Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine has high expectations for third-year cornerback Kyle Wilson, even if many fans do not.
“We’re very comfortable with where Kyle is,” Pettine said. “He’s poised to have his best year as a pro.”
Wilson has a tough role for the Jets, as Pettine sees it. Playing alongside Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, Wilson often is the target of teams who see him in the slot and figure he is the best option to throw at.
“When teams scan across and it’s, ‘I’ve got Revis. I’ve got Cromartie. Where am I going to go with the ball?’ ” Pettine said. “Sometimes I think he takes some undue heat just because of the number of throws that go his way. A lot more teams are going to work outside against other opponents than us.”
Wilson had a rough game against the Panthers in the preseason, with Brandon LaFell catching a couple of long passes against him. Pettine said that was a product of the preseason.
“We weren’t going to game plan against Carolina,” Pettine said. “We’re going to help the guys that need help when they need it. The guys that don’t need, we’ll reallocate those resources. Kyle is a guy that we can put him on a guy one-on-one more this year than in years past. It depends on the matchup.”
* Jets right guard Brandon Moore has not missed a game since 2004. His streak of 121 consecutive starts is the longest among any active guard in the NFL. The Jets are trying to keep him healthy this year by limiting his practice snaps.
The 32-year-old had surgery on both hips last year and a “minor” procedure last week that he does not want to reveal. Moore said this week the plan is for him to take some reps off in practice for two reasons. The first is to give him some rest. The second is to give some of the backups experience.
“I think there’s an effort by the coaches to not have happen what happened last year with guys not being experienced getting playing time in practice,” Moore said.
Last season when center Nick Mangold was injured, the Jets lack of depth on the offensive line was exposed. It’s a problem they hope they have addressed.
* New punter Robert Malone only punted in one game last year for the Lions. … The Jets are 2-1 in season openers under Rex Ryan. … The Jets will retire Curtis Martin’s No. 28 at halftime today.