It's do or die time Sunday night at the Meadowlands...the Jets beat the Bengals and Gang Green is in the PLAYOFFS. A bit of a bump in the road though coming in today's injury report. The injuries could be nothing at all, just something the team has to put on paper but we are worry warts here....at least the Jets fans (like my father in law).

CB Donald Strickland will miss the game (strained quad). He injured it sacking Indy backup QB Curtis Painter last week but has already missed six games with other ailments. So the Jets have done without him this season.

P Steve Weatherford is questionable (tweaked hamstring). He actually injured it at practice and will be in the game unless he reaggrevates the injury. K Jay Feely is your backup.

DE Shaun Ellis was sent home with illness and is listed as questionable.

We've said Goodbye to 2009 and Hello to 2010... The PIX11 Sports Team wishes everyone a Happy and Healthy 2010... We also have some hopes and wishes for the local sports teams... Let's see if you agree:

Mets: Jason Bay is nice... good to know that Omar Minaya is awake. But the Mets still need some pitching... There's not much out there with John Lackey, Roy Halladay, and Jason Marquis signing with new teams... But there's been talk of acquiring Carlos Zambrano... I'm ok with that. Also... Can we ask the baseball Gods for some health this year??

Yankees: Hmmm... they just won the World Series... They went out and got a new center fielder in Curtis Granderson. They helped their pitching staff by bringing back Javier Vazquez. Maybe he'll be better this time around since he won't be expected to be the ace of the staff. So what would the Yankees ask for? I don't know. What do you get for the team that has everything? I guess you just ask for the Yankees on the field to match their worth on paper. I know... lame request!

Maybe everyone should take a month off from work every now and then.

Especially if it guarantees a return performance like the one Nate Robinson had tonight against the Hawks.

Mike D’Antoni FINALLY put Nate Rob (only took him a month to listen to my man Chris) in the game after 14 straight DNP-CD’s and you know where it went from there…..

41 points in one of the most dominant displays ANYONE has put on in the NBA this season.

Seriously, that run he went on beginning in the fourth and into overtime was reminiscent of……and you Jordan-lovers better not cringe….. #23 himself.

Nate absolutely took that game over. He put the Knicks on his back, or, more accurately, said to them “get the hell out of my way.”

If you missed the game, the most telling moment came when Nate was in the midst of his unconscious stretch and the MSG cameras caught Mike D’Antoni with one of those smiles that said “you’ve gotta be kidding me.”

We still don’t know exactly why D’Antoni buried Nate so deep in the dog house, but it seems like it might have been the best thing for all parties concerned.

Now the question is, what role does Robinson have from here on out?

There are so many story lines from tonight's Jets/Bengals game...where to begin?

First off, kudos to the NFL schedule makers for giving us a rematch of tonight's game in next weekend's Wild Card round. There's no doubt Jet fans are wondering...."that was TOO easy, here comes the 'same old Jets' let down" on Saturday.

There's no way the Jets are 37 points better than the Bengals. Not even a third of that. So how much do we read into tonight's final score?

I loved Jason's stories about being a hockey player back as a teen and then switching to skiing before making baseball his number one sport. However, my favorite story of the day was the one he told candidly about the time he and Jose Reyes were at Mets Spring Training together, circa 2002. Listen after the break and smile along with me.

Omar Minaya got his big left fielder but what's next? You know the Mets need help in many areas but we picked the ones already out there: pitching (always pitching!), catching (will we see another big signing?? Hold on a minute!!!) and Carlos Delgado or anyone at first base. Listen after the break to Minaya.

Jason Bay is now officially a Met and I have to admit at first I wasn't that excited. However, after today's press conference I think he is a great pickup. I like his numbers and find he has been consistent throughout his career. While he strikes out often, I do think he can put the ball in play when necessary. Bay himself said he is no Torii Hunter, but the 31 year old will be able to cover ground and at least, REALLY knows how to play left field.

I learned long ago that behind every good man, pro athletes included, there is a good woman. Jason's is his wife, Kristen. Sitting quietly in the front row and waiting patiently for Jason to be done with the media frenzy, I just had to go and introduce myself. No one else did. (not surprising)

Kristen was extremely pleasant, just like she was I assume, when she read to young children at an event in Pittsburgh (when Bay was a Pirate). The two have known and been with each other since their days at Gonzaga University. They have two daughters, 15 months and 3 years old. We discussed living in NY and she spoke about how grateful she has been for all the opportunities that she and Jason have had because of baseball. Kristen adds, had it not been for the game, she might still be in her native Seattle. She says Jason believes being in NY is a dream and a goal he has had for many years. Bay said so himself too and spoke about how you don't get many opportunities to quote "choose" where you end up.

You know what the above tells me? It tells me Bay=stability. Here you have a man who is dedicated and "in it for the long haul"...a man who believes in where he is and what he does OR he wouldn't be there. His committment to the game, his wife and family and treating them all as equals helps me understand Mr. Canuck is going to work hard for the Mets without compromising himself. Who doesn't want that on their team? His numbers aren't crazy Manny numbers, but look how he stepped into that role with poise and won over Boston fans (many of my college friends still in Beantown have been texting me all day, mourning the loss of Bay). So let's welcome "Flushing Bay" and show him and his family what NY is all about. That means, be nice...for a little bit at least...

