"Rex Ryan isn't ready to bench rookie QB Mark Sanchez, but he has demoted another high-profile player - safety Kerry Rhodes, the Daily News has learned.

Rhodes, who began the season with the hope of making an Ed Reed-like impact in Ryan's defense, has failed to register an impact play in 10 games - no interceptions, no sacks, no forced fumbles and no fumble recoveries.

Ryan, perhaps trying to send a message, will replace Rhodes with Eric Smith. For Ryan, the final straw may have been a second-quarter play Sunday in New England, where Rhodes passed up a chance to deliver a blow-up tackle on WR Wes Welker.

Instead of unloading on Welker, Rhodes hesitated and dipped his shoulder, making only glancing contact. It ended in a 15-yard reception for Welker, who killed the Jets all day. Ryan was said to be upset with Rhodes' performance in the game."