Jets grades vs. Vikings in Week 5: Offense starts slow and continues to look out of sync
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, center, looks to throw during the first half of an NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London. Credit: AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth
OFFENSE: F
The offense has been a mess the last two weeks. In this game, the Jets didn’t take care of the football, protect their quarterback or get a run game going in their 23-17 loss to the Vikings in London. Aaron Rodgers also has to take a lot of the blame. He threw three interceptions — all were his fault. He threw a pick-6 in the first quarter and killed the Jets’ chances of winning by underthrowing a pass that was intercepted by the Stephon Gilmore in the final minute. Overall, the Jets had seven series in which they ran just three plays. Rodgers was sacked three times and hit 11. Breece Hall rushed for just 23 yards.
DEFENSE: B
Jeff Ulbrich’s defense kept the Jets in the game. They had some hiccups, but had two takeaways. Brandin Echols’ interception in Minnesota territory led to the Jets’ second touchdown that made it a one-score game. The Jets got some pressure on Sam Darnold and sacked him four times. They struggled with Justin Jefferson, though. He had 92 yards receiving. They were flagged for three penalties on one Vikings touchdown drive — all while trying to cover Jefferson. Sauce Gardner was called for pass interference and holding, and D.J. Reed was penalized for pass interference.
SPECIAL TEAMS: B
Xavier Gipson’s 30-yard punt return led to the Jets’ first touchdown. They were down 17-0 late in the first half and his return gave them the ball at the Vikings’ 31.
COACHING: D
The Jets continue to get off to slow starts on offense, even though the first 15 plays are scripted. It’s time for coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and Rodgers to change the script. Falling behind 17-0 reflects poorly on Robert Saleh, for a team that looked like they weren’t ready for the Vikings’ blitz.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
