June 14, 2012; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum speak during minicamp at the Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

We have talked more than once about the fact that Mike Tannenbaum has work to do. So far, we have spent a great deal of time talking about the need for a veteran running back. This is still a need, in my opinion, as we have talked about bringing in someone to at least help with blitz pickups.

Well, there is a more pressing issue at this time. Santonio Holmes is not back in the lineup yet after his rib injury. Jeremy Kerley, although improving, doesn’t appear to be ready to come back. Now, Stephen Hill gets injured in practice yesterday. The seriousness may still be in question, but any time a receiver has a finger that he can’t bend, and it is wrapped in heavy tape, that’s bad.

The Jets need a veteran wide receiver, and need one urgently. Even when they are healthy, another proven veteran won’t hurt. There are some available, and I will talk about some names on the next page.

Jun 7, 2012; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) takes a snap during the New York Jets organized team activities at the Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

Mark Sanchez’s numbers did go up in 2011. However, as we know, he had his moments that made us wonder about him as well. But, was there another factor that affected Mark other than just poor performance?

Plaxico Burress says yes. Take a look at what he had to say on the subject in an interview with WFAN:

“He definitely has enough arm,” Burress said in an interview with WFAN radio on Monday. “He was battling some injuries last year, shoulder-wise that a lot of people didn’t know about … different things like that. But I think he really turned a corner.”

As the Jets never mentioned Mark on an injury report, it’s hard to determine the validity of Plaxico’s remarks. It’s possible he is trying to make an excuse for his poor play, by blaming the arm of his quarterback.

Here is another possibility. Plaxico has made a habit of making disparaging remarks about former teammates when he leaves an organization. These comments are on the heels of remarks he made about both Sanchez and Tim Tebow. As nobody has signed him so far, he may be starting to realize that badmouthing organizations is not going to get him a job, so he is trying to safe face.

But, could he be right?

May 24, 2012; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Stephen Hill (84) during organized team activities at their training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

The Jets have made a lot of changes going into 2012. The mantra of “one step faster”, has been applied in force to the defense, but don’t forget about the offense. A key addition to this concept was the drafting of Stephen Hill from Georgia Tech in the second round.

Stephen Hill will not only be a major addition, he will be a major contributor, and surpass Plaxico Burress’ total of 8 TDs. He will do it as a rookie.

First of all, he is a burner. 4.36 in the forty yard dash leaves no doubt about that. He catches the ball, he has elite, breakaway speed. When Stephen Hill gets his hands on the football, it is never out of the realm of possibility that he will go the distance. He has the speed to take it to the house on any play.

This theory played out in college if you look at his stats. In Hill’s senior year, he caught 28 passes, 5 for TDs, which is almost an 18% TD percentage. For his college career, Stephen scored TDs at a 23% rate. Jerry Rice only scored at a 13% rate. Obviously we are comparing college to a great pro career, but still, Hill finds the end zone. This much is true.