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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- To improve his ability as a power runner, backup RB Joe McKnight added some weight in the offseason. In fact, he put on 15 pounds, bringing him to 216. How'd he do it?

"A lot of McDonald's," he said Wednesday.

He wasn't kidding.

McKnight wasn't on a McDonald's-only diet, but he admitted he ate a lot of fast-food burgers on his way to his current weight. The way he figures it, he ate, worked out and "it changed to muscle."

He likes his current condition, believing he's more powerful in and out of his cuts. McKnight is known for his speed, but he doesn't think he has slowed down at all. The goal, of course, is to convince the coaching staff he can be more than a terrific kickoff returner. He'd like to become the No. 2 back, behind Shonn Greene.

McKnight figures he'll naturally drop weight in training camp, so he expects to play this season between 205 and 210 pounds -- and that would be his personal high. If he does well, maybe he can snag a McDonald's endorsement.

"I ate healthy, but the majority of the time, I was eating bad," he said, smiling. "I wasn't eating all the right stuff, like Tim Tebow (does)."

The Jets like to bill themselves as a transparent organization, but they've become tight-lipped with regard to their plans for Tim Tebow.

When the trade was made in late March, Rex Ryan said they planned to use him in the wildcat offense, later making headlines when he said it could be up to 20 snaps a game. But in recent days, two coordinators -- Tony Sparano and Mike Westhoff -- clammed up when asked about Tebow's role. Even Ryan in recent weeks has been coy when asked about reports that Tebow will be used as a running back, fullback and, possibly, an H-back. The whole thing smacks of irony, considering the Jets' loose-cannon reputation.

Sparano, speaking to reporters last Thursday (his first interview since the trade), went Parcells on us -- perhaps no surprise, considering his mentor is Bill Parcells. Asked to give his vision for Tebow, the offensive coordinator said:

"Well, I won't give you the vision on what I think his role will be in the offense. But I would just say that to the best of my knowledge, I believe that what Coach said is he can play anywhere from one to 20 snaps, somewhere like that. And I would say what Coach said is 100 percent correct. As far as how we'll use Tim or what we'll do with Tim that way, we're going to keep that to us right now."

Westhoff, the longtime special-teams coordinator, is as outspoken as they come. But, in an interview over the weekend with the New York Daily News, he refused to divulge his plan to Tebow. Westhoff called him a "more potent Brad Smith."

What does that mean? Does it mean he'll be returning kickoffs? Hardly. It would make no sense to expose your No. 2 quarterback to injury, asking him to run into 10 frothing tacklers (sorry, the kicker doesn't froth) who'd like nothing better than to make the SportsCenter highlights by taking out Tebow. Plus, the Jets have one of the best kickoff returners in the league, Joe McKnight.

This much we've known: Tebow will be the "personal protector" on the punt team -- a.k.a. the up back. In fact, Westhoff approached Tebow with the idea soon after the trade was finalized, and Tebow was okay with it. Makes sense. In that position, Tebow can receive a direct snap or shift under center, adding wrinkles to the punt team.

Obviously, the Jets think they have a special weapon in Tebow and they'd like to play mind games with their opponents, forcing them to prepare for the unexpected. They will turn Tebow into a shell game, moving him around as discreetly as possible.

Let's call it a clandes-tim approach. Rim shot, please.

This is the sixth part in a nine-part, position-by-position analysis, breaking down team needs and draft possibilities.

Position: Special teams

Depth chart: PK -- Nick Folk; P -- T.J. Conley, Travis Baltz; PR -- Jeremy Kerley, Joe McKnight; KR -- Joe McKnight, Antonio Cromartie; LS -- Tanner Purdum.

Not Under Contract: N/A

Scouting Report: There are no sacred cows here, especially among the kickers. Obviously, Folk will go into camp as the favorite to win the job, but the plan is to make it a legitimate competition. Folk was pushed last training camp by Nick Novak, who wound up with the Chargers, and the Jets believe the competition brought out the best in Folk. Statistically, it was an average year for Folk, whose length on kickoffs faded as the year went on. Conley, in a first full season as an NFL punter, averaged only 42.7 (gross) and 38.8 (net). The deficiencies were more glaring in light of ex-Jet Steve Weatherford's success with the Giants. In the return game, McKnight established himself as one of the most dangerous players in the league on kickoffs. Kerley showed promise as a punt returner, albeit with a couple of hiccups. The special teams have to cure the butter fingers -- six turnovers last season.

