitely look forward to the challenge when you go against a player of Darrelle’s caliber. ... He's very technique-sound as a defensive back. He's very patient. He can mix it up with you. He can be physical at times. At times he doesn't have to be physical. He has the all-around game. He's great at what he does."

In the latest installment of ESPN.com's "Great Debate" series, fantasy expert Ken Daube busts out the whuppin stick on AFC South bard Paul Kuharsky.

They deliberated over who will be the best fantasy receiver for 2010, Randy Moss or Andre Johnson.

Daube presented Moss' case; Kuharsky took up Johnson's.

I have two fantasy drafts this weekend, and before reading this, I would have gone with Johnson. Not anymore.

Daube points out Johnson outscored Moss by only nine fantasy points last year even though Moss played much of the season with a shoulder injury and with a quarterback coming off reconstructive knee surgery. Meanwhile, the loss of Texans tight end Owen Daniels halfway through the season increased Johnson's output.

It hurts me to my soul to see one of my blogging brothers get torn apart in a debate by a fantasy writer, but I can't ignore the carnage. Kuharsky does rally late, but only because two fantasy experts come to his assistance.

Had this been a barroom brawl, the only reason Daube would end up with any marks on him is because Kuharsky's buddies jumped in to end the stomping.

If given the chance to decide, who'd you rather have: Randy Moss or Andre Johnson?

ESPN.com fantasy analysts Ken Daube and Christopher Harris debate who's better for 2010.

Daube calls Johnson the safer selection, but Moss the smarter pick because their projected difference is negligible (in Johnson's favor), while Moss has the better likelihood of blowing up statistically.

Obviously, Moss will be 33 years old this season, and historically not many receivers maintain their elite status once acquiring that many birthday candles. However, if you are going to be fair, you should see how players of his stature have performed at that age. The only receiver in history that it's fair to compare Moss against -- based on pure dominance and talent -- is Jerry Rice, and I'll remind you that Mr. Rice had one of the greatest receiving seasons ever during the season that he turned 33 (15 touchdowns, 1,848 receiving yards). I'm not saying that Randy Moss is better than Jerry Rice, that's for another discussion. I am saying that whenever Moss has applied himself, he's outperformed even Rice.

Harris considers Moss second to Johnson in his fantasy rankings because Moss "doesn't exactly have a history of manning up and playing great when his contract is at issue" and has concerns Wes Welker will be ready from the start of the season.

For me, the gap between Andre Johnson and Moss is far greater than the distance between Moss and whoever you care to make No. 3. AJ led all wideouts in receiving yards each of the past two seasons, the second man to accomplish that task in back-to-back seasons in NFL history (Rice is the other). He led the NFL in catches of 20-plus yards last season. He had the most targets in the league and the second-most red-zone targets. And he's 29. Of course, you don't earn 2010 fantasy points for last year's stats. Can AJ do it again? I've yet to hear a convincing reason why he won't.