New York Jets Week 8 Stock Report

Missed opportunities.

In two words, we've just summed up the New York Jets' 30-23 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 7.

The Jets missed an opportunity to move to 5-1 and take a half-game lead in the AFC East, but there were a lot of other missed opportunities that caused that result. They missed an opportunity to get the Patriots off the field on 3rd-and-17. They missed an opportunity to go up by eight points on a fourth-quarter touchdown and had to settle for a field goal. They missed an opportunity to tie the game with a last-second Hail Mary.

But if they want to make sure they don't miss any more opportunities this season, they'll need improvement from some players who took a step back in Week 7, and they'll need continued contributions from those who lent a hand in keeping the game as close and competitive as it was. 

Stock Up: Eric Decker

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

From the beginning of the game, the New England Patriots dictated to the Jets that wide receiver Brandon Marshall would not be a major factor in the outcome. If the Jets were going to win, it would be on the strength of Eric Decker burning the Patriots secondary.

Decker delivered a team-high six catches for 94 yards on the day. He was left one-on-one with Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler in coverage for long stretches, and Decker made the Patriots pay for that decision.

Marshall and running back Chris Ivory will always be the top two options on offense, but the Jets need to be able to turn to a reliable third and fourth option when a defense game-plans both Marshall and Ivory out of the game. Decker proved he can be the No. 3, but they need a fourth man to step up if their offense is going to stay on schedule when they're put in a bind. 

Stock Down: Chris Ivory

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

If we've learned one thing about Chris Ivory in the Jets' first six games of the season, it's that injuries are the only thing that can slow him down. 

Ivory rushed for just 41 yards on 17 carries against the Patriots on Sunday, which is a surprisingly low number considering the monstrous stat lines he had posted against the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins in the two weeks prior (49 carries, 312 yards, 6.4 YPA, two touchdowns).

That being said, it's less surprising when presented with the context that Ivory suffered a hamstring injury on the Jets' very first play from scrimmage, an injury which affected Ivory's confidence in his ability to get around the corner and into the open field.

"As far as getting around the edge, I didn't feel like I had the ability to get around the corner," he said. "I didn't feel like I had it, going around the corner. I know at times, I probably could've taken the corner, but I didn't have it in me." 

The Jets must hope Ivory gets back to full health soon, so their offense can reach and maintain maximum efficiency.

Stock Up: Muhammad Wilkerson

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

Muhammad Wilkerson is one of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the NFL, and on Sunday, the New England Patriots found out why.

Wilkerson was disruptive with four quarterback hurries, two hits, one sack and a batted pass. He has Pro Football Focus' fourth-highest grade among 3-4 defensive linemen and ranks 13 out of 48 linemen in pass-rushing productivity. 

The Jets defensive line has been so stout against the run that teams aren't even bothering to try running the ball into the throat of that group anymore. The Patriots attempted just nine runs on Sunday, four of them by Brady, and the Patriots picked up just 16 yards on those runs.  

If the Jets defensive line continues to play as well as its's playing, this defense should remain one of the best, if not the best, in the NFL. 

Stock Down: Brandon Marshall

Steven Senne/Associated Press

It's not Brandon Marshall's fault that the Patriots held him to four receptions for 67 yards. What is his fault, however, is that he didn't finish the game with a touchdown catch that could have put the Jets ahead by eight points instead of four in the fourth quarter.

He was also the one responsible for the penalty on the last play of the game and the subsequent 10-second runoff that ruined the Jets' chances to tie the game and send it to overtime.

Marshall is still one of the team's most important pieces, and when he's held out of a game, the offense suffers for it. One drop and one penalty will not change any of that. That being said, the Jets needed him to come up big in those spots, and his shortcomings may have affected the outcome of the game.

Stock Up: Sheldon Richardson

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

Sheldon Richardson was suspended for the first four games of the season, which might explain why it seems like he's making up for lost time in his first two games back.

Against the Patriots, Richardson had two quarterbacks hurries and two sacks, in addition to three run stops, according to Pro Football Focus. That brings his two-game totals to eight pressures and three sacks, which put him at third and second on the team, respectively.

The Jets didn't necessarily need Richardson back in their lineup; their defensive line was a strength even without him on the field. That being said, they've found a way to work him back into the rotation without hurting the momentum they had built in their first four games. Richardson has played 109 of 132 defensive snaps over the past two games, while rookie Leonard Williams has played 106. 

Unless otherwise noted, all advanced stats obtained via Pro Football Focus. All quotes obtained firsthand.