Antonio Cromartie stood in the nearly empty locker room after the Jets' preseason opener on Monday night, towel over his head, battling a migraine and speaking softly about his impressive debut with his new team. For two quarters, Cromartie flashed the skills that made him an instant star as a rookie in San Diego in 2006. He blanketed receivers and showed flashes of why the Jets traded for him in the offseason.
"It's a great defense," the cornerback said in the aftermath of the Jets' 31-16 preseason loss to the Giants. "I'm just trying to come in and help out as much as I can. I feel comfortable in this defense. Coach (Rex) Ryan and (defensive backs) Coach (Dennis) Thurman are building the confidence in me. I've accepted the role they've given me."
