AFC East: Kellen Clemens
Check here for a complete list of the New York Jets' roster moves.
Surprise moves: With a surplus of defensive backs, the Jets traded cornerback/safety Dwight Lowery to the Jaguars for a conditional draft pick. They will miss his versatility and his penchant for making clutch plays, but they felt comfortable with four safeties and six corners.
That they didn’t acquire an experienced backup offensive lineman was a surprise. They’re perilously thin on the line. They acquired rookie guard Caleb Schlauderaff from the Packers, but he’s a project. He’s nasty as a run-blocker but extremely limited in pass protection.
Former Bills bust Aaron Maybin made the 53, but the undersized pass-rusher isn’t a lock to make the opening-day roster despite a flashy performance in the final preseason game.
No-brainers: None of the 26 cuts shocked anyone. Going into the final preseason game, 50 of the 53 spots were decided, according to Rex Ryan. The Jets are playing the continuity card this season, which makes sense in the post-lockout world. In fact, they have 19 returning starters.
What’s next: With rookie quarterback Greg McElroy (thumb surgery) out indefinitely, they need a No. 3 quarterback behind Mark Sanchez and Mark Brunell. Possibilities include two former Jets -- Kellen Clemens and Kevin O’Connell, both of whom were released Saturday. They’re still looking for experienced offensive linemen, but it’s a thin market.
Surprise moves: With a surplus of defensive backs, the Jets traded cornerback/safety Dwight Lowery to the Jaguars for a conditional draft pick. They will miss his versatility and his penchant for making clutch plays, but they felt comfortable with four safeties and six corners.
That they didn’t acquire an experienced backup offensive lineman was a surprise. They’re perilously thin on the line. They acquired rookie guard Caleb Schlauderaff from the Packers, but he’s a project. He’s nasty as a run-blocker but extremely limited in pass protection.
Former Bills bust Aaron Maybin made the 53, but the undersized pass-rusher isn’t a lock to make the opening-day roster despite a flashy performance in the final preseason game.
No-brainers: None of the 26 cuts shocked anyone. Going into the final preseason game, 50 of the 53 spots were decided, according to Rex Ryan. The Jets are playing the continuity card this season, which makes sense in the post-lockout world. In fact, they have 19 returning starters.
What’s next: With rookie quarterback Greg McElroy (thumb surgery) out indefinitely, they need a No. 3 quarterback behind Mark Sanchez and Mark Brunell. Possibilities include two former Jets -- Kellen Clemens and Kevin O’Connell, both of whom were released Saturday. They’re still looking for experienced offensive linemen, but it’s a thin market.
WHAT IT MEANS: The Jets finished the preseason at 2-2 after a sloppy, 24-14 loss to the Eagles on Thursday night at MetLife Stadium. Our advice: Erase those numbers from your memory because they don't matter anymore; it's time to focus on the season opener against the Cowboys. The only significant development from the annual Backup Bowl was a potentially serious thumb injury for rookie QB Greg McElroy, the Jets' No. 3.
QUARTERBACK ISSUES: With Mark Sanchez resting and Mark Brunell recovering from a pulled calf, the Jets started McElroy -- and he didn't make it past the second quarter. McElroy left the game after injuring the thumb on his throwing hand; he appeared to bang it on the helmet of right guard Matt Kroul on a follow-through. One preliminary report said McElroy dislocated his thumb, which would mean a long-term injury. The team didn't provide an immediate diagnosis.
Rex Ryan has said he expects Brunell to be ready for the opener, but it's still a precarious situation, considering Brunell missed all four preseason games and a lot of practice time. If something were to happen to Sanchez, they'd be in big trouble. One move that makes sense is re-signing Kellen Clemens -- assuming he's released by the Redskins. He knows the Jets' system and would be able to play in an emergency.
