Jets Must Boldly Go to the Stars for a Big Time Receiver

(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello once had a famous skit titled, "Who's on First?" in which the comic duo struggled to identify the name of a first baseman on a baseball team lineup.

Flash forward a half century and more, and it just so happens that Jets fans are finding themselves imitating this famous skit when it comes to the wide receiver position on their own team.

With the departure of Laveranues Coles shortly after the season in a salary cap saving move, the team has struggled to fill the vacancy. There have been constant rumblings that the team was either interested in signing former Giant Plaxico Burress, or trade running back Thomas Jones to Cleveland for Braylon Edwards, but—so far, it is all rumors with nothing looking imminent.

Looking at the Jets wide receiver corps can cause agitation in even the most placid personality. In a division where the New England Patriots will be fully healed, in a conference that is loaded with good football teams and offensive talent, the Jets have little to show that inspires confidence in their ability to put points on the board in a big way.

Jerricho Cotchery returns as the lone ranger of this inexperienced group.

Last season, Cotchery proved to be a versatile receiver, possessing a great ability to stretch the field into big game-changing catches. Yet, Cotchery had only 71 catches for 858 yards and five touchdowns by season's end. So what appeared to be a breakout season for him in the opening weeks of the 2008 season, went for naught.

Cotchery will play a huge role in the Jets' offense this season, especially if Jets management can't snag a top flight receiver to complement him. He will be the team's No. 1 target this year, and if Mark Sanchez should win the starting quarterback job late this summer, then Cotchery's presence will be manifold since his hands will be the pair that Sanchez will trust most.

Therefore, Cotchery will likely be double teamed. Opposing teams will play bump and run coverage on him with a corner and bring in the free safety to block off any possible throwing lanes.

That leaves Rex Ryan and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer with a huge question: Who can catch the ball?

David Clowney enjoyed a great preseason last year highlighted by a 75 yard touchdown against the Browns, but that came against Cleveland's third string secondary. No one really knows how good Clowney can be; he has played in only two career games with one catch for 26 yards.

Before that, Clowney was a practice squad player for the Green Bay Packers for a year. If the preseason can tell anything, it is that Clowney commands very good speed and his height, 6'0", are pluses, especially if he can execute plays down the middle on slants and crossing routes.

Chansi Stuckey, whom the Jets drafted in the seventh round of the 2007 draft, is expected to become a legitimate No. 2 receiver.

In 2008, Stuckey staked a claim on 32 receptions for 359 yards and three touchdowns. He proved to be great down the middle or on the left, making 17 catches for 206 yards and a touchdown. The best that can be said about Stuckey is that he is a nice third down receiver.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?