Listen to Bay below!

Whether or not the Jets backed their way into the playoffs or earned their way in... All that is water under the bridge. The Jets have an opportunity to do something special in the playoffs. It starts Saturday in Cincinnati. We talked to some of their players and got their pre-game thoughts. Listen in.

If you read this blog regularly, you know how much I love baseball. Of all our major sports, America's pastime is the one most linked to stats and comparison, and judging greatness.

Earlier today, Andre Dawson was elected to Cooperstown by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Once again, the supposed Keepers of Baseball Purity missed twice-voting Dawson in while excluding Roberto Alomar by 8 votes.

I think that headline says it all.

Today at Jets camp Rex Ryan said he believes the Jets are the favorites to go all the way in the “playoff tournament.”

That’s despite the fact that the Jets are considered by many to be the longest shot to win the Super Bowl of the 12 playoff teams.

And that’s also despite the fact that Rex was incorrectly under the assumption that his team was eliminated from the playoffs a mere two-plus weeks ago.

My, how things have changed.

Below you’ll hear Rex himself making that (absurd/true….to be honest, I’m not really sure anymore) statement, and the reaction from some of his players.

However you feet about Rex’s outlook, it seems like he’s taking the media attention on his shoulders and deflecting it from his players.

Could it be that Rex is a master strategist?

Is it more likely he’s just putting his foot in his mouth in true Rex style?

Listen for yourself and be the judge:

…he’s a hall of famer in my book.

If you’re looking for insightful commentary on the HOF voting process, you have NOT come to the right place. Instead check out Bobby’s blog below.

But if you want to see why Blyleven is a first ballot inductee in my sophomoric world, click below:

Wizards Guard Gilbert Arenas

This is a sad story. Wednesday Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas was suspended indefinitely by the NBA. Arenas, of course, is the player who reportedly pulled a gun on his teammate Javaris Crittenton because of a gambling dispute. I say this story is sad... but it is sad on so many levels. Disclaimer: this is my opinion, not the opinion of "The Huddle" or its management team at WPIX. Firstly the culture in sports right now is becoming outright disgusting. These guys are all millionaires and are acting as if they are common street thugs. You can take the guy out of the streets but you can't take the streets out of the guy. Devin Harris of the Nets was quoted as saying that 60-75% of the players in the NBA have guns. WHY?

At the time of this writing there’s still an entire half to play in the BCS National Championship Game, but this sucker’s been over since the first quarter.

As you know by now, Texas QB Colt McCoy was knocked out of the game after a tackle and will not return.

In the meantime, Alabama is feasting on the Longhorns’ true freshman replacement, racing out to a 24-6 halftime lead (In fact, Garrett Gilbert is doing so poorly, UT ran 17 plays in the first half that totaled 1 yard or less).

All this begs the question, does McCoy’s injury taint the title for Alabama? Is this how you want to win?

When I posed the question in the office, Bobby chimed in immediately, “you win any way you can take it.”

That’s definitely one school of thought, but what about the team that was essentially handed the victory?

‘Bama players and fans have every right to be proud of their accomplishment, but are they now going to have to live with the idea that their win was somehow diminished?

Are people going to refer to their championship as the title they won because of an injury to the other team’s star player?

That’s a crappy situation. They can’t win for winning.

It's amazing how in the last two weeks the Jets have gone from NO SHOT to get to the playoffs to "tournament favorites" all in the words of their head coach Rex Ryan The Jets have talked and chirped all week, It's time to put up or shut up. My guess is when the dust (or snow)settles about 8 pm Saturday, the Jets will have a long, sad flight home from Cincinnati.

Oh Bobby, you're so negative. Let's give the Jets some credit. You love to point out the bad moments in the Jets Defense and the blunders by Mark Sanchez (which are plentiful, I admit) but there are plenty of good things. The Jets have the best defense and rushing offense in the league!!! That's Numero Uno!!! Rex and the coaching gang will keep the same strategy on the offense (you'll probably see Brad Smith throw more than Sanchez) and the defense, even with Bengals RB Cedric Benson in the mix, will shut Cincy down. Granted the "questionable" next to LB David Harris' name makes me nervous but I believe the Jets squeeze past this one, possibly on the leg of K Jay Feely. I kind of like weird scores...

Courtesy: WFAN

My bud, WFAN's Craig Carton and Jets mega fan Fireman Ed have my back...Craig even whispering sweet nothings...J/K, I love his wife, Kimmy! Listen below:

What a wild game at the Prudential Center tonight...the Devils and Lightening were nine minutes into the second period when the lights just went out. PSE&G could not figure out the root of the problem (circuit breakers popped) and the game had to be postponed. Now the two teams are meeting to figure out when to play next...question is: do you start with the score at the moment, 3-0 Tampa Bay, in the 2nd Period? I think yes; it would not be cool to begin the game from scratch. Check out some great video after the break from our friend Tim, a PIX Sports fan, who was at the Devils game.

After today's impressive 24-14 Jets win in Cincinnati, the league has to be asking itself; are the Jets capable of going all the way to the Super Bowl?

I say, why not?

They say you need three things to go far in the NFL playoffs:
1. A good defense.
2. A good running game.
3. A hot team

Obviously, the Jets meet all three criteria. So is it that absurd to wonder whether Gang Green can make it all the way to Miami?

