Jets wideout Stephen Hill to receive fewer reps
Jets wide receiver Stephen Hill reaches for a pass during practice in Florham Park, N.J. (Sept. 4, 2013) Credit: AP
Something had to change on offense -- and it wound up being Stephen Hill's playing time.
The second-year wideout confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that his reps will go down. "Some things will be cut down, but I'm still going to get enough reps," he said, adding that receivers coach Sanjay Lal "was just straight up with me" when he broke the news.
Rex Ryan said on Monday that he would consider benching Hill, the Jets' second-round pick in 2012 who has zero catches the past two games and no touchdowns since Week 3. Hill expressed disappointment over not catching a single pass, despite seven targets, in Sunday's road loss against the Bills. But he didn't express frustration. "Hey, look, I mean, I have nothing to feel about it," he said. "It's the big man's decision. I just have to do what I have to do every day. Come out here and play hard."
Ryan reiterated his disappointment in Hill's progress from his rookie year to now, saying: "For whatever reason, he hasn't been there yet. It doesn't mean that we're giving up on the young man."
At 6-4, the speedy Hill was supposed to serve as their deep-ball threat this season. But instead, the offense is ranked 20th overall, is second-to-last in receiving touchdowns (9) and has only six passes of 40 or more yards. Hill said "it would be good" to incorporate more shots downfield, adding: "Maybe we could take a little bit more shots. But Geno's doing a great job with throwing the ball downfield."
Reed: Blame Phillips
On a conference call with Ravens writers, Ed Reed said Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips was to blame for his short stay in Houston. "He came and basically just made sure I was leaving," Reed said. "And honestly, of all people, he's probably the guy, the reason that I'm not there. It's all good, man."
Jet streams
Santonio Holmes (hamstring) and Garrett McIntyre (knee) didn't practice; Jeremy Kerley and Kellen Winslow Jr. were limited . . . NT Haloti Ngata (knee) did not practice for the Raven . . . A day after the Jets placed TE Konrad Reuland on IR, they signed former Patriots LB Jermaine Cunninghams.
