Jets Q&A: Where was Denzel Mims in second half?

Where was Denzel Mims after halftime?

The Jets basically benched Mims after he was flagged for back-to-back penalties at the end of the first half of their 30-9 loss to the Saints. Robert Saleh described them as "killer."

The Jets were at the Saints’ 24, down 10-3, when Mims was called for illegal use of the hands on first down. On the next play, he was penalized for illegal formation after being lined up incorrectly. The Jets had to settle for a field goal.

Mims played only one snap after halftime.

"I’ll speak for him and I’m sure he’ll echo it — he’s got to be better," Saleh said.

Mims didn’t speak to reporters after the game, the latest chapter in a difficult and uninspiring season for the second-year receiver. He was a healthy scratch twice, missed three games because of COVID-19 and has been targeted only 16 times all season.

With Corey Davis and Elijah Moore both placed on injured reserve last week, the Jets needed a big game from Mims. He didn’t have a catch and was targeted only once.

"He’ll get another opportunity next week," Saleh said. "It’s not like anyone’s coming back. He’s very capable. He missed a couple weeks. He’s got to hit the ground running, he’s got to get himself going again with regards to the game plan, the urgency and the discipline that he caught himself up to before he had COVID.

"He’ll come back. Got a lot of faith in him."

Did Saleh think some Jets stopped playing at the end when they gave up Taysom Hill’s 44-yard touchdown run?

No. Saleh has been supportive of his defense all season and continues to back them.

Saleh called it "a well-designed play" that led to Hill running down the sideline untouched. The Saints put Alvin Kamara in motion and used him as a decoy.

"We got cut out at one spot and ran underneath another block," Saleh said. "Guys want to get the ballcarrier down."

What do Mims and Ty Johnson (three dropped passes) have to do to keep playing?

Just keep showing up and working, because the Jets are down bodies at receiver and running back and need everyone to step up and play. Saleh said this game is "not going to define their careers."

"It’s not like we’re kicking these guys out of the building," he said. "They’re going to get more opportunities here in the next four weeks. It’s just a matter of keeping the main thing the main thing. Find ways to get better. Make plays when you get your opportunity."

Why didn’t Austin Walter play?

He woke up sick. Reportedly, Walter was going to start at running back, but Saleh said he "could barely stand."

Why was defensive end Ronnie Blair inactive after the Jets elevated him from the practice squad for this game?

Blair was sidelined with a non-COVID-19 illness.

How did the Jets honor Demaryius Thomas?

They held a moment of silence before the game for the former longtime Broncos receiver and one-time Jet. He passed away Thursday night at the age of 33.