by the Jet Report

Week three bring us the final go round for the starters in preseason action. Some could really benefit from a nice outing. Despite the struggles the offense has had overall so far, all eyes will be focused on right tackle. Even over the famous names that play the skill positions.

Let’s start there.

1-Austin Howard, Here’s Your Chance Of A Lifetime

This is Howard’s chance to win an NFL starting job. Wayne Hunter is a mental mess right now so now Howard gets a shot to claim a spot that could also be filled by a released player  currently on another team, if he can’t grab hold of it Sunday night.

Mark Sanchez won’t say it, but his body language reads “help me” when it comes to trusting his protection. This is a huge opportunity for Howard. 

2-Tone Is Back, Can Timing With Sanchez Return As Well?

Santonio Holmes and Mark Sanchez were not on the same page by seasons end last year. They both claim however, that their rift was overblown by the media. After kissing and making up this offseason, they both sought to re establish a connection that provided a
plethora of late game heroics in 2010.

Then “Cro” hit Tone during a scrimmage, injuring his ribs. Thus slowing the climb back to chemistry. Sunday Holmes will play a few snaps. Even in limited time we’d love to see a few connections between the two.

It’s never too early to repair an on field relationship, and having lost two games already, this becomes the final chance before the games count in September.

OC Tony Sparano might as well try to dial up a few plays for this duo that can allow these guys to begin to talk about a new beginnings of sorts.

3-Take Three Sanchise:

We know we are putting the top three keys here on the offense, but that’s what happens when you are the only NFL team without a TD in 2012. Sanchez will mentally benefit from leading just one TD drive against Carolina.

Trust us with this one.

“6” also has to start to show that he can overcome a shaky line and young WR corps with confident throws that are on time. Otherwise, if he’s hearing footsteps in the pocket, that other QB best known for makeshift QB scrambles, becomes more appealing somehow to many.

4-Powell and McKnght: Which One Will Ignite?

This week we hypothetically included Joe McKnight in a 4WR speed package and suggested the Jets consider overloading this crew as a weapon seeking one on one mismatches. After all, they are in desperate need of weapons on offense in any way shape or form these days.

Let’s now insert 25 back into the backfield… When does he or Bilal Powell start to win the RB2 job? Not borrow the role by default, the way Powell has due to McKnight’s questionable pass protection skills.

Run to daylight fellas. One of you at least..

Somebody step up.

5-Kickers Start Your Engines:

The Folk-Brown kicker battle ends Sunday night. One will survive. Both have done what has been asked of them.

May the best man win.

TJ Conley will invite released punters from some other roster by next week with shanks on Sunday like the two he booted last week against the Giants. Rex Ryan says Conley has it in him to hit it like Ray Guy once did. The Jets MUST have a good if not great punter this year.

Three and outs by the offense can still result in field position gains if Conley can blast ‘em and the defense can throw a sack into the next quick series.

With so much in question for the Jets when they have the ball right now, there’s no way that this team can escape wounded ducks on 4th down on top of it.