PHILLY'S QB ISSUES: Naturally, Michael Vick -- the $100 million man -- didn't play. His backup, Vince Young, pulled a hamstring just before halftime and didn't return. In came third-stringer Mike Kafka, who was drilled by linebacker Mattias Berning in the third quarter and nearly came out of the game. They have no other quarterbacks, so it would've been interesting if Kafka hadn’t been able to return. Andy Reid probably would’ve used the Wing-T before using Vick.
DREW WHO?: McElroy was replaced by fourth-stringer Drew Willy, an NFL journeyman who has bounced around on a few practice squads. He also played in the UFL. Willy did well for himself, throwing a 14-yard touchdown to rookie receiver Scotty McKnight on his first pass. Not bad, huh? Willy showed some mobility, running for his life on a few occasions. Willy was going to be released Friday or Saturday; maybe he earned an extended stay.
WOE-LINE: The Jets started their second-team offensive line and it was ugly. McElroy was under heavy pressure from the outset, suffering two sacks in the first quarter. That he got hurt on a freakish play was stunning, considering the pounding he took. Right tackle Vladimir Ducasse was a mess, committing three penalties -- two false starts and one holding (declined).
Clearly, the depth is a problem on the offensive line, with backup center/guard Rob Turner (leg) is down for at least two months. GM Mike Tannenbaum needs to get on the horn and bring in an experienced backup.
RUNNING IN PLACE: The coaching staff was hoping to see some big things from backup running backs Joe McKnight and rookie Bilal Powell, but they did virtually nothing -- a combined total of 10 rushing yards. Worse, McKnight lost a fumble, conjuring up memories of his mistake-prone preseason in 2010. So much for McKnight’s positive momentum.
POSITIVE AUDITIONS: Rex Ryan said they went into the game with three roster spots still up for grabs. Three defensive players helped their chances -- cornerback Ellis Lankster (67-yard interception return for a TD), outside linebacker Aaron Maybin (1.5 sacks) and rookie linebacker Nick Bellore. Outside linebacker Eddie Jones also flashed some potential. Ryan will have some difficult decisions to make at linebacker.
No one on offense really stood out, but rookie tight end Josh Baker showed some pass-catching ability and versatility. Baker, an H-Back in college, also lined up as a fullback. The Jets have only one fullback on the roster, John Conner, who is nursing a sprained ankle.
QUARTERBACK ISSUES: With Mark Sanchez resting and Mark Brunell recovering from a pulled calf, the Jets started McElroy -- and he didn't make it past the second quarter. McElroy left the game after injuring the thumb on his throwing hand; he appeared to bang it on the helmet of right guard Matt Kroul on a follow-through. One preliminary report said McElroy dislocated his thumb, which would mean a long-term injury. The team didn't provide an immediate diagnosis.
Rex Ryan has said he expects Brunell to be ready for the opener, but it's still a precarious situation, considering Brunell missed all four preseason games and a lot of practice time. If something were to happen to Sanchez, they'd be in big trouble. One move that makes sense is re-signing Kellen Clemens -- assuming he's released by the Redskins. He knows the Jets' system and would be able to play in an emergency.
PHILLY'S QB ISSUES: Naturally, Michael Vick -- the $100 million man -- didn't play. His backup, Vince Young, pulled a hamstring just before halftime and didn't return. In came third-stringer Mike Kafka, who was drilled by linebacker Mattias Berning in the third quarter and nearly came out of the game. They have no other quarterbacks, so it would've been interesting if Kafka hadn’t been able to return. Andy Reid probably would’ve used the Wing-T before using Vick.
DREW WHO?: McElroy was replaced by fourth-stringer Drew Willy, an NFL journeyman who has bounced around on a few practice squads. He also played in the UFL. Willy did well for himself, throwing a 14-yard touchdown to rookie receiver Scotty McKnight on his first pass. Not bad, huh? Willy showed some mobility, running for his life on a few occasions. Willy was going to be released Friday or Saturday; maybe he earned an extended stay.