The Last Time: In 2005, the Jets used a second-round pick on PK Mike Nugent, who couldn't stay healthy and landed with the Bengals. He revived his career and was given the franchise tag this offseason.

Potential Targets: Coordinator Mike Westhoff said at the combine this is one the best groups of special teamers he's seen in a long time. The Jets have six picks in the final two rounds and they'd have no problem using one on a leg. They've expressed interest in P Brian Stahovich (San Diego State), who is regarded as borderline draftable. He was a four-year starter who averaged 43.8 gross last season. The top punter is Drew Butler (Georgia), the son of former Bears PK Kevin Butler. Drew won the Ray Guy Award in '09; he's definitely worth a late-round pick. The highest-rated PK is Blair Walsh, who has a lot of leg talent but struggled as a senior -- only 21 of 35 on FGs. This will be a critical draft for special teams. With so many late picks, it's a chance to add run-and-hit players -- i.e. linebackers, safeties, backs and tights ends -- to bolster the return and coverage units.

Need Rating (on a scale of 1 to 10): 6

Next: Defensive line

Sunday notes, thoughts and observations -- a total of 15, in honor of you-know-who's number:

1. The world waits for Mark Sanchez to comment on his new teammate, Tim Tebow. If he wants to be the leader of the Jets, Sanchez needs to say something -- anything. He can't wait two months, the amount of time that elapsed before he fired back at the unnamed teammates that ripped him after the season. He needs to be decisive. From what I'm told, Sanchez was stunned by the Tebow trade, coming so soon after the contract extension. He never saw it coming. Not many did, but now it's time to take control of the situation.

2. Sanchez, who took a physical beating last season, is taking a different approach to training in the offseason. His California-based trainer wants him to add muscle to help protect him from the wear and tear. As a result, Sanchez is up to 230, five pounds heavier than last season's playing weight.

3. The Jets are taking a lot of heat for the trade, but how about the Broncos? Tebow was their only viable backup. All they have now is a 36-year-old quarterback coming off four neck surgeries and former Bears backup Caleb Hanie, whom they signed Saturday. He proved last season he can't play. Not too smart for the Broncos. Why was John Elway in such a rush to get Tebow out of town? Said one former GM: "Who gives up a (former) first-round pick that just took your team to the playoffs? They should be at a podium, with a cigarette in their mouth, explaining that one." It was the first time in history that a QB, in his first or second year, won a playoff start and changed teams that offseason, according to Elias.

4. I spoke to Eagles WR Riley Cooper, Tebow's old college roommate, and asked (half-jokingly) to give me some dirt on his close friend. "Everybody always asks for dirt on him," Cooper said. "Tim Tebow is the closest thing to perfect as I've ever been around. The only thing I can think of is that he didn't clean up his dishes. He left dishes and cereal bowls all around our living room. That's all I've got for you."

5. Don't be surprised if Tebow has a small role on special teams. Coach Mike Westhoff probably already is scheming up ways to utilize Tebow's versatility. Coach-turned-analyst Eric Mangini said he expects to see Tebow on teams, saying: "When you look at Mike Westhoff and what he did with Brad Smith as a personal protector, I think that’s an excellent role because there’s always the threat of a fake, and it’s going to change the dynamic on that team. That’s the quarterback of the punt team."

6. So here's the short version of the Jets' offseason: They've added two backups (Tebow and WR Chaz Schilens) and a starting safety (LaRon Landry) with durability concerns.

7. I don't have an issue with the Jets wanting to use a wildcat package, but they didn't have to make a trade to find a guy to run it. They have three capable players on the roster -- Jeremy Kerley, Shonn Greene and Joe McKnight.

8. The Jets also acquired Tebow to help in the red zone and in short-yardage situations. But get this: The Jets led the league in red-zone efficiency and, over the final 11 weeks, they produced the second-best success rate (80 percent) in short-yardage.

