FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Predictably, Rex Ryan came to the defense of his offense.

"The offensive production isn't there, obviously, through the first two weeks on the scoreboard, but this is a work in progress," he said Monday, commenting for the first time since evaluating the tape of Saturday night's debacle. "When it's said and done, we're going to be productive on offense. It's as simple as that."

The Jets haven't scored a touchdown in two games, but Ryan pointed to some positives from Saturday night. He liked the running game and the combination blocks executed by the line. He said RB Shonn Greene "ran behind his pads," also commending C Nick Mangold for playing perhaps his best game ever.

But as Bill Parcells used to say, don't tell me about the labor, show me the baby.

Other notes from Ryan:

WAYNE'S WORLD: Ryan left open the possibility that embattled RT Wayne Hunter will share reps with backup Austin Howard when they play Sunday against the Panthers. Ryan also refused to commit to Hunter as his opening-day starter.

"I'm going to say this: We're committed to putting a good football team on the field," he said. "There's competition throughout. To sit back and say, 'This guy is going to be a starter,' I'm not going to do it. Maybe with Darrelle Revis, Brandon Moore and Nick Mangold, yes. But is it a slam dunk, 100 percent (with Hunter)? I like to see guys compete and earn a job."

CONLEY -- JUST A (RAY) GUY: Now P T.J. Conley, who had two shanks in the game, is on the hot seat. The Jets are open to all options at punter, a source said -- meaning Conley is on notice.

Ryan, perhaps trying to rebuild Conley's confidence, said there are days when he looks like Ray Guy in practice. That might be a bit of a reach, but it was Rex being Rex.

INJURY REPORT: WR Santonio Holmes (ribs) and WR Jeremy Kerley (hamstring) could practice on a limited basis. Ryan said he's holding out hope that both could return to the lineup this week against the Panthers. Kerley has a better chance than Holmes. Ryan all but ruled out WR Chaz Schilens (ankle). Of Holmes, Ryan said, "I think he'll be ready for the opener."

ROSTER MOVE: The team waived veteran OT Stephon Heyer, a former Redskin. Could that mean another right tackle is on the way?

OFF THE MARK: After studying the tape, Ryan determined that Mark Sanchez's interception could be attributed to a footwork issue. He said Sanchez slid to his left as he prepared to release the ball on a crossing route to Patrick Turner, causing the throw to be behind Turner. It was intercepted and returned 77 yards for a touchdown by rookie CB Jayron Holsey.