WOE-LINE: The Jets started their second-team offensive line and it was ugly. McElroy was under heavy pressure from the outset, suffering two sacks in the first quarter. That he got hurt on a freakish play was stunning, considering the pounding he took. Right tackle Vladimir Ducasse was a mess, committing three penalties -- two false starts and one holding (declined).
Clearly, the depth is a problem on the offensive line, with backup center/guard Rob Turner (leg) is down for at least two months. GM Mike Tannenbaum needs to get on the horn and bring in an experienced backup.
RUNNING IN PLACE: The coaching staff was hoping to see some big things from backup running backs Joe McKnight and rookie Bilal Powell, but they did virtually nothing -- a combined total of 10 rushing yards. Worse, McKnight lost a fumble, conjuring up memories of his mistake-prone preseason in 2010. So much for McKnight’s positive momentum.
POSITIVE AUDITIONS: Rex Ryan said they went into the game with three roster spots still up for grabs. Three defensive players helped their chances -- cornerback Ellis Lankster (67-yard interception return for a TD), outside linebacker Aaron Maybin (1.5 sacks) and rookie linebacker Nick Bellore. Outside linebacker Eddie Jones also flashed some potential. Ryan will have some difficult decisions to make at linebacker.
No one on offense really stood out, but rookie tight end Josh Baker showed some pass-catching ability and versatility. Baker, an H-Back in college, also lined up as a fullback. The Jets have only one fullback on the roster, John Conner, who is nursing a sprained ankle.
ESPN's reports from Chicago indicate the latest labor proposal would allow players to become unrestricted free agents after four seasons.
That would clarify the market whenever it opens. Rules for the uncapped 2010 campaign didn't allow for unfettered free agency unless a player had been in the league six seasons. Any player with an expired contract and fewer than six years of experience was a restricted free agent, allowing teams to place qualifying tenders on them and receive compensation if another club tried to sign them.
Now it looks like players will be up for grabs -- with former teams receiving no compensation -- after four seasons.
Here are the AFC East players who would've been restricted with the six-year threshold but unrestricted at four years:
Buffalo Bills
Mankins' situation remains uncertain because we don't know if franchise-tag rules will remain in place under the next CBA. They probably will, meaning Mankins should be back with the Patriots in 2011.
That would clarify the market whenever it opens. Rules for the uncapped 2010 campaign didn't allow for unfettered free agency unless a player had been in the league six seasons. Any player with an expired contract and fewer than six years of experience was a restricted free agent, allowing teams to place qualifying tenders on them and receive compensation if another club tried to sign them.
Now it looks like players will be up for grabs -- with former teams receiving no compensation -- after four seasons.
Here are the AFC East players who would've been restricted with the six-year threshold but unrestricted at four years:
Buffalo Bills
- Keith Ellison, linebacker
- Quinton Ganther, running back
- John McCargo, defensive end
- Paul Posluszny, inside linebacker
- Donte Whitner, safety
- Ashton Youboty, cornerback
- Tony McDaniel, defensive tackle
- Quentin Moses, outside linebacker
- Tyler Thigpen, quarterback
- Logan Mankins, guard (franchise tagged)
- Quinn Ojinnaka, tackle
- Jarrad Page, safety
- Kellen Clemens, quarterback
- Drew Coleman, cornerback
- Antonio Cromartie, cornerback
- Nick Folk, kicker
- Santonio Holmes, receiver
- James Ihedigbo, safety
- Lance Laury, linebacker
- Brad Smith, kick returner
- Eric Smith, safety
- Steve Weatherford, punter
Mankins' situation remains uncertain because we don't know if franchise-tag rules will remain in place under the next CBA. They probably will, meaning Mankins should be back with the Patriots in 2011.
Aftershocks from Jim Tressel's resignation at Ohio State could cause star quarterback Terrelle Pryor to petition for the NFL's supplemental draft.
ESPN's Adam Schefter, citing an unnamed NFL source, reported Tuesday that the league plans to hold a July supplemental draft if they have applicants.
Pryor is the subject of his own investigation for improper benefits and probably doesn't have anything to gain hanging around Columbus another autumn.
