Jets vs. Patriots: Rex Ryan Smart to Bench Derrick Mason for Jeremy Kerley

The New York Jets continue to struggle with finding their true offensive identity, but they made the right move in benching veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason. 

A New York Daily News report stated that, after the crushing loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week, Mason, Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes all complained to Rex Ryan about offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's system. 

After losing to the New England Patriots on Sunday, the Jets' third straight loss, all three denied the report, but it's clear to see the Jets are having problems on offense. 

Mason played very little on Sunday, and rightfully so, because he hasn't been much of a factor for New York this year.

Ryan told The New York Post that, "We've been trying to get Kerley a few more shots." That may have been the case, but Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com reports differently:

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Ryan said, with a straight face, he wanted to give more opportunities to rookie Jeremy Kerley as the No. 3 receiver, but he sat Mason because of his mouth, ESPNNewYork.com has learned. 

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Of course, Mason says otherwise, according to The New York Post. 

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OK, let me say this: I've been in this thing [the NFL] 15 years and I've never criticized the offensive coordinator to a head coach -- never once, Mason said. I've got enough problems going on myself. I'm not going go add another to it. 

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Whether or not Mason was truly benched for his mouth is up in the air, but the fact that he was on the bench for most of the game is further proof that Jets are having issues on offense. Ryan made a good move to see what the rookie could do, and Kerley delivered with a a few nice plays and even scored a touchdown. 

Mason was brought in to replace Jerricho Cotchery, but so far he hasn't been very productive or the type of leader they would have liked him to be. The veteran wideout was quoted by the Star Ledger that he feels he's been picking up the offense just fine. 

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There are some things that are a little different that I’ve had to pick up on, some calls here and there, said Mason, who had one catch for seven yards. But I’m picking up on the offense fairly well, and I think I’m picking up on it well enough to go out there and play fast football.

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He may think so, but the coaches might disagree on that. Mason has had decent playing time, but he's yet to find the end zone and has only made one big time play.

It looks as though Mason may be expendable right now, which is something to take note of as trade talks heat up.

New York must figure out what their offensive identity is, or else this season is going to end poorly. Ryan made the right move by benching Mason for the rookie this week, and going forward, we could see more of Kerley and less of Mason. If that's the case, expect Mason be on the move.