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The Jets had a lot of unrestricted free agents heading into the offseason, and the better players were snapped up quickly. A few linger, waiting for new teams or to re-sign.

Rex Ryan said Friday the Jets weren't in a rebuilding phase. Check out the list and see if you agree.

WHO IS GONE

TE Dustin Keller: Drafted by the Jets in 2008, Keller signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins worth $4.25 million. Keller was injured for much of last season, but was one of the most familiar targets for quarterback Mark Sanchez.

S LaRon Landry: Landry's Pro Bowl year with the Jets helped him rehabilitate his foot and elevate his profile. Ultimately he became too expensive to keep and signed a four-year, $24 million contract with the Colts with $14M in guaranteed money.

DE Mike DeVito: The New York-born DeVito will play in Kansas City after getting a three-year, $12.6 million deal from the Chiefs. He will be tough to replace as a player and locker room presence.

RB Shonn Greene: Drafted in the same class as Sanchez, Greene heads to the Titans or a three-year, $10 million contract. He'll be paired with Chris Johnson, and Johnson already bristled at the idea.

S Yeremiah Bell: Bell will replace former Jet Kerry Rhodes with the Arizona Cardinals. Bell signed a one-year worth $965,000, which was a number in the Jets' neighborhood but they passed.

WHO RE-SIGNED

K Nick Folk: Signed a one-year deal to return to the Jets.

RB Lex Hilliard: Another one-year deal for Hilliard, who replaced John Conner at fullback last season.

WHO IS IN LIMBO

OL Brandon Moore: The veteran right guard has options, and seems to be weighing them before deciding on his future.

OL Matt Slauson: Slauson, drafted by the Jets in 2009, had for his left-guard job with Vlad Ducasse. The two split time during the season, a move that even offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo said was a decision made above him.

WR Braylon Edwards: The former and current wide receiver has said he wants to be a Jet, although Ryan didn't mention him on Friday's list of receivers he expects to excel in 2013.

LB Bryan Thomas: Thomas, 33, played 11 seasons with the Jets -- and has likely played his last.

WR Chaz Schilens: He has barely been with the Jets a year, and his deal is up. Schilens played well at times, but there seems no hurry to bring him back.

Battling salary-cap limitations, the Jets lost one of their priority free agents, as DT Mike DeVito signed a three-year, $12.6 million contract Tuesday with the Chiefs, according to a league source. He received a $4.2 million signing bonus.

The Jets made a strong push to re-sign DeVito before the start of free agency, especially after releasing longtime NT Sione Po’uha. Just like that, their top two interior linemen are gone.

DeVito, who turns 29 in June, drew considerable interest because he’s a strong run defender who can play in 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. He will be reunited with former Jets linebackers coach Bob Sutton, the Chiefs' new defensive coordinator under Andy Reid.

This was a blow to coach Rex Ryan, whose once-formidable defense is being gutted. Right now, the Jets have only four returning starters under contract -- and CB Darrelle Revis is on the trading block.

DeVito arrived as an undrafted free agent and cracked the starting lineup in his fourth year, 2010, proving steady play against the run. He played 59 percent of the defensive snaps last season, second among the linemen.

The Jets made DeVito take a pay cut last year after drafting his heir apparent, Coples. Ryan immediately named Coples the starter, but the change never occurred, as DeVito proved to be one of the most consistent players on defense.

DeVito finished with 46 solo tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles last season.

The Jets appear to be on the verge of losing longtime DT Mike DeVito, who is headed to Kansas City to meet with Chiefs officials, his agent confirmed Tuesday.

Former Jets linebackers coach Bob Sutton is the Chiefs' new coordinator under Andy Reid, and Sutton always has been fond of DeVito. One source told me he expects a deal to get done in short order. The Jets tried to re-sign DeVito before the start of free agency.

Losing DeVito and NT Sione Po'uha (released) in the same day would be a blow to the defense. Somewhere, Rex Ryan is getting ready to cry. Imagine if Darrelle Revis is traded.

