FLORHAM PARK — New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes might have provided the Carolina Panthers with some bulletin board material.

Holmes was answering a question Thursday about the Panthers’ impressive defense, ranked No. 2 in the NFL, when he mentioned the defensive backs. “Not to call these guys out,” Holmes couched it, “but their secondary is probably their weakest link on their defense.”

That might not be taken too kindly by the Panthers’ starting foursome of cornerbacks Captain Munnerlyn and Melvin White and safeties Quintin Mikell and Mike Mitchell. Carolina actually ranks fifth in pass defense, and the Panthers are tied for fifth in the league with 16 interceptions.

Holmes says his comment was based “just from the numbers perspective.” When told of Holmes’ comments, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg deadpanned: “I love Santonio.”