New York Jets Bye Week Report: Studs And Duds
By Tyson Rauch
The New York Jets season of promise and potential has not gone as planned for head coach Rex Ryan and his team. The Jets enter their bye week with a record of 2-8 along with a significant amount of personnel questions on both sides of the football. The injury bug has played a large role in the team’s misfortunes, which forced some players to rise to the occasion while others struggled with the increased workload.
Studs
Muhammad Wilkerson- The Jets defensive end is once again playing at a Pro-Bowl level leading the team with 4.5 sacks. It is only a matter of time before Mo gets a well-deserved contract extension.
Sheldon Richardson- The second year defensive lineman continues to play at a high very high level while learning the ropes of the NFL. Richardson (3.5 sacks) has a relentless motor and is a disruptive force in the middle of the line.
Chris Ivory- The powerful running back leads the team with 548 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. Ivory is a human wrecking ball that is not utilized enough in the Jets offense.
Eric Decker- Heading into the season the expectations were very high for wide receiver Eric Decker. The former Denver Bronco was hampered by a hamstring injury early on, but still displayed excellent route running and consistent hands. Eric leads the team with 450 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.
Nick Folk- The Jets field goal kicker is a reliable weapon for Gang Green as he has made 17/19 including a long of 55 yards.
Duds
The cornerback position- The Jets secondary has been a mess the entire season with a revolving door at the cornerback position. Veteran Dimitri Patterson was released prior to the first game while Dee Milliner and Dexter McDougle were lost for the year due to injuries. Darrin Walls has been bothered by injuries while Antonio Allen struggled with the switch from the safety position.
Calvin Pryor- New York’s first round draft pick is off to a rough start as he has failed to live up to his lofty expectations. Pryor has struggled in pass coverage and was benched against the Pittsburgh Steelers for being late to team meetings.
Willie Colon-The veteran offensive lineman has struggled this season, which will more than likely be his last with Gang Green. Colon has committed several costly penalties and at times gets overwhelmed in the trenches.
Chris Johnson- The former Tennessee Titan running back talks a great game, but unfortunately does not back it up on the field. CJ has failed to establish a role for himself within the offense and seems very average at times.
Geno Smith- The second year signal caller entered the season with a chance to emerge as the franchise quarterback. After an inconsistent 8 games, Smith was benched in favor of veteran Michael Vick. The questions surrounding Geno have now put the New York Jets in a legitimate quarterback quandary.
Looking forward
There are several players to keep an eye on as the Jets finish out the season.
Percy Harvin- Gang Green is starting to see the dividends from their trade with the Seattle Seahawks. Harvin is a dynamic player that has made an impact as a running back, receiver, and returner.
Jace Amaro- The rookie tight end is starting to emerge as a playmaker within the Jets offense. Amaro must continue to work on his run blocking as well as his consistency in terms of securing the football.
Jaiquawn Jarrett- The Jets safety was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week following his 2 interception, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, 10 tackle performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jarrett will receive a legitimate chance to earn significant playing time.
Marcus Williams- The rookie cornerback was signed to the roster prior to the Kansas City game and is making an immediate impact. Williams displays good instincts and closing speed and tends to take the appropriate angles in coverage.
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.