Meanwhile, the bargain-hunting Jets have scheduled a visit Wednesday with Rams WR Brandon Gibson, a source confirmed. Gibson, 25, is regarded as a second-tier free agent, attracting interest because of his upside. He caught 51 passes for 691 yards and five touchdowns last season, including two TDs against the Jets. New Jets coordinator Marty Mornhinweg coached Gibson with the Eagles in 2009. The Jets see him as a receiver who could compete immediately for a starting job.

The Jets also have expressed interest in Browns WR Mohammed Massaquoi, according to a league source.

The Jets also plan to visit with Raiders RB Mike Goodson, according to league sources. Goodson, 25, is a lot like Gibson -- a young backup with potential. And, of course, the price tag should be affordable, which is important to the Jets. Goodson rushed for 221 yards and a 6.3 average last season with the Raiders.

The Jets are prepared to lose their starting running back, Shonn Greene, a free agent.

Quick thoughts on the Jets' decision to release longtime NT Sione Po'uha:

1. It stinks. Po'uha is one of the most respected players in the locker room, and the team will dearly miss his leadership. This could have an impact on the young linemen, namely Quinton Coples and Muhammad Wilkerson, who looks up to Po'uha. Clearly, the Jets expect Wilkerson to take on more of a leadership role in his third year, even if Mike DeVito returns.

2. Why did the Jets do this? It came down to the AIS principle that triggers these types of moves: Age. Injury. Salary. Po'uha is 34, coming off a season in which he struggled with a bad back. Plus, he was due to make $4.9 million -- which would have become guaranteed Thursday if he were still on the roster. The move creates $3.8 million in cap room.

3. The Jets can't possibly think Kenrick Ellis is ready to become a full-time player. The former third-round pick has been slow to develop and is simply too raw to anchor the defense. He played only 22 percent of the defensive snaps last season. This tells me the Jets will be in the market for a new nose tackle. The top interior lineman in the draft is Star Lotulelei from Utah (Po'uha's alma mater), who could be available with the ninth overall pick. This becomes a real possibility for the Jets.

4. Without Po'uha, the Jets have to increase their efforts to re-sign DeVito, another strong interior run defender. If they let him hit the open market, he could end up signing with the Bills, reunited with former Jets coordinator Mike Pettine. DeVito and Po'uha are close friends. In essence, the Jets are trying to re-sign DeVito with the money they saved from cutting Po'uha. What a business, huh?

Everything you need to know about free agency, analyzing the Jets' unrestricted and restricted free agents, with positional grades (scale of a 100) and rankings by Scouts, Inc.:

MOST LIKELY TO STAY PUT

DE Mike DeVito: He's a blue-collar lineman with scheme versatility, so he should draw considerable interest from other teams. The Jets want to re-sign DeVito, but with Quinton Coples poised for a larger role, it might be a financial squeeze to bring him back as the fourth linemen -- unless they're planning to play more 4-3 fronts. The Chiefs could be interested. Grade: 64. Rank: 15.

PK Nick Folk: The Jets have kept him off the market the last two years with one-year contracts before free agency, but it looks like they're prepared to let him test the waters. They'd better be careful; Folk is an under-rated kicker and could get scooped up. Grade: 66. Rank: 5.

MAYBE, MAYBE NOT

TE Dustin Keller: He's expected to hit the open market, as the Jets have shown little interest in re-signing him. They will let the market dictate his value. He'd be an ideal fit in Marty Mornhinweg's West Coast offense. This offense should be collecting playmakers, not sending them away. Grade: 77. Rank: 4.

G Matt Slauson: He won't command big bucks on the open market, so there's always a chance he could return. The Jets made Slauson take a pay cut last season and rotated him with Vladimir Ducasse, but he's better than Ducasse. Maybe new GM John Idzik will recognize that. Slauson may draw interest from the Cowboys and Raiders. Grade: 69. Rank: 6

WR Braylon Edwards: He's a journeyman player at this point in his career. The Jets need size and depth in the receiving corps, but there's no sense of urgency with Edwards, who could be a post-draft option. Grade: 66. Rank: 17.

