Geno Smith Benched, New York Jets Blown Out By Miami Dolphins
By Tyson Rauch
The New York Jets (5-7) continued their free fall as they were embarrassed by the Miami Dolphins (6-6) 23-3 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. The Jets are now losers of three in a row and are all but eliminated from post season contention. Gang Green's season of promise has turned into a bona fide mess with many demanding changes both on and off of the field.
Offense Grade: F
The New York Jets inept offense hit rock bottom on Sunday as rookie quarterback Geno Smith was benched at halftime. The Jets could not get out of their own way as every phase of the offense took turns making mistakes. The offensive line was once again manhandled by a physical front seven, while the receivers took turns dropping passes. The play calling at times made no sense (not running against a 26th ranked defense) and the quarterbacks did not help the cause with their questionable decision making. All in all it was an absolutely putrid effort from the New York Jets offense.
Defense Grade: B
The Jets defense did their best to keep the team in the game while the offense was going backwards. The unit played strong in the red zone and stifled the rushing attack when the game was still in question. As the game progressed, the defense started to tire which left them open to big plays in the passing game. The secondary once again struggled as rookie Dee Milliner was repeatedly targeted by Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Milliner was benched at halftime leaving many to wonder why Rex Ryan continues to start the rookie.
Quarterback Grade: F
The Jets have a full-blown quarterback controversy on their hands as Geno Smith struggled mightily on Sunday (4-10, 29 yards, 1 interception). The rookie signal caller looked lost in the pocket and appeared to be playing with limited confidence. Matt Simms replaced Smith at halftime but did not have much luck moving the offense (9-18, 79 yards, 1 interception).
Special Teams Grade: C
it was another nondescript day for the special teams units. Punter Ryan Quigley did his best with a 39.6 yard average while the coverage units struggled at times. Josh Cribbs was lost early in the game due to an injury forcing Kyle Wilson and Antonio Cromartie to field kicks. With the game out of hand Cromartie remained on returns which is mind boggling considering the fact that he was battling a hip injury entering the game.
More questions than answers
Following Sunday's game, the New York Jets are left as a team searching for answers on both sides of the ball. Who will be the starting quarterback next week? Is there a franchise quarterback on the roster? What can be done to address the Jets struggling secondary? Will the team remain united during these times of turmoil? Is Rex Ryan in jeopardy of losing his job?
Plenty of questions, with no obvious answers. Once again it is not easy being green.
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.
