11/07 — In his final news conference with reporters before next week, Eric Mangini announced today that the Jets have signed LB Marques Murrell to the active roster. That last name might ring familiar to Jets fans — Marques is actually Adrian’s little brother.

Marques, who was a member of the Eagles' practice squad, racked up two sacks and two forced fumbles against the Green & White when the teams met in the final preseason game in September. He was twice voted to the I-AA All-America first team while at Appalachian State and collected 13 sacks in each of his junior and senior seasons.

“He has an excellent motor and high intensity. In our experience against him, he was very productive in the preseason,” Mangini said of the 6'2", 246-pounder. “He has done a good job rushing the passer and has some flexibility to play on his feet at a couple of different spots.”

Adrian Murrell played running back for the Jets from 1993-97, topping 1,000 yards on the ground in both ’96 and ’97.

The Jets practice one final time this afternoon before the players get an extended weekend of freedom. Mangini had high expectations for their third bye-week workout.

“It’s going to be very good, and that’s what I expect and it’s going to be,” he said. “We’re not going to leave the field until it’s very good.”

The second-year head coach reminded reporters that the schedule is “fluid.” But something tells you the players will be up to the task today, knowing that a break is sight.

As Bill Parcells told us many times, you are what your record says you are. The Jets are 1-8, but they’ve been in every contest except for the second half against New England on opening day. The trick for the coaching staff and the players in the season's second half will be finding a way to reverse their trend in close games.

Mangini said NFL game outcomes are determined by five to seven plays.

“When you have five games decided by a total of 27 points, you start swinging those plays the other way and those games will change," he said.