How does everyone feel about Sunday's Jets/Chargers game now that week one of the playoffs is in the books?

The Ravens threw Jet fans a bit of a curve ball when they upset the Patriots. I for one had the Jets playing the Colts Saturday night.

But once it became clear early this afternoon that the Jets were Cali-bound instead of Indy, the following went through my head:

Mark McGwire admits steroid use.

The shoe has finally dropped... Mark McGwire has finally admitted what all of us have suspected for years, that he used steroids. He also added that he used HGH. He sent a statement to the Associated Press, then conducted a telephone interview with them shortly thereafter admitting his transgression. McGwire said he tried steroids in the 1989/1990 offseason and then used them again when he had an injury in 1993. In his statement he said "I used them on occasion throughout the '90s, including during the 1998 season." The 1998 season was of course when McGwire and Sammy Sosa had that captivating homerun duel that brought baseball back after the 1994 strike. Isn't it ironic that McGwire helped bring baseball out of a huge negative and hand deliver it to another?

So for years, Derek Jeter, the lifelong Yankee has been New York's most eligible bachelor. Who doesn't love Jeter?!? The 35 year old is handsome, intelligent, a philanthropist...and now ALMOST MARRIED! OH NO!!! Unlike Laura and the other women I know who swoon over the Captain, my "OH NO" comes from a different heartbreaking source. You see Jeter has always been a main example of what I like to call the "Clooney Effect".

He is the professional athlete that the paparazzi and others just don't mess with...that much. Yes, there have been pictures of him with Vanessa, Minka, Mariah and his other past girlfriends, but that is as far as the intrusion into his private life has really gone. Unlike ARod and his stripper escapade...Tiger and his harem...Jeter has led a "back of the page-LESS" life. We can attribute Tiger and ARod's coverage to their personality, who they are, which is all apart of it. However, the main thing for me: Jeter is TAKEN BUT STILL SINGLE. He is supposed to go out and party and be with lovely ladies and do all the things that young, rich men do. (another example is the Mets' David Wright) Once Jeter says "I DO", it is all over! George Clooney has the right idea! The 48 year old longtime bachelor is as serious as he wants to be, when he wants to be without too much attachment. Clooney was once married, between 1989--1993. Maybe he just hasn't found "the one", but I think he learned his lesson even back then when he had a mullet and played Roseanne's boss on Roseanne.

Jeter, if you are reading this (REALLY, YOU'RE READING THIS?! NO!!!) I am wishing you and Minka all the best..but maybe you get married and don't tell anyone. All I am saying is you open yourself to cameras trying to catch you in an indiscretion when you exchange rings and sign that piece of paper. All kidding aside, marriage is great and if you find someone as amazing as my hubby, Eric, then you know what I am talking about (Collective AHHH!) BUT, I am no Jeter and there will be no TMZ or some other pay for "news" station trying to take pictures of me with my trainer or at a hot new night club...OH WAIT! I don't do either...maybe that's why too!

Ok, let me say here and now: It took a lot of guts for Mark McGwire to appear on the MLB Network and openly admit that he used steroids. Hundreds of other guys haven't done this. For that, he should be commended.

But for Big Mac to sit there and say that he only used steroids for health reasons, AND that the steroids did not help with his performance (more than once in the interview with Bob Costas) because he used the steroids for health reasons only and in low dosages.

My take-Big Mac is full of crap and very self delusional. For him to think that steroids NEVER helped him, that it was God given ability and that's it-incredible! HE CLAIMS he used the juice for health reasons. Well, why the heck does he WISH there was drug testing and that he had never played in the steroid era? He'd have nothing to hide.

McGwire might as well be channeling Jose Canseco in reverse. Canseco has always been up front-to the nth degree, practically bragging about it. Yet, even McGwire acts as if he could have done whatever he wanted at the plate.

Mac also maintains that those closest around him didn't know till today. You're telling me that Bob Costas flew to California in less than 5 hours after McGwire's statement came out? NOT! That his family and manager Tony LaRussa and McGwire's family only knew last night and this morning? Come on! This is total, unadulterated BS.

What should we have expected? Athletes and other celebrities carry around a sense of entitlement. How else does Jayson Williams avoid jail for 8 years? If McGwire truly used steroids for "health" reasons, why does he tell Costas he wanted to come clean for years-even at the 2005 Congressional hearings? NO ballplayer has been indicted by Congress, not even Roger Clemens.

No, McGwire's interview was done in gthe hope that this will ease public perception and questions as he joins the Cardinals as hitting instructor. But some of his explanations leave me angrier than when this day started.

If there was/is a greater injustice in the history of the world than the Jets’ Darrelle Revis being passed over for NFL defensive POY I haven’t found it.

The Packers’ Charles Woodson won the award instead…infact, he earned twice as many votes Revis, 28 to 14.

What??!! Are you kidding me??

We’ve included interviews below with Darrelle himself (he was his typical polite, humble self) and Rex Ryan (he was his typical outspoken, opinioned self), who have differing opinions on the SNUB.

And there’s not other way to define it. Revis was absolutely hosed by idiot voters who have no idea what they’re doing.

The only way I can possibly justify these fools voting for Woodson instead of Revis is because of Woodson’s stats.