S Yeremiah Bell: They have no experienced safeties under contract, so there's an obvious need. Bell was a nice hold-the-fort player last season, but he's 35. He could be another post-draft option. Grade: 69. Rank: 16.

GOING, GOING ...

S LaRon Landry: He bet on himself last year, signing only a one-year contract -- and he won. Landry stayed healthy, made his first Pro Bowl and figures to cash in. The Jets would like to re-sign him, but they won't pay $6 million a year. Chances are, it'll be one-and-done. Grade: 78. Rank: 4.

RB Shonn Greene: He's a between-the-tackles thumper, and the Jets need a No. 1 back with breakaway speed and pass-catching skills to excel in Mornhinweg's offense. Greene could draw interest from the Broncos and Falcons. There's little chance of him returning. Grade: 76. Rank: 4.

G Brandon Moore: Their longest-tenured player on offense probably will move on, and that's too bad because Moore has been one of the Jets' most consistent and durable players. He'll be 33 before the season, so age is an issue. He could draw interest from the Bills, Cowboys and Raiders. Grade: 81. Rank: 1.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

LB Bryan Thomas: Their longest-tenured player is a true warrior, but injuries and age (34 in June) are concerns. It's time to say goodbye. Grade: 64. Rank: 13.

WR Chaz Schilens: Well, he was always good for a sarcastic quote. Grade: 58. Rank: 35.

FB Lex Hilliard: He was a midseason fill-in who played like a midseason fill-in. Adios. Grade: 56. Rank: 37.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

RT Austin Howard: The Jets really like his upside. They're deciding whether to make him a first-round tender ($2.86 million) or a second-round tender ($2.02 million). Grade: 68. Rank: 17.

TE Jeff Cumberland: If he receives the second-round tender, it means Keller is a goner. The Jets could take the cheap route and assign the low tender ($1.32 million), which would give the team the right of first refusal but no draft-pick compensation. Grade: 61. Rank: 22.

LB Josh Mauga: He missed most of last season with a torn biceps. He won't be tendered a contract. Grade: 20. Rank: 86.

LS Tanner Purdum: A very good long snapper, but there's little chance of him getting even the low tender ($1.3 million). Grade: 59. Rank: 8.

Looking at the Jets and the rest of the NFL:

1. Cancel this Foxborough shuttle: Let's end this notion right now. If Darrelle Revis plays out his contract and becomes an unrestricted free agent, there's no way he'll end up in New England. Tom Brady is the big fish in Beantown, and he'll remain the Patriots' highest-paid player for as long as he's around. It would contradict the Patriot Way to pay another player more than Saint Tom, who, in case you missed it, took a hometown discount last week.

Combining his three-year extension with his two existing years, Brady reportedly averages $14.5 million per year -- below what Revis is seeking. Bill Belichick might feign interest to drive up the price (and tweak the Jets), but he'll never undercut Brady by paying someone else more -- especially someone who once called him a "jerk."

2. Diminishing return: If the Jets get to the point where they decide to trade Revis (which, in my opinion, is how this will end), they need to remember this: In 2007, they traded their second-round pick to switch places with the Panthers and move up 11 spots in the first round, picking him 14th overall. As an asset, Revis has appreciated over time, so the Jets shouldn't settle for anything less than their original investment -- first- and second-round picks.

By the way, Revis was the second DB drafted that year. Can you name the first? Answer below.

3. More Revis thoughts: Trading Revis in the offseason could cost the Jets a quality starter. How's that? Right now, he's counting $9 million on the cap. If he's dealt, his "dead" charge is $12 million. That extra $3 million could mean the difference between re-signing a free agent like Mike DeVito or letting him go. In other words, you lose more than a premier cornerback if you trade Revis.

The counter argument: If you wait until the end of the preseason to trade him, the dead charge is $15 million because he will have received $3 million in bonuses by then -- $1 million roster, $1 million workout and $1 million reporting. The Jets would have to leave themselves enough cap flexibility to incur an additional $6 million beyond his current cap figure, and that won't be easy. Let's face it, it's a mess.

