Santonio Holmes is coming off his worst game with the Jets. A fumble, a tipped pass that resulted in an interception and a bone-headed penalty added up to a brutal day in Philadelphia for the wide receiver.
Sounds like it didn’t humble him.
Holmes ripped into the Giants secondary yesterday, saying they depend too much on their pass rush.
“They’ve given up big plays,” Holmes said. “They’re poor-tackling guys. We know plays can be made over their head. We’ve just got to be willing to take advantage of them and make them count.”
The Jets sound like they believe they can throw the ball all over the Giants on Saturday at MetLife Stadium. The Giants defense ranks 29th in the league in passing yards, giving up 257.5 per game. Holmes said the secondary relies on the players up front getting to the quarterback. If they don’t get there, the defensive backs are in trouble.
“They depend on their front four to get in and get pressure on the quarterback,” Holmes said. “A smart-enough defender knows he has a few seconds in his play clock that the ball should be released and, if not, he’s depending on his guys to take care of business. I think those guys just fall victim to that a lot of times.”
Holmes has some points about the Giants, but it’s not like the Jets offense has been filling the sky with footballs. The Jets’ passing attack ranks 21st in the league. The Jets have not had at least 200 yards passing since Week 11 against the Broncos.
Holmes, who signed a five-year, $45 million deal with the Jets in the offseason, has not had a 100-yard receiving game this season. He has 47 catches for 604 yards and eight touchdowns.
This week, Holmes should be matched up against Giants cornerback Corey Webster. It doesn’t sound like Holmes is impressed.
“I can’t wait to see him Saturday,” he said. “I hope he’s ready to bring his ‘A’ game.”
Asked if he agreed with the assessment that Webster is having a pretty good year, Holmes said, “I could care less”.
Things can’t be any worse this week for Holmes after his debacle against the Eagles. He fumbled on the Jets’ first possession, and the Eagles returned it for a touchdown. A ball went off his hands for an interception later in the first quarter. Then he drew a unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for using the ball as a prop in a touchdown celebration.
Holmes was asked if he’s more anxious to get on the field after a game like that.
“Nope,” he said. “I’ve been in this league six years. I make plays every Sunday.”
Holmes got testy when asked if coach Rex Ryan said something to him about the flag.
“Did you see that on the sideline? Did you see anything between any of us?” Holmes asked. “Did you see him yell at me? Did you see him say anything at me?”