The supplemental draft is set up for prospects with circumstances that've changed since the filing deadline for the regular draft. Teams bid a round they'd be willing to draft a prospect. If they have the best bid, then they get the player and lose the corresponding pick in next year's draft.
Would an AFC East club be interested in taking a shot at Pryor?
Pryor is a tremendous athlete, but not a polished passer. He would be an NFL project. In March, Mel Kiper rated Pryor the fifth-best quarterback in next year's draft, but dropped him out of his top five in subsequent lists. And that factored in another year of college seasoning for Pryor.
Maybe Pryor would be worth a fourth- or fifth-round pick for a team willing to gamble. Or he could be had for a sixth- or seventh-round pick.
Buffalo Bills: The Bills have room for a developmental quarterback. Ryan Fitzpatrick is the incumbent starter. Last year's second-stringer, Brian Brohm, is a free agent. Third-string quarterback Levi Brown was a seventh-round pick who couldn't make the roster out of training camp. General manager Buddy Nix has stated the Bills will sign a free-agent quarterback, too.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins also have spot on their depth chart -- for now. But would they have the patience? The Dolphins didn't want to invest any longer than one season in Pat White, and they used a second-round pick on him. Chad Henne is the only known quantity. The Dolphins didn't draft a quarterback, and last year's backups, Chad Pennington and Tyler Thigpen, are free agents. Pennington also is recovering from a knee injury.
New England Patriots: There appears to be no room at the inn. Tom Brady was the MVP last season. Top backup Brian Hoyer is back. They also drafted Arkansas passer Ryan Mallett. Pryor would waste a roster spot unless the Patriots wanted to convert him to receiver or tight end.
New York Jets: The Jets still list six quarterbacks on their roster and a seventh on their inactive list. Mark Sanchez, Mark Brunell, Kellen Clemens, Kevin O'Connell, Erik Ainge, Drew Willy and rookie Greg McElroy. No need to go fishing with Pryor.
ESPN's Adam Schefter, citing an unnamed NFL source, reported Tuesday that the league plans to hold a July supplemental draft if they have applicants.
Pryor is the subject of his own investigation for improper benefits and probably doesn't have anything to gain hanging around Columbus another autumn.
The supplemental draft is set up for prospects with circumstances that've changed since the filing deadline for the regular draft. Teams bid a round they'd be willing to draft a prospect. If they have the best bid, then they get the player and lose the corresponding pick in next year's draft.
Would an AFC East club be interested in taking a shot at Pryor?
Pryor is a tremendous athlete, but not a polished passer. He would be an NFL project. In March, Mel Kiper rated Pryor the fifth-best quarterback in next year's draft, but dropped him out of his top five in subsequent lists. And that factored in another year of college seasoning for Pryor.
Maybe Pryor would be worth a fourth- or fifth-round pick for a team willing to gamble. Or he could be had for a sixth- or seventh-round pick.
Buffalo Bills: The Bills have room for a developmental quarterback. Ryan Fitzpatrick is the incumbent starter. Last year's second-stringer, Brian Brohm, is a free agent. Third-string quarterback Levi Brown was a seventh-round pick who couldn't make the roster out of training camp. General manager Buddy Nix has stated the Bills will sign a free-agent quarterback, too.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins also have spot on their depth chart -- for now. But would they have the patience? The Dolphins didn't want to invest any longer than one season in Pat White, and they used a second-round pick on him. Chad Henne is the only known quantity. The Dolphins didn't draft a quarterback, and last year's backups, Chad Pennington and Tyler Thigpen, are free agents. Pennington also is recovering from a knee injury.
New England Patriots: There appears to be no room at the inn. Tom Brady was the MVP last season. Top backup Brian Hoyer is back. They also drafted Arkansas passer Ryan Mallett. Pryor would waste a roster spot unless the Patriots wanted to convert him to receiver or tight end.
