Man its great to hear so many happy Jets fans for a change. I agree 150% about needing more help at NT so Jenkins can get the rest he needs during the game.
They can't slap the helmet. It's illegal. It's a judgement call on the part of the officials as to whether or not the defensive lineman was trying to slap the helmet or whether the offensive lineman went low to block him and a slap at the pads (which is perfectly legal) wound up at the helmet instead. I'm pretty sure that's what happened on the play in question. The offensive lineman was trying to get low to get leverage on Jenkins and his slap at the should pads wound up on the helmet instead. We'll find out when fines are announced this week by the NFL because they're definitely going to look at that one because it's somewhat unusual to see these days.
Imagine the looks of the OL when Jenkins lined up as ILB just before he blitzed. The sheer horror on their faces must have been priceless.
Looking at the play again it is really clear that Jenkins slap (more of a full arm swipe actually) is on the offensive player's shoulder and then rides up as he gets tossed like a rag doll. No fine.
ManishMehta1#Jets Kris Jenkins' back flared up playing w/kids aft Houston gm.Had limited practice reps 2day,but said he's good 2 go Sunday #nyj #nyjets
And this from today's practice. 3:29:38 pm The Jets had several players limited in practice today: NT Kris Jenkins with a lower back (according to coach Rex Ryan not related to his problems last season), RT Damien Woody has an illness, DT Sione Pouha, ankle, and WR Wallace Wright, hamstring. None is considered serious. 12:26:50 pm NT Kris Jenkins, who was held out of most of the preseason with a calf strain, stepped out of position drills for a few minutes to work with conditioning coach Sal Aloisi. He is now back with his unit and it is unclear if he has an injury.
