RUSHING OFFENSE
You figured it would be a day of tough sledding against the Dolphins' stubborn run defense, but the Jets should've managed more than 88 yards. Shonn Greene struggled again, as he averaged less than 3 yards per carry for the second straight week. Time to be worried? Bilal Powell made a case for more playing time, rushing for 45 yards on 10 carries. Even without injured FB John Conner, coordinator Tony Sparano made a concerted effort to establish the ground game, often using H-Back Konrad Reuland in the backfield and loading up on two- and three-tight packages. No matter; it was a rough day.
PASSING OFFENSE
We'll give it a D, not an F, because Mark Sanchez managed to make two good throws -- a 66-yard catch and run by Jeremy Kerley and a 38-yard pass to Santonio Holmes. Holmes tied a career high with nine receptions for 147 yards, his best overall day as a Jet. Otherwise, the passing offense was awful -- except for some decent protection. Sanchez (21-for-45, 306) was below 50 percent for the second week in a row and he threw two interceptions, one in the end zone. Rookie WR Stephen Hill (no catches, seven targets) was a non-factor again, including a dropped TD pass.
RUSHING DEFENSE
Reggie Bush might have gone for 200 yards if he hadn't suffered a game-ending knee injury in the second quarter. He had 61 at the half, gashing the Jets with his darting moves. The Jets should've shut down the Dolphins after Bush left, but backups Daniel Thomas and rookie Lamar Miller caused problems, as the Dolphins finished with 185 yards. The bright spot was Darrelle Revis' fumble recovery, caused by NT Kenrick Ellis.
PASSING DEFENSE
The Jets held rookie QB Ryan Tannehill to 196 yards and a 50.2 passer rating. S LaRon Landry made the biggest play, interception Tannehill and returning it for a touchdown in the third quarter. Once again, the pass rush was virtually non-existent (no sacks), but they flustered the rookie with coverage schemes. There were some leaks when CB Darrelle Revis (knee) went out. The biggest mistake was by CB Antonio Cromartie, who nearly cost them the game when he bit on a double move -- a 41-yard reception by WR Brian Hartline.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Credit goes to PK Nick Folk, who capitalized on a "do over" to kick the game-winning field goal in overtime. Joe Philbin's ice-the-kicker timeout backfired, as he called it a split-second before Folk's initial try was blocked. Folk's counterpart, Dan Carpenter, choked his brains out, missing from 47 and 48 yards, the latter in OT. How lucky were the Jets? A year ago, their field-goal block team was the worst in the league, as opponents converted 29 of 30 attempts. Tim Tebow made a huge fourth-down conversion on a fake punt, calling an audible when he recognized the Dolphins' light front.
COACHING
The Jets were damn lucky to walk away with a win, as they were outplayed by the rebuilding Dolphins. Offensively, the Jets were restricted by injuries, hampering their ability to run out of conventional packages and it showed. But only one TD in 13 possessions? That's not good. They were smart enough to keep throwing at the Dolphins' suspect corners, especially Richard Marshall. They unveiled Tim Tebow in a new role pass receiver but that didn't work out too well. Defensively, they played eight-man fronts, but still couldn't stop the ground game.
Rich Cimini
ESPNNewYork.comFollow Rich on Twitter
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Rich Cimini
Rich Cimini, longtime Jets beat writer for the New York Daily News and a Syracuse University graduate, now covers Gang Green for ESPNNewYork.com.
Jane McManus
Jane McManus has covered sports in the New York area since 1998, and began covering football just before Brett Favre's stint with the Jets. Her work has also appeared in Newsday, USA Today, The Journal News, The Cincinnati Enquirer and The New York Times.
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I'll be chatting #Jets at 2. Please stop by. Bring questions. http://t.co/nimKaFyp51
about 13 hours ago
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It's early, but ... Rex Ryan not pleased with Mark Sanchez's 3 INTs today. #Jets http://t.co/lOaHWpdPWw
1 day ago
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Xs, Os and Z -- Jay-Z, that is. Geno Smith hires Roc Nation Sports. The story: http://t.co/C8Dhrgh1K4
1 day ago
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Sanchez said QB coach David Lee is stressing footwork drills. He said Lee considers proper footwork "an art form." #Jets
1 day ago
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Sanchez sounds like he's really bought into Mornhinweg's system: "I just really feel like this coaching staff will get the best out of me."
1 day ago
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Regardless of who represents him, Geno Smith will sign a four-year contract for $5 million, give or take a few thousand. #wagescale #Jets
1 day ago
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I'm wondering if Jay Z makes it to Cortland this summer for training camp. I'm sure he'd be a big hit at Doug's Fish Fry. #Jets
1 day ago
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Geno on Jay Z's Roc Nation: "Being in NY, from a standpoint of what they can do in the city, connections they have, it's a good move." #Jets
1 day ago
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Geno Smith said he has hired Jay Z's Roc Nation as his agents. #Jets
1 day ago
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Some perspective required: #Jets are learning new offensive system, WR corps depleted, defense always ahead of offense this early.
1 day ago
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Early thought on #Jets QB comp: Ugh. Sanchez 6-for-11, 3 INTs, 1 sack. (1 INT may have been a sack.) Geno Smith 3-for-10, 1 INT, 1 sack
1 day ago
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Sanchez intercepted by NT Damon Harrison on a screen. One play later, Sanchez picked by Jarrett on poor throw to Kerley on deep seam. #Jets
1 day ago
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TE Hayden Smith, former rugby player, looks much improved. Has made a few catches. #Jets
1 day ago
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In first team period, Sanchez and Smith get 6 reps apiece, Simms 2, McElroy 1. #Jets
1 day ago
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Geno Smith in first period: 6 plays, 0-for-4, 1 INT (1 drop), 1 penalty. #Jets
1 day ago
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Geno Smith intercepted by McIntyre. Came on deflection/drop by Mayo. #Jets
1 day ago
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Sanchez intercepted by Cromartie on third play. #Jets
1 day ago
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Mark Sanchez drops back, looks downfield and throws to ... me? #Jets http://t.co/mXMXnsA94K
1 day ago
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Quinton Coples still working with DLM in positional drills. #Jets
1 day ago
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As expected, RB Mike Goodson not at practice. Arraignment occurred this morning in Morris County Court. #Jets
1 day ago
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UPCOMING GAMES
| W-L | PF | PA | HM | AW | STK | L10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYJ | 0-0 | .0 | .0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | W0 | |
| DET | 0-0 | .0 | .0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | W0 |
| W-L | PF | PA | HM | AW | STK | L10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAC | 0-0 | .0 | .0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | W0 | |
| NYJ | 0-0 | .0 | .0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | W0 |
| W-L | PF | PA | HM | AW | STK | L10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYJ | 0-0 | .0 | .0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | W0 | |
| NYG | 0-0 | .0 | .0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | W0 |
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