by Joe Grinwis
Quarterback – C
Kellen Clemens – 15-23, 115 yards, TD
Clemens had a very Chad Pennington like day yesterday. High completion percentage, not too many mistakes. However, the Jets did not bench Pennington and promote Clemens hoping that he would become a younger version of Chad.Running Backs – A
Thomas Jones – 25 carries, 98 yards, TD
Leon Washington – 11 carries, 67 yards
Jones was the driving force in Overtime as he carried the ball six times for 35 yards to put Mike Nugent in position to kick the game winner. Jones also had his first touchdown reception of the season. Washington carried the ball 11 exciting times and also threw a 36 yard completion to Wallace Wright.
Wide Receivers – B
Jerricho Cotchery – 8 receptions, 76 yards
Wallace Wright – 2 receptions, 47 yards
Cotchery had his second straight strong performance as he led the team once again with eight grabs. Wright saw the field a lot and hauled in a couple of grabs as well. As well as he plays on Special Teams, Wright should return for 2008 and should remain the number five wideout.
Tight Ends – N/A
The blocking was good from Baker and Kowalewski but no receptions from this unit at all made them seem invisible.
Offensive Line – B
When Jones and Washington ran the ball, the line played perhaps the best its played all season. Adrien Clarke was inactive for the second straight game and Will Montgomery started at Left Guard once again. When it came to pass blocking, Jared Allen recorded two sacks, however Clemens was the reason for a lot of the pressure and some of the sacks. The Quarterback can not expect eight seconds of protection.
Defensive Line – B
They played a big role in the Jets pressuring Croyle and also helped hold the Chiefs running attack to just 53 yards on 19 carries.
Linebackers – A
This unit was often the first to get to Croyle to make him leave the pocket, as well as tackle the ball carriers quickly. David Harris led the team with 11 tackles (nine solo) and also recorded his fifth sack of the season. Since becoming the starter, Harris led the team with 102 tackles and five sacks and is now the new star of this defense with Jonathan Vilma a likely departure in the offseason. David Bowens had a sack as well.
Secondary – B+
Eric Smith led the unit with six tackles (five solo) and he will challenge Abram Elam in the offseason for the Jets’ 2008 starting strong safety. Darrelle Revis finished up an impressive rookie season with five tackles and Hollywood Rhodes added two tackles and a sack.
Special Teams – B+
With his game winning kick in overtime, in his career, Mike Nugent is three-for-three when he is kicking for the win with either under a minute left or while in overtime. Other than that, nothing notable except Ben Graham was active and punted the ball well in the sleet.
Coaching – B
The defense played very well and pressured the young Croyle into making some stupid throws. Though there were no turnovers forced, aside from one pass, Croyle couldn’t do anything. On offense, they kept on pounding the rock late in a close game and that is what you have to do, especially with a horse such as Jones in the backfield.
Studs Of The Game: Thomas Jones & Mike Nugent
The Year End Report Card for the entire season will be put out next week. Thanks for all your support and comments all season long.