Jets rookie wide receiver Stephen Hill answered all the preseason questions about his suspect route-running and stone hands with a five-catch, 89-yard, two-touchdown debut in the season opening rout of Buffalo.
After ignoring the doubts, now comes the hard part: Ignoring the praise.
“Yeah, I definitely see a reaction. Different people are your friends now,’’ Hill said as the Jets prepare for Sunday’s trip to Pittsburgh. “But I definitely don’t buy into all that. We’ve got 15 more games left, including playoffs. I’m just trying to do my thing, and stay out of that.’’
In short, don’t fall for that trap — especially before facing the Steelers’ vaunted secondary.
“He’s going to have to play even better than last week,’’ said quarterback Mark Sanchez. “I know he had some big highlights, but it’s going to be on him to block in the secondary, run all his routes full speed and keep working hard. He’s [had] success, now we want to see how he reacts to it, make sure he’s still the same guy after a great game.’’
Sunday will be an even greater challenge, on the road against cornerbacks Keenan Lewis and Ike Taylor, along with ferocious safeties Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu, who is battling a calf injury and may not play.
“I’m studying, staying behind Santonio [Holmes]. He’s played with those guys a lot,” Hill said. “He’s given me a lot of insight and background, and I’m just making sure I’m being a sponge, definitely keeping last week behind me and getting ready for this week.”
Offensive coordinator Tony Sparano said Hill “has to approach every single game as if it’s another challenge that’s going to be greater, because he’s put something out there on tape.”
“I tell these guys, you’ve got to co-sign your work,” Sparano said. “You put it out there on film for everybody to see, to study. He certainly can get better; but we’re happy with what he did.’’
Coach Rex Ryan was well aware the Steelers won’t afford Hill the same space to work the Bills did.
“They have three big corners [6-foot-1] or better, and they’re physical,’’ said Ryan. “You’re going to have to get off press coverage, and then you have those two intimidating guys there at safety. It’s a big challenge.’’
It’s one Hill insists he’s ready for.
“Those guys put on their pants the same way I put on mine, so it’s going to be a physical game,’’ said Hill. “Those guys play hard, and we have to give that fight back to ’em.’’
With his No. 84, and 4.3 speed, Hill has been likened to Randy Moss with his 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame. But the rookie wasn’t interested in comparisons.
“Honestly, I’m just myself. I’m Stephen Hill,” he said. “I’m going to make my own name.’’