CLARIFICATION: I checked with a CBA expert, and it turns out the Jets can spread the cap hit over two years if they trade him after June 1. If they were to trade him after the start of training camp and before the regular season, they'd take a $6 million hit this year -- $3 million for the pro-rated portion of his 2011 option bonus, plus the $3 million he will have earned with the three bonuses. Under this scenario, they'd actually clear $3 million in cap room for 2013, strengthening the notion that it pays to wait. Of course, the downside is they'd take a $9 million hit in 2014 by trading him -- the remaining pro-ration of the option bonus.

4. Draft nuggets: The Jets have met with the top 10 quarterback prospects, according to senior personnel exec Terry Bradway. In an interview with the team website, he said the strength of the QB class will be in the second and third round, although he suspects a couple will wind up as first-rounders. Reading between the lines, this tells me the Jets don't have any quarterbacks with a first-round grade.

Other insights from Bradway: The best values at safety and running back are Rounds 2 to 4. There are 12 to 14 wide receivers who can make significant contributions as rookies. Oregon pass rusher Dion Jordan (shoulder surgery), a player linked to the Jets at No. 9, might not be ready until early training camp.

5. Crystal ball: Prediction on the early theme of free agency for the Jets -- exodus. I can easily see them losing mainstays such as DeVito, Dustin Keller, Brandon Moore and Shonn Greene, along with LaRon Landry. Even with the bump in the cap, they're still only about $8 million under. It'll take about $8 million for the draft and restricted-free agent tenders, so they're really operating with no room for spending. They have to make cuts (Tim Tebow) and restructure contracts (Santonio Holmes) to create room.

6. Austin Power: The Jets are trying to decide whether to give RT Austin Howard the first-round tender ($2.86 million) or second-round tender ($2.02 million) as a restricted free agent. Something they should consider: The Ravens, Howard's first team, own the last pick in the second round and could be looking for a left tackle to replace free-agent LT Bryant McKinnie. Howard, almost 26, would be better than any draft pick at that spot, so it wouldn't be a shock if the Ravens explore an offer sheet.

7. Out like Flynn: A lot of folks are saying the Jets should trade for Seahawks backup QB Matt Flynn, but he'd hardly be a sure thing. Dolphins coach Joe Philbin, formerly Flynn's coordinator in Green Bay, passed on him last offseason. Chiefs GM John Dorsey, formerly a Packers exec, also passed, as the Chiefs opted to trade for Alex Smith. It tells you something about a player when the people who know him best don't want him.

8. No ordinary Joe: Ravens QB Joe Flacco landed a six-year, $120.6 million contract, the 13th $100 million deal in NFL history. Of the eight contracts no longer active, the biggest actual payout was Brett Favre, who got $54.6 million of a $100 million deal, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Moral of the story: There's a lot of funny money in the NFL.

9. No ordinary Joe, Part II: Three weeks ago, I had lunch with Flacco's agent, Joe Linta, for a story on another client, Stony Brook RB Miguel Maysonet. Linta, describing his penchant for signing small-school players (Flacco came from Delaware), admitted it's a risky way to do business. "It's living on the edge, but I like taking the road less traveled," he said. After his Flacco commission, Linta will be driving that road in style.

10. A poor Reid-option: Alex Smith fits Andy Reid's West Coast offense because of his short accuracy, but let's be real here: The Chiefs gave up too much in the trade, sending the 49ers a second-round pick (No. 34) this year and a conditional pick in 2014. Smith isn't that good, but it's a weak quarterback class. Plus, the Chiefs have a poor track record for drafting passers. The last 10 quarterbacks drafted by the Chiefs never won a game for the franchise, per ESPN Stats. Where have you gone, Len Dawson?

Answer to the trivia question: LaRon Landry, drafted sixth overall by the Redskins.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The good, the bad and the ugly from the Jets' 28-9 loss to the Bills:

THREE UP

1. Muhammad Wilkerson -- He finished up a strong season by beating up the interior of the Bills' offensive line. Big Mo recorded three quarterback hits and did a nice job of containing C.J. Spiller.

