EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- After making headlines with his mouth last week, covering everything from Superman to sex, Sheldon Richardson was relatively subdued after the New York Jets' 30-27 overtime victory. But he did make one interesting comment about the New England Patriots.
Richardson said one of the themes from Rex Ryan's speech Saturday night to the team was, "We're better than the Patriots." Asked if he actually believes that, Richardson replied without hesitation: "Yes."
The chatty rookie defensive tackle declined to re-visit his mid-week comments about Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. He told ESPN.com that no one on the Jets views Brady as a "Superman," adding: "He's just the opposite of that." Asked to elaborate after the game, Richardson shook his head.
"No, I'm not talking about that," he said. "He's a great quarterback."
Evidently, the Thought Police got to him.
DOMINANT D: The Jets sacked Brady four times, bringing their season total to 24. How impressive is that? The Jets had only 30 last season. Muhammad Wilkerson, Calvin Pace, Damon Harrison and Quinton Coples had one apiece. It was Harrison's first career sack and Coples' first of the season.
Wilkerson has recorded a sack in three consecutive games, with 10 in his last 14 games.
The Jets overwhelmed Brady & Co. on third down, holding them to 1-for-12. In two games against the Patriots, the Jets have held them to 5-for-30.
"The key is getting him off his mark and making him feel uncomfortable, and I think we did that up front," Wilkerson said.
Unsung hero: Recently-signed WR David Nelson was overshadowed by fellow receiver Jeremy Kerley and RB Chris Ivory, but he made some big plays in only his third game as a Jet. He finished with four catches for 80 yards, including a 12-yard reception on the game-winning drive in overtime. It was his highest receiving total since 2011, when he played for the Buffalo Bills.
Injury report: For a change, the Jets apparently avoided any serious injuries. C Nick Mangold and CB Dee Milliner went for X-rays after the game. Mangold said it was precautionary and he was fine. S Antonio Allen hurt an ankle but returned.