"During the early days of training camp, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez said he's felt like he's been up against the 1985 Bears defense - the legendary unit coordinated by his coach's father, Buddy Ryan.

"This defense, it looks like they've practiced every day of this lockout," Sanchez said. "So I'm fighting that with younger guys, newer guys."

Sanchez had been waiting on Santonio Holmes, who could not practice until the new collective bargaining agreement was ratified on Thursday; Plaxico Burress, whose return was delayed when he rolled his ankle; and Derrick Mason, brought in Sunday to replace the departed Jerricho Cotchery.

Now the pieces are in place, and the team's expectations are high. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer envisioned some new wrinkles with this cast of receivers, and Sanchez hopes the top trio will be even better than last year's group of Holmes, Cotchery and Braylon Edwards.

"No doubt, it definitely can," Sanchez said. "It's going to take me being better, and that's one of the most important things."

Burress and Mason both suited up for this afternoon's practice and participated in team drills. Burress took part in three plays, the target of one pass from Sanchez that was tipped. Mason caught the first pass in 11-on-11s, out of the slot, but later admitted that his legs "started to go a little bit in the middle of practice" - so he needs a few more sessions to get up to speed.

Paramount for Sanchez and his new receivers is to master their timing and to get on the same page. The veterans are also receiving a crash course in the offense."