9. Now we know why Antonio Cromartie is a good cornerback -- he can backpedal with the best of them.

10. Let's do some number crunching: The Jets had to cough up $2.5 million to close the Tebow deal and they ate a $500,000 signing bonus with Drew Stanton, who lasted a week on the roster. With that $3 million, they could've made a strong play for free-agent WR Mario Manningham, who received $3.55 million in total first-year compensation from the 49ers. He would've filled a huge need.

11. That said, the Jets did right by Stanton, trading him to the Colts after Tebow-ing him.

12. The Jets signed Landry, he of the Achilles-tendon troubles, to a favorable contract that provides protection in the event of an injury. It's a one-year, $3.5 million deal. He received a $950,000 signing bonus, a $700,000 base salary and $1.75 million in roster bonuses, according to The Star-Ledger of Newark. The roster bonus is paid out on a game-by-game basis. In other words, every time he plays a game, he receives a $109,000 bonus.

13. Landry's attendance in the off-season program bears watching. When he played for the Redskins, he "never showed up," according to former Washington GM Vinny Cerrato. "He only showed up for the mandatory stuff. He wouldn't return any calls." Landry has incentive to show up -- a $100,000 workout bonus.

14. The Dolphins didn't get Manning or Matt Flynn or Alex Smith, so you have to think they really like Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Here's the problem: The Dolphins own the eighth pick; they'd better hope the Browns don't take him at 4. Otherwise, it's Matt Moore vs. David Garrard in camp. Yawn.

15. Arrogance could ruin the Saints. A couple of years ago, they were the NFL's darlings, but they let it go to their head. Sean Payton, thinking he was above everybody, defied Roger Goodell and allowed to the team's bountry program to continue. Payton got his, a one-year suspension. Now the Saints are playing negotiating games with Drew Brees, the face of the franchise. They used to be easy to root for, but not anymore.

The Jets' actions (or non-actions) in free agency will tell us a lot about what they think of their recent drafts. By that, I mean they have a few needs that could be filled in-house -- if they're willing to promote former draft picks that have been waiting in the wings. That's the way it's supposed to be done, the cost-effective way, but we know the Jets have a tendency to throw money at problems.

The dilemmas:

RT Vladimir Ducasse -- Most Jets fans groan when they hear his name, but here's the reality, folks: The front office still holds him in high regard and will give him every opportunity to be the starting right tackle (regardless of what GM Mike Tannenbaum said in a recent interview about incumbent Wayne Hunter).

I was sitting in Tannenbaum's office last season when he told me Ducasse, despite his obvious struggles, will have a "great" career. We'll see if that's just lip service because, if the Jets go out and sign a veteran right tackle, they'd basically be admitting they wasted a second-round pick on Big Vlad.

RB Bilal Powell -- Remember when everyone was scratching their head last April when the Jets drafted another running back? Well, this is the reason why. LaDainian Tomlinson (free agent) isn't coming back, and they need a backup for Shonn Greene.

So it's decision time: Give the job to Powell or hit the free-agent market for stop-gap player like Ronnie Brown. (Joe McKnight apparently is viewed as a better third-down candidate.) Powell's rookie year was basically a red-shirt (13 carries for 21 yards), so there's not much to go on. But they thought enough of him to pick him in the fourth round; now we find out if they have the courage of their convictions.

NT Kenrick Ellis -- We already know what the Jets think about the former third-round pick because the Jets just gave incumbent Sione Pouha a three-year contract. Ellis, out of tiny Hampton (Va.), was overmatched as a rookie. His transition to the NFL will take some time.

QB Greg McElroy -- The Jets won't have to draft a developmental quarterback because they still believe in McElroy and plan to make him the No. 3. It would be too risky to make him the No. 2, so they'll have to seek a veteran such as Chad Henne.

FREE-AGENT BUZZ: Most of the speculation has focused on LaRon Landry (Redskins), but the safety-needy Jets also could make a run at Brandon Meriweather (Bears). They showed interest in Meriweather at the end of last preseason when he was released by the Patriots. He signed a one-year deal with the Bears early last September.

