It looks as if the Jets will be without their top two wide receivers this week. Santonio Holmes (hamstring) won’t play, according to a source, and Stephen Hill (concussion) likely is out, as well.
Here is where the Jets’ 2013 draft strategy comes under question again. The Jets used their two first-round picks on defensive players, making it four straight years they went defense in the first round. That has led to a strong defense but a weakened offense.
The Jets should have spread the wealth a little in April and used at least one of their picks on an offensive player. The Jets coveted wide receiver Tavon Austin, but the Rams took him before the Jets had a chance. Instead, the Jets chose cornerback Dee Milliner with the No. 9 pick and defensive end Sheldon Richardson at 13.
Richardson looks like a star in the making, but he was just an addition to a defensive line that already was a strength of the team. Milliner has had a shaky beginning.
The Jets would have been better off spending one of those picks on Tyler Eifert, the tight end who went at No. 21 to the Bengals, or Chance Warmack, the guard the Titans took at pick 10. Either would have improved areas that are weaknesses for the Jets.
They also needed to take a wide receiver at some point to develop. There were not many top-notch receivers after Austin, but grabbing one in the second or third round would have been wise. The Jets have no depth at receiver, and it’s a problem that hurt them against the Patriots and will hurt them again this week against the Falcons.
Week 4 woes
The Jets should hope for a bye in Week 4 next season. The past three years, the fourth game has been brutal for the Jets. They have been outscored 106-30 in the three games. Take a look:
2011, at Ravens: L, 34-17
The offense scored just three points. Baltimore returned two Mark Sanchez fumbles and one interception for touchdowns.
2012 vs. 49ers: L, 34-0
Jets were humiliated in front of a ton of San Francisco fans at MetLife Stadium. After the game, 49ers players said the Jets quit.
2013, at Titans: L, 34-0
Geno Smith commits four turnovers that lead to 28 points, and the Jets are left trying to figure out how to fix their offense.