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Team Grades: Brutal Jets Fall Short In Minnesota

By Tyson Rauch

When it comes to losing, the New York Jets seem to find a new way to do it each week. Following a 30-24 overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings (6-7), the Jets (2-11) remain one of the worst teams in the NFL statistically.

Offense Grade: B

The New York Jets abandoned their run heavy game plan and actually allowed Geno Smith to throw the football on Sunday. The Jets play calling included a variety of run packages supported by the play action pass and vertical passing game. Running back Chris Ivory led the team with 73 rushing yards while Percy Harvin was a man amongst boys with his 124 receiving yards and a touchdown. The Jets 410 yards of total offense was their second highest output of the season.

Defense Grade: C

The blueprint to beat the Jets defense is quite obvious at this point, as their secondary remains a mess. The Vikings did enough in the running game (114 rushing yards) to open up passing lanes for rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The Minnesota signal caller threw for over 300 yards while the New York defense made Charles Johnson (4 catches, 103 yards, 1 td) look like Calvin Johnson. Sheldon Richardson (3 sacks and a safety) played his heart out for Gang Green but it was not enough as the Jets defense failed to finish off a bubble screen in overtime.

Quarterback Grade: B

Following a week where the New York Jets were scared to let Geno Smith throw the ball, Marty Mornhinweg and company actually let the Jets quarterback make some plays down the field. Smith started off the game with a pick six, but rebounded nicely with several big time throws to keep the Jets in the game. Geno did a decent job of buying time in the pocket and effectively used his legs when the protection broke down.

Special Teams Grade: B+

Nick Folk bounced back from a 2 miss effort to go 5/5 on Sunday with a long of 44 yards. Ryan Quigley averaged almost 38 yards a punt while Percy Harvin was ultra determined in the return game as he exploded for a 47 yard run against his former team.

Solid effort

The New York Jets played a sound football game on Sunday, as the team was aggressive on both sides of the football. The Jets opened up the passing game on offense, and were very aggressive schematically on defense. Quarterback Geno Smith gave New York a glimpse of hope with his play as the second year signal caller displayed a refuse to lose attitude. Sheldon Richarson continues to emerge on defense as he plays with a tremendous amount of intensity, pride, and passion.

The Jets continue to play hard for Rex Ryan, which says a lot about their respect for the head coach. Hopefully this type of effort continues for the remainder of this lost season.

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.

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