JET NOTES

Justin McCareins started all 16 games for the Jets last year, but his playing time this season is far from guaranteed.

The sixth-year receiver is battling for a spot in the starting lineup and is being pushed, particularly by Jerricho Cotchery.

McCareins caught 43 passes for 713 yards a year ago. He paused when asked yesterday if his previous performance should help him this year.

“I’m not a coach, so it wouldn’t matter what I thought,” McCareins said after the Jets finished training camp at Hofstra. They play their third preseason game tomorrow against the Giants. “I’m just looking to improve and show the coaches what they want.”

McCareins had his share of trouble during camp, beginning it on the physically unable to perform list. Now, with added depth at the position, he’s faced more competition.

“I’m happy where I’m at,” McCareins said. “I feel I’m the best I’ve ever been.”

That may not be enough, because Cotchery again was impressive during practice yesterday. Eric Mangini praised the entire unit beforehand.

“The competition has been great for all of them and then I see them working together on film after practice, which is good to see,” Mangini said.

For Cotchery, the presence of a new coaching staff may have helped him improve his status.

“I don’t look at it like that,” said Cotchery, who played 16 games last year but didn’t start any of them. “Every year you just want the opportunity to come out and compete.”

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Mangini said he gained a new perspective of Giants coach Tom Coughlin after sitting at the same table as Coughlin at Cleveland head coach Romeo Crennel‘s daughter’s wedding.

“He’s funny and witty,” Mangini said. “Some people think he’s bland or monotone or secretive.”

Mangini also poked fun at himself yesterday when asked what he thought of his performance in his first training camp as head coach, giving the same non-committal answers he gives when asked about a player’s status.

“I’m sure [GM] Mike [Tannenbaum] and [owner] Woody [Johnson] sit down and discuss if every day,” Mangini said. “It’s a fluid situation.”

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RB Curtis Martin was back after leaving the team on Tuesday for a non-medical reason. Martin (knee) did not practice.