Maybe Eric Mangini really does listen to us humble writers.

A few posts back, there was the story of Mangini’s apoplectic reaction when asked whether maybe, just perhaps, the answer to the Jets’ myriad problems was to ease off, not work them harder. Mangini darn near had a seizure over that suggestions, replying, when he finally recovered from the shock that there would be no days off (not a good sign for the upcoming bye week).

However, today, with intermittent rain, the team entered its practice bubble for the first time this season. I can recall Mangini, who absolutely adores bad-weather practices, bringing the team in there once last season. Since it was raining that hard and it wasn’t bone-numbing chilly, we could only speculate that perhaps Mangini was throwing a bone to his team, which seemed to be delighted to be out of the elements. Unfortunately, we won’t get to ask Mangini that until tomorrow.

One question we did get to ask Mangini today was why he was so reluctant to specify whether it was Jonathan Vilma’s left or right knee that was injured. Seriously, we said, what’s the big freakin’ deal, especially if he’s not going to play again this season, if that is indeed the case.

“Historically whenever you have an awareness of an injury and opponents have an awareness of an injury, that is something that you can take into account when you’re running routes, when you’re running plays, the directions that you run plays, how a guy can cut or not cut, whether they’re going to be quicker,’’ said Mangini, not even stopping for a breath in that run-on sentence. “What may be affected, that does come into the decision making.  What kind of routes you’re going to run against them.  What the likelihood of being able to take advantage of a slowed down player might be.’’

Of course, Hutch from Newark reminded Mangini that Vilma wearing a brace on that particular knee on game-day might be an even bigger tip-off. But, hey, that’s just us talking, right?

No changes on the Jets’ participation report today but the Bills have a few.

Both TE Ryan Neufeld (quad) and CB Ashton Youboty (ankle) were not able to practice today while S Jim Leonhard (cal) returned to practice on a limited basis. LB Leon Joe (Knee) also returned to practice, practicing in full after missing Wednesday’s session.

Still nothing definitive on Jonathan Vilma in terms of how serious his knee injury. But take it to the bank he’s not playing Sunday and that rookie David Harris will get the start and call signals.

The best Eric Mangini would provide was that Vilma would miss practice again today. Vilma, of course, was nowhere to be found in the locker room. Mangini wouldn’t even clue us in as to whether it’s Vilma’s left or right knee. That information won’t make a difference if Vilma misses the rest of the season.

Rich Cimini of the The Daily News reported last night that Vilma’s knee injury was “significant’’ and he faced season-ending knee surgery. Again, Mangini would not address that speculation.

“It’s something that we’re just going to have to see,’’ Mangini said. “I know today he won’t be able to (practice) but just really have to see.

“I’m going to look at the information. We have to get more information.’’

Like I said yesterday, don’t turn blue holding your breath waiting for this. But do take it to the bank that Vilma’s not playing Sunday.

For those of you turning blue while holding your breath for an update on Jonathan Vilma, well, keep wishing.

The first practice participation report of the week was just handed out and, as expected and as Eric Mangini announced this morning, linebacker Jonathan Vilma did not participate because of a knee injury.

I’m seriously doubting they’ll be anything more on that today.

Here’s the full report:

Jets – LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) did not participate. TE Chris Baker (back), WR Laveranues Coles (calf), QB Chad Pennington (ankle) and NT Dewayne Robertson (knee) were limited. WR Justin McCareins (calf), TE Jason Pociask (back), DB Hank Poteat (chest), TE Sean Ryan (knee) and DB Eric Smith (thigh) had full participation.

Bills – DE Ryan Denney (foot), LB Leon Joe (knee), DE Chris Kelsay (ankle), S Jim Leonhard (calf) and LB Josh Stamer (calf) did not participate. TE Ryan Neufeld (quad) and CB Ashton Youboty (ankle) were limited and WR Sam Aiken (hamstring) had full participation.

Anyway, some overall impressions of the day. For a 1-6 team, the mood was pretty light, both in the locker room and on the practice field. They were worked pretty hard in the 30 minutes of practice the media was allowed to watch but there was joking and enthusiasm. That’s a good sign.