2. Shonn Greene -- It wasn't spectacular, but he grinded out 74 yards, giving him 1,063 yards for the season. Greene will be an unrestricted free agent. Chances are, he won't be back.

3. Mike DeVito -- He forced a fumble in Bills territory, which, of course, didn't amount to anything because the offense squandered yet another opportunity. But this was another solid game in a solid season for DeVito, who also will be a free agent. The Jets are nuts if they don't re-sign him.

THREE DOWN

1. Mark Sanchez -- He played a gutty game, bouncing back from a couple of bone-crushing hits, but he also made one of the biggest mistakes -- an interception returned for a touchdown. Opponents scored five defensive touchdowns against the Jets.

2. Tony Sparano -- You wake up in the morning to a report that you'll be fired and you're offense fails to score a touchdown against the softest defense in the league. That's not a good day.

3. Jets fans -- You deserved better than this, a 6-10 season that ended with three straight losses to bad teams. Here's something to look forward to: The Jets have the ninth pick in the draft.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Mike DeVito will be a free agent at the end of this season and, after proving himself on the field this year, the defensive end could have options.

If another team does manage to snap up DeVito, this Sunday's game against San Diego could be his last in hometown green.

"Definitely strange. I'm kind of looking at it like nothing's guaranteed," DeVito said. "I have two games left and I don't know what's going to happen next year. So I'm going to enjoy every minute I get a chance to be on this field, be with these guys and play in these last two games, because you just don't know."

DeVito said he wants to stay in New York. His grandfather was a football coach in Rockland County, where DeVito was born. Although he moved north at a young age, he still has roots here.

"I'm a New York guy," DeVito said. "My family's over here, been here for six years. I love this organization, love the people here, so we'll see how it plays out."

DeVito isn't the only defensive stalwart who could leave town. Linebacker Bart Scott said Thursday that he didn't want to discuss his future with the team yet. He stands to be paid $7 million next year, but at age 32 and with a case of turf toe that has hampered him all season, the team might not be willing to pay.

Linebacker Bryan Thomas, 33, who has also dealt with injuries this season, is another who likely won't return.

"This probably will be the last two weeks of this group playing together," Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said.

"It definitely would be interesting if everybody went their own ways," DeVito said. "We have been in this defense together for four years now. It's been so similar, which I think is strange for the NFL."

So although there is certainly in not making the playoffs, the audition for the 2013 Jets is under way, and players like DeVito can't even be sure if the front office they negotiate with will be the same.

"You just have no idea what's going on," DeVito said. "You see every year in the NFL so much turnover all the time, but you just don't know. So all I can handle is what I do in these last two games."

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The home supporters in attendance for Monday night’s game already knew full well the duality of their star running back: For all the listless one-yard runs into the line, there’s always the outside chance that Chris Johnson leaves the other 21 players on the field in his wake for an electrifying score.

The Jets knew it, too, and yet there was Johnson at 8:53 of the second quarter, slipping through a hole up the middle and breaking free virtually untouched for a 94-yard touchdown run -- the longest in Titans history and the second-longest ever on Monday Night Football -- to give the Titans a 7-3 lead in the first half.

Backed up inside the 10 after a well-placed Robert Malone punt, the Titans handed off to Johnson on consecutive plays midway through the second quarter. His first carry gained a yard out to the 6-yard line. He took his second straight up the middle, outrunning safety Yeremiah Bell for the final 80 yards.

“You have to try to catch him and make the tackle,” Bell said. “I know he’s fast, but anytime you see anyone break open it’s our job to try to run them down and catch them.”

“We knew coming in he’s their best weapon on offense, and we knew coming in to try to stop the run,” said linebacker David Harris. “You can blame me, I should’ve made a tackle. Good play by them.”

Harris was not the only defender to shoulder the blame in public. Nose tackle Sione Po’uha was sealed off by Tennessee guard Kyle DeVan, while tackle Mike Devito couldn’t shake a double-team as tight end Craig Stevens neutralized LaRon Landry in the second level to free up the entire right side of the interior.

