Santonio Holmes cannot throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time. Simple physics proves that. So as the New York Jets continue to try and work through their offensive issues, the wide receiver is challenging rookie quarterback Geno Smith to throw him the ball. He cannot do it all himself, right?
"I can't throw it to myself and catch it, otherwise I would," Holmes said, via Seth Walder of the New York Daily News. "I played 49 plays, and all I know is I had one catch. That's all I can attest for. I just have to do my part, which is the position that I'm playing, which is primary X receiver, and a lot of times I get double-covered, taken out of plays, so the progression and the read from the quarterback have to go elsewhere."
Holmes is sounding a lot like Hakeem Nicks did when the New York Giants were crushed by the Carolina Panthers. The wide receiver does not understand why he is not targeted more. Against the Tennessee, Homles was targeted five times. Three passes were incomplete, one was intercepted. At this point in the season, Holmes leads the team in targets with 24, putting up 10 catches total.
The funny thing is Holmes cannot guarantee he will even play on Monday night against the Atlanta Falcons. So while he may think the team's issue is not throwing him the ball enough, that solution might not help them in their next matchup. Holmes has been suffering from a hamstring injury that could keep him out for some time.
The receiver continues to remain snippy as the Jets struggle with Smith behind the wheel of the offense. When asked what he saw from the rookie against the Titans, Holmes simply replied, "What do you mean what did I see from him? I saw that we lost the ballgame."
Holmes is clearly angry with the team. During his press conference, he would not even address trying to help running back Mike Goodson return after a four-game suspension. According to Holmes, it is not his job to play counselor. Noted.
The Atlanta Falcons are certainly hoping that Holmes is not on the field come Monday. He is the Jets best offensive target at this point. Without him, New York is pretty thin at the position. Jeremy Kerley, Clyde Gates and Stephen Hill represent the best of the group without Holmes. Hill is also recovering from a concussion so things could look grim. If Holmes hamstring is not healthy enough for him to play wide receiver, maybe he could drop back and throw a few passes?