New York Jets: The Jets still list six quarterbacks on their roster and a seventh on their inactive list. Mark Sanchez, Mark Brunell, Kellen Clemens, Kevin O'Connell, Erik Ainge, Drew Willy and rookie Greg McElroy. No need to go fishing with Pryor.
Whatever they're worth: Jets tender nine
March, 1, 2011
3/01/11
10:07
PM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
The New York Jets have placed restricted free-agent tenders on nine of their free agents.
Now we need to find out if those tenders are worth anything.
First, here's the rundown, with the draft compensation or considerations they'll receive if signed by another team:
ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini points out these tenders might not mean one iota under the new collective bargaining agreement.
Many of these players -- Holmes and Cromartie included -- could be unrestricted free agents under the new CBA. That means the club can't use tenders, and those players would be bound for the open market.
The Jets already used their franchise tag on linebacker David Harris.
Now we need to find out if those tenders are worth anything.
First, here's the rundown, with the draft compensation or considerations they'll receive if signed by another team:
- Quarterback Kellen Clemens (third-round choice)
- Receiver Santonio Holmes (first- and third-round choices)
- Receiver Brad Smith (second-round choice)
- Offensive lineman Robert Turner (first refusal)
- Cornerback Antonio Cromartie (first- and third-round choices)
- Cornerback Drew Coleman (sixth-round choice)
- Safety James Ihedigbo (first refusal)
- Safety Eric Smith (third-round choice)
- Kick Nick Folk (sixth-round choice)
ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini points out these tenders might not mean one iota under the new collective bargaining agreement.
Many of these players -- Holmes and Cromartie included -- could be unrestricted free agents under the new CBA. That means the club can't use tenders, and those players would be bound for the open market.
The Jets already used their franchise tag on linebacker David Harris.
PITTSBURGH -- Here are the inactives for Sunday night's AFC Championship Game between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field:
New York Jets
New York Jets
- Quarterback Kellen Clemens
- Fullback John Conner
- Receiver Patrick Turner
- Tight end Matthew Mulligan
- Tight end Jeff Cumberland
- Defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert
- Defensive tackle Marcus Dixon
- Defensive end Vernon Gholston
- Quarterback Charlie Batch
- Running back Jonathan Dwyer
- Tackle Chris Scott
- Tackle Tony Hills
- Defensive tackle Steve McLendon
- Defensive end Aaron Smith
- Cornerback Crezdon Butler
- Safety Will Allen
Dolphins hire Brian Daboll to run offense
January, 17, 2011
1/17/11
3:30
PM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
Brian Daboll knows all about the AFC East.
He was raised in the Southtowns of Buffalo, got his start in the NFL as a New England Patriots gopher and was New York Jets quarterbacks coach when Brett Favre was there.
And he'll be the Miami Dolphins' next offensive coordinator, multiple sources tell ESPN. Daboll was the Cleveland Browns' offensive coordinator the past two seasons under Eric Mangini, who was fired.
Daboll, 35, is a disciple of former Dolphins head coach Nick Saban and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. And like many of their protégés, Daboll's career is a story of perseverance from the ground floor.
He went from unpaid volunteer at a nonscholarship Division I-AA program to three Super Bowls rings as an assistant and now his second crack as an offensive coordinator.
Daboll graduated from St. Francis High in suburban Buffalo. He played safety at the University of Rochester, a Division III college.
His first coaching job was a volunteer assistant at William & Mary. Then he flooded Division I schools with his résumé. Saban, the head coach at Michigan State, took in Daboll as a graduate office assistant.
Saban's connection with Belichick led to a grunt assignment as a Patriots defensive aide in 2000. Daboll worked with Mangini, who was New England's defensive backs coach. Daboll's thankless duties included breaking down game film to record formations and personnel groupings.
Belichick was impressed enough with Daboll to make him wide receivers coach in 2002. He held the post until he went to the Jets as quarterbacks coach in 2007, working with Dolphins backup Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens the first season and Favre the next.
