SB Nation Interview With Damien Woody

I spent a few minutes talking to Jets right tackle Damien Woody today about his recent injury, Mark Sanchez, Brian Schottenheimer and a few other things --

JC: First off, how is the MCL feeling and is it realistic to expect you back for wild-card weekend if the team makes the playoffs?

DW: The leg is feeling good. Right now I am getting back in the groove of things for rehab. I am taking it as a week to week deal but I am optimistic moving forward.

JC: How do you think Wayne Hunter will do filling in for you this Sunday and moving forward?

DW: Wayne will do well. This is his first start since I've been around here and he is looking forward to it. He is definitely very excited and is a strong, athletic guy who has worked hard for this opportunity.

JC: What is the confidence level in the locker room towards Mark Sanchez? Is any doubt creeping in that he capable of taking this team where it wants to go?

DW: There is no questioning of Sanchez. Yes, he has had some struggles but if you consider where he was last year he has made big time strides and improvements. We have seen how well he is capable of playing earlier in the year. He is the ultimate competitor and we have faith in him to make things happen.

JC: Have you ever seen anything like what happened with Sal Alosi against Miami?

DW: No, I never really have. However, this thing has morphed into such a big, out of control story right now that we are just looking to move forward and concentrate on winning football games, which is the most important thing right now.

JC: You were part of the 2008 team, that went from 8-3 to 9-7 and missed the playoffs, is there any concern in the locker room from the guys who were also on that team about a similar thing happening this year?

DW: No, we have faith in the guys in this locker room. We are going to take it one game at a time and turn this thing around. We have one of the most talented teams in the league and we know we are capable of winning football games.

JC: Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has been taking a ton of criticism lately, how do the offensive players feel about the play calling and game planning?

DW: At the end of the day, coaches coach and players play. Schotty is a bright young coach, with a great pedigree. Everybody needs to be accountable for their actions on the field and not throw anybody under the bus. All of us can do a better job on the offensive side of the football. We have the character and talent in the locker room to produce at a higher level.