With two preseason games down and two to go, the New York Jets, who are 0-2, remain the only team in the NFL without a touchdown in the preseason. Coach Rex Ryan acknowledged on Monday that the offense still has a ways to go. "The production is not there," he said. "This is a work in progress."
Ryan noted the lack of mental mistakes and said the focus is on the fundamentals. "We've got to get better at our technique."
Several areas have shown to be problematic. The Jets are only 5 of 13 on third-down conversions (38 percent) and several of those misses were on short-yardage plays, including a one-yard attempt by FB John Conner against the Giants.
Regardless, Ryan said he's not concerned, "We don't need to be our best right now. We need to be our best on opening day."
The right tackle spot has been a major sore spot, with Wayne Hunter having two weak outings -- including allowing three of the four sacks on QB Mark Sanchez against the Giants.
However, Ryan chose his words carefully on that topic, pointing out that Hunter was going against the Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul, who he described as one of the best pass rushers in the league. Yet when asked directly about Hunter's status, Ryan said, "To say this guy's the starter, I'm not ready to do that," he said citing the fact that there is a competition at almost every position. "I'm not going to paint myself into a corner because things can happen," he said.
Another serious issue has been the fact that three of the team's projected top receivers have been sidelined with injuries. Ryan said he he wouldn't rule out Santonio Holmes (rib cartilage) or Jeremy Kerley (hamstring) for Sunday against the Panthers, but would have to see what transpires throughout the week. He deemed it highly unlikely that Chaz Schilens (ankle) would play.
Stay dialed in on the New York Jets by following correspondent Lisa Zimmerman on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLNYJ and @LisaZimmerman.
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