When the Jets fired Mangini after their collapse from 8-3 to not in the playoffs, Daboll migrated with him to Cleveland and was named offensive coordinator.
The Browns had quarterback problems throughout the past season because of injuries and inexperience. They ranked 31st in points per game, 29th in total offense, 20th in rushing offense and 29th in passing offense.
Cleveland fielded one of the few offenses worse than Miami's.
The Dolphins ranked 30th in scoring, 21st in total offense, 21st in rushing offense and 16th in passing offense. The campaign, which included a benching of supposed franchise quarterback Chad Henne, was brutal enough to convince Dan Henning to retire.
He was raised in the Southtowns of Buffalo, got his start in the NFL as a New England Patriots gopher and was New York Jets quarterbacks coach when Brett Favre was there.
[+] Enlarge
David Richard/Icon SMIBrian Daboll will get a chance to fix Miami's anemic offense.
David Richard/Icon SMIBrian Daboll will get a chance to fix Miami's anemic offense.Daboll, 35, is a disciple of former Dolphins head coach Nick Saban and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. And like many of their protégés, Daboll's career is a story of perseverance from the ground floor.
He went from unpaid volunteer at a nonscholarship Division I-AA program to three Super Bowls rings as an assistant and now his second crack as an offensive coordinator.
Daboll graduated from St. Francis High in suburban Buffalo. He played safety at the University of Rochester, a Division III college.
His first coaching job was a volunteer assistant at William & Mary. Then he flooded Division I schools with his résumé. Saban, the head coach at Michigan State, took in Daboll as a graduate office assistant.
Saban's connection with Belichick led to a grunt assignment as a Patriots defensive aide in 2000. Daboll worked with Mangini, who was New England's defensive backs coach. Daboll's thankless duties included breaking down game film to record formations and personnel groupings.
Belichick was impressed enough with Daboll to make him wide receivers coach in 2002. He held the post until he went to the Jets as quarterbacks coach in 2007, working with Dolphins backup Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens the first season and Favre the next.
When the Jets fired Mangini after their collapse from 8-3 to not in the playoffs, Daboll migrated with him to Cleveland and was named offensive coordinator.
The Browns had quarterback problems throughout the past season because of injuries and inexperience. They ranked 31st in points per game, 29th in total offense, 20th in rushing offense and 29th in passing offense.
Cleveland fielded one of the few offenses worse than Miami's.
The Dolphins ranked 30th in scoring, 21st in total offense, 21st in rushing offense and 16th in passing offense. The campaign, which included a benching of supposed franchise quarterback Chad Henne, was brutal enough to convince Dan Henning to retire.
Jets scratch Brad Smith; Hernandez to play
January, 16, 2011
1/16/11
3:41
PM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New York Jets have scratched Brad Smith for Sunday's playoff game against the New England Patriots.
Smith was the Jets' top kickoff returner, bringing back two for touchdowns in the regular season. He also is a potent weapon in the run game as an option quarterback in their Wildcat-style offense.
Newsworthy for the Patriots is that tight end Aaron Hernandez is active after missing the last two regular-season games with a hip injury.
Here are the rest of Sunday's scratches:
New York Jets
- Quarterback Kellen Clemens
- Fullback John Conner
- Tight end Matthew Mulligan
- Tight end Jeff Cumberland
- Defensive tackle Marcus Dixon
- Defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert
- Outside linebacker Vernon Gholston
New England Patriots
- Running back Fred Taylor
- Running back Thomas Clayton
- Receiver Taylor Price
- Guard Rich Ohrnberger
- Tackle Mark LeVoir
- Defensive tackle Myron Pryor
- Linebacker Marques Murrell
- Cornerback Tony Carter
Gholston, McKnight among Jets inactives
January, 8, 2011
1/08/11
6:59
PM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- Most notable among the scratches for Saturday night's wild-card playoff game between the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts in Lucas Oil Stadium are Colts right tackle Ryan Diem and linebacker Clint Session.
