Report card: Dunce cap for Jets
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- We're handing out grades from the Jets' 30-9 loss to the Dolphins. The Jets won't get into a good college with this report card.
RUSHING OFFENSE
Shonn Greene's 36-yard run in the third quarter saved this from being an F. The Jets finished 105 yards, 27 more than the Dolphins were yielding per game. So that was a good thing, right? Not exactly. Until Greene's big run, which came on a first down, the Jets' first-down runs produced only 15 yards on eight attempts. The offensive line couldn't get movement, and when it did, Greene wasn't quick enough to capitalize. Without speedy Joe McKnight (ankle), the Jets operated with a tackle-to-tackle running attack. In other words, no outside speed.
PASSING OFFENSE
This was an abomination, and everyone shares in the blame -- quarterback, line and receivers. There were four sacks, one interception, one fumble and a killer dropped pass (Stephen Hill). QB Mark Sanchez was horrendous in scoring territory. Inside the 21, he was 1-for-8, with one TD and one interception. He targeted Hill three times inside the 21, with no completions. The Jets were awful on third down (5-for-17), unable to handle the blitz. The Dolphins, playing without a starting corner, neutralized Jeremy Kerley. Clyde Gates (seven catches for 82 yards) was the only bright spot.
RUSHING DEFENSE
The Jets held them to 97 yards and a 2.9 per-carry average, certainly good enough to win. Except for one break-out run by Reggie Bush, a 19-yarder, they pretty much held their old friend in check, even forcing him to lose a fumble. The Jets played a lot of eight-man fronts, daring Ryan Tannehill and Matt Moore to beat them through the air. There was a letdown on one of the biggest plays of the game: Daniel Thomas scored on a 3-yard run (on a third-down draw), ducking under tackle attempts by S Yeremiah Bell and DE Muhammad Wilkerson.
PASSING DEFENSE
The Dolphins passed for only 149 yards, but we're not going to fall for that. The Jets should've controlled this aspect of the game, especially when Tannehill went out. They didn't do enough to affect the game -- only one sack and no takeaways on pass plays. Worse, they got burned for a couple of long plays -- 30 yards to Jabar Gaffney on a busted coverage and 37 yards to Marlon Moore, who beat CB Kyle Wilson cleanly. And how did 5-foot-7 CB Isaiah Trufant, giving away nine inches, get matched against Anthony Fasano on his 4-yard TD reception?
SPECIAL TEAMS
This wasn't just bad, it was historically bad. The Dolphins became the first team in 20 years to block a punt, block a field goal and recover their own onsides kick. The blocked punt for a touchdown, which came on an inexcusable blocking breakdown in the middle of the line, was the first against the Jets in 440 games -- the longest streak in NFL history. The Jets also allowed a 57-yard kickoff return, which changed momentum. Here's how bad it was for the Jets: Gates would've taken a kickoff return to the house, but he bumped into his own man, Demario Davis, to make it a 47-yarder.
COACHING
Joe Philbin put on a clinic, embarrassing Rex Ryan and his staff. The Jets got caught napping on the onsides kick. Their special teams couldn't block anybody. They couldn't figure out the Dolphins' third-down defensive package. They stayed too long with the running game. They were too methodical in the third quarter, when they should've gone to a hurry-up offense. They failed, once again, to make use of Tim Tebow. (Wide receiver? Really?) There were miscommunications in the secondary. We could go on, but you get the point. The Jets simply weren't ready to play, and that goes to coaching.
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.
THE 50 GREATEST JETS
Drawn from more than five decades, we present the 50 Greatest Jets. Photos 
Rank 'Em »
TWITTER-
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
I'll be chatting #Jets at 2. Please stop by. Bring questions. http://t.co/nimKaFyp51
about 7 hours ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
It's early, but ... Rex Ryan not pleased with Mark Sanchez's 3 INTs today. #Jets http://t.co/lOaHWpdPWw
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Xs, Os and Z -- Jay-Z, that is. Geno Smith hires Roc Nation Sports. The story: http://t.co/C8Dhrgh1K4
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Sanchez said QB coach David Lee is stressing footwork drills. He said Lee considers proper footwork "an art form." #Jets
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
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
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
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
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
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
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
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
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Geno Smith said he has hired Jay Z's Roc Nation as his agents. #Jets
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Some perspective required: #Jets are learning new offensive system, WR corps depleted, defense always ahead of offense this early.
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
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
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
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
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
TE Hayden Smith, former rugby player, looks much improved. Has made a few catches. #Jets
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
In first team period, Sanchez and Smith get 6 reps apiece, Simms 2, McElroy 1. #Jets
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Geno Smith in first period: 6 plays, 0-for-4, 1 INT (1 drop), 1 penalty. #Jets
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Geno Smith intercepted by McIntyre. Came on deflection/drop by Mayo. #Jets
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Sanchez intercepted by Cromartie on third play. #Jets
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Mark Sanchez drops back, looks downfield and throws to ... me? #Jets http://t.co/mXMXnsA94K
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
Quinton Coples still working with DLM in positional drills. #Jets
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
As expected, RB Mike Goodson not at practice. Arraignment occurred this morning in Morris County Court. #Jets
1 day ago
- RichCimini Rich Cimini
-
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 |
You must be signed in to post a comment