AFC East: Howard Green
An important Super Bowl moment has been lost somewhat amid Aaron Rodgers' performance, Jordy Nelson's numbers, Charles Woodson's injury and even speculation about what Brett Favre was thinking.
In the first quarter, Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Howard Green plowed forth -- and almost through -- Pittsburgh Steelers guard Chris Kemoeatu on his way to Ben Roethlisberger.
Green's pressure and hit forced an awful throw. Defensive back Nick Collins intercepted and returned it for a touchdown in a 31-25 Packers victory.
ESPNNewYork.com writer Rich Cimini caught up with Green after the game.
Green spoke about how redemptive the play was in light of the New York Jets releasing him twice this past season.
"One simple word: perseverance," Green said. "I had to deal with some tough things, some ups and downs. The Jets cut me for whatever reason. That's not an issue anymore.
"I appreciate them for giving me the opportunity, but I'm a Packer now and we just won the Super Bowl. That's all I need to say about that."
Green's time with the Jets in 2010 was tumultuous.
The Jets placed nose tackle Kris Jenkins on injured reserve and signed Green on Sept. 15 -- a day after they released running back Danny Woodhead.
Green was inactive for Week 2 and played in Week 3. Then the Jets released him for defensive lineman Trevor Pryce, who the Baltimore Ravens surprisingly cut in a roster-juggling maneuver.
The Jets re-signed Green and reinstated suspended receiver Santonio Holmes on Oct. 4. The Jets waived receivers Patrick Turner and David Clowney, the player the Jets needed to cut Woodhead to make room for.
Green played in Week 5, was inactive for Week 6 and was waived after the Jets' bye. He was so bewildered, he chose to drive home to Mississippi from New Jersey. Before he got home, the Packers claimed him.
He soon was on his way back to New Jersey because the Packers' next opponent was the Jets at the Meadowlands.
In the first quarter, Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Howard Green plowed forth -- and almost through -- Pittsburgh Steelers guard Chris Kemoeatu on his way to Ben Roethlisberger.
Green's pressure and hit forced an awful throw. Defensive back Nick Collins intercepted and returned it for a touchdown in a 31-25 Packers victory.
ESPNNewYork.com writer Rich Cimini caught up with Green after the game.
Green spoke about how redemptive the play was in light of the New York Jets releasing him twice this past season.
"One simple word: perseverance," Green said. "I had to deal with some tough things, some ups and downs. The Jets cut me for whatever reason. That's not an issue anymore.
"I appreciate them for giving me the opportunity, but I'm a Packer now and we just won the Super Bowl. That's all I need to say about that."
Green's time with the Jets in 2010 was tumultuous.
The Jets placed nose tackle Kris Jenkins on injured reserve and signed Green on Sept. 15 -- a day after they released running back Danny Woodhead.
Green was inactive for Week 2 and played in Week 3. Then the Jets released him for defensive lineman Trevor Pryce, who the Baltimore Ravens surprisingly cut in a roster-juggling maneuver.
The Jets re-signed Green and reinstated suspended receiver Santonio Holmes on Oct. 4. The Jets waived receivers Patrick Turner and David Clowney, the player the Jets needed to cut Woodhead to make room for.
Green played in Week 5, was inactive for Week 6 and was waived after the Jets' bye. He was so bewildered, he chose to drive home to Mississippi from New Jersey. Before he got home, the Packers claimed him.
He soon was on his way back to New Jersey because the Packers' next opponent was the Jets at the Meadowlands.
AFC East observations on the Super Bowl
February, 6, 2011
2/06/11
11:53
PM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
Some AFC East-oriented thoughts after the Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 in the Super Bowl:
Ben Roethlisberger is not in Tom Brady's league yet. There had been some talk over the past two weeks that if Roethlisberger won the Super Bowl he would stand next to Brady and Peyton Manning in the pantheon of uber-elite NFL quarterbacks.