BT EXPRESS: Longtime Jets LB Bryan Thomas, an unrestricted free agent, told the Star-Ledger of Newark that his rehab from Achilles'-tendon surgery is "right on schedule." Thomas could be a fallback option for the Jets at OLB.

"I talked to my agent, I asked, ‘Am I in the plans (for the Jets)?’ He’s going to talk to them," Thomas told the newspaper. "Like I said, I’d love to be back. I appreciate the game, but when you are watching it and not being able to be out there for the first time ever, you appreciate it so much more."

SPEND MONEY: The Jets are expected to be about $14 million under the cap, not counting Pouha's contract.

Sunday notes, thoughts and observations on the Jets and the rest of the NFL:

1. Now that the Jets have some cap room to be serious players in free agency, I expect them to show interest in S LaRon Landry. They need a safety and Landry probably is the best one in a market watered down by three franchise tags. The Redskins' former first-round pick (sixth overall in 2007) is coming off two injury-plagued seasons, so maybe his asking price won't be crazy. He's a beast as an in-the-box safety, but there are questions about his coverage ability -- and that's where the Jets need help.

2. Quarterback-turned-analyst Chad Pennington is worth a listen because he makes a lot of sense. The other day, I asked him if the Jets should chase Peyton Manning. His response:

"I don’t think so. I don't think he's the right fit for New York. Both New York teams have their quarterback. For crying out loud, over the next three years, if you knew (Mark Sanchez) would take you to two AFC championship games and an 8-8 record ... come on, now. You'd take that. He's been one or two plays away from the big dance. He's right where he needs to be.

"The key is stability at quarterback, and stability around the quarterback. Look at (Tom) Brady and (Eli) Manning, (Drew) Brees and (Aaron) Rodgers. What's the key? Stability, that's the key."

3. Peyton Manning now has blown off the Jets twice. The first time occurred in 1997, when the Jets owned the No. 1 pick in the draft. He could've been the first Manning in New York, seven years ahead of his brother, but he wanted no part of the Jets and opted to stay in school. I'd say it worked out for him.

4. The folks in the Florham Park bunker are Bronco and Cardinal fans this week. They do not want Manning with the Dolphins in the AFC East. My prediction: He chooses 'Zona.

5. Now that Sanchez has his contract extension, what other players are coming up soon? Players with one year remaining on their current deal: TE Dustin Keller, RB Shonn Greene, RG Brandon Moore, LG Matt Slauson and DT Mike DeVito. Players with two years remaining: CB Darrelle Revis, LB Calvin Pace, RB/KR Joe McKnight and FB John Conner.

6. When Rex Ryan shows up on a college campus for a pro day, it's news. Reporters seek him out, prospects seek him out. The other day at Clemson, former Clemson QB Willy Korn made sure to tap Ryan on the shoulder and introduce himself. "Of course he didn't know who I was, but maybe he'll remember my face," Korn told the Charlotte Observer. For the record, he's a draft-eligible QB from Division II North Greenville (S.C.).

7. Nothing new on the Bart Scott situation. He's had several conversations with Ryan, according to a source, but they've yet to come to any sort of resolution. I can imagine the conversation. Bart: I want to play more. Rex: No, and we want you to take a pay cut. Bart: No way. End of conversation. I still think there's a good chance he's not back with the team.

8. The Redskins gave up three No. 1 picks and a No. 2 pick to move up four spots to draft their new quarterback, presumably Robert Griffin III. Mike Shanahan is a desperate man, having won only one playoff game since John Elway retired after the 1998 season. And now we know why Jeff Fisher picked the Rams over the Dolphins.

9. Peyton's classy farewell press conference in Indianapolis was a rarity in professional sports. How many guys show up to talk about their own firing? Got me to thinking about firings in Jets history. Of all the coaches I've covered, Joe Walton is the only one who agreed to a press conference after his ouster. Rich Kotite also had a presser, but it came before his final game. Of the quarterback firings, the classiest came from Pennington, who spoke via conference call the day after getting unceremoniously dumped in favor of Brett Favre.

