Much needed receiving help on the way

Sure, it’s only the preseason.  But the Jets are still looking for their first win, they're still looking for their first touchdown, and they're still looking for someone to throw the ball to. 

The Jets' anemic offense over the first two games of the preseason, in which they have scored a combined nine points on three field goals and 321 yards of total offense, has some wondering if their lack of production is the result of a team adjusting to a new offense or simply a lack of playmakers. 

The Jets are the lone team in the league yet to score a touchdown in the preseason.  Already thin at the receiver position, the Jets have been playing without three of their top wideouts in Santonio Holmes, Jeremy Kerley and Chaz Schilens.  By default, rookie Stephen Hill and Patrick Turner were the starting wide receivers on Saturday, which left quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow, who were sacked seven times against the Giants and given little time in the pocket as is, few targets down field.     

“We definitely have enough playmakers,” Rex Ryan said Monday during his press conference before practice.  “Clearly, I’d like to see three of our top receivers back on the field. That would help.  Santonio Holmes obviously being the headliner there.  But Jeremy Kerley is, I think, an excellent slot receiver.  He was an outstanding punt returner last year. I’d like to se him on the field, and Schilens.  You’re minus three weapons that probably takes you down a little bit.”

Ryan said that he expects to have the receivers on the practice field doing some individual drills to see how they progress during the week.  He thinks two of the three, Holmes and Kerley, will be able to play on Sunday against Jacksonville.

Despite the absence of his top options, Sanchez completed 9 of 11 passes, albeit for just 59 yards.  Outside of the interception Sanchez threw to Jayron Hosley - who returned it 77-yards for the touchdown - and the lack of big plays downfield, Ryan said he has been encouraged by the play of his starting quarterback.

“It’s hard to say he’s not throwing the ball with accuracy,” Ryan said.  “Clearly, you want to be able to make bigger chunks down field, I think there were a couple of those out there.  We left a few out there.  Overall, I’ve been happy with the way Mark is throwing the football.  On the interception, he slid a little bit to his left, that allowed the guy just enough time to undercut him.  If he stays in the pocket, delivers it just a tad quicker, it’s a completion.  It’s one of those things where you’re off a little bit, whether it’s in protection, a throw, whatever it is, it ends up being unsuccessful…If we can avoid the one mistake he did make throwing the football, then all of sudden that’s a pretty good night throwing the ball.  You’re going to win a lot of games if you’re at that percentage.”

Ryan was questioned about leaving Tebow, who completed 6-of-14 passes for 69 yards, in the game for the entire second half playing alongside second and third stringers.  Tebow was sacked four times while backup quarterbacks Greg McElroy and Matt Simms stood on the sidelines ready and able. 

“I think you want to get him some reps and some base offenses and that’s what you tried to do,” Ryan said of Tebow.  “He’s a guy that you’re going to play with during the season.  He’s going to need some reps, playing some base…I think for Tim it’s a brand new offense, he needs to get some work in running this offense.”

Ryan insists that the offense is a work in progress and, although the production isn’t there just yet, it will be when it matters most.

“We don’t need to be at our best right now, we need to be at our best opening day,” Ryan said.  “I’m confident that when we get going, we will be.  I’ve seen some encouraging signs that we’re heading in the right direction, it might not be obvious to everyone in the public. But again, I’m confident in our offense, I’m confident in our coaching staff, I’m confident in our players.  I believe that we’re going to have a very productive offense when it’s all said and done.”