Rex Ryan predicted Derrick Mason would catch 90-100 passes this season. Now, the veteran Jets receiver can barely catch one per game.
Mason played sparingly Sunday against the Patriots, replaced by rookie Jeremy Kerley as the team’s No. 3 receiver. Ryan would not get into specifics about the decision yesterday but hinted it had to do with Mason’s play early this season.
“Let’s face it, I thought Derrick would catch 80-90 balls. OK, that hasn’t happened,” the head coach said.
Ryan denied a report that said Mason was benched because of his critical postgame comments last week in Baltimore.
“I had a conversation with Derrick, and the reason he didn’t play as much had absolutely nothing to do with a conversation [he had with the media]. You guys know I have an open policy with the media. I don’t put a muzzle on anybody.”
Ryan said Mason, who has 13 catches for 115 yards, could have his role increased in future games.
“Derrick’s going to still be a part of what we do,” he said.
Ryan supported offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who has been a target of fans and critics. He said he feels “great” about Schottenheimer.
“We’re fortunate to have Brian coaching with us,” Ryan said. “That whole [offensive assistant coaching] group is an excellent staff. We’ll get this thing righted. We made strides.”
Ryan repeated that a published report which said receivers Mason, Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress complained to him about Schottenheimer was false.
“The great thing is with that one I can guarantee you it was untrue because I was the guy supposedly that had the conversations,” Ryan said. “I can tell you this 100 percent: I did not have the conversations. That was it.”
Tight end Dustin Keller had one catch against the Patriots, and was targeted twice. Keller said New England double-teamed him frequently.
“They clearly didn’t want me to get the ball in my hands,” said Keller, who leads the team with 19 catches. “That’s something we knew going into the game. It’s something I’m going to have to deal with. Once you see something like that you can expect to see it the rest of the season.”
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CB Isaiah Trufant has a pulled hamstring, according to Ryan. The Jets did not say whether CB Donald Strickland suffered a concussion, but he left Sunday’s game with a head injury. . . . Ryan on the play initially ruled a fumble by Deion Branch and then overturned: “It doesn’t matter what I think.” . . . Center Nick Mangold (high right ankle sprain) said he felt good after his first game in three weeks. He threw out an idea to spark the Jets offense: “Put [guard] Brandon Moore back there and let him be ‘The Fridge’ and let him run around. Whatever it takes to win games.”