The New York Jets went into their last home game against the Chargers knowing they were eliminated from playoff contention but hoping to still have a .500 season at 8-8. It wasn’t to be. Playing poorly in all three phases, the Jets lost to San Diego 27-17, and they are now 6-9 heading into the season finale against the Bills next weekend.
Offense: F
First-time starter QB Greg McElroy was sacked 11 times. He said he needed to learn to “negotiate the pocket” better. C Nick Mangold said they needed to work on all being on the same page. RB Shonn Greene needed 49 rushing yards to reach 1,000 for the season, but he got just 38. Their most effective play was in the wildcat -- but not with QB Tim Tebow. Instead, WR Jeremy Kerley threw a 42-yard pass to WR Clyde Gates that set up the team’s first touchdown. Previous game’s grade: D-
Defense: C+
The Jets gave up a touchdown to Chargers TE Antonio Gates with just S Eric Smith covering him because they were expecting a run. They sacked QB Philip Rivers four times but had no interceptions and weren't able to force any turnovers. DL Mo Wilkerson (3 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 batted down pass) and Quinton Coples (2 tackles, 1.5 sacks) continue to impress. Previous game’s grade B-
Special teams: B
On special teams, the Jets gave up a punt return for a touchdown for the first time since 2003. On the positive side, K Nick Folk hit everything, including a 51-yarder. P Robert Malone didn’t have one of his better days, averaging just 26.5 yards on six punts. Previous game’s grade: B+
Coaching: D+
Kerley running the wildcat instead of Tebow, which was one of the main reasons they brought Tebow in? Off-kilter offensive play-calling with a first-time starter under center. Ryan wants his team to be top 10, but they allowed 20 points from a Chargers offense that was ranked 28th in the NFL. Previous game’s grade: D+
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