Grading the Jets
San Diego Chargers defensive back Jahleel Addae, right, tackles Jets wide receiver Saalim Hakim during the first half of a game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, in San Diego. Credit: AP / Denis Poroy
OFFENSE
F The Jets couldn't muster a single point and didn't cross into Chargers territory until midway through the fourth quarter. They were an absolute mess, and the insertion of Michael Vick didn't produce a much-needed spark. Instead, it highlighted their glaring roster holes and subpar offensive line. Geno Smith, who was benched at halftime, couldn't get into a rhythm because he was running for his life, and Vick didn't fare much better. Meanwhile, the running game was a non-factor -- except when Chris Johnson fumbled the ball at the Chargers' 20 immediately after an interception by the Jets.
DEFENSE F The Jets did the one thing they said they couldn't afford to do against San Diego -- allow Philip Rivers to beat them vertically. The Chargers converted three third downs on their opening drive and Rivers finished with three touchdown passes. The Jets allowed three 90-yard scoring drives that included a 50-yard catch-and-run reception by Branden Oliver and two touchdowns by the pint-size running back. The Jets yielded 162 rushing yards to the Chargers. The one bright note: Backup corner Phillip Adams recorded the Jets' first interception of the season.
SPECIAL TEAMS C Ryan Quigley may have put in the best performance. Six of his eight punts were over 50 yards, including 64-, 59- and 58-yarders. He finished with a 51.1-yard average. Saalim Hakim had a 26-yard kickoff return and averaged 20.8 yards per attempt. Walter Powell averaged only 2.5 yards on two punt returns.
COACHING
F Rex Ryan said all week that this team is a lot closer than people think -- but closer to what, exactly? Irrelevancy? The Jets are a team without direction and without solid play from their offensive line, cornerbacks and quarterbacks. And their penalty issues (12 on Sunday) also fall on the coach. Meanwhile, Marty Mornhinweg's play-calling continues to raise eyebrows.