The biggest' names for the Jets (but not earth-shaking surprises) are running back Joe McKnight and defensive end Vernon Gholston.
New York Jets
The biggest' names for the Jets (but not earth-shaking surprises) are running back Joe McKnight and defensive end Vernon Gholston.
New York Jets
- Quarterback Kellen Clemens
- Running back Joe McKnight
- Tight end Jeff Cumberland
- Guard Vladimir Ducasse
- Defensive end Vernon Gholston
- Defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert
- Defensive tackle Marcus Dixon
- Cornerback Isaiah Trufant
- Running back Javarris James
- Guard Jamey Richard
- Guard Jaimie Thomas
- Tackle Ryan Diem
- Tackle Joe Reitz
- Defensive tackle Antonio Johnson
- Linebacker Clint Session
- Safety Al Afalava
Buffalo's run D trampled right to the end
January, 3, 2011
1/03/11
8:46
AM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
The Buffalo Bills' run defense showed periodic signs of improvement in November and December.
But they finished with a pair of abominable performances in their final two games and head into the offseason with serious concerns about how to shore up one of the game's most fundamental facets.
The New York Jets deactivated their top two backs, LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene, yet they still managed to gain 276 rushing yards. It was the eighth game the Bills gave up at least 200 yards on the ground, tying a club record set in 1978.
"That's horrible," Bills linebacker Paul Posluszny said after the 38-7 loss. "It's nothing short of horrible. I mean that was our problem all year long, and we just never seemed to be able to get everyone on the same page in order to fix that.
"Defensively, if you can't stop a run, it's just going to be more of the same for us."
The Bills gave up 158 yards to seldom-used rookie running back Joe McKnight, 60 yards to option quarterback/receiver Brad Smith and 44 yards and a touchdown to rookie fullback John Conner, who went into the game with zero NFL carries. Third-string quarterback Kellen Clemens had a 10-yard touchdown run.
"We did not make them work for anything," Bills coach Chan Gailey said. "They could run and not worry about it. That mindset gives you a whole different outlook when you are running the football."
The Bills surrendered 217 rushing yards to the New England Patriots in Week 16.
The Bills went into the season with a new 3-4 defense but morphed back into 4-3 schemes in an attempt to slow down emboldened running backs.
Buffalo gave up 2,714 rushing yards this year and ranked dead last in the NFL with an average of 169.6 yards a game. Opponents also averaged an NFL-worst 4.8 yards a carry.
"I think it was a terrible end to a terrible year," Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams said of Sunday's performance at the Meadowlands. "Obviously, nothing went right on offense or defense. It was not the way we wanted to finish up."
But they finished with a pair of abominable performances in their final two games and head into the offseason with serious concerns about how to shore up one of the game's most fundamental facets.
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Al Bello/Getty ImagesJoe McKnight had a breakout game for the Jets, rushing for 158 yards against Buffalo.
Al Bello/Getty ImagesJoe McKnight had a breakout game for the Jets, rushing for 158 yards against Buffalo. "That's horrible," Bills linebacker Paul Posluszny said after the 38-7 loss. "It's nothing short of horrible. I mean that was our problem all year long, and we just never seemed to be able to get everyone on the same page in order to fix that.
"Defensively, if you can't stop a run, it's just going to be more of the same for us."
The Bills gave up 158 yards to seldom-used rookie running back Joe McKnight, 60 yards to option quarterback/receiver Brad Smith and 44 yards and a touchdown to rookie fullback John Conner, who went into the game with zero NFL carries. Third-string quarterback Kellen Clemens had a 10-yard touchdown run.
"We did not make them work for anything," Bills coach Chan Gailey said. "They could run and not worry about it. That mindset gives you a whole different outlook when you are running the football."
The Bills surrendered 217 rushing yards to the New England Patriots in Week 16.
The Bills went into the season with a new 3-4 defense but morphed back into 4-3 schemes in an attempt to slow down emboldened running backs.