And I think it’s a definite sign the players are happy Chad Pennington has not been made a scapegoat for the team’s rotten play. The players, for several different reasons, both for fear of being fined and fear of belittling Kellen Clemens at Pennington’s expense, can’t truly express how happy they are to have Pennington remain under center. But he’s truly the team’s leader, not just the leader of the offensive unit. Perhaps Mangini believes the team will rally around Chad, though he shot down that theory today.

“To me, this isn’t a Chad Pennington issue,’’ Mangini said. “This is a New York Jets issue. this is all of us needing to do a better job.’’

True enough, but actions often speak louder than words and this is a team that looked like it had earned a reprieve today.

Also, interesting response from Bills quarterback Trent Edwards when I asked him what it told him about the NFL that Pennington’s job security has been such an issue. Remember, Edwards is in the midst of a mild QB controversy up in Buffalo as the rookie has taken over for a now-healthy veteran J.P. Losman.

“It’s sort of a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately business and that’s difficult because you see how hard these guys work,’’ Edwards said. “It’s not necessarily always on the QB, but that’s the catalyst of the offense and that’s the first person they look to when they start losing games. Even if they’re not playing at a high level, it’s not always their fault, that’s just the nature of the business. It amazes me. I’m starting to learn that right now. It’s just amazing the way they treat the position.’’

Welcome to the big leagues, kid. Now don’t screw up.

For those of you holding tickets for the Jets’ home game against the Steelers, Nov. 18, you now have three extra hours to sleep. Or, perhaps more relevant, three more hours to tailgate.

The NFL has switched kickoff to 4:05 p.m.

That shouldn’t be a big deal but it does impact the Jets negatively. That’s Thanksgiving week and the Jets are at Dallas for a 4:15 p.m. game on Turkey Thursday. So, off a short week, they have less time to turn around and start working on Monday.

Participation reports coming soon…

Since you guys asked, here’s the exact exchange regarding what should definitely be considered a mysterious Jonathan Vilma injury.

The background: Vilma was in and out of the second half against the Bengals, not starting the third quarter. After the game, Vilma is caught humming at his locker. When asked why, he replies it’s because he can’t speak his mind. Monday, Jets coach Eric Mangini said Vilma had played through an injury (not specified). Tuesday, on his regular WFAN spot, Vilma denied his playing time had anything to do with an injury, that it was a coach’s decision. Today, Mangini tells us Vilma is undergoing tests on his knee, which means Vilma is unavailable to the media.

Because of the culture Mangini et. al. fosters here at Hofstra, conspiracy theories abound. Here’s one I have. Mangini decided to announce his Chad Pennington decision today because that automatically became the story of the day while the Jonathan Vilma questions came much later in his presser and probably won’t get the same play they might have had there been no QB announcement.

Anyway, here’s a transcript of the exchange with Mangini.

Q: What are the tests on Vilma? What’s wrong with him?

Mangini: It will be his knee.

Q: He was quoted yesterday on his radio segment that he didn’t think he was – he didn’t know why he was taken out. He wasn’t taken out because he was hurting, which is contradictory to what you said on Monday.

Mangini: I don’t know what time his radio show was. I talked to him yesterday later in the afternoon, explained the thought process there. Sometimes you’re going to see it differently as a player and as a coach. We’ll just have to see how these tests go here.

Q: What was the thought process? Was it injury related?

Mangini: That was the issue.

Q: You thought he was more hurt than he thought he was.

A: Jon has a lot of Laveranues in him and you love that about him, you really do. You respect that about him. Like Curtis Martin, it doesnt’ matter what my status is in terms of physically, I am going to play. That’s toughness. I appreciate that. Sometimes you have to look at it and say it is counterproductive, is it not helping even though you love the fact that they’re trying.

Q: Did he get hurt in the game?

Mangini: Yes, hurt in the game.

Q: In his mind it was clearly a coaching decision, what he said on the radio. Those were his words, it was a coach’s decision.

Mangini: It was. I did decide.

Q: But he meant performance related.

Mangini: I think the injury had an impact on his performance.

Q: He said there was no injury.

Mangini: I understand that, too, and I appreciate the question. He is getting some extra tests on it. Like I said, I’ll update you on it as soon as I know more.

Q: Since there’s a contradiction here, could we maybe get sme further information this afternoon?

Mangini: It will definitely be on the injury report.

