"Keep a close eye on Kerry Rhodes today. He could be a big factor against the Falcons — one way or the other.

The Jets safety, who has been a lightning rod of sorts this season after being benched from his role in the base defense a few weeks ago, said he will be back in the base today.

Rhodes will have a key role in defending Falcons' tight end Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta's leading receiver with 75 catches. He did a good job on Tampa Bay's Kellen Winslow in a lot of man coverage, but said Gonzalez is a more difficult player to defend.

"Kellen is more of a guy that goes down the field and is vertical, more like a receiver," Rhodes said "Tony is a true tight end. He can use his body well, read coverages well. He's physical and he runs routes well. You have to mix your looks on him. He's more, right now, a cerebral tight end. He's not going to beat you with his speed like he used to.""