AFC Championship Game Report Card

by Joseph Grinwis

Quarterback – A-
Sanchez: 17-30, 257yds, 2 TD, INT

The only mistake the young rookie made the entire game was when the game was already over (13 point lead for the Colts with a little over 2 minutes to play) when he threw a ball behind David Clowney who tipped it in the air and was intercepted by Colt DB Kelvin Hayden. Going into his second season in 2010, Mark Sanchez has proven to the Jets and Jets fans that he is the Quarterback for this organization for the next decade or more.

Running Backs – C
Jones: 16 carries, 42yds
Greene: 10 carries, 41yds

Losing Greene on the first of the second half for the remainder of the game killed the Jets dominant rushing attack that was fueled by Greene the last four weeks of the season. Jones ran for 1,402 yards in 2009, but by mid December was a shell of the running back he was earlier in the season, in part due to a career high 331 carries and also to a nagging knee injury. The Jets could’ve used Leon Washington in a big way on Sunday and will be happy to have him back in 2010.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends – A
Edwards: 2 receptions, 100yds, TD
Cotchery: 5 receptions, 102yds
Keller: 6 receptions, 63yds, TD

Braylon Edwards did not drop a ball and made two nice first half receptions but Cotchery and Keller stole the day with a couple of acrobatic catches by each and they have become, despite Edwards addition in Week 5, the two that Sanchez relies upon most in a big spot. However, the Jets could use a slot receiver in 2010.

Offensive Line – B+

Once again this unit that has started 32 straight games together allowed Mark Sanchez to be sacked zero times. Not their best performance opening up lanes for Greene or Jones, but still not a bad performance either. Jones’ knee has limited his already slower than most mobility and losing Greene for the entire second half hurt.

Defensive Line – C

Sione Pouha proved this season that he is more than an adequate replacement for Kris Jenkins. Look foward to Pouha playing around 30 snaps next season for Gang Green with Jenkins returning. Another nice surprise was Mike DeVito who played well in this game, but also the entire postseason. Not the best performance from this unit as they did not pick up a single sack or forced fumble the entire game and Joseph Addai ran for 80 yards on 16 carries.

Linebackers – B+

David Harris led the way with 11 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble, a great day from Harris. Calvin Pace forced a fumble as well, which was recovered and led to a Jets FG to give them the 17-6 lead. Unfortunately after that it was all down hill, but Harris gave this unit single handidly a B+.

Secondary – F

Horrible day. Darrelle Revis was beaten a couple of times by Reggie Wayne (wow, when is the last time anyone has written about Revis being beaten?) and Dwight Lowery could not contain Pierre Garcon and proved once again he has no business starting in this league, nor could Lito Sheppard contain Garcon and Austin Collie. The Jets are desperate for some Cornerbacks not named Revis.

Special Teams – C

Two missed FG’s from Feely and less than average returns fron Brad Smith bring this grade to a C despite keeping the Colts inside the 30 for most of their drives and a very good performance from P Steve Weatherford.

Coaching – C

The Defense backed off on the blitzes in big spots and Brian Schottenheimer kept the Offense conservative when the game was in control of the Colts at 20-17 and 27-17. Big mistakes by Ryan, Pettine, and Schottenheimer. Also, kicking a 53 yarder from Jay Feely to start the 3rd quarter was a decision that Rex will be thinking about all offseason. It was a bad move. Rex out coached Caldwell in the first 27 minutes. After that, the inexperienced showed. Thats okay though Jets fans, because Rex is young and he is a very good coach and we have something great to look foward to in the future.

J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!!!!!!!!

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