Brett Favre can see the progress in the Jets over the last few weeks. Wins over Buffalo, St. Louis and the division rival Patriots have led the team to a 7-3 record and the belief that a win over undefeated Tennessee could be in their future this weekend.

As for exactly what has led to the uplift after a terrible three-game stretch to teams with losing records, well, the new quarterback has a few theories.

“I think more than anything, offensively speaking, it’s (offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer) getting more familiar with what I feel more comfortable with,” Favre said. “Several of the plays we ran the other night, in particular to (Dustin Keller) early, hit him on a quick seam on the first drive and on the last drive of the game. Those were some plays I felt more comfortable with that we hadn’t had in.”

If that description makes you think of the throw to Keller on third-and-15 in OT, Favre said yes, that was one of them. You could argue it was the most important play of the game.

“I talked to Dustin throughout the week on how to run it, how I felt comfortable reading it,” Favre said.

Here is audio on the self doubts given the franchise’s history.

psyche1

Favre also addressed the fact that, at 39, he would be facing off against a 14-year veteran in Kerry Collins. He joked that he, Collins and Kurt Warner were effective because there weren’t any talented young QBs, and then got more serious.

“You just appreciate the moment a lot more because you realize it won’t be there forever,” Favre said. “This game could be my last. When you’re 22 years old, you’re looking for that new contract, you’re looking for commercials, you’re looking for whatever. You just always say you’re on scholarship still. As you get older all you want to do is win, get by, go to the next game and win. It’s amazing how you change. I hear people talk about going back to school after they’ve been out of college for a long time, how much better they are at studying or doing their work. To me it’s no different in pro football.”

In other notes off practice, I didn’t see TE Bubba Franks, S Eric Smith or LB David Harris out there, which I imagine makes them all a long shot for Tennessee.

Coach Eric Mangini named his players of the week from the Patriots game. Offense: Nick Mangold. Defense: Darrelle Revis. Special Teams: Leon Washington. Practice: Jehuu Caulcrick.

Mini rant: Washington was also named AFC special team player of the week. Can somebody please rework his contract? Washington, who stands to make $451,000 in base pay this season, may just be the cheapest player per yard in the NFL.