10. Hearing positive reports on WR Michael Floyd (Notre Dame). Maybe the Jets should consider him at 16, because their passing game needs a jolt. Consider: Sanchez averaged only 6.5 yards per attempt last season to his wideouts, which ranked 32nd in the league, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

This is the ninth part in a nine-part review of 2011, a position-by-position analysis.

Position: Special teams

Overall grade (scale of 1 to 10): 7.5

Depth chart: PK Nick Folk, P T.J. Conley, PR Jeremy Kerley, PR Jim Leonhard, PR/KR Joe McKnight, KR Antonio Cromartie.

Gold star: McKnight.

Disappointing: Conley.

Stat check: Opponents made 29 or 30 FGs against the Jets, the highest percentage in the league -- including 23-for-23 under 50 yards.

Analysis: This was a weird year for special teams. We saw a lot of good things from the Jets -- McKnight (31.6) led the league in kickoff returns by a significant margin -- but we also saw a lot of bad things, namely butter fingers. They turned it over six times -- two by McKnight, two by Cromartie, once by Kerley and once by Garrett McIntyre. That is simply unacceptable.

Folk was okay, not great. He made 76 percent of his FGs, tied for 27th in the league, but three of his misses came in the 50+ distance. Then again, he didn't have too many clutch kicks, as the Jets played only four games that were decided by seven points or less. McKnight was a revelation, delivering the longest play in franchise history -- 107-yard kickoff return. But his chance came only after an injury to Cromartie, so it wasn't like they expected great things out of McKnight.

Conley (40.1 net average, 21st) was average at best. Former P Steve Weatherford, in the Super Bowl with the Giants, isn't looking half-bad right about now. Kerley (10.9 average) wrested the punt-returning job from Leonhard and did a nice job, save for one hiccup in Washington. The coverage units, both punt and kickoff, were very good. The standouts were Nick Bellore (31 tackles) and Josh Mauga (20), but Bellore needs to be more disciplined (five penaltes for 55 yards).

2012 free agents: Folk (UFA), Leonhard (UFA).

On the bubble: Conley.

This is part two in a nine-part view of 2011, a position-by-position analysis:

Position: Running back

Overall grade (on a scale of 1 to 10): 7.5

Depth chart: RB Shonn Greene (15 starts/578 plays), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (1/424), FB John Conner (8/378), RB Joe McKnight (0/112), RB Bilal Powell (0/27).

2011 headline: Too little, too late.

Gold star: N/A

Disappointing: Conner.

Stat check: The Jets finished 22nd in rushing offense even though they faced nine of the 13 lowest-ranked rushing defenses (total of 11 games).

Analysis: Greene, named the "bell cow" (Rex Ryan's words) before the season, took forever to get going. He was borderline dreadful over the first six games, demonstrating none of the special qualities that marked the fabulous finish to his rookie season in 2009. He ended up rushing for 1,054 yards, thanks to an impressive 4.6 per-carry average over the second half. There were very few "wow" moments for Greene, whose longest run was only 31 yards.

No doubt, Greene was hurt by the struggles of the line, but he wasn't able to make yards on his own. He averaged only 2.0 yards-after-contact, 30th in the league. On rushing inside the 3, he scored on only three of seven attempts -- disappointing for a power back. Truth be told, QB Mark Sanchez was their most effective goal-line runner. Greene helped himself with a reasonably strong finish, but you have to figure he'll have some competition in 2012. He might be a co-cow.

Tomlinson, who willingly accepted his reduced role, more than held his own as the third-down back. He averaged 10.7 yards per catch and finished with 395 yards-after-catch, 27th in the league among all players -- not bad for a Hall of Fame-bound antique. As a runner, he clearly lost a step, flashing his trademark elusiveness only on rare occasions. But he looked fantastic in the final game, so go figure ... Conner, hyped by Ryan as the next great fullback, was hardly an impact player in his first season as a starter. He wasn't used much early because of the one-back offense and he never seemed to catch up. It was a learning experience ... McKnight displayed tremendous athleticism, but he was undisciplined at times, ignoring his reads.

2012 free agents: Tomlinson (UFA).