Buffalo gave up 2,714 rushing yards this year and ranked dead last in the NFL with an average of 169.6 yards a game. Opponents also averaged an NFL-worst 4.8 yards a carry.
"I think it was a terrible end to a terrible year," Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams said of Sunday's performance at the Meadowlands. "Obviously, nothing went right on offense or defense. It was not the way we wanted to finish up."
PITTSBURGH -- The lineup scratches from Sunday's high-profile matchup between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field:
New York Jets
New York Jets
- Quarterback Kellen Clemens
- Tight end Jeff Cumberland
- Right tackle Damien Woody
- Defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert
- Defensive tackle Matt Kroul
- Defensive end Trevor Pryce
- Linebacker Jamaal Westerman
- Safety Eric Smith
- Quarterback Charlie Batch
- Running back Jonathan Dwyer
- Tight end Heath Miller
- Tackle Chris Scott
- Defensive tackle Steve McLendon
- Defensive end Aaron Smith
- Cornerback Keenan Lewis
- Safety Troy Polamalu
Marshall active for Dolphins versus Jets
December, 12, 2010
12/12/10
3:02
PM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Miami Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall is back in the lineup Sunday and will play against the New York Jets. Here are the inactives at the Meadowlands:
Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
- Tight end Mickey Shuler
- Right tackle Vernon Carey
- Tackle Matt Kopa
- Center Eric Ghiaciuc
- Defensive tackle Chris Baker
- Defensive end Ryan Baker
- Outside linebacker Ikaika Alama-Francis
- Cornerback Nate Ness
- Quarterback Kellen Clemens
- Tight end Matthew Mulligan
- Tight end Jeff Cumberland
- Guard Vladimir Ducasse
- Defensive tackle Marcus Dixon
- Linebacker Jamaal Westerman
- Cornerback Marquice Cole
- Safety James Ihedigbo
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Here are the inactives for Monday night's game between the New York Jets and New England Patriots in Gillette Stadium.
New York Jets
New York Jets
- Quarterback Kellen Clemens
- Receiver Laveranues Coles
- Tight end Jeff Cumberland
- Tight end Matthew Mulligan
- Guard Vladimir Ducasse
- Defensive tackle Marcus Dixon
- Defensive tackle Matt Kroul
- Linebacker Jamaal Westerman
- Running back Thomas Clayton
- Receiver Taylor Price
- Guard Rich Ohrnberger
- Tackle Mark LeVoir
- Defensive end Mike Wright
- Defensive tackle Myron Pryor
- Outside linebacker Eric Moore
- Cornerback Jonathan Wilhite
CLEVELAND -- Here are the inactives for Sunday's game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns:
New York Jets
New York Jets
- Quarterback Jake Delhomme
- Quarterback Brett Ratliff (third QB)
- Wide receiver Carlton Mitchell
- Wide receiver Demetrius Williams
- Tight end Alex Smith
- Center Steve Vallos
- Defensive lineman Bryan Sanford
- Defensive lineman Jayme Mitchell
- Quarterback Kellen Clemens
- Tight end Matthew Mulligan
- Tight end Jeff Cumberland
- Guard Vladimir Ducasse
- Defensive tackle Marcus Dixon
- Defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert
- Linebacker Josh Mauga
- Cornerback Marquice Cole
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Here are the inactives for Monday night's game between the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets at the Meadowlands. No surprises.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
- Quarterback Joe Webb
- Running back Albert Young
- Receiver Hank Baskett
- Center John Sullivan
- Defensive tackle Fred Evans
- Defensive end Everson Griffen
- Cornerback Chris Cook
- Safety Tyrell Johnson
- Quarterback Kellen Clemens
- Running back Joe McKnight
- Tight end Jeff Cumberland
- Guard Vladimir Ducasse
- Defensive tackle Marcus Dixon
- Defensive tackle Matt Kroul
- Inside linebacker Kenwin Cummings
- Outside linebacker Jamaal Westerman
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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.