Roethlisberger has been sensational in the postseason, but not this postseason. Aside from a couple clutch throws, he was below average in beating the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game. He had another pedestrian outing Sunday.
He threw two interceptions, one that Nick Collins returned for a touchdown. Roethlisberger overthrew Mike Wallace twice in key situations in the third quarter: a would-be touchdown after Wallace got behind the Packers secondary and a third-and-2 play right before the fourth quarter. Roethlisberger also failed to take advantage of a defensive backfield missing its best player, Charles Woodson, the entire second half.
Roethlisberger is 10-3 in the postseason and has been to three Super Bowls in his seven NFL seasons. Brady won his first three Super Bowls and his first 10 postseason games before a defeat. Plus, Brady has appeared in a fourth Super Bowl.
I understand Brady has lost three straight postseason games, but he still has more championship rings and conference titles.
The New England Patriots were the Packers' springboard. The Packers have won every game since losing 31-27 at Gillette Stadium in Week 15. Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers was hurt and couldn't play, but the Packers still gave the scalding-hot Patriots a scare with backup quarterback Matt Flynn.
"The New England game was a big game for us," Rodgers said on ESPN's Super Bowl set Sunday night. "We lost that game, a game we were double-digit underdogs. I was out. Matt played great, and our defense played pretty well also.
"That was the game where, I think, [we said] 'We got a good team. Let's not lose this opportunity.'"
Howard Green quietly made one of the game's biggest plays. The former Jets defensive lineman didn't register a tackle. But he bull rushed Steelers guard Chris Kemoeatu and, in a great individual effort, harassed Roethlisberger into a bad throw that turned into Collins' pick six. Green started only six games in the regular season and playoffs.
It wasn't quite Thurman Thomas losing his helmet at the start of Super Bowl XXVI, but Steelers left tackle Jonathan Scott -- not good enough to remain with the Buffalo Bills despite starting eight games in 2009 -- had to come off the field with the game on the line because his shoe came off.
Scott missed the Steelers' third-and-5 play with 62 seconds remaining and their fateful fourth-and-5 with 56 seconds left. Trai Essex replaced him as Roethlisberger's blindside protector and did OK while on his heels, but the switch was one more thing for Roethlisberger to worry about.
Roethlisberger threw incompletions on both plays.
A Lombardi Trophy would've completed a tremendous turnaround tale for Steelers offensive line coach Sean Kugler. He was dismissed from Buffalo's staff at the end of last season. The native of nearby Lockport, N.Y., was living a dream by coaching his hometown team. He was on Dick Jauron's staff and served under interim coach Perry Fewell through an ugly campaign. But new Bills general manager Buddy Nix cleared out the coaches' offices when he took over, and Kugler was snatched up by the Steelers.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Patrick SemanskySteelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a mediocre game in Super Bowl XLV.
AP Photo/Patrick SemanskySteelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a mediocre game in Super Bowl XLV.Roethlisberger has been sensational in the postseason, but not this postseason. Aside from a couple clutch throws, he was below average in beating the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game. He had another pedestrian outing Sunday.
He threw two interceptions, one that Nick Collins returned for a touchdown. Roethlisberger overthrew Mike Wallace twice in key situations in the third quarter: a would-be touchdown after Wallace got behind the Packers secondary and a third-and-2 play right before the fourth quarter. Roethlisberger also failed to take advantage of a defensive backfield missing its best player, Charles Woodson, the entire second half.
Roethlisberger is 10-3 in the postseason and has been to three Super Bowls in his seven NFL seasons. Brady won his first three Super Bowls and his first 10 postseason games before a defeat. Plus, Brady has appeared in a fourth Super Bowl.
I understand Brady has lost three straight postseason games, but he still has more championship rings and conference titles.
The New England Patriots were the Packers' springboard. The Packers have won every game since losing 31-27 at Gillette Stadium in Week 15. Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers was hurt and couldn't play, but the Packers still gave the scalding-hot Patriots a scare with backup quarterback Matt Flynn.
