MLB David Harris has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for games played on NFL Kickoff 2009 Weekend (September 10, 13-14). He registered a team-high 12 tackles, one sack and one pass defended in a 24-7 road win against the Houston Texans. Harris helped limit the Texans’ offense to 183 total yards (145 passing yards, 38 rushing yards), as the Jets' defense did not allow an offensive touchdown for the first time since November 9, 2008 against the St. Louis Rams. In his third year from Michigan, this is Harris’ first career Player of the Week Award. The last Jets linebacker to be named AFC Defensive Player of the Week was LB Eric Barton in 2004 (Week 15).
QB Mark Sanchez, who completed 18 of 31 passes (58.1 percent) for 272 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT and a 84.3 passer rating against the Texans, was among the nominees for the AFC Offensive Player of the Week. The award, however, went to Patriots QB Tom Brady whom Sanchez will be facing this Sunday. Brady has won 21 consecutive regular season games as a starter and if he beats the Jets, he will tie Jim McMahon's record of 22.
RB Leon Washington's agent, Alvin Keels, was in New York to sign a promotional deal with JetBlue Airlines for the Jets running back. The Jets and Washington's agent are still at a stalemate regarding Leon's new contract.