National Football League

Sanchez, new stars shine for Jets in scrimmage

Published Aug. 8, 2010 2:37 a.m. ET

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The new guys put a new wrinkle in the Jets' offense.

LaDainian Tomlinson and Santonio Holmes had standout performances in New York's scrimmage Saturday night for an offense that quarterback Mark Sanchez says is ''big play by committee.''

''That offense is much better, and I think it's going to be great for our team,'' coach Rex Ryan said. ''We're going to be able to beat you in several different ways this year.''

The Jets led the NFL in rushing last season, using a ground-and-pound approach. By adding Tomlinson and Holmes to a group of receivers that includes Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards, Brad Smith, Laveranues Coles and tight end Dustin Keller, Sanchez will have plenty of targets.

''I think that's going to be the fun part: game-planning for the defense and also trying to figure out how to get everybody the ball because they all can do so much,'' Sanchez said. ''The right mix will be a perfect formula for this offense.''

Ryan said the offense outperformed the defense in the 67-minute practice in front of 9,500, and Tomlinson and Holmes were a major reason.

''It's hard to put into words,'' Tomlinson said when asked about how good the offense could be. ''But I'll tell you what: Explosive is one word that comes to my mind.''

Tomlinson, who signed with New York after nine seasons in San Diego, took a perfect pass from Sanchez over David Harris and ran down the sideline for a 70-yard touchdown on the first play.

''That was kind of my plan, just to show people that I can still play this game,'' Tomlinson said. ''I think coming out here, people are starting to see that I've got a lot left in the tank.''

Tomlinson is coming off the worst season of his career after rushing for 730 yards and averaging 3.3 yards per carry for San Diego, but feels rejuvenated.

''This guy is, as I call him, the best third-down back in the league,'' Ryan said.

Holmes, acquired from Pittsburgh, had two catches of 20-plus yards - one each from Sanchez and backup Mark Brunell. The 2009 Super Bowl MVP reported for camp Wednesday after spending time in the hospital with his son, Santonio III, who had his spleen removed.

''I mean, the guy shows up and he's making awesome plays from Day 1,'' Sanchez said.

Ryan also raved about Sanchez, who is completely healthy after offseason knee surgery.

''He's got a great grasp of our system now, and he's recognizing defenses and he's ready to go,'' he said. ''It doesn't hurt when you have that corps of receivers that we have.''

NOTES: CB Darrelle Revis missed his sixth day of practices while in a contract dispute with the team. ... Nick Folk missed two field goals, but Ryan acknowledged that he changed the play schedule, and the kicker was rushed onto the field. ... Wide receiver David Clowney missed the scrimmage to deal with an undisclosed personal issue. He also missed practice Friday, but Ryan expects him to rejoin the team in time for Monday's practice. The team has no practice Sunday. ... Ryan said the team got through the scrimmage without injuries - except for defensive coordinator Mike Pettine's son, Ryan, who had turf toe, and Ryan's son, Seth, who went up for a ball with Antonio Cromartie and was hit in the face by the cornerback. ''No stitches required,'' Ryan said. ''He had a little cut there. Would've knocked out most guys, but he hung in there. We did give him a standing-eight count, though.''

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