The Jets enter Sunday’s game against the Raiders in Oakland seeking their third consecutive game with five sacks.
With 12 regular season games to play, the Jets are a mere 11 sacks away from matching their season total of 29 a year ago.
Coach Eric Mangini yesterday said he was particularly happy about the distribution of those 18 sacks, with nine different players having had a hand in at least a partial sack.
“That now forces the offense to defend the whole perimeter of the defense, because you can bring different players and you can bring different combinations of guys,” Mangini said. “It also is a good indication that we’re getting the things done that we need to get done in terms of the blitz concepts. Guys are hitting the right spots, which is opening up some areas for other players.
“That’s something that I want to be able to continue to do throughout the course of the year.”
Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell has been sacked 12 times.
CB Justin Miller, who suffered a toe injury in preseason, has practiced full the last two days for the first time all season. WR David Clowney, who suffered a collarbone injury in preseason, practiced yesterday without the red jersey (for no contact) for the first time since he was hurt.
Mangini has indicated that both are healthy enough to play, but putting them on the active roster would depend on what they can do on special teams.
Jets K Mike Nugent will not return this week. He has not yet kicked in practice since suffering a left quadriceps injury on opening day. His replacement, Jay Feely, has made 6 of 8 field goals and all 11 extra points.
“He’ll (return) whenever he’s ready,” Mangini said, sounding as if he doesn’t want to rush the process.