"The New England game was a big game for us," Rodgers said on ESPN's Super Bowl set Sunday night. "We lost that game, a game we were double-digit underdogs. I was out. Matt played great, and our defense played pretty well also.
"That was the game where, I think, [we said] 'We got a good team. Let's not lose this opportunity.'"
Howard Green quietly made one of the game's biggest plays. The former Jets defensive lineman didn't register a tackle. But he bull rushed Steelers guard Chris Kemoeatu and, in a great individual effort, harassed Roethlisberger into a bad throw that turned into Collins' pick six. Green started only six games in the regular season and playoffs.
It wasn't quite Thurman Thomas losing his helmet at the start of Super Bowl XXVI, but Steelers left tackle Jonathan Scott -- not good enough to remain with the Buffalo Bills despite starting eight games in 2009 -- had to come off the field with the game on the line because his shoe came off.
Scott missed the Steelers' third-and-5 play with 62 seconds remaining and their fateful fourth-and-5 with 56 seconds left. Trai Essex replaced him as Roethlisberger's blindside protector and did OK while on his heels, but the switch was one more thing for Roethlisberger to worry about.
Roethlisberger threw incompletions on both plays.
A Lombardi Trophy would've completed a tremendous turnaround tale for Steelers offensive line coach Sean Kugler. He was dismissed from Buffalo's staff at the end of last season. The native of nearby Lockport, N.Y., was living a dream by coaching his hometown team. He was on Dick Jauron's staff and served under interim coach Perry Fewell through an ugly campaign. But new Bills general manager Buddy Nix cleared out the coaches' offices when he took over, and Kugler was snatched up by the Steelers.
Folks wondered who the New York Jets would release when receiver Santonio Holmes returned from his four-game suspension.
David Clowney? Patrick Turner?
Yes, and yes.
The Jets on Monday waived Clowney and Turner because they also re-signed defensive end Howard Green a day after Shaun Ellis injured his knee.
Even before they left the Ralph Wilson Stadium visitors' locker room Sunday after detonating the Buffalo Bills, the Jets already were looking forward to adding Holmes to a team that has averaged 32.3 points in three straight AFC East victories.
"It could be deadly," Jets tight end Dustin Keller said of getting Holmes back. "It's going to be tough to stop us. It's tough when you have as many threats in the passing game as we do, and then you have the best rushing attack in the NFL. You almost have too many options."
When asked about welcoming Holmes back to the offense, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez replied "That's pretty scary."
David Clowney? Patrick Turner?
Yes, and yes.
The Jets on Monday waived Clowney and Turner because they also re-signed defensive end Howard Green a day after Shaun Ellis injured his knee.
Even before they left the Ralph Wilson Stadium visitors' locker room Sunday after detonating the Buffalo Bills, the Jets already were looking forward to adding Holmes to a team that has averaged 32.3 points in three straight AFC East victories.
"It could be deadly," Jets tight end Dustin Keller said of getting Holmes back. "It's going to be tough to stop us. It's tough when you have as many threats in the passing game as we do, and then you have the best rushing attack in the NFL. You almost have too many options."
When asked about welcoming Holmes back to the offense, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez replied "That's pretty scary."
Woodhead among Patriots at Jets inactives
September, 19, 2010
9/19/10
3:05
PM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New England Patriots have scratched running spy -- I mean, running back -- Danny Woodhead and will dress receiver Julian Edelman for Sunday afternoon's game against the New York Jets.
New England Patriots
New England Patriots
- Running back Danny Woodhead
- Receiver Taylor Price
- Guard Nick Kaczur
- Guard Quinn Ojinnaka
- Tackle Steve Maneri
- Defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick
- Linebacker Dane Fletcher
- Cornerback Terrence Wheatley
- Quarterback Kellen Clemens
- Running back Joe McKnight
- Guard Vladimir Ducasse
- Tackle Patrick Brown
- Tight end Jeff Cumberland
- Defensive tackle Marcus Dixon
- Defensive tackle Howard Green
- Outside linebacker Calvin Pace
New York Jets nose tackle Kris Jenkins beamed into the NFL Network studios and delivered some pointed remarks about Jets fans and some former teammates.
