Team Grades: Jets Get Thoroughly Embarrassed By The Chargers
By Tyson Rauch
The New York Jets entered Sunday’s game as a team looking to right their ship while ending a three game losing streak. Following a 31-0 trouncing by the San Diego Chargers the Jets (1-4) are now an organization searching for answers on both sides of the football.
Offense Grade: F
In a league that caters to quarterbacks and high scoring offenses the New York Jets were only able to muster 151 total yards, of which 60 were passing. New York’s problems started with poor offensive line play and trickled down to a decimated wide receiver group that had trouble getting separation from defenders. Add in a questionable play calling and you have an inept offensive unit that was overwhelmed by the San Diego defense. To make matters worse the Jets were the first team in the NFL to be shutout this season.
Defense Grade: F
The New York Jets were manhandled on defense as the unit gave up 439 total yards. The biggest surprise was the rush defense which yielded 162 yards on the ground. The Jets made third string running back Branden Oliver (114 rushing yards, 1 td) look like LaDainian Tomlinson while quarterback Philip Rivers picked apart the secondary for 288 yards and 3 touchdowns. Once again the unit could not get off of the field on third down, the Chargers were 12/18, and did not generate a consistent pass through blitz packages. This was a very disappointing performance from a proud Jets defense.
Quarterback Grade: F
It is hard to truly criticize the quarterback position as Geno Smith was running for his life from the outset of the game. Geno tried to weather the early storm but received next to no help from his line and receiving group. Mike Vick started the second half of the game and added no spark or value to the offense. Both of the signal callers appear to be victims of circumstance.
Special Teams Grade: B
Punter Ryan Quigley was one of the stars of the game averaging almost 50 yards a kick. Returner Saalim Hakim is starting to show some warts as he repeatedly runs into tacklers and fails to get back to the 20 yard line. It is one thing to have world class speed, another to understand blocking trails.
Team in turmoil
There is no way to sugarcoat the New York Jets performance on Sunday as it was absolutely dreadful. The Jets were outcoached and outperformed in every facet of the game. Rex Ryan had no answers on defense as his blitz packages were identified and torched by Philip Rivers. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg never established the run or short passing game which had the quarterbacks completely rattled by a relentless San Diego pass rush. The move to start Mike Vick in the second half was out of desperation and made next to no sense.
Gang Green’s season is on the brink and the team is set to face the high flying Denver Broncos (3-1) on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. At this point it is difficult to identify a way for the Jets to remain competitive against Peyton Manning and his Broncos. When was the last time you said that about a New York Jets team?
For more Jets news and updates, visit Jets Central.
Tyson Rauch is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
