Against Raiders, Ed Reed's snaps drop to lowest level since joining Jets

Since Ed Reed participated in all but two of the Jets defense's plays on Nov. 24 in Baltimore, the 35-year-old safety's snaps have diminished.

In the Jets' victory over the Oakland Raiders last Sunday, Reed participated in two-thirds of the Jets' defensive plays -- 46 of 69 plays -- his lowest mark since signing Nov. 14. Nonetheless, Reed secured his first interception of the season, which set up a Jets field goal.

True to Rex Ryan's stated desire last week to rotate personnel packages with more frequency, Antonio Allen saw 25 defensive snaps, up from nine a week earlier. The Jets subbed Allen for Reed but also used a three-safety package, with Allen and Reed alongside Dawan Landry. Reserve safety Jaiquawn Jarrett played seven snaps, down from eight a week ago.

Reed explained the rotation following Sunday's game: "Coach just wanted to keep a good rotation of safeties, like he has been. We've been doing that honestly since I've been here. They've been wanting to keep a rotation, keep those guys acclimated to what the defense is doing. Like I told them, I'm alright with whatever the defense wants to do. I've played a lot of football, so for me to get a rest at any time it's well welcome, but at the same time you want to compete, you want to play. And I know those guys want to play. We all watch film together so I know they can do it."

On the other side of the ball, Kellen Winslow saw a nearly equivalent amount of playing time as he has since Week 12, but his production doubled against the Raiders. Winslow participated in 19 plays -- one-third of the Jets' total snaps -- and caught three of six targets for a team-high 61 yards. Jeff Cumberland participated in 79 percent of snaps, but did not see a pass tossed in his direction.

After just two snaps against the Miami Dolphins in Week 13 due to a right hamstring injury, Santonio Holmes participated in 42 of the Jets' 58 offensive plays against the Raiders. Ryan said the Jets had planned not to overwork Holmes' hamstring during the game.

David Nelson led Jets wide receivers with 54 snaps.

Jeremy Kerley, in his first game since Nov. 3, took part in 27 snaps. On seven of those plays, Geno Smith targeted Kerley, who had four catches, including a touchdown. With Kerley back, Greg Salas' participation dropped from 55 percent to 19 percent.

Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell, the Jets' two running backs, split playing time evenly. Ivory got 29 plays and Powell 28.


(nj.com)