"NFL Total Access" host Rich Eisen asked Jenkins to advise nervous Jets fans how to approach a season full of expectations but also question marks because of such key departures as running backs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, guard Alan Faneca and safety Kerry Rhodes.
"Suck it up. That's what y'all being doing so far," Jenkins said of the fans. "Look, you've got to understand that this is football, and if I could make a public-service announcement, I will say this: New York fans, we love you. This is Kris Jenkins. I am a little bit of a clown in my free time, so if I hurt your feelings I'm really not going to apologize because this is my time right now. ...
"If we win, then you get all your dreams coming true. If we lose, then you all get to do what you've been doing for a long time and talk about us until you basically run us out of the city. So you're going to get what you want either way. But we're going for a Super Bowl. So sit back, enjoy the ride. We're planning on doing it big."
Jenkins continued with a curious and disparaging comment about players who have left -- without naming names.
"We have great guys who have come in to step up, to fill in the void of some of these big losses that we have had this season," Jenkins said.
"Then in some other cases, we've had some real men come in and step in for the women that we lost. So we're going to be OK. Don't worry about it."
Jenkins probably was being that aforementioned clown, but Eisen didn't follow up with another question to clarify who Jenkins was referring to. Some players left on rougher terms than others. Many Jets weren't pleased to see guys like Jones, Faneca and kicker Jay Feely leave.
Rhodes would be a good guess as to one player Jenkins meant. But Jenkins did say "women" plural.
For the record, Jets who were on the final 2009 roster but not currently with the team (in addition to those listed above) are receiver Wallace Wright, defensive tackler Howard Green, defensive end Marques Douglas, linebackers Marques Murrell and Ryan Fowler, cornerbacks Lito Sheppard and Donald Strickland, special-teams ace Larry Izzo and long snapper James Dearth.
Douglas reportedly will re-sign with the Jets later this week.
"NFL Total Access" host Rich Eisen asked Jenkins to advise nervous Jets fans how to approach a season full of expectations but also question marks because of such key departures as running backs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, guard Alan Faneca and safety Kerry Rhodes.
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Doug Benc/Getty ImagesJets' nose tackle Kris Jenkins has a message for departed teammates: "We've had some real men come in and step in for the women that we lost."
Doug Benc/Getty ImagesJets' nose tackle Kris Jenkins has a message for departed teammates: "We've had some real men come in and step in for the women that we lost.""If we win, then you get all your dreams coming true. If we lose, then you all get to do what you've been doing for a long time and talk about us until you basically run us out of the city. So you're going to get what you want either way. But we're going for a Super Bowl. So sit back, enjoy the ride. We're planning on doing it big."
Jenkins continued with a curious and disparaging comment about players who have left -- without naming names.
"We have great guys who have come in to step up, to fill in the void of some of these big losses that we have had this season," Jenkins said.
"Then in some other cases, we've had some real men come in and step in for the women that we lost. So we're going to be OK. Don't worry about it."
Jenkins probably was being that aforementioned clown, but Eisen didn't follow up with another question to clarify who Jenkins was referring to. Some players left on rougher terms than others. Many Jets weren't pleased to see guys like Jones, Faneca and kicker Jay Feely leave.
Rhodes would be a good guess as to one player Jenkins meant. But Jenkins did say "women" plural.
For the record, Jets who were on the final 2009 roster but not currently with the team (in addition to those listed above) are receiver Wallace Wright, defensive tackler Howard Green, defensive end Marques Douglas, linebackers Marques Murrell and Ryan Fowler, cornerbacks Lito Sheppard and Donald Strickland, special-teams ace Larry Izzo and long snapper James Dearth.
Douglas reportedly will re-sign with the Jets later this week.
The New York Jets have confirmed the tender offers they’ve extended to restricted free agents.