He’s tied for the NFL lead in INT’s (9) and defensive touchdowns (3), and 5th in passes defensed (27).

Big freaking deal!

There’s ONE SIMPLE REASON why his numbers are superior to Revis’:

Here we are a little less than three months from Opening Day, and the METS made a move I called for months ago! No, not a new pitcher, 2nd baseman or first baseman. Those tinkerings will have to wait another day The BIG news: There will be a Mets Hall of Fame at Citi Field. Yes, you'll see displays similar to Tom Seaver's Hall of Fame plaque at Flushing

The guys seemed really relaxed today, talking to some kids and giving them an exclusive tour through the locker room etc. It was Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, David Wright, Daniel Murphy, Omir Santos and Pedro Feliciano. We spoke to them about what they have been doing this offseason, if the Mets have done enough this offseason in terms of making the team better, and where do some of them fit on this team. Will Murph be the starting first baseman? How does Omir Santos feel about Bengie Molina rumors? Santos and Feliciano's interviews are in Spanish for all of you Latinos out there. Take a listen -------->

I loved the Jets Jay Feely's idea to give away two tickets to the Jets vs.Chargers game on Sunday. He tweeted to all Jets fans to post a picture of them punting a ball (fake punting) at their workplace. The winner is Army CPT John Turner stationed in Alaska. He is taking a West Point buddy and his wife is meeting him in San Diego. One negative: Feely is not paying for flights or hotel stay. Not cool...tickets are super expensive on short notice. Oh well, no one is perfect. Here is Turner's picture followed by our favorites in the PIX Sports Office:

Not an unfair question, I don’t think.

Would you rather be a fan of (potentially) the worst team in the history of your league OR (perhaps) the most chronically underachieving team in your sport?

Don’t be so quick to jump all over the Nets, Mets fans. Your situation stinks, too.

Is it better to be competitive for a few months and then have your heart broken OR is it preferable to know you’re out of it from the get-go?

This question comes to mind tonight because of the new injury revelations regarding Carlos Beltran.

Leave it to the Mets to pull the reverse “Blake Griffin.”

Let me explain:

Word came down about 10 pm tonight that Mets CF Carlos Beltran will miss AT LEAST 12 weeks after having surgery on his bad right knee today in Colorado.

This is a disaster, further bashing the Mets inactive offseason outside of signing Jason Bay. The Mets have asked us to believe since October that a healthy Mets team will contend in 2010. That myth is debunked. This is why you try to get depth on a baseball team. A caller to WFAN today actually suggested the Mets go after Rocco Baldelli as a 4th outfielder. Suddenly that doesn't seem so funny.

Interstingly, Beltran chose to have surgery with HIS OWN doctor without informing the Mets. We knew last season he was not happy with the way he was treated by the Mets medical staff. It is now VERY OK to say that the Met docs do not inspire confidence. Late add: The Mets apparently KNEW of the surgery, but did not agree with it. Either way, Beltran did this behind the team's back. They'll be some fences to mend whenever he does return.

That said, after some time to get over the initial shock, I AGREE with Beltran (until there are other facts disclosed that prove otherwise) for taking his health into his hands. As stated, the Mets medical staff gives the impression of being sub par. Sure, he's out till May, but what if this surgery means Beltran can still WALK in 5, 10, 20 years. He'll be thinking about the shape of his knees long after the Mets have forgotten about him.

So, with only 5 weeks till spring training, the Mets are in crisis mode. The injury malaise continues. Now, we'll see what Omar Minaya will do in the face of a nervous and unhappy fan base. The club, so lethargic thus far in the offseason, have another big hole to fill. Good luck

I have always known how loyal Jets fans are...I have watched my father in law suffer the ups and downs of this team for years. Haha! However, I never really realized just how much fans bleed "Gang Green"until I met Joel Rocco and his group in San Diego.

I had called him from NY after finding his website of San Diego Jets Fans which he runs alongside Robert Torres (the tech guy and super Jets fan originally from Brooklyn). Little did I know there is a whole network of people from across California, fans in LA, the Jets Insider which he tells me is the largest group outside of NY. Blogs, Facebook, you name it, Rocco and the gang have used it to get as many Jets fans as possible to Sunday's game against the Chargers (estimated 400-500). They will be tailgating in Parking lot G3 of Qualcomm and then filling up the Field Level, section 0-7, also section 112-116. Trust me, you will see plenty of green!

Thanks to Torres and especially Joel and his wife, Yvonne for letting us into their home and for gathering a couple of dozen of the faithful for our story. Jets Nation is truly a nation! Watch the video after the jump.

We had a busy but wonderful day getting to know some of the people who helped Mark Sanchez hone his athletic skills. Troy Roelen met me at Mission Viejo HS where Sanchez spent his junior and senior years. Roelen was Sanchez's basketball coach and AP English teacher. He walked us through the school and tells us some great stories about Sanchez. I felt like I got to know the rookie QB a bit better. His former football coach, Bob Johnson, also met up with us and gave us even more insight into this young man. Sanchez wears the #6 for his father, Nick Sr. Nick is a fire captain at Fire Station #6 in Irvine, CA. Sanchez has huge hands and can totally handle receiving the ball. Sanchez is extremely social and a uniter by nature. He is the one that will order a birthday cake at a restaurant even though it is not your birthday, then smile when you get embarrassed by the wait staff singing for you. He loves to play guitar and his down time in school was spent playing guitar in the courtyard. Watch the video after the jump....