On the bubble: N/A

Note: Play counts from Pro Football Focus.

LB Aaron Maybin enjoyed a breakout season for the Jets in 2011 after being picked up off the scrap heap.

The 23-year-old is a restricted free agent, but would like to stay with Gang Green.

“I’m hoping something keeps me here, but at the end of the day, we’ll see,” Maybin said Monday.

The third-year pro finished with 11 tackles, six sacks and four forced fumbles in 13 games.

Asked why he was able to have so much success in New York after two miserable seasons in Buffalo, Maybin responded, “Opportunity.”

• S Jim Leonhard has played the last two years with the Jets. And each of those two years, he’s suffered a season-ending injury.

Leonhard is an unrestricted free agent, and also would like to return.

“I think I’m hopeful [to return] just for the fact that I’ve enjoyed my time here. But you never know,” said Leonard, who was sporting crutches. “That’s the one thing I’ve learned in this business is you never assume anything, and I pride myself on playing with a lot of heart and having those intangibles, and I think that fits in any locker room.”

The 29-year-old finished the season with 48 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. But he missed the last three games after being injured against Kansas City in Week 14, and the Jets lost them all.

• NT Sione Pouha, who had 58 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble and will be a free agent, said he's going to meet with his agents later Monday to find out what the process is going into the offseason.

“Most definitely,” Pouha said when asked if he'd like to return. “Jets have always been great to me. They’re the ones that gave me my first opportunity.”

• KR Joe McKnight became a special teams weapon in 2011.

The 23-year-old finished with a 31.6 yards per kickoff return average and a 107-yard touchdown. He was named as a second alternate to the Pro Bowl.

“It’d mean a lot,” McKnight said of getting the opportunity to play in Hawaii. “I’m just looking forward to it, and I hope it happens.”

Still, McKnight thinks there’s a lot he can improve on.

“I think I left a couple yards on the field. I kind of got a little heavy this year. I kind of put too much weight on,” McKnight said. “I just want to stay in-tune with everything. I muffed punts, so I’m just gonna work on catching them in the offseason. I know [PR] is Jeremy Kerley’s job, but if something happens to him, I want to step up and fill in that role for him until he gets back.”

McKnight hopes his mentor, RB LaDainian Tomlinson comes back. But that appears unlikely, meaning McKnight may see an expanded role in the backfield next season.

“I just tried to prove everyone wrong,” McKnight replied when asked why he was so successful in 2011. “I don’t think I proved everyone wrong, but at least I tried.”

Information from ESPN NewYork.com's Jane McManus was used in this blog post.

QB Mark Sanchez, who suffered an apparent neck injury in Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, practiced Tuesday and looked fine as the New York Jets began preparations for Saturday’s crucial game against the New York Giants.

On Monday, coach Rex Ryan indicated that Sanchez was okay and would practice all week, although he said Sanchez would continue to receive treatment for an injury the team has yet to characterize.

Sanchez received medical attention in the third quarter after leaving the field, his right arm dangling at his side. He was hit by Eagles DE Jason Babin. It was a low-impact hit by Babin, who actually pulled up, but his helmet grazed Sanchez’s face mask, causing his head to turn. Sanchez collapsed to the turf and appeared to be in severe pain.

The third-year quarterback returned to the game on the Jets’ next series, not missing any snaps due to the injury. He was listed on the injury report with a neck injury after a Nov. 17 loss in Denver, where he sustained several big hits. He didn’t miss any practice time. It’s unclear if there’s a connection between the two injuries.

Meanwhile, the Jets appear relatively healthy. As expected, guard Brandon Moore (hip) didn’t practice, but he will play. RB Shonn Greene (torn tendon in pinky finger) and KR Joe McKnight (separated shoulder) both practiced. Reserve CB Marquice Cole (knee), who missed the last game, sat out.

WR/PR Jeremy Kerley wasn’t seen on the practice field during the period open to the media. The team has yet to comment on his status.