If another team signs the following players to an offer sheet and the Jets decline to match, then these are the draft considerations the Jets would receive as compensation:
The Jets also announced they would not extend offers to:
If another team signs the following players to an offer sheet and the Jets decline to match, then these are the draft considerations the Jets would receive as compensation:
- Receiver Braylon Edwards, first- and third-round picks
- Running back Leon Washington, second-round pick
- Receiver Brad Smith, second-round pick
- Tackle Wayne Hunter, third-round pick
- Safety Eric Smith, original pick (third round)
- Cornerback Drew Coleman, original pick (sixth round)
- Quarterback Kellen Clemens, original pick (drops to a third-rounder)
- Safety James Ihedigbo, no compensation (Jets have right of first refusal)
The Jets also announced they would not extend offers to:
- Defensive tackle Howard Green
- Linebacker Marques Murrell
- Receiver Wallace Wright
Buffalo Bills
Potential unrestricted free agents: DE Ryan Denney, LB Chris Draft, DB Todd Johnson, G Seth McKinney, WR Terrell Owens, WR Josh Reed, S Bryan Scott, G Kendall Simmons, LB Josh Stamer.
Potential restricted free agents: LB Keith Ellison, QB Gibran Hamdan, G Richie Incognito, TE Joe Klopfenstein, TE Derek Schouman, T Jonathan Scott, S George Wilson, CB Ashton Youboty.
Franchise player: None.
What to expect: The Bills are in a rebuilding mode and shouldn't be in too much of a hurry to sign their free agents. In fact, they took the unusual step of publicly announcing they wouldn't offer Owens, Reed or Denney contracts. The most attractive players are Incognito and Wilson. Most of the rest were bit players and injury replacements.
Miami Dolphins
Potential unrestricted free agents: NT Jason Ferguson, CB Nate Jones, QB Chad Pennington, OLB Jason Taylor.
Potential restricted free agents: RB Ronnie Brown, TE Anthony Fasano, OLB Quentin Moses.
Franchise player: None.
What to expect: The Dolphins have a tough decision to make on Ferguson. He'll turn 36 during the 2010 season and is coming off a serious quadriceps injury. Without him, however, the Dolphins have a massive void in their 3-4 defense at a position that's difficult to replace. Pennington, Jones and Taylor all could be gone.
New England Patriots
Potential unrestricted free agents: OLB Tully Banta-Cain, CB Leigh Bodden, OLB Derrick Burgess, RB Kevin Faulk, DE Jarvis Green, P Chris Hanson, G Stephen Neal, ILB Junior Seau, TE Benjamin Watson.
Potential restricted free agents: K Stephen Gostkowski, G Logan Mankins, OLB Pierre Woods.
Franchise player: NT Vince Wilfork.
What to expect: Several starters are about to go up for bids, and the Patriots can't keep them all. Expect Faulk to be re-signed without much fuss. Neal, Bodden and Banta-Cain comprise a group they'd have trouble replacing. All three could fetch offers the Patriots would rather not match. Don't count on Watson coming back.
New York Jets
Potential unrestricted free agents: LS James Dearth, DE Marques Douglas, K Jay Feely, LB Ryan Fowler, TE Ben Hartsock, LB Larry Izzo, FB Tony Richardson.
Potential restricted free agents: QB Kellen Clemens, CB Drew Coleman, WR Braylon Edwards, DT Howard Green, T Wayne Hunter, WR Brad Smith, S Eric Smith, RB Leon Washington.
Franchise player: None.
What to expect: As a "final eight" team, the Jets have to window shop until one of their UFAs sign elsewhere. General manager Mike Tannenbaum is creative. Don't be surprised if the Jets use trades to upgrade. The key restricted free agent to monitor will be Washington, who received a second-round tender. His agent has been tweeting alarms the Pro Bowler could sign an offer sheet and dare the Jets to match.
INDIANAPOLIS -- No surprises among the New York Jets' list of inactives for the AFC Championship Game.