Six hours ago my answer to that question was the AFC Championship game – TOPS. Now, I’m not so sure anymore.

It seems the Jets are sticking to their winning formula better than any team in the playoffs this season, playing THEIR game to perfection while rarely venturing outside their comfort zone.

Clearly that equation…run the ball + play amazing defense = playoff wins…is simple but effective for the Jets.

Fun stat from tonight’s game; Mark Sanchez’s 100 yards passing were the fewest ever for a Jets quarterback in a playoff win.

But even though Sanchez’s numbers were nothing to get excited about, the ‘Chize played another great game. And he didn’t just “manage” it.

He led the Jets on scoring drives after his defense made big plays and delivered the ball accurately when he needed to.

But the question now becomes, how far can this team actually go?

So, after being wrong the first two weeks of the playoffs, it's time to give the Jets their props! Their defense has led the way with first rate play. Good defense wins in the postseason, and the Jets clamped down on the suddenly 1 dimensional Chargers. Now its on to the biggest challenge -- THE COLTS! The Colts from that massive metropolis of Indianapolis.

Since my co-horts have all blogged about the Jets... I figured... I should too... I just want to put my thoughts out there so either I will look like a prophet or an idiot when all is said and done... I'm guessing I will be somewhere in the middle. Listening to talk radio, a lot of fans are comparing the Jets run with the 2007-2008 Giants run that won them the Super Bowl. There are some similarities. There was a big hub-bub about a team going for a perfect season. Should the game be played straight or should starters be rested? In 2008 it was the Patriots who were going for perfection. They were putting pedal to the medal. The question was would the Giants play their starters since their playoff fate was already sealed... They couldn't move up or down. The Giants DID play all their starters and lost a very close game but it seemed to give the Giants confidence that they could play with the elite... We all know what happened afterwards.

I had the pleasure and honor of speaking with one of the best quarterback coaches around. Coach Bob Johnson is head football coach at Mission Viejo High School in California. He also trains quarterbacks like Palmer and the Mannings before they went pro, preparing these athletes for the Combine. He is currently working with Texas' Colt McCoy. His two sons played in the NFL ...Johnson's reputation is unmatched.

Coach Johnson has been training Mark Sanchez since Sanchez was in seventh grade. Though he has dealt with many talented QBs and overall athletes, Coach tells us Sanchez is truly a special being both on and off the field. Leading up to the AFC Championship Game, we will give the Sanchez tidbits we discovered by speaking with Johnson....tonight it's all about his BIG HANDS. Keep it clean folks! Video in player or after the break...

Mark Sanchez is very close to his parents and two brothers. He wears the #6 after his father, Nick Sr., who is a fire captain at Fire Station #6 in Irvine, California. While Nick is at almost every Mark event, he almost missed the San Diego Divisional matchup and was to be absent from this Sunday's AFC Championship game. He could have been among a group of personnel from Orange County to go to Haiti and help with earthquake relief efforts. However, Nick was not chosen to go. Find out why he is not celebrating this fact, even though it means he can be at Mark's game in Indy? Discover how this mentality has helped shape the 23 year old rookie QB on and off the field? Hear from Mark's old HS Coach Bob Johnson just after the break...

I said the other night that I was buying into the whole Rex Ryan/Karma Gang Green on a roll thing. But like many of the so called experts and pundits who are squeezing for space on the Gang Green Band Wagon, I momentarily forgot that the top priority on the docket this Sunday is-do what you have to do to disrupt Peyton Manning.

We caught up with the Jets’ newest (and possibly best) offensive threat at Jets camp, rookie running back Shonn Greene, and got to know the 3rd round steal of a draft pick.

What you should know about Greene: he’s quiet, he was relatively unheralded coming out of Iowa in April, and he’s been handled brilliantly by the Jets this season.

No surprise with that last one – Rex and his crew have pretty much made all the right moves this season, and keeping Greene fresh for the playoffs is paying off mightily right now.

Greene had 108 carries during the ENTIRE regular season versus 331 for starter Thomas Jones.

But now in the postseason, Greene’s 44 carries and 263 yards lead not only the Jets, but the entire NFL. Compare those stats to Jones’ 29 rushes for 75 yards and it’s clear to see who’s been #1 during the playoffs.

Another fun fact: Shonn Greene is already #3 on the Jets’ all-time playoff rushing yardage list.

Don’t you love it when guys like this come out of nowhere? Don’t believe the experts who claim to have seen Greene’s outburst coming.

The only ones who I believe knew what the Jets had in Greene was the team's player personnel department, and kudos to them for having the foresight to keep Greene fresh for a potential playoff run.

When most first-year players hit the NFL’s infamous “rookie wall” around week 12 or so, Greene only had 54 career carries under his belt – instead spending time learning the game from vets like Jones and fullback Tony Richardson.

Now it’s his turn to shine and Greene is making the most of it. He’s arguably the league’s postseason offensive MVP to this point and the main focal point of the Jets offense.