Better late than never. Here's the unofficial snap count for Thursday night's loss in Denver (press-box view, allow small margin for error; includes after-the-snap penalties):

RUNNING BACKS

Joe McKnight ... 48 snaps
John Conner ... 25
Bilal Powell ... 18
Shonn Greene ... 8

TIGHT ENDS

Dustin Keller ... 57
Matt Mulligan ... 28
Vladimir Ducasse ... 4
Josh Baker ... 1

WIDE RECEIVERS

Santonio Holmes ... 65
Plaxico Burress ... 64
Patrick Turner ... 32

Analysis: Because of existing injuries to LaDainian Tomlinson and Jeremy Kerley and an in-game injury to Greene, this is the wackiest playing-time breakdown of the season. McKnight, Powell and Turner recorded season-highs in playing time ... Holmes and Burress should get endurance awards for playing so many snaps in high altitude on a short week of rest.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- In arguably the biggest regular-season game of the Rex Ryan era, the Jets self-destructed in the second half and fell hard Sunday night to the Patriots, 37-16, at MetLife Stadium. The difference in the two quarterbacks never looked more pronounced, as Tom Brady outplayed Mark Sanchez.

What it means: It was devastating blow for the Jets (5-4), who essentially fell two games behind the Patriots in the AFC East. The Jets put everything into the game, hyping it as their opportunity to overtake the Patriots. They seemed intimidated by the big stage and let Brady walk all over them. It was the most points allowed at home by a Ryan-coached team. Hello, wild-card race.

Gassed: Save for a couple of blown coverages, the Jets handled Brady reasonably well for two quarters, but they ran out of answers -- and energy -- in the second half when the Patriots went to their hurry-up attack. They reeled off TD drives of 57 and 84 yards to take a two-touchdown lead.

The Jets were schooled by the master, as Brady picked apart the secondary with relative ease, going 26-for-39 for 329 yards and three TDs. With the division lead on the line, Brady snapped out of his recent funk and did what great players are supposed to do -- he carried his team on his back.

It was a hard lesson for the Jets, especially their defense.

No Marksman: Let's face it, Sanchez (20-for-39, 306 yards, one TD) came up tiny. He was intercepted twice by LB Rob Ninkovich, who did his best Tedy Bruschi impersonation, returning the latter for a game-clinching touchdown.

Remember, the Jets faced the 32nd-ranked defense in the league, and they managed only two touchdown drives. A lot of that goes on Sanchez, who also made a critical mental error with 1:24 left in the second quarter.

He called a timeout with the ball at the Patriots' 2 and, even though he scored on a 2-yard run, he should've been in clock-management mode. By stopping the clock, he gave the Patriots enough time to orchestrate another drive -- and they did just that, with Brady taking them 80 yards in 71 seconds to make it 13-9 at halftime.

At halftime, a livid Ryan told NBC's Michele Tafoya that the timeout was "the stupidest play in NFL history." That was an exaggeration, of course, but it was a dumb play.

Gift points, Part I: The Jets gave away 10 points in the third quarter, just bad mistakes on simple plays. First, Joe McKnight muffed a punt at his 13-yard line and, somehow, Donald Strickland failed to recover it even though he was the first to the ball and pounced on it. He gave it the wet-bar-of-soap treatment. The Patriots converted that into a field goal to take a 16-9 lead.

Curiously, McKnight was the punt returner. The regular punt returner, Jeremy Kerley, was hurt early in the game, but he returned. Presumably, he was available. They also had the sure-handed Jim Leonhard, who had returned a previous punt. So why McKnight, who came into the game with only four punt returns? Bad decision, bad execution, bad everything.

Gift point, Part II: Sanchez and RB Shonn Greene failed to execute a simple check-down pass. Sanchez's pass hit Greene in the face and ricocheted to Ninkovich, whose return set up another New England touchdown.

No answer for Gronk: For the most part, the Jets shut down the Patriots' wide receivers (Darrelle Revis made Wes Welker disappear), but they couldn't cover big TE Rob Gronkowski. He beat the Jets' safeties and "sub" personnel, victimizing S Eric Smith on an 18-yard TD and burning dime back Strickland on a 5-yard TD.

