mark sanchez new york jets
The New York Jets look to Mark Sanchez to lead them to a Super Bowl in 2011 ... as their coach Rex Ryan predicts. REUTERS/Matt Sullivan

Still searching for their offense, the New York Jets welcome the Carolina Panthers to MetLife Stadium Sunday night in Week 3 of the NFL preseason.

The game starts at 8pm eastern time, and you can watch streaming online here.

New York has not scored a touchdown during the preseason and must bounce back from a 26-3 blowout against the New York Giants last week. The Jets' offense could never find a rhythm, as the Giants swarmed their offensive line for seven sacks and a loss of 45 yards.

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez completed nine passes out of 11 attempts for 59 yards, but threw an interception in the second quarter that Giants cornerback Jayron Hosley returned 77 yards for a touchdown.

Jets back-up quarterback Tim Tebow didn't fare any better, as he finished 5-for-14 for 69 yards.

The Jets's offense should get a lift when wide receiver Santonio Holmes returns Sunday after missing the first two preseason games with a rib injury. Receiver Jeremy Kerley is also expected to return from a hamstring injury.

The Jets defense, however, did look strong as they forced the Giants to kick four field goals and held quarterback Eli Manning to 62 yards passing.

Their defense must be sharp as they prepare for one of the most versatile and athletic young quarterbacks in the league.

Carolina quarterback Cam Newton led two touchdown drives in the Panthers 23-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins last week. Newton went 8-for-11 for 119 yards and a touchdown in Carolina's first preseason victory.

The Panthers' defense also held Miami to 37 rushing yards and forced an interception from quarterback Pat Devlin.

Carolina's only misstep was penalties. The Panthers were penalized 17 times for 145 yards.

Against the Jets, Carolina will be without former All-Pro receiver Steve Smith, who is out due to a foot infection. Newton will turn to third-year receiver Brandon LaFell to fill the void left by Smith.

Panthers' veteran linebacker Jon Beason strained his hamstring and has also been ruled out.

Prediction: The Jets could find their offense with Holmes back in the line-up and with Carolina having one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season. Newton poses a threat with his arm but especially with his legs, as he had 14 rushing touchdowns last season. The Jets will have to keep him in the pocket, and force him to make bad throws.

Predicted Score: New York 17, Carolina 10

New York Infection National Football League New York