Take a listen and get to know Shonn Greene after the jump:

Everyone talks about the Jets...about how good, then bad, then great the Jets have been this year. The same can be said for Safety Kerry Rhodes. He was supposed to be a key piece of the defense and then somewhere down the line, he lost favor with Coach Rex Ryan. His starting spot was taken away and for two games, he was the second stringer and we were left to think: that's it for Rhodes. Then, all of a sudden he turns it on, his attitude changes, and Rhodes is back to being a significant if not necessary part of the Jets defense. Hear what Kerry himself thinks about his 180 after the break or in our video player.

*Thanks to Producer Matt E. for his work in the locker room.

It’s amazing that on a roster of like 50+ guys, only THREE Jets have won at least one Super Bowl ring.

They are: Alan Faneca, Damien Woody and……the third guy is trivia. Hint: he has three (answer below).

Faneca and Woody were talking about their bling at Jets camp this week, and we caught up with them to find out how their teammates reacted when they both busted out the rings during the team’s trip to San Diego.

Interesting tid bit - that they both decided to wear the rings on that trip was a coincidence. Both guys thought the hardware would inspire their teammates.

Apparently champion minds think alike.

Hear what the guys had to say about their Super Bowl rings after the jump:

Enough Jets for a minute: Kobe comes to the Garden tonight for his first visit since raining 61 on the Knicks’ heads last season.

The question for Knicks (and Kobe) fans: how many does Bryant go off for tonight?

There’s no doubting that when he wants to turn it on, he can score prodigiously. 81 against the Raptors a few years ago and the aforementioned 61 at MSG last February.

Will tonight be one of those nights? Maybe, maybe not.

The Lakers need a win after losing to LeBron and the Cavs last night, and that might force Kobe to play more unselfishly.

Or he could decide to shoot every time he touches the ball.

Either way, it should be entertaining.

How many do you think he scores?

(I say 35).

Matt Estreich for The Huddle

By Glenn Petraitis

No Bengie Molina for the Mets! Stayed with San Fran for less money. No Joel Pinero! Went to Anaheim for less money then the Mets offered! Jason Bay? Says he wanted to come here all along, but we all know that's not true, the only other suitor was the Red Sox and they bailed on him once they figured out he has a creeky knee that won't make it past 2 years before it causes him problems.

What about Ben Sheets? Hurt all of last year! Now, he wants back in, and of course. Why not? Because there's always teams out there like the Mets who are so desperate, they will have to overpay for damaged goods.

And, then there was today's acquisition. Gary Matthews Jr. Huh?

Now on the surface, it will be sold to us as, " We need a centerfielder until Carlos Beltran gets back," and that's true, but Gary Matthews Jr?" Now, the Angels practically paid the Mets to take him off their hands, $21.5 million of the $23 million he's owed the next 2 years, so that makes financial sense too! But if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck and waddles like a duck, it's duck! Gary Matthews is a duck!

Intrepid PIX sports anchor Lolita Lopez is on the ground in Indianapolis and found a bunch of Jets fans in a hurry.

It turns out they’ve staked out a local bar about two blocks from Lucas Oil Stadium and are claiming it for NY.

Coincidentally, the guy who owns the place is an ex-New Yorker himself and he’s (secretly) happy to host Gang Green’s un-official meeting place behind enemy lines.

Click after the jump for Lolita’s report from Claddagh Irish Pub in Downtown Indy:

The Jets don’t arrive in Indianapolis until Saturday afternoon, but many of the players’ families are already in Indy.

And if you’re going to find out how the moms and dads are handling Gang Green’s unlikely run to the AFC title game, why not ask the Mom of the best damn player on the team: Darrelle Revis.

Lolita Lopez caught up with Darrelle’s mom, Diana Gilbert, earlier this evening and got a first-hand account of what the Jets’ All-World corner was like growing up, what it’s like to watch him play, and what she thinks of Manhattan being temporarily re-named after her son.

Take a listen:

The Jets have finally touched down in Indianapolis, arriving at their downtown hotel at about five this afternoon.

Lolita Lopez was there with about 100 Jet fans to greet the team as they got off buses and made their way through the lobby.

We caught up with Fullback Tony Richardson and Owner Woody Johnson to get their take on the team’s mindset a mere 23 hours before kickoff.

Take a listen:

Just what do all those Colts fans think of the Green Wave that’s washed over their city these past couple of days?

Lolita Lopez took to the streets of Indianapolis to ask Colts backers their opinions of Jets fans.

Predictably the word “obnoxious” is used, but there’s more in there, too…..like how a couple of Jet players describe the ideal Jet fan.

It’s a must listen:

Last night we brought you part one of Lolita Lopez’s chat with Diana Gilbert, mother of Jets super star Darrelle Revis.

Tonight be sure to check out part two, where Ms. Gilbert unveils more tidbits of what made her son the class act he is today.

Namely, the positive football role model he had in his immediate family, what Ms. Gilbert did when Darrelle struggled with his school work, and the unfinished business Revis has with the University of Pittsburgh.

Check out Part II after the jump:

Huddle fans – LISTEN UP!!

We’re hosting a live chat tomorrow during the Jets game with anchor Glenn Petraitis answering your questions/comments/rants.

Log on to WPIX.com before kickoff and and sign up for the chat – it’s FREE! Just make your way to our homepage, look for the JETS LINK and then chat away!

