But when the veteran Barton was asked Monday if he had any good stories about Jenkins, all he noted was that "he does make a great omelet."

Fitting that would be Jenkins' breakfast choice, because as opposing offensive linemen have discovered, he's very difficult to pancake.

Jenkins' presence in the middle of the defensive line has done a lot to change the Jets' defense against the run.

After finishing 29th, 24th and 29th in the NFL against the run from 2005-07, the Jets (3-2) currently rank third in the NFL, allowing only 69 yards per game. That aspect of the defense could get its stiffest test yet Sunday when the Jets visit Oakland, currently fourth in the NFL in rushing offense with 141 yards per game.

"Wow, that's pretty good," linebacker Barton said Monday when he told where the Jets ranked in rushing defense. "I know it has been a concentrated effort and guys have been taking it personal and trying to get that done. It's a good feeling. The season is just getting going. We have to continue to get better.

"We came into the season knowing that we weren't that good at that in the past two years," Barton added. "We wanted to get it done and everyone is doing whatever it takes to get that done whether it's studying, lifting, running or whatever it is. That's always in the back of people's heads."

The Jets' worst game last year against the run was an overtime loss to Washington in which they allowed 296 yards on the ground.

"When someone does something like that to you," Barton said, "it's kind of embarrassing and it also takes a lot of your pride."

Jenkins, acquired in a trade with Carolina for third- and fifth-round picks in next year's draft, has been the focal point of the Jets' improvement, as his ability to occupy multiple blockers frees up his teammates to make plays. However, he tried Monday to deflect attention from himself, even crediting his offensive teammates for part of it.

"The offense has been doing a good job controlling the ball," Jenkins said, "which has been giving us some much-needed rest. ... Also, with the defense, you have to realize that it's 11 people. A lot of people look at it like, 'You came to New York. You stopped the run.' I wish I could take all the credit, but there are 11 people out there."

Jenkins "really just came in here," Barton said, "and did some things where everyone has been like, 'Whoa, wow.' He makes everyone on the defense's job a little bit easier. It's like a domino effect. It's a little bit off of everyone's backs so everyone gets better from it."

But as Jenkins said, "I really don't have the time to sit back and bask in any glory. ... I'll be honest, it feels good being able to get some credit for what you do. (But there's) also a responsibility that comes with maintaining that as well. I know that every week I still have to strap on my helmet and I have to play that much harder because I don't want myself and I don't want my team to lose what we've been working so hard to make."