FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The Jets conducted their final public practice before a large crowd (estimated: 2,000) Friday at their team facility. This was largely a game-preparation practice, with the first-team offense and first-team defense working against scout teams in preparation for Sunday night's game against the Panthers.

Rex Ryan addressed the team at the start of practice, later explaining that he told the players he was concerned with chippiness -- late hits, contact after the whistle, etc. Remember, this was an issue in Cortland, where they had well-publicized scuffles on back-to-back days.

There were no skirmishes Friday, but Ryan wasn't happy with the performance. He called it a sloppy practice -- too many mental errors and a lack of communication. Ryan said he'd be concerned if this had been a Friday during the regular season. At the end of practice, he challenged the players to learn from the mistakes, telling them to see their respective position coaches if they had questions on where they erred.

Unlike the first two preseason games, the Jets do have a game plan. That's typical in the preseason; team usually become a little more sophisticated in the third game, when the starters played about three quarters.

DT Mike DeVito pulled a calf muscle in practice and was unable to finish. That type of injury, Ryan said, "is never good for a defensive lineman." DeVito is a key player, so this bears watching. Presumably, he won't play this week, meaning rookie DE Quinton Coples could get the start in the 3-4.

The other headline in practice was WR Santonio Holmes (ribs), who wore a red (non-contact) jersey and took only a handful of reps. Frankly, I thought he'd take more of a practice load, considering his recent progression. WR Jeremy Kerley (hamstring) took more reps than Holmes, and appears ready to make his preseason debut.

S Yeremiah Bell didn't practice, later telling reporters he sat out due to general soreness. (Ryan later called it looseness in Bell's knee, saying he wouldn't play if there's any concern.) Others who didn't practice: WR Chaz Schilens (ankle), LB Ricky Sapp (ankle), CB Ellis Lankster (quadriceps), TE Jeff Cumberland (concussion) and NT Sione Pouha (back).

The Jets devoted a lot of time to goal-line and short-yardage. Obviously, the latter was an issue in last week's loss to the Giants.