“I definitely favored a side in there and definitely thought he was going to hit that A-gap, and then he hit that sharp cut to the left,” Po’uha said. “I definitely favored a side.”

“I know I probably could’ve jammed my guy down better into that gap, so I’ll have to look at it and see what’s going on,” Devito said.

Burned once by the home run, the Jets proved more than able to contain Johnson throughout the rest of the night. Take away the 94-yard run, and Johnson finished with 28 yards on 20 carries.

With all that was at stake on Monday, hypotheticals like that may hurt that much more.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The Bengals' win over the Eagles Thursday night moved the Jets one step closer to the brink.

If they lose Monday night to the Titans, it's over. They'd be eliminated from playoff contention, regardless of what happens Sunday, according to the NFL.

Rex Ryan said he glanced at the Bengals-Eagles game, but didn't watch the end. He said it didn't change his approach.

"Our whole thing is, it's all about (Tennessee)," Ryan said. "I've said it the last several weeks, it's just about what we have to do, and that's to find a way to beat Tennessee. That's where our entire focus is."

Several players, including DT Mike DeVito, said they were under the assumption that Monday night was an elimination game no matter what.

"That's kind of the mentality we've had this whole time," he said. "We recognize we have to win out to have any chance."

The Jets (6-7), Bengals (8-6) and Steelers (7-6), in all likelihood, are battling for the final wild-card spot. An 8-8 record wouldn't cut it for the Jets; they need to be 9-7 to have any chance.

Here's why:

The Bengals and Steelers meet each other next week. If the Steelers lose Sunday to the Cowboys but beat the Bengals, they'd have eight wins -- and they own a tiebreaker over the Jets based on their Week 2 victory. If the Bengals defeat the Steelers, they'd have nine wins.

If the Jets, Steelers and Bengals all finish 8-8, the Steelers would get the wild-card spot because of tiebreakers over the Bengals and Jets.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The Jets' offense may have its struggles, but the defense appears to have gotten back on track. The Jets have allowed just 16 points over the past two games.

On Sunday in Jacksonville, the Jets (6-7) held the Jaguars to two third-down conversions in 15 attempts. Coach Rex Ryan credited young linemen Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples specifically for learning on the job.

"I think it starts with our pass rush," Ryan said. "The guys up front, especially Muhammad, are really doing a great job beating one-on-one [protections] and actually having the running backs a lot of times as well. That's really where it starts, being very mobile with our coverages and really running our package on third down."

Coples, a rookie, had two tackles and a sack in the 17-10 win over the Jags.

"Going from college to the NFL is definitely a lot different," Coples said. "I don't know if you can compare the two [in terms of] the level of intensity and the different levels of play. I'm still learning, still grasping everything and I think everything is falling into place."

Up next for the Jets is a "Monday Night Football" matchup with the Titans in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans (4-9) lost a tight one 27-23 to the surging Colts on Sunday. A Jets win would get them to .500 and keep them in the running for a wild-card berth, which seemed a long shot given the team's struggles this season.

Despite the team's two straight wins, defensive lineman Mike DeVito isn't getting too excited.

"It's like, 'Oh, one loss, it's the end of the world' and, 'One win, they're going to win everything,'" he said of life in the New York market. "It's kind of the way the atmosphere is around here, and you have to recognize that and realize that the worst thing you can do is ... believe that either way. You just have to continue each week to be consistent and get better."

Ryan has refused to talk playoffs until the team gets to .500, but he did use the term "Pro Bowl" in conjunction with the second-year Wilkerson on Monday, something the lineman downplayed.

"I'm proud to be a Jet," Wilkerson said. "They brought me here. I'm going to continue to play like a Jet and do my best for the defense."

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jets spilled ink on a masterpiece.

Their rejuvenated defense got sloppy in the fourth quarter of a 17-10 win Sunday over the Jaguars, nearly giving away the game, but the end result was another strong performance -- especially on third down.