Just make sure all pizza and drinks are kept far away from the computer….we can’t be responsible if you spill anything on your keyboard while yelling at the TV (or at Glenn’s commentary).

Oh my goodness...I am beat but totally psyched for tomorrow's game. We are just across the way, literally I can see Lucas Oil Stadium from my hotel room, and Jets fans are swarming Indy like ants on a picnic blanket. I mean this only in a good way. New Yorkers are the best. They are such true fans and travel everywhere their team goes and that is happening here. We could barely find Colts fans this evening. I know tomorrow will be different, but it's nice to see that it won't just be blue and white.

And how cool is Darrelle Revis' mom! Diana Gilbert was so forthcoming, inspiring, just a strong and loving lady. By the end of our interview she was hugging me and photographer, Jason, and treating us like family. I love learning about the athlete when I discover where they come from and who has shaped their lives. In this case...even more so...Okay goodnight all...

Its just a few hours before gametime... and I have to say I am looking forward to this game. The Jets fans have been vocal... around town... on the radio and TV airwaves and in Indy with Lolita. Although I still think the Colts will win the game (I can't change up now-- 31-20 Colts) I think the game will be very competitive. I have to say this, the Jets are so, so confident and they are playing with house money. The pressure is squarely on the Colts. They are the favored team. They are the home team. They are the team that pulled their main players and told the history books "No thanks" when it came to the pursuit of a perfect season. They have to prove they can turn it off and on. The Colts are the team with the Future Hall of Famer behind center. So they have all the pressure.

Again, I'm not picking the Jets to win, but historically, Manning has not been his usual dominating self in the playoffs... Regular season... Lights out!! Playoffs??? Not so much... So will the Jets catch a break? Will Peyton NOT be the man? Maybe... Will the Jets 41 year Super Bowl Jinx end? Can the Jets repeat the Giants 2008 run of winning 3 road games to win the Super Bowl? We'll begin to find out starting Sunday at 3pm.

By the way, if you're so inclined... hop on your computer and chat with our own Glenn Petraitis. We will have a Jets chat room up and running DURING THE GAME and we want you to join our little party... just go to www.wpix.com/sports/football-postseason and join our FREE chat. Also our own Lolita Lopez will be tweeting... via Twitter.... How else can you tweet... She will be tweeting her innermost thoughts during the game as she watches it live in Indy so keep an eye out for that... We are your online home for all things Jets...... J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!!!

Thanks to everyone who joined the PIX sports staff for our live chat during the Jets/Colts AFC Championship game.

We’ve compiled the best of the best observations, barbs, and jabs….the halftime “what did you snack on” poll not included (chips and salsa was the runaway winner).

If you were there, thanks…and if you weren’t, here’s what you missed:

It was a tale of two halves, or should I say, one out of four quarters.

The Jets scored 17 in the second quarter and were shut out in each of the other three. Indianapolis finished the game on a 24-0 run.

But there was no doubt the game hinged on the Colts touchdown right before the half; Peyton Manning to Austin Collie, cutting the Jets lead down to 17-13.

What a difference between an 11 point lead (which is what it would have been if Collie didn’t score) and a four point edge.

The momentum swung decidedly at that moment, with the Colts riding high into the half and the Jets subsequently failing to come out of the gate in the 3rd.

From there the Colts were off and running and the Jets were at the mercy of the undisputed best player in the NFL, Peyton Manning.

It’s an annual ritual from which no team is immune – it’s just a matter of when you clean out your locker at the end of the season…not if.

For the Jets, this morning came two weeks too early.

A mere 17 hours or so after their season ended in Indianapolis, the Jets held one last team meeting at their practice facility followed by that yearly rite of passage before the offseason; throwing all your belongings from the last five months in a Hefty bag and lugging it out to your car.

We were in the locker room this morning to get a sense of what these guys were feeling having come one half of football short of the Super Bowl.

While there was no doubting the team’s disappointment at their missed opportunity, the overall mood was positive, with most players reflecting on the progress the team made toward the end of the year and the potential for a similar run next season.

Take a listen to hear from Damien Woody, D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Kerry Rhodes, Mark Sanchez and Jay Feely:

The Mets, coming off a most disappointing 2009, can go nowhere but up (we hope.) They are holding a mini camp in advance of their normal spring training. Oliver Perez and Johan Santana are among the players there. Hopefully, Santana takes his fellow lefty Perez under his wing and gives him some tips. It would help Santana and the Mets immensely if Perez could show himself to be the pitcher he was in 2007 when he won 15 games in his first full season in Flushing. 2009 was a lost season for Perez, battling injuries and ineffectiveness. He had off season surgery on his right knee and is optimistic about his return. Listen in.

I know, Jets fans, you're terribly disappointed. I am too. I would have liked to see the Jets advance to their first Super Bowl since 1969. Their first Super Bowl in my lifetime. It would have been nice. But you ran up against a better team in the Colts and you lost. There's no shame in that. Really, there isn't. The shame would have been if you played a team that you were obviously much better than and found a way to lose. That would have been a shame. Then you could say "Same old Jets."

