Team Grades: Jets Earn An Ugly Victory In Nashville
By Tyson Rauch
A win is a win in the National Football League and that is exactly what the New York Jets (3-11) earned on Sunday in Tennessee. Gang Green slugged out a 16-11 victory over the Tennessee Titans, the team's first win on the road this season.
Offense Grade: C
A disappointing performance by the Jets offense as the unit was not able to run the ball against one of the worst defenses in the National Football League. New York's offensive line struggled against an aggressive defensive front, forcing the team into obvious passing situations. The play calling remains questionable, especially on third down where the Jets converted on only two of thirteen opportunities.
Wide receiver Eric Decker notched his first 100 yard receiving game with the Jets while Chris Johnson led the team with 55 rushing yards.
Defense Grade: B
The New York Jets defense was solid on Sunday holding the Titans to 89 rushing yards and 342 total yards. The Jets were relentless at the line of scrimmage and knocked Jake Locker out of the game late in the second quarter. Linebackers Demario Davis and David Harris made several big plays while rookie Calvin Pryor started to make an impact with his bone chilling hits.
The secondary continues to struggle as Phillip Adams was torched early with the defensive backs offering far too much cushion for the receivers.
Quarterback Grade: C
Another up and down day for quarterback Geno Smith as the second year signal caller still struggles with his pocket presence. Smith holds on to the football too long and fails to recognize the blitz and pressure from the outside. A perfect example of Geno's issues in the pocket occurred in the second quarter when Geno gave up a safety due to a poor decision in the end zone.
Geno Smith can make all of the throws, as evidenced by his beautiful 48-yard pass to Eric Decker, but he has to find a way to become more consistent.
Special Teams Grade: B
An average day for the New York Jets special teams as each sector had their highs and lows. Nick Folk, who is battling a hip injury, nailed a 51 yard kick, but missed a 53-yarder which resulted in a sideline argument with a position coach. Ryan Quigley had an average of almost 41 yards a punt with a long of 56 yards.
The Jets return game featured an explosive 33-yard gallop by Percy Harvin along with two nice runs by T.J. Graham. The kick coverage teams yield a 46-yard run by Leon Washington and a 15 yard run by Dexter McCluster.
Much needed win
The Jets win on Sunday should calm down some of the finger pointing and excuse making within Jets nation. The victory was not pretty by any means but Gang Green did play hard for their embattled coach. Rex Ryan had his team prepared and focused which is all that you can ask for at 2-11. Hopefully the Jets can find a way to build off of this effort as the team will be taking on the 11-3 New England Patriots on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
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.
