It rained and then it poured, and then it was a deluge. "I saw animals pairing up out there," New York Jets coach Rex Ryan said Saturday after practice. Although there were no interceptions, there were more than a few dropped balls as players slipped and slid all over the field. However, Ryan pointed out that "in the Northeast you have to be able to throw the ball in bad conditions" and thought it was a good opportunity for the players to practice in the inclement weather. He was also pleased that QB Mark Sanchez still had "zip" on the ball in spite of the wet conditions.
Jeff Otah remains sidelined, working with trainers. He has until Tuesday to pass his physical or the trade with the Panthers will be voided. Ryan again refused further comment citing the fact that Otah has not yet met the terms of the trade.
On the first day where the practice was open to the public, Sanchez was clearly the fan favorite engendering far more robust cheers than QB Tim Tebow, who received a more anemic reception as well as some out-and-out heckling.
WR Jeremy Kerley left the field early in the session with what turned out to be a hamstring pull. Ryan expects him to be out a week. In a moment of extreme candor, Ryan also said he was "disappointed" in Kerley, that the young receiver needs to "step it up" and is not far enough along in picking up the new offense.
Ryan said DL Muhammad Wilkerson reminded him of former Patriots and current Raiders Pro Bowl DT Richard Seymour.
Ryan also was enthusiastic about LB Aaron Maybin and OL Caleb Schlauderaff. The team is in desperate need of a backup center, and Ryan said Schlauderaff has been working hard at it.
Stay dialed in on the New York Jets on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLNYJ and @LisaZimmerman throughout the season with on-site updates from CBSSports.com RapidReports correspondent Lisa Zimmerman.
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