March 2011 - New York Jets Wiretap
Jets GM Wants To Retain Wide Receivers
The Jets want to re-sign wide receivers Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith, according to general manager Mike Tannenbaum.
Tannenbaum praised both Holmes and Edwards for helping quarterback Mark Sanchez through the regular season and in the playoffs, and would like to maintain the chemistry the trio developed.
"We'll see what the system looks like moving forward," he said. "We hope to keep them all."
Cromartie Won't Back Off Critical Labor Talk
Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie isn't backing off his critical comments about the NFL's labor situation.
After Ray Lewis and Darnell Dockett called out Cromartie for his comments regarding the NFL Players Association, he fired back Wednesday night.
"I don't give a who about Ray Lewis or [Darnell Dockett] talking about what I said," Cromartie said in a message posted on his Twitter account.
"There's 10's of thousand ppl who will lose jobs. They taking our healthcare away and for players that have surgery can't even get rehab once March 3rd gets here."
Cromartie ripped the league and the union Monday for the state of negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement.
Argos' Owens Gets Offer From Jets
CFL return specialist Chad Owens has a contract offer on the table from the NFL's Jets.
The Argonauts return man was the CFL's most outstanding special teams player in 2010.
"The offer is on the table from the Jets, but we are weighing all of our options," Owens' agent, Richard Burnoski, said. "It's a fair offer and Chad has to make the final decision."
Lewis, Dockett Call Out Cromartie For Labor Comments
Ray Lewis and Darnell Dockett want people to know that Antonio Cromartie doesn't speak for all players.
Cromartie called out the leaders of the NFL and the NFL Players Association earlier this week.
"To me, you need to stop bitching about it," Cromartie said, "and if you wanna say you're gonna get into a room and meet and greet, and say you're gonna do what you need to do, then do it. Don't just talk about it."
NFLPA is preparing for a potential lockout in early March if the two sides cannot come to an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement.
"We have leaders," Dockett said. "We know what is fair and the players are behind our leadership."
Lewis wants to be clear that he supports DeMaurice Smith, the union's executive director.
"Great leaders are servants first," Lewis said. "That is who our leaders are. Players are not going to turn on each other. We are blessed with what we have and it is on all of us to keep it fair. I'm resolved to do that."
Sanchez Defends Play-Calling
Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez has defended offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's play calling in the AFC Championship Game against the Steelers.
Sanchez said it was the fault of the players that the Jets failed to score on four plays inside Pittsburgh's 3-yard line midway through the fourth quarter.
"I would never criticize Schotty for the play calls," Sanchez said.
"We need to execute the plays; they're designed to score. We're on the 2-yard line. Whatever it takes, you've got to get in the end zone. And that's unfortunate that we didn't."
Sanchez Hopes To Avoid Shoulder Surgery
The Jets haven't ruled out offseason shoulder surgery for Mark Sanchez, but the quarterback is hoping to avoid it.
"I'm optimistic about everything and, hopefully, nothing needs to be done," Sanchez said Monday. "A little rest, and I'll be ready to go again."
Sanchez was hurt Dec. 19 against the Steelers and an MRI exam at the time revealed minor cartilage damage, according to sources.
He was limited in practices, but never missed a snap.
"I'll still talk to the doctors about it," Sanchez said. "We did our exit physicals and they're thrilled about the progress I've made the last couple of weeks. Things are pointing in the right direction. If there was anything serious, I think things would have declined. Things could've gotten worse, and I wouldn't have been able to practice.
"If anything, it just got better. That's a good sign. I'll just take it from there, talk to the doctors, get a couple of opinions on it, try to get it looked at ..."
Ryan Keeping Schottenheimer As OC
Rex Ryan says that Brian Schottenheimer will return as New York's offensive coordinator next season.
"Yes, absolutely," Ryan said Monday.
Schottenheimer is under contract for the 2011 season, according to a source.
The Jets improved in most offensive categories in 2010, including total offense, passing offense and scoring offense, but the coordinator came under fire last month when the team went 11 quarters without an offensive touchdown.