The biggest name is Indianapolis Colts right cornerback Jerraud Powers, who was downgraded to doubtful Saturday night.
New York Jets
The biggest name is Indianapolis Colts right cornerback Jerraud Powers, who was downgraded to doubtful Saturday night.
New York Jets
- Quarterback Kevin O’Connell
- Quarterback Erik Ainge
- Running back Chauncey Washington
- Running back Danny Woodhead
- Guard Matt Slauson
- Defensive tackle Howard Green
- Defensive end Ropati Pitoitua
- Linebacker Kenwin Cummings
- Receiver Sam Giguere
- Tight end Colin Cloherty
- Guard Mike Pollak
- Tackle Michael Toudouze
- Defensive tackle Fili Moala
- Defensive end Ervin Baldwin
- Cornerback Jerraud Powers
- Kicker Adam Vinatieri
Uncapped year affects 19 from AFC East
December, 31, 2009
12/31/09
12:03
AM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
An uncapped year in 2010 would affect 212 players who ordinarily would have become unrestricted free agents, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.
Players can't become unrestricted free agents in an uncapped year unless they have six years of NFL experience. The usual minimum is four years.
NFC South dean Pat Yasinskas obtained the list, which includes 19 from the AFC East. The New York Jets have the most with eight.
Buffalo Bills
Players can't become unrestricted free agents in an uncapped year unless they have six years of NFL experience. The usual minimum is four years.
NFC South dean Pat Yasinskas obtained the list, which includes 19 from the AFC East. The New York Jets have the most with eight.
Buffalo Bills
- Linebacker Keith Ellison
- Quarterback Gibran Hamdan
- Guard Richie Incognito
- Tight end Joel Klopfenstein
- Strong safety George Wilson
- Cornerback Ashton Youboty
- Running back Ronnie Brown
- Tight end Anthony Fasano
- Kicker Stephen Gostkowski
- Guard Logan Mankins
- Outside linebacker Pierre Woods
- Quarterback Kellen Clemens
- Cornerback Drew Coleman
- Wide receiver Braylon Edwards
- Defensive tackle Howard Green
- Tackle Wayne Hunter
- Wide receiver Brad Smith
- Safety Eric Smith
- Running back Leon Washington
Welker out, Edelman in for Patriots
September, 20, 2009
9/20/09
12:02
PM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Jets have caught a break before their grudge match with the New England Patriots at the Meadowlands.
Wes Welker, the NFL's leading receiver over the past two seasons, will not play for the Patriots because of a knee injury. Welker hasn't missed a game since his rookie season in 2004, when he played one game for the San Diego Chargers and 14 for the Miami Dolphins.
Welker's absence opens the door for rookie receiver Julian Edelman to step up on the big stage. Edelman, a converted quarterback drafted in the seventh-round out of Kent State, will make his NFL debut. He became a fan favorite in the preseason for looking like a Welker knockoff -- a gritty slot receiver and punt returner.
Also of note on the inactive list is the Jets' designation of Kevin O'Connell as their third quarterback ahead of Erik Ainge. The Patriots waived O'Connell at the end of training camp. The Detroit Lions picked him up and traded him to the Jets, who had said he would be the fourth quarterback.
Here are all of the inactives:
New England Patriots
- Receiver Wes Welker
- Receiver Matthew Slater
- Tight end Michael Matthews
- Guard Kendall Simmons
- Offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger
- Offensive lineman Dan Connolly
- Linebacker Jerod Mayo
- Cornerback Terrence Wheatley
- Quarterback Kevin O'Connell (third QB)
- Quarterback Erik Ainge
- Tight end Matthew Mulligan
- Offensive lineman Matt Slauson
- Defensive end Mike Devito
- Defensive lineman Ropati Pitoitua
- Defensive lineman Howard Green
- Linebacker Ryan Fowler
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James Walker
Walker joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the NFL and NBA for the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch. He's a Temple graduate and Hyattsville, Md. native who lives in Miami.
