In his first game back on the field since being benched at halftime of the Jets’ Week 16 loss to Pittsburgh last December, second-year cornerback Bless Austin was moving with a noticeably different sense of urgency than his teammates on defense. The Queens native broke on throws quickly and finished tackles with ruthless authority, confidently talking smack and getting in opponent’s faces after each play.
Dennis Rodman-esque tenacity is fun to watch, but it hardly matters if the player does not fulfill his actual responsibilities. In Buffalo, Austin mostly walked his talk, holding up well in coverage against a talented wide receiver group that shredded the rest of the Jets defense.