Team Grades: Jets Get Embarrassed By The Buffalo Bills
By Tyson Rauch
The New York Jets entered Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills as a team desperate for a victory. Following a 43-23 trouncing by the Bills (5-3) the Jets (1-7) are now in complete rebuild mode as Gang Green has to restructure their entire organization.
Offense Grade: F
Starting quarterback Geno Smith threw 3 interceptions within his first 4 drives. Michael Vick, Smith’s replacement, fumbled the football four times, losing two, and was intercepted once. It is safe to say that the entire New York Jets offense has become a train wreck as the unit lacks any identity or leadership.
Defense Grade: F
As expected, the New York Jets defense was able to take advantage of a makeshift offensive line holding the Buffalo Bills to 67 rushing yards. Unfortunately for Gang Green the pass defense remained non-existent as Buffalo quarterback Kyle Orton threw for 238 yards and 4 touchdowns. Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins torched the Jets for 157 receiving yards while Scott Chandler and Lee Smith each contributed a touchdown.
Quarterback Grade: F
There was a hope amongst Jets nation that second year signal caller Geno Smith would build off of his turnover free outing against the New England Patriots. Sadly for the Jets the preferred outcome did not come to fruition as Smith threw 3 interceptions in the first quarter of the game. Michael Vick replaced Smith with mixed results as the veteran turned the football over 3 times.
Special Teams Grade: B
Place kicker Nick Folk remains a weapon as he nailed a 55-yard field goal along with two extra points. Punter Ryan Quigley averaged an inconsistent 36 yards a kick while Percy Harvin contributed 24 yards a return. At some point the return unit has to understand that if you cannot get the football back to the 20 yard line then you should down the ball on kickoffs.
As bad as it gets
The New York Jets have officially reached rock bottom as the organization has lost 7 games in a row. General manager John Idzik has to be fired for his inability to significantly upgrade the talent base of the New York roster. Head coach Rex Ryan should follow Idzik as his locker room lacks any type of accountability. Quarterback Geno Smith is on the outside looking in as Gang Green remains in the hunt for a franchise quarterback. Clearly this Jets organization is full of questions without any answers.
Where do the Jets go from here?
At 1-7 the New York Jets are playing for pride as the team’s post season dreams have been dashed. The list of excuses are starting to add up for the Jets but the bottom line is that the team lacks talent on the field and leadership on the sidelines. Going forward it is going to be interesting to see how Jets owner Woody Johnson will handle his team. Will Woody open up his pocket book for a proven veteran coach? Or will Johnson pursue another coordinator to lead his team? Either way a head coaching change has to be made much sooner rather than later.
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.
