New York Jets Week 1 Loss: Defensive Breakdown

Please be sure to check out Jets Paradise!

-----

The 2010 Jets defense, featuring an upgraded secondary, as well as a healthy and determined Kris Jenkins, made it clear from the first play that they will get to the quarterback early, and force turnovers.They did just that on their first play, when Shaun Ellis and Bryan Thomas sandwiched Joe Flacco, forcing a fumble that would be recovered by Sione Pouha.

Then, late in the first quarter, Bart Scott put a big hit on Willis McGahee, forcing another fumble, which would also be recovered by Sione Pouha. After the Ravens were awarded close to 30 yards on an Antonio Cromartie pass interference call, Flacco was forced to make a bad decision, resulting in a Cromartie interception.

The Jets received a scare in the first quarter, when Kris Jenkins remained on the ground, clutching his knee. Although he walked off under his own power, it was revealed earlier today that he will miss the season with a torn ACL. The Jets entered the game without starting safety Brodney Pool (ankle sprain), and starting outside linebacker, Calvin Pace (broken foot).

Though the Jets defense was able to hold the Ravens to 49 yards on the ground, the Ravens controlled the ball for 38 minutes. This was due in part to over 100 yards in penalties, as well as the Ravens throwing for 233 yards. By the end of the game, the Jets D looked winded and tired.

A few things remain clear, however. The Jets defense still carries the team, and it is obvious that number 24, Darrelle Revis, is back!

With all of that said, let’s hand out grades:

D-Line: B

Shaun Ellis got after the QB quick and early, with the rest of the line holding their own. Holding the Ravens run game in check is no easy feat, but the line proved why they are a key essential to that number one defense. Losing Kris Jenkins to injury again is a huge blow, but nothing they haven’t dealt with before.

*Read the Rest!*