Cromartie Rips NFL, Union Over Labor Talks
Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie has some choice words for the NFL and the players union regarding negotiations of a new collective bargaining agreement.
"To me, you need to stop bitching about it," he said. "And if you wanna say you're gonna get into a room and meet and greet, and say you're gonna do what you need to do, then do it. Don't just talk about it."
Cromartie is a free agent this season, but rather than begin negotiations with the team, his managerial group is on hold due to the uncertain future of the CBA.
Sanchez Had Headset Issues During Loss
Mark Sanchez says he had issues communicating with the Jets' coaching staff during Sunday's loss to the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game.
The headset he was wearing malfunctioned.
"It never really happened for that long of a time," Sanchez said. "We had to use a walkie-talkie at one point and [offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer] was just yelling calls in at one point. It was just another challenge, and we almost overcame it."
The primary headset used to communicate with the quarterback went out after the first possession, while the backup unit stopped functioning in the fourth quarter.
Sanchez had to run over to the sideline to talk to Schottenheimer.
"The problem was the headset kept going out multiple times during the game," Sanchez said, "so I had to run over and get a couple calls, piece together some calls on the headset that came in broken up. It was one of those things we were fighting through. I was proud of our guys for trying to piece it together."
Steelers Headed To Dallas
For the third time in six seasons, Terrible Towels will twirl at the Super Bowl, where the Steelers will meet the Packers after silencing the Jets in a 24-19 victory for the AFC championship Sunday, according to an ESPN.com report.
Shaun Ellis Gets Pain-Killing Shot, Active
Shaun Ellis has received two pain-killing shots in his knee this week.
Jets Hold Rally Before Flight To Pittsburgh
Some 7,500 fans turned out to wish the Jets well before they left for Pittsburgh.
Jets Call Out Ward As 'Dirty'
Some of the Jets called Hines Ward "dirty" and "cheap" on Friday.
Football Meteorology For Championship Weekend
Even though most of the country expects the Packers to go to the Super Bowl, here is why the Bears will pull off the home upset.
Revis To Play Man On Ward, Cromartie To Cover Wallace
The Jets will put Antonio Cromartie on the speedy Mike Wallace.
Sanchez Can Set QB Record For Road Playoff Wins
Mark Sanchez already has four playoff road wins in his two seasons.
Ryan: Jets Are Ready For Steelers
Rex Ryan wants to bring the AFC Championship to the Jets.
Ike Taylor Will Try To Lay Out Holmes
Ike Taylor and Santonio Holmes were teammates in Pittsburgh.
Empire State Building Lit Up To Honor Jets
The plane carrying the Jets after Sunday's win flew closer to the landmark to catch a better view of the team colors.
Tomlin: Steelers, Jets Aren't Opposites
Mike Tomlin heaped praise on Rex Ryan.
Revis Tells Patriots To 'Move On'
The Jets believe the Patriots just need to move on from their playoff loss.
Scott: Judge Ryan By Game, Not Weight
Bart Scott doesn't understand why people criticize Rex Ryan for his weight.
Branch Calls Some Jets 'Classless'
Deion Branch says some "classless" stuff happened after the Jets beat the Patriots on Sunday.
Sanchez Leads Jets Past Patriots
The Jets backed up their trash talk with a win over the Patriots.
Video Shows Pats Attempting Sideline Wall In Week 2 Against Jets
The Patriots attempted a trip against the Jets on special teams back in Week 2.
Brady Throws First Interception In 340 Attempts
Tom Brady first an interception on New England's first offensive series against New York.
Patriots Bench Welker For Foot Comments
Bill Belichick didn't like Wes Welker's answers during a press conference earlier this week.
Byrd Delivers Motivational Speech To Jets
Dennis Byrd had his career ended early when he broke his neck in a game against the Chiefs back in 1992.
NFL Warns Teams About Trash Talk
The NFL may take public trash talk into account when evaluating on-field transgressions this weekend.
Ryan Readies For 2nd Biggest Game In Jets History
Rex Ryan also predicted that New York will beat New England on Sunday and advance to the AFC Championship Game.