Actually typing this in the middle of Eric Mangini’s presser. Just enough time to tell you good folks the coach has just announced Chad Pennington will start against the Bills Sunday.

Also, Jonathan Vilma will miss practice today to undergo more medical tests, at least according to Mangini. On WFAN yesterday, Vilma disputed Mangini’s assertion that the linebacker played hurt at Cincinnati.

More later…

No resolution yet on coach Eric Mangini’s pledge to evaluate everybody after yesterday’s mind-numbing 38-31 loss to the Bengals. No decision on whether Chad Pennington or Kellen Clemens would start against the Bills.

You can get a quick summary of today’s non-news in this web update

Actually, there was a nugget that Mangini dropped today when he announced Jonathan Vilma struggled through Sunday’s game because of an unspecified injury.

And if you like absurd moments, there was a great one from today’s presser. Tom Rock from Newsday asked Mangini whether the answer might not be working harder at this point, maybe it might be to ease up on the players or, gasp, perhaps give them a day off.

Mangini visibly staggered backwards, like he’d been hit by a body blow. I thought he was going to do a Fred Sanford and clutch his chest. Instead, after an extremely pregnant pause (think twins) and a half-smirk, half-glare, he replied in very measured words, “There’s not going to be any day off.’’

Another moment of humor. We asked Mangini if there was a timetable to naming a quarterback for Sunday’s game.

“I don’t have a set timetable right now,’’ Mangini said. “Once I decide, then I’ll let you know.’’

Naturally, we all expect calls on our cell tomorrow when Mangini tells Clemens he’s starting Sunday. I don’t think I can accurately describe the resignation in Pennington’s body language at the podium after Sunday’s game. He knows the deal. He knows he can be a good QB in this league. He just knows it will no longer be for the Jets.

But if there was anything to be gleaned out of today’s access it’s that we, as the media, are focusing too much on the Chad Pennington-Kellen Clemens issue and I say that only half-kiddingly. I do believe the quarterback position carries more interest, rightfully so, than other positions. The QB is the team leader, or at least should be. Thus, a change in the QB should be of more interest than if Abram Elam starts for Erik Coleman at safety.

However, what I probably have not conveyed properly, is that Mangini is not specifically evaluating Pennington’s performance. Pennington is included because he’s part of the team. Everybody is under the microscope. Pennington could very well start at QB Sunday (he won’t) while five other offensive starters are named.

“If you point a finger, it’s got to be at all of us collectively,’’ wide receiver Laveranues Coles said. “If they’re going to be changes, you probably need to change all of us because right now we all stink.’’

Locker room humor: Me and Hutch from the Newark Star-Ledger are talking to linebacker Victor Hobson, who was not credited with any tackles. Except he didn’t know that until Hutch pointed it out to him.

Hobson stuttered for an explanation and me, being a big mouth, wise-acre (family blog), blurted out to Hutch, “He’s about to get his first one today when he drops you.’’

General laughter.

By the way, here were the players not seen in the locker room today (at least by me) so there was no comment from them: TE Chris Baker, RB Thomas Jones, S Erik Coleman, LB Jonathan Vilma and QB Kellen Clemens (Pennington was in there but his days to speak are game days and Wednesdays).

Coincidence? Hmmm.

Lastly, if anybody cares, the greater Cincinnati airport in Covington, Ky. is the biggest $*%&!(# airport I’ve seen this side of JFK. OK, maybe Atlanta, O’Hare, places that are bigger but I was just blown away how sprawling the place was. To get to my early-morning flight, first I had to drop the rental car off at the off-site facility, take a shuttle bus in to the airport. Then, after going through security, we had to board a train to take us to the stop for Terminal C. Except that the stop for Terminal C meant going up an escalator, walking down some long hallways to board a shuttle bus which then must have drive us a half-mile as planes are whizzing by us on the ground. Terminal C was built with no access other than by shuttle bus. I was exhausted by the time I got to the gate. And, of course, when we landed at LaGuardia, we had to board a shuttle bus to take us from the plane to the gate.

Just a quick post at the end of another long, disappointing day for the Jets.

But in case anybody missed Eric Mangini’s post-game performance, I’ll include some of the stuff here. In a way it was good to see. The coach came into the interview room fired up. He never raised his voice. But there was some real emotion to it.

