New York Jets Report Card Week 14

Week 14: Jets vs. Chiefs

Quarterback: A-

Sanchez: 13/21, 181 yards, 2 touchdowns (passing), 2 touchdowns (rushing), 1 fumble

For the second time in three weeks, Sanchez put up 4 touchdowns. His completion percentage was solid against a tough Kansas City secondary. Sanchez could have put up more yards, if not for several Chiefs penalties. Taking too much time in the pocket cost him another fumble, but a great day otherwise.

Running Backs: A

Greene: 24/149/1, 3 receptions, 58 yards
Tomlinson: 9/14/0. 2 receptions, 50 yards, 1 touchdown
Powell: 6/10/0

It was an even better day for the running backs than it might appear at first glance. With the Jets getting out to a commanding lead, the offense stayed on the ground for most of the 2nd half. Even though the Chiefs knew what was coming, they simply couldn’t stop it – and Greene finished with over 5 yards per carry, anyway. That’s not to mention the activity that both Greene and Tomlinson saw in the passing game.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: C+

Keller: 4/34/0
Baker: 1/17/0
Holmes: 2/12/1
Turner: 1/10/0

With the running backs seeing plenty of work (including in the passing game), the receivers and tight ends weren’t called upon to make many plays. They simply weren’t needed. Still,  Santonio Holmes added another touchdown and the receivers did draw a few pass interference calls to essentially ice the game.

Offensive Line: B

The offensive line ended their two game sackless streak, allowing 3 for 26 yards. That’s definitely more than you would like to see, but Sanchez is looking more comfortable in the pocket. On a positive note, the line’s run blocking continues to improve — even paving the way for Sanchez to score two on the ground.

Defensive Line: A

Dixon started for the injured DeVito and played well, tallying half a sack. Pouha had a safety,  and the pass rush was as effective as it needed to be.

Linebackers: A

The Jets middle-men (Scott and Harris) each notched a sack, and Pace had half a sack of his own. The Chiefs running game was virtually non-existant, as 5 runners combined for a measly 65 yards on the ground.

Secondary: B

Though they gave up some yards in garbage time, the secondary stifled Chiefs QB Tyler Palko, holding the combination of Bowe and Breaston to 110 yards receiving. Jim Leonhard posted an interception, but that may be the worst news of the day as he suffered a serious knee injury that may keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Special Teams: C

Ho-hum, nothing much to report here. Nick Folk was 5/5 on extra points, Conley’s punting was adequate, as was the return game. At this point, as long as no one drops a punt, it’s a good day….

Coaching: A-

The main concern the Jets must have had coming into this game is a Kansas City defense that has looked very stout in recent weeks, but the offensive gameplan had the Jets firing on all cylinders—after the first snap, that is. With the Jets electing to receive to begin the game, you would figure that they would be ready to go. Instead, Sanchez had to burn a timeout as FB John Conner came on the field with the play clock winding down. Another timeout was burned in a similar manner later in the game. Thankfully, the Jets didn’t really need any timeouts in this game, but this cannot continue to happen as the team pushes towards the playoffs.

Matt Keach

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