FLORHAM PARK–As  the media hiked out to practice, we came upon a mini snowball fight that was in progress between Eric Smith and Brodney Pool just prior to stretching and warm-ups. We all had a moment where we wondered if we needed to arm ourselves. Smith later confirmed to me that our concerns were warranted. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed.

Although he’s been ruled out for the game, Damien Woody was dressed and on the field. He did not appear to be doing anything beyond “mental reps.” He said later that it was a nice “change of scenery.”

Shaun Ellis was first listed as doubtful, but then upgraded to questionable. Regardless, don’t expect him to play. Eric Smith has also been listed as doubtful. Ditto on playing expectations.

Mark Sanchez didn’t do a lot of throwing today and although Rex Ryan confirmed that he will start, he also said that Sanchez likely won’t play a lot. Mark Brunell and Kellen Clemens took almost all the reps on Friday. As for Sanchez, he is better this week than last week, but has stayed steady this week – no setbacks, but no major improvements either.

There is also a chance that neither Darrelle Revis (hamstring) nor Antonio Cromartie (groin) will play. All Ryan said was “the next man will have to step up.”

Kyle Wilson is going to see some playing time for the first time in a while. He’s looking forward to getting back on the field and trying to show the improvements he’s made. He talked about the most important thing he’s learned to focus on. “Making sure you’re always in the right place. It’s kind of basic, but you always have to do it. That way you get the right leverage, the right angles, everything to make a play.”

The defense has been heavily back to fundamentals as Ryan indicated they would be. Bryan Thomas, for one, has found it to be a good idea. “Sometimes you get so caught up in other things and you get sloppy because you’re not working on it every single day. There have been a lot of technical errors. When I look at film of myself, I haven’t looked as good as I could.”

Ryan doesn’t recall ever having to put this much emphasis on fundamentals this late in the season. “Maybe because I haven’t needed to,” he said. “It’s obvious what the answers are.”

As for facing the Bills, Pool talked about wide receiver Stevie Johnson and his ability to make plays. “He knows how to use his body to get open.”

Bill nose tackle Kyle Williams will be no small feat for the Jets offense. Ryan said, “That guy doesn’t get a whole lot of credit. He should have been in the Pro Bowl. He’s one of the best players in the league (at his position). We’ve definitely got to get him blocked.”

The team is also trying to stay focused on the Bills, in spite of the fact that the playoffs are looming. “The playoffs are in the back of your mind,” Revis said, “But you’ve always got to prepare and focus on this week. You’re trying to juggle between the two.”

Anecdote of the Day: Matt Slauson was back after his wife gave birth to their son at 7:00 a.m. on Friday after almost 24 hours in labor. They have named him Montgomery James. Slauson was back at work by 8:15 a.m. and said he’s had only three hours sleep in the last 48. And yet, he looked completely energized, with a huge smile on his face.

On a personal note, I have had a blast writing here this season. Thanks for all the great feedback and input. I wish all of you the best for a wonderful 2011. Happy New Year!

From thejetsblog.com. Please read the complete article and let us know what you think below.