New York Post

No defense for sputtering offense

- By BART HUBBUCH

A Jets “attack” that set offensive football back decades in the first two exhibition games didn’t look any better during last night’s open practice at MetLife Stadium.

Mark Sanchez threw a sideline picksix intercepti­on to safety Yeremiah Bell in team drills, rookie wideout Stephen Hill and tight end Jeff Cumberland dropped multiple passes and the starting unit failed to get past midfield during the twominute drill.

And the secondteam offense led by Tim Tebow played so poorly that coach Rex Ryan singled it out for criticism.

“Clearly, the secondteam defense dominated the practice,” Ryan said. “[Rush specialist Aaron] Maybin probably had about six sacks. It’s not to be unexpected, but I would still like to see that second[string] offense pick it up a little bit.”

The Jets, who face Cam Newton and the Panthers at home Sunday, haven’t scored a touchdown in eight quarters of preseason action under new offensive coordinato­r Tony Sparano. They have mustered just three field goals in 24 total possession­s, thanks in part to the glaring struggles of right tackle Wayne Hunter and injuries that have decimated their receiver corps.

The NFL announced yesterday Jets defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis won’t face suspension for his recent 45day jail sentence for misdemeano­r assault and battery.

“The review has concluded, but there is nothing for us to announce,” league spokesman Greg Aiello told the NFL Network.

Santonio Holmes, sidelined almost the entire summer by rib and back issues, went through some individual drills and noncontact team drills last night while Ryan reiterated he expects Holmes to play this weekend.

Ryan, however, doesn’t expect fellow wideout Chaz Schilens to suit up against the Panthers. Schilens is out indefinite­ly with the dreaded high ankle sprain, which is also sidelining linebacker Ricky Sapp.

Sparano had the Jets’ four quarterbac­ks throw at a garbage can 25 yards away in the corner of the end zone late in yesterday’s practice. Tebow was the only one of the QBs to loft a throw directly into the can, much to the delight of the crowd.

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