What's ahead: The Jets have a quick turnaround. On Thursday night, they will have their first encounter with the Tim Tebow phenomenon, facing the suddenly revived Broncos (4-5) in Denver. It won't be easy because of the travel and altitude.

Dustin Keller clarified rumors that he messed up during a verbal concussion test, administered by a Jets staffer on the sideline Sunday in Buffalo.

An Internet video shows Keller reciting the months of the year -- it's easy to read his lips -- and apparently stumbling. Not true, according to Keller, who received the video from a friend.

"I was going through the months backwards, and I was absolutely correct," said Keller, who was dazed in the first quarter when he landed on his head while trying to jump over a defender.

Keller was taken to the locker room, where he underwent a battery of concussion tests, following NFL protocol. He was cleared and returned in the second half. He said his scores were actually higher than his baseline scores.

"I got smarter," he said. "(The concussion) actually knocked some sense into me."

GIVING THE FINGER: This is weird. Three players showed up on the injury report Thursday with finger injuries -- NT Sione Pouha, CB Antonio Cromartie and RT Wayne Hunter. The injuries aren't serious, as all three players practiced fully.

TOUCHY, TOUCHY: CB Darrelle Revis bristled when asked if he's surprised teams are throwing at him as much as they are.

"That's the last time you're going to ask me that," he said. "I'm not surprised teams are coming at me (laughing). I appreciate it. I wish they'd come at me all the time. You'll be giving me opportunities to make plays and compete out there."

ODDS AND ENDS: If Joe McKnight (toe) can't play, the options to return kickoffs are Cromartie and rookie RB Bilal Powell, according to Ryan. Don't bet on Powell, through; the fourth-round pick has yet to dress for a game ... Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said he's talked with TE Matt Mulligan about cutting down his penalties. A holding call against the Bills nullified a 41-yard run by Shonn Greene.

New injuries/status change in bold

JETS

Did not practice: WR Plaxico Burress (back), KR/RB Joe McKnight (toe), S Brodney Pool (knee).

Limited participation: DL Marcus Dixon (shoulder), LB Josh Mauga (low back).

Full participation: CB Antonio Cromartie (finger), DT Mike DeVito (knee), DT Kenrick Ellis (ankle), RB Shonn Greene (head, groin), WR Santonio Holmes (foot), OT Wayne Hunter (finger), C Nick Mangold (ankle), LB Calvin Pace (groin), DT Sione Pouha (finger), LG Matt Slauson (neck), CB Isaiah Trufant (hamstring).

PATRIOTS

Did not practice: S Patrick Chung (foot), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb), LB Brandon Spikes (knee), OL Ryan Wendell (concussion).

Limited participation: CB Kyle Arrington (foot), DE Shaun Ellis (rib), RB Kevin Faulk (knee), RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe), LB Gary Guyton (shoulder), LB Jerod Mayo (knee), WR Taylor Price (hamstring), OT Sebastian Vollmer (back), WR Wes Welker (rib).

A few interesting trends developed over the second quarter of the season.

A shift in offensive philosophy -- back to power football -- resulted in increased playing time for FB John Conner and backup TE Matt Mulligan. It also meant less playing time for the No. 3 receiver, Jeremy Kerley, who played about half the time as Derrick Mason (the previous No. 3 WR) did in the first quarter.

Here's our unofficial breakdown in terms of percentage of snaps played (allow small margin of error):

Player --- G's 1-4 --- G's 5-8 --- Total P.T.

RB Greene ........ 54% ... 51% ... 53%
RB Tomlinson .... 50% ... 39% ... 45%
FB Conner ........ 20% ... 40% ... 30%
RB McKnight ..... 4% ..... 10% ... 7%

TE Keller .......... 86% ... 75% ... 80%
TE Mulligan ...... 32% ... 53% ... 42%
TE Cumberland . 19% ... 0% .... 10%
TE Baker ............ 0% ..... 7% ..... 4%

WR Holmes ...... 87% ... 90% ..... 89%
WR Burress ..... 79% ... 75% ..... 77%
WR Mason ...... 61% .... 2% ...... 32%
WR Kerley ...... 7% ..... 31% ..... 19%
WR Turner ..... 10% ..... 7% ...... 8%