Antonio Pierce is anticipating Ryan Fitzpatrick to have another tough game against the Seahawks. (0:19)

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Todd Bowles said they need to figure out a way to get the ball into Brandon Marshall's hands more often.

Marshall agreed, adding that he needs to do a better job of getting open.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has the biggest say of anybody on this matter, believes Marshall's involvement in the offense must happen organically, it can't be forced.

Here we are, in Week 4 of the NFL season, and the New York Jets have a Marshall issue. He's not catching as many passes as he did last season, the offense is sputtering (except for four fantastic quarters in Buffalo) and you can feel the tension mounting in the locker room.

To me, Bowles' comments are notable. He stopped short of an edict, but there was a sense of urgency in his voice -- for him, anyway. Bowles isn't the type of coach who makes declarative statements, so this jumped out.

"I’m sure (defenses are) paying attention to him; they were paying attention to him last year. We just have to find better ways to get him the ball," he said Wednesday. "It’s early on, so we still have some kinks we’re working out. We’re going to make sure we get him the ball."

They're trying.

Marshall has been targeted 27 times in three games, only six shy of last season's three-game total. The problem is, they're not connecting. He has only 12 receptions, meaning his catch percentage is a poor 44 percent, down from 65 percent in 2015. That's a serious drop.

It's worse in the red zone -- only one catch in seven targets.

Clearly, Fitzpatrick and Marshall haven't been able to recapture their magic from last season.

"We have to be more consistent on our end, and it starts with guys like Fitz and myself," Marshall said. "I have to play better. I haven't scored a touchdown this year. I haven't done a great job of getting open. I just have to make more plays. I have to find a way to make more plays and make the tough plays, and things will improve."

Marshall, playing on an ailing knee, didn't get much separation last Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Neither did his partner, Eric Decker, who is battling a shoulder injury. In Week 2, they dominated the Buffalo Bills' smallish cornerbacks, but they couldn't win the 50-50 balls against the Chiefs' big, physical cornerbacks, contributing to Fitzpatrick's six-interception nightmare.

Fitzpatrick sounded less concerned than Bowles about Marshall's involvement. He's the point guard of the offense, so his job is to find the open man and keep everybody happy. He doesn't want to turn this into A Marshall Thing.

"Brandon is always going to be involved -- he had three catches -- but there were a lot more targets going his way, and there always will be just because of how special of a player he is," Fitzpatrick said. "It’s a fine line. I can’t force him balls, I can’t try to force feed him. When it’s there, I have to take it. When it’s not, I have to go elsewhere."

At least Marshall has maintained his sense of humor.

"Not a good start to the season if you have me on your fantasy (team)," he cracked.