The Jets held the Jaguars to 2-for-16, making QB Chad Henne look like ... well, Ryan Lindley. Over the last two games, they've limited the Jaguars and Cardinals to 2-for-31 on third down. That's pretty remarkable.

"I think we're taking off," DT Mike DeVito said. "This is the defense we saw in training camp."

The Jets recorded three sacks, two interceptions and pressured Henne throughout the game. He finished 21 for 43 for 185 yards. OLB Garrett McIntyre was responsible for the biggest play, blasting Henne in the red zone as he released a pass. It fluttered in the air and came down in the hands of LB Bart Scott.

"We call that getting a layup," Scott said. "(McIntyre) did all the work. He made it relatively easy for me to do my job."

The Jets were on their way to two straight games without allowing a touchdown, but they suffered some breakdowns in the fourth quarter. Montell Owens, a fourth-string running back, got loose for a 32-yard TD run to make it 17-10. It never should've happened because, moments earlier, rookie DE Quinton Coples was flagged for a facemask penalty on a third-and-3. The Jets gave them new life.

The Jaguars got the ball back with 1:43 remaining in the fourth quarter and they converted two fourth downs, including a fourth-and-15. Four plays later, on fourth-and-2, nickel back Ellis Lankster went for an interception instead of simply batting the ball down -- a mental mistake and another first down.

Moments later, Lankster sealed the win, intercepting a strange, wounded-duck throw by Henne.

The Jets' defense no longer is swagger-licious, as Scott used to call it, but it delivered another strong game.

"It was a group effort," LB Calvin Pace said. "A lot of guys aren't household names -- the Ellis Lanksters and Y.B.'s (Yeremiah Bell) -- a lot of people who don't get the publicity. But they're stepping up big time."

THROW OF THE DAY: Without a doubt, the biggest pass of the game was Mark Sanchez's 37-yard completion to TE Jeff Cumberland. It was third-and-8 from their own 13 -- dangerous territory.

Cumberland ran an option route and broke free in the middle of the field. The Jaguars were in a two-safety look. Based on that, Cumberland ran a post route. If it had been one-deep safety, he would've cut inside. He and Sanchez read it the same way. For a change, the passing game showed some cohesiveness.

"As soon as I came out of the break, Mark hit me," Cumberland said.

ODDS AND ENDS: Cumberland played college ball at Illinois with Cowboys teammates Josh Brent and Jerry Brown, who was killed Saturday in a car crash. Brent was the driver and charged with manslaughter intoxication. "Both of those guys were cool guys," Cumberland said. "It's a tough loss for both families. I just pray for each of the families." ... LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson got beat on the strip sack by DE Jason Babin. ... David Harris, Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples recorded sacks. ... The Jets made it through a game without any special teams gaffes

Here we are, at the three-quarter mark of the season. Here's a breakdown of the defensive snaps from the third quarter of the season, games nine to 12 (based on 262 snaps):

DEFENSIVE LINE
Muhammad Wilkerson -- 219 snaps/84 percent
Mike DeVito -- 152 snaps/58 percent
Quinton Coples -- 103 snaps/39 percent
Sione Pouha -- 81 snaps/31 percent
Kenrick Ellis -- 18 snaps/7 percent
Damon Harrison -- 2 snaps/1 percent

Analysis: Remember draft day, when Rex Ryan anointed Coples as a starter? How's that working out? DeVito answered the challenge and is having a solid season while Coples has made no impact as a rookie. Po'uha continues to battle a bad back. Wilkerson keeps getting better.

LINEBACKER
David Harris -- 262 snaps/100 percent
Calvin Pace -- 243 snaps/93 percent
Bryan Thomas -- 164 snaps/63 percent
Bart Scott -- 117 snaps/43 percent
DeMario Davis -- 91 snaps/35 percent
Garrett McIntyre -- 79 snaps/30 percent
Ricky Sapp -- 42 snaps/16 percent

Analysis: The Scott-Davis situation is curious, changing week to week. Clearly, the coaches like Scott's toughness, but they're intrigued by Davis' athleticism. This unit will have a completely different look next season.

