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The Jets need this one bad, and seem to be in good spirits and highly-motivated. If they can get Sione back this Sunday, that will certainly help their cause. Let’s get into some notes and Whispers . . .
In practice today, Sione Pouha was the starting nose tackle with the starting defense during the media portion of practice.
That is a pretty good sign that he will play on Sunday.
And they need him.
They really need him.
He’s a superb run defending nose tackle, when healthy.
And the Jets have really missed him.
Kenrick Ellis had his moments, but was inconsistent before getting hurt, Daniel Muir is still learning the system and getting into shape, and Mike DeVito, who swings over to nose tackle sometimes, is a little small for the spot. DeVito is serviceable at nose tackle. He’s much better at 3-4 end.
Ideally, the Jets should probably wait until after the bye week to bring Sione back – take advantage of the extra two weeks, like they seem to be doing with Bart Scott. We all know how bad backs are – so often time is the best healer.
But the Jets desperately need this game, and Pouha says he feels much better. They can’t afford to fall to 3-5. They have to win this game, and they know it. So they need the talented Tongan nose tackle out there, so he’s going to give it his best shot (literally and figuratively) . . .
Also, I noticed DeMario Davis starting at inside linebacker next to David Harris, for Scott.
Honestly, Nick Bellore should be starting ahead of Davis, but you how he feels about Davis. He’s Canton-bound. Just kidding.
Davis has a huge upside. He’s fast (4.53 speed), tough and a hard-worker, but right now, he still seems to hesitant out there, as he learns the why’s and wherefore’s of playing inside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. Remember, he was an outside linebacker at Arkansas State.
Bellore was an inside linebacker in college, and the Jets have been teaching and developing him for the last year and a half.
He’s probably the better option right now . . .
Jeff Cumberland says the fiberglass (or some material like that) cast they designed for his injured wrist allows him to do his job without a lot of a pain.
You just have to wonder if the cast, while it does allow his fingers to move freely, will it take him out of the passing game. His fingers are the only things free – the rest of his hand and wrist are in the cast or brace, whatever you want to call it . . .
Eric Smith is questionable, and was limited in practice, but based on watching practice, he looks like he’s going to play.
I saw was with the starting line-up, positioned next to LaRon Landry, in practice today . . .
Expect a big role for Lex Hilliard this week.
There is something to be said about players having extra motivation against their old team. Hilliard, a high-motor guy all the time, should have the motor amped even higher this week.
Watching him in practice today, he’s a soft-handed receiver, who is really going to help the Jets in the passing game. He moves very, very well for a 240-pound fullback.
Mike Tannenbaum has taken a lot of heat from the press recently, but he deserves a lot of credit for this move. The addition of Hilliard looks like a masterstroke.
Whether it’s blocking, running occasionally, receiving or special teams work, this guy brings a lot to the table . . .
There was a really good vibe in the Jets locker room this week. The guys were loose.
I think this team has grown closer since the injuries to a couple of star players . . .
Joe McKnight (above with Dr. Ken Montgomery) was limping badly on the practice field, and he’s in a lot of pain, but you sense he’s going to play. There is a good chance he will get a Toradol shot before the game.
October 26, 2012
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