Let's go through the negatives right from the start: the Mets have passed on some good pitchers who could have helped the rotation tremendously. Just today, confirmation that Ben Sheets is going to Oakland; Roy Halladay is a Phillie; John Lackey is Boston bound and Jason Marquis will be in Washington this season. BUT ...here is the big BUT...JOHAN feels and looks great!!

He has been working on coming back stronger than ever this season despite his surgery on that left (throwing) elbow to remove bone spurs back in September. He threw 24 pitches today and has a plan in place for the rest of the Spring. He says he will not pitch under the second week of the Grapefruit League games, 2nd week in March. Listen...take it slow Johan! You are all we've got. I will say this until Pelfrey, Maine, and Ollie give me something to hang my hat on at the beginning of the season. Johan says if the team stays healthy, they will be ok. That should be the 2010 slogan...2010 Mets: If we stay healthy, we will be ok Hear from Johan just after the break:

I've had about 2 days to reflect on the Jets loss to the Colts Sunday. Despite the fact that Gang Green was clearly outclassed by Peyton Manning and Company, Coach Rex Ryan and Gang Green Nation talk more Whoopi Goldberg on "The View." It's time for everyone to settle down. Remember, the Jets fell short of the ultimate goal. Rarely is the SUPER BOWL loser remembered, never mind the losers of the conference championships. It's time for the Jets to be quiet and move on.

On this eve of the State of the Union address, we present the Mets’ version; Jerry Manuel’s take on his team heading into spring training.

The State of the Mets, if you will.

Unfortunately for Mets fans, the state of their union is anything but strong.

Injuries, a disgruntled fan base and a poor performance by the organization during the Hot Stove season have all combined to leave the Mets scrambling for bodies heading into mid-February.

How does Manuel assess his club’s situation?

Like any leader, Jerry believes the sky’s the limit for his club in 2010 (his take on the center field situation is particularly delusional).

Jerry also has very interesting things to say about Jose Reyes and what he expects this season from the enigmatic shortstop.

Among the other topics Manuel hits:

-Johan Santana’s return from injury
-Oliver Perez return from injury (notice a theme here?)
-David Wright’s return from a crappy season

All in all, a must listen for a Met fan….if for no other reason that to listen to Manuel’s last State of the Mets before Bobby V takes over.

Just sayin!

Despite his average 19.4 points and 11.4 points this season, David Lee did not make the All Star roster. Disappointing to say the least...the guy hustles and often "takes one for the team" whether on the court or in the locker room. No matter the subject matter...Isiah and his lawsuit, Stephon and his craziness...Lee is always available to say something. (I like that as a journalist).

I have to admit, the reserve choices are respectable: Raptors Chris Bosh (his one on one matchup tonight), Al Horford from Atlanta to name a couple. Still Lee is one of the highest scoring centers in the Eastern Conference. Some explain All Stars are chosen from teams with an over .500 record (not the Knicks at 18-26 before tonight) but I like Howard Beck's idea linked to former Knick Latrell Sprewell...

"...The Knicks have not had an All-Star since 2001, when Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston were their ambassadors. The only team with a longer drought is the Golden State Warriors, who haven’t had an All-Star since 1997. ...Ten months after he made the All-Star team as a Warrior, Sprewell choked his coach, P.J. Carlesimo, and was suspended for rest of the season. His career was salvaged by the Knicks, who acquired him in January 1999....Now the Warriors and the Knicks have the two longest active All-Star droughts in the league..." (Howard Beck, NY Times)

NBA Reserves List after the break:

First it was the Jets’ Darrelle Revis snubbed as NFL Defensive Player of The Year.

Today, the Knicks’ David Lee was most likely the first man left off the Eastern Conference All Star roster (covered in the post below by Lolita).

Huddle blogger extrordinare James Piccoli and I had a healthy debate going about the Mets’ quiet hot stove season – leaving me to conclude that the Mets and Yankees are all of a sudden tightening their wallets.

Since when does New York ANYTHING not mean the most expensive or shelling out the biggest bucks? (I.E. – when do the Nationals or Angels outbid the Mets for starting pitching or the Yankees say goodbye to Johnny Damon over a few measly millions?).

The point is, something is afoot these past few months, and New York sports teams are getting the short end of the stick.

How can this be the 10th straight year the Knicks have gone without an All Star representative?

This from the league of the frozen envelope, ensuring New York got Patrick Ewing in the lottery.

The math is starting to catch up with the Knicks... They've played 45 games which means they have 37 left... Thirty seven games to make up 4 1/2 games in the standings to make the 8th and final playoff spot in the east... The Knicks have been highly inconsistent lately... Their last 3 games are a perfect example... They get blown out by 50 at home against the Mavericks... 50!! Then they blow out Minnesota by 27. Then they lose a nail biter by two to the Raptors. Who can figure this team out??? Hopefully Mike D'Antoni can... because he wants to get them into the playoffs since their draft pick will go to Utah anyway... Oh if they didn't have that New Jersey Net-like start this year... They'd be in such better shape! We caught up to D'Antoni and he spoke about bouncing back after that tough loss to the Raptors. Listen in!!

Question: Have you ever made a 1,378 mile trip? Maybe by plane, sure. By car-maybe. Well how about if you made the trip by car, and if you left Friday afternoon, HAD to be done by Sunday afternoon-no matter what? That might make the journey tough. Well, that trip is being made as we speak, and for good reason.