FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes has a lot of respect for the Carolina Panthers' front seven. Their secondary, not so much.

"Not to call those guys out, but their secondary is probably their weakest link on their defense," the mercurial Holmes said Thursday.

Few would argue with Holmes' opinion, but it was an ill-advised comment considering how much the Jets struggle to throw the ball. Their passing offense ranks 30th in the league, with rookie quarterback Geno Smith appearing overwhelmed at times by defenses.

The last thing Smith needed was a teammate inciting an opposing secondary with bulletin-board material. The teams meet Sunday in Charlotte, a game the Jets (6-7) need to win to maintain their slim playoff chances.