41.   Of all the players on the roster, the linebacker is the only homegrown Jet with playoff experience.

42.   On defense, the Giants were getting blown off the line and the linebackers were pretty much ineffective.

43.   One veteran linebacker available is Rob Frederickson, who has played for the Raiders and Lions and lives in Scottsdale.

44.   One or two were probably wondering who the new middle linebacker might be.

45.   Questions remain about how effective the linebackers can be.

46.   San Diego linebacker Junior Seau is one of many who has lost his cool in Oakland.

47.   So was linebacker Dennis Gibson, who preserved the victory by deflecting a fourth-down pass in the end zone.

48.   So too is linebacker Bryan Cox, who missed five games with injuries.

49.   So is nickel linebacker Scott Galyon, who may leave because he wants a chance to start elsewhere.

50.   Strickland says the linebackers will be prepared.