New York Jets Week 16 Report Card
Jets @ Bears
Quarterback: A
Mark Sanchez: 24/37, 269, 1 TD, 1 INT
The score (31) was more indicative of Sanchez’ performance today than the 1 passing touchdown statline. On the road, against a stingy Chicago defense, he led 3 (could have been 4 if not for a drop) touchdown drives. Channeling that part of Chad Pennington that we loved the most, he primarily stuck to the short routes but was deadly accurate. This was one of the more masterful performances thusfar in his career.
Running Backs: B
Tomlinson: 13/28/1
Greene: 12/70/1
Smith: 2/18
Tomlinson notched a touchdown but is slowing down. Greene had a nice day and is beginning to heat up with several 10+ runs. The offense will look to get him more involved in the playoffs, and rightly so.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: A-
Keller: 7/79
Edwards: 6/78
Holmes: 4/69/1
A tremendous day for the wide receivers and tight ends, their only mistakes coming on a Holmes fumble (on an end around), a Brad Smith dropped 4th down conversion and a dropped touchdown pass by Keller at the end of the first half. With those major exceptions, the receivers still did a great job of finding room to run and completing the plays they were asked to make.
Offensive Line: A+
Factoring in Smith’s runs, the offensive line produced almost 5 yards per carry on the ground. Mark Sanchez was not sacked a single time against a tremendous Bears pass rush. Wayne Hunter stepped up big time. Tough to find anything wrong with this performance!
Defensive Line: D-
Surrendered roughly 5 yards per carry on the ground. The line could not generate a good pass rush, and only created two sacks.
Linebackers: D
The Jets linebackers cannot cover (although Pace was ripped off on that pass interference call). Again, not so much with the pass rush. Coaching will have to look to scheme to create pressure on the quarterback in the future.
Secondary: F
Despite Lowery’s touchdown on an interception, this was one of the secondary’s worst outings of the season. Cutler threw for 3 touchdowns and generated a slew of 25+ yard plays.
Special Teams: C+
Nick Folk didn’t miss the one kick he was called to make, Weatherford had an excellent day. Kick and punt coverage was embarrassed by Hester, but what team isn’t? He’s amazing.
Coaching: C
Ryan’s defense looked outmanned, especially in the secondary. A strange decision in the 2nd half to attempt a 4th down conversion on our own side of the field… not too sharp. Schottenheimer brought a great plan into Chicago that emphasized the run and the short passing game, which gave Sanchez all the confidence in the world.