SECONDARY
Yeremiah Bell -- 262 snaps/100 percent
LaRon Landry -- 262 snaps/100 percent
Antonio Cromartie -- 261 snaps/99 percent
Kyle Wilson -- 250 snaps/95 percent
Eric Smith -- 145 snaps/55 percent
Ellis Lankster -- 128 snaps/49 percent
Donnie Fletcher -- 5 snaps/2 percent
Josh Bush -- 1 snap/1 percent
Isaiah Trufant -- 1 snap/1 percent

Analysis: Bell deserves a medal; he hasn't missed a snap all season. Trufant had assumed the nickel-back role, but suffered a season-ending injury, giving Lankster a reprieve. Smith, finally healthy, is back to a consistent role in the sub groupings.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Mike DeVito played with a heavy heart Sunday. He was a college teammate of Jovan Belcher at the University of Maine.

"From what I remember, he was a great person," DeVito said after the Jets' 7-6 win over the Chiefs at MetLife Stadium. "I'm so shocked by this situation."

DeVito said Rex Ryan addressed the murder-suicide Saturday morning with the team, but he didn't know the identity of the player at that point. DeVito went home and received a call from teammate Sione Po'uha, who told him Ryan wanted to see him back at the facility. DeVito turned back and received the news from the coach.

DeVito, who was two years ahead of Belcher at Maine, said he remembered Belcher coming up for his recruiting trip.

"I remember there was a lot on us to get him to come up to Maine," DeVito said, laughing. "You could see the type of player he was up there, and how tough he is playing in the league. Coming from Maine, I know first-hand how tough that is."

DeVito said he and Belcher weren't particularly close, but added, "My senior year, the defense was close. It's Maine. it's not like it's Ohio State. The team did the same things. We were always at the same parties, the same places. We were around each other a lot."

"He was a great player. He was a funny guy to be around," DeVito said. "One thing I'm disappointed with in myself, I haven't stayed in as close a contact with him after we left college, which is killing me because you always wish you could be involved in guys' lives. That's something I learned out of this whole experience."

A playing-time breakdown for every player on defense through the first four games (284 snaps):

DEFENSIVE LINE

Muhammad Wilkerson -- 238 snaps, 84 percent

Mike DeVito -- 164 snaps, 58 percent

Sione Po'uha -- 128 snaps, 45 percent

Kenrick Ellis -- 110 snaps, 39 percent

Quinton Coples -- 104 snaps, 37 percent

Marcus Dixon -- 57 snaps, 20 percent

LINEBACKER

David Harris -- 284 snaps, 100 percent

Calvin Pace -- 274 snaps, 96 percent

Bart Scott -- 234 snaps, 82 percent

Garrett McIntyre -- 128 snaps, 45 percent

Aaron Maybin -- 48 snaps, 17 percent

Bryan Thomas -- 42 snaps, 15 percent

Josh Mauga -- 39 snaps, 14 percent

Demario Davis -- 16 snaps, 6 percent

SECONDARY

Yeremiah Bell -- 284 snaps, 100 percent

LaRon Landry -- 272 snaps, 96 percent

Antonio Cromartie -- 266 snaps, 94 percent

Kyle Wilson -- 226 snaps, 80 percent

Darrelle Revis -- 93 snaps, 33 percent

Ellis Lankster -- 61 snaps, 21 percent

Eric Smith -- 55 snaps, 19 percent

Isaiah Trufant -- 9 snaps, 3 percent

Joe McKnight -- 2 snaps, 0.7 percent

Analysis: The biggest story here is Maybin's lack of playing time. You knew he'd fall short of his goal of becoming a full-time player, but 12 snaps per game is on the low side. DC Mike Pettine said Maybin will see more time Monday night, which means they could have a special package for him ... Look for Ellis and Coples to see increased playing time ... Davis is a surprise. He figured to be more involved in sub packages. They could use his speed on the field ... Tremendous durability by Bell and Harris.