This is one angry Jets’ coach and it’s about time. Because he’s been watching the same garbage for seven weeks now. And before you guys rip me for that last sentence, let me acknowledge that Mangini acknowledged he includes himself in the garbage that’s been put out there this season.

He came into the room and his opening statement lasted one minute, 40 seconds.

“I told the team, I’m just tired of giving the same speech. I’m tired of us walking in and playing a half of football and not playing the second half, playing the second half and not playing the first. No penalties in the first half, multiple penalties in the second half. Shanked punt. Can’t get the snap right. That’s a fumble. We can’t do the things we talk about doing in all three phases at halftime. It’s just not good enough. It’s not good enough coaching on my part, it’s not good enough by my assistant coaches. It’s not good enough by the players. It’s just not good enough and I’m tired of giving the same speech and it should hurt, it should hurt deep and we’re going to find out about the character of every single one in that locker room because it’s easy to go to work when you’re winning, it’s easy to do the right thing when you’re winning. We’re going to find out about every single person in that locker room. Coaches, players, everybody. The only chance we have is by sticking together and working through these issues. That’s the only chance. It should hurt deeply. It’s a matter of playing complete football, we’re just not doing that in all three phases. From the coaching perspective, it’s all got to get better.’’

And, surely by now, everybody’s heard that Mangini would not commit to Chad Pennington as next week’s quarterback, saying he would evaluate everybody, “top to bottom.’’

Look, this game is not on Chad. It’s on the Jets’ defense. But Mangini is right in making wholesale changes at this point if he wants. Already you say he switched his defensive personnel around, Abram Elam in for Erik Coleman, though I don’t think that’s an upgrade, Jonathan Vilma in and out of the lineup in the second half, all sorts of combinations on the defensive line.

This surely looks like a team with no answers right now.

But for all Mangini showed us in the interview room, his players said it was a typical Mangini post-game performance in the locker room. According to the players, he did not yell, kick or scream, he just laid it on the line, that the team will not win if it chooses to only play 30 out of 60 minutes.

Got an early flight tomorrow so I’m going to wrap this up. Please drop me your comments as we continue to dissect why this season has gone so horribly wrong.

Well, if the Jets are a bad team this year, and they have been, then the Bengals are a much worse team.

Not so much talent wise, but the Bengals are undisciplined – two false starts against left tackle Levi Jones, a chop block against fullback Jeremi Johnson that negated Hank Poteat’s defensive pass interference penalty in the end zone and then a holding and intentional grounding call on the half’s last play as the Bengals are trying for a Hail Mary.

Meanwhile, the Jets are doing a good job of playing within themselves. There was a lot to like on the Jets drive, when they opened up with a 22-yard pass to tight end Sean Ryan (take that Chris Baker) and, after a 1-yard Thomas Jones run, Chad Pennington hit Laveranues Coles for a 57-yard pass that traveled 45  yards in the air (take that all you people who say he has a weak arm, hah!).

One thing I didn’t like about Pennington in the first half. In the red zone, he’s not going through his progressions as well as he used to. Instead, he’s just locking onto Coles, particularly on the timing pattern on the third-and-2 from the Bengals’ 17. Pennington threw over Coles head with four Bengals’ around Coles.

Coles, obviously, is the Jets’ MVP today with his tremendous move on the 36-yard touchdown catch, as he slipped through cornerbacks Jonathan Joseph and Deltha O’Neal after a short dumpoff.

Speaking of cornerbacks, how about the Jets’ Hank Poteat, who ripped the ball away from T.J. Housh… . Poteat came into his seventh NFL season sans interceptions and now has two in two games

By the way, you guys notice Abram Elam started in place of Erik Coleman? Interesting.

Anyway, looking forward to hearing your thoughts. More later…

Came across this on ESPN.com, take it for what it’s worth.

However, I find it really hard to believe that Mangini actually told Chad Pennington he’s on a short leash and is a few bad plays away from being yanked. I do think that is plausible, it just doesn’t sound like the way Mangini operates to actually tell one of his players something like that.

I guess we’ll find out soon enough in the game if Pennington has a few bad plays. Remember, I’ve been saying that the time to insert Clemens would be if the Jets come home from this trip 1-6, with three straight home games next.