New York Jets Report Card: Week 15

New York Jets Report Card

Week 15

Jets @ Titans

Quarterback: F

Sanchez: 13/28, 131 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT

Is Mark Sanchez the universe’s cruel joke on Jets fans? Drafted 5^th overall, the 4^th year quarterback has been outdone consistently by several rookie and 2^nd year players, career backups and… well, pretty much anyone else that isn’t on the Arizona Cardinals roster.

I get it: the talent around him is lacking. No one denies this. But it was evident again tonight that his problems are largely his own, rather than the fault of others. Forget (if you dare) the 4 disastrous interceptions he threw tonight into double and, at times, triple coverage. Focus instead on the simple stuff: when Shonn Greene is wide open 6 yards in front of him, why is Mark Sanchez putting the ball 3 feet over his head? Explain that. When Jeff Cumberland is open in the end zone, and the only thing Mark Sanchez has to do is lead him… what does he do? He throws the ball low enough to screw it up.

The story was the same. The post-game press conference was the same. “I need to learn from this.” No. It’s been 4 years and you haven’t learned, Mark. This is the end of the road.

Running Backs: B

Greene: 13/68/0, 2 receptions for 1 yard

Powell: 6/28/0, 2 receptions for 15 yards

McKnight: 4/29/0

I’ll tell you something about the Jets running backs. They don’t look like anything special, but it’s a heck of a feat to run the ball as well as they do when the passing game is no threat at all. I still think Greene walks at the end of the year, as the Jets will be reluctant to give a running back a 2^nd contract, but Powell and McKnight are decent pieces to build around.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: C

Cumberland: 4/53/1

Edwards: 3/47/0

Kerley: 1/11/0

Reuland: 1/4/0

How do you evaluate receivers and tight ends when the ball is constantly being thrown behind them or too high… or too low? Jeff Cumberland caught a few key passes, and it was nice to see Braylon Edwards back where he belongs.

Offensive Line: C

Overall, the line had a good day – both in run blocking and in pass protection. However, Austin Howard was beaten around the edge a few times and this may have been pro-bowl center Nick Mangold’s worst game yet as a Jet, as he messed up on more than one snap.

Defensive Line: B+

The line was eating up blockers all day. Apart from a huge 90+ yard run by Titans RB Chris Johnson, their effort on the day was nearly flawless.

Linebackers: B+

Bart Scott looks rejuvenated. Garret McIntyre may be Bryan Thomas’ replacement at OLB next year, and a cheap one, at that!

Secondary: A-

Locker was held to 149 yards on the day. Antonio Cromartie continues to shine.

Special Teams: B

Nick Folk connected on a 52 yard field goal. Muhammed Wilkerson blocked a field goal.

Coaching: D

There’s obviously something wrong with the coaching, if for no other reason than the fact that Mark Sanchez is still the starting QB of this team

Matt Keach

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