The New York Jets dropped their seventh consecutive contest this Sunday as they fell to the Buffalo Bills by a final score of 18-10. With Dowell Loggains taking over play calling duties from Adam Gase, the Jets looked as good as they have all year on offense, but the surge was short-lived. How did we grade ’em?
Quarterback: C-
Darnold looked good early on, connecting on 11 of his first 13 pass attempts but the quarterback made a terrible play in the red zone when he failed to see a wide open Denzel Mims for what would have been an easy touchdown, forcing the Jets to settle for a field goal. As the game wore on, the pressure was relentless and Darnold had no answers. The offensive line was a sieve, leaving Darnold beaten and battered in a second half that saw him throw ford just 4 yards. The support continues to be atrocious but Darnold isn’t blameless. His lone interception was a terrible decision to throw the ball in to a crowd of Bills defenders.
Running Backs: C+
There was a little bit of running room for the backs early on and they made the most of it as Frank Gore picked up a total of 99 yards on 21 carries. Hardly worthy of Canton, but one of the better days they’ve had this season. Rookie La’Mical Perine scored his first NFL touchdown but looked lost in pass protection. Days like this made you miss Bilal Powell.
Wide Receivers: C+
The receivers didn’t put up huge numbers but it didn’t have much to do with them. There was some production in the first half but Sam Darnold simply did not have any time to throw in the second half. Not much the receivers can do about that. Watching Denzel Mims catch the football in his NFL debut and have little trouble getting open was highly encouraging.
Tight Ends: F
They were invisible in the passing game and a liability as blockers. This group is an absolute disaster right now. No other way of putting it.
Offensive Line: D
The only reason this isn’t the biggest “F” of the week is because they were solid in the first half but may have been at their absolute worst in the second half. Four yards of total offense falls largely on their shoulders as Sam Darnold had no time at all to get set. Josh Andrews made his first NFL start at age 29 and looked like a player who does not belong in the NFL in terms of pass protection. The Jets would’ve been much better off with Jonotthan Harrison here. George Fant wasn’t much better and there were more struggles for Connor McGovern. Mekhi Becton made his return and was mostly very good but did have a hiccup or two.
Defensive Line: B+
Excellent outings from Quinnen Williams (5 hurries, 1 sack) and John Franklin-Myers (5 hurries) who had five quarterback pressures apiece which played a big role in keeping the Bills out of the end zone. Henry Anderson may have also played his best game of the year and Foley Fatukasi also looked good. Unfortunately Kyle Phillips was lost for the season with an ankle injury.
Linebackers: C
Tarell Basham have played his best game as a Jet and Bryce Huff showed some more potential off the edge as he picked up a pair of pressure with limited reps. On the inside, Avery Williamson was beaten badly in coverage and looked to be caught out of position multiple times against the run.
Secondary: C
Shockingly, Stefon Diggs was limited to 48 yards on six receptions but Cole Beasley killed Gang Green underneath with 11 receptions for 112 yards. They did clamp down in the red zone along with the rest of the defense, keeping the Bills out of the end zone.
Special Teams: D
A huge 58-yard kick return by Andre Roberts was a big time momentum changer and set the Bills up for a field goal while Ty Johnson averaged just 22 yards per return for the Jets. Sergio Castillo, making his NFL debut, hit his only field goal attempt, a 29-yard chip shot.
Coaching: C-
Head coach Adam Gase and offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains get an F for completely failing to adjust to the Bills heavy blitz packages in the second half. When protection was decent in the first half, they dialed up just one pass beyond 20 yards which Sam Darnold completed to Braxton Berrios. There were no screen passes or quick hitters to keep the defense honest. Gregg Williams’ defense played bend but don’t break all day. If not for Josh Allen being one of the league’s better running quarterbacks, This may have been a 10-9 contest.