New York Jets Week 13 Report Card: Grading Each Unit

Now that’s more like it!

The 34-19 victory yesterday at FedEx field in Landover against the Washington Redskins was the first effort in over a month that resembled the Jets team that has appeared in the last two AFC championship games. While the hard statistics may tell a slightly uneventful story, the Jets appeared to take a hugely significant step towards correcting the bumbling course they have been on as of late.

An impressive team effort at the most crucial of stages in the 2011 season, here are the performance grades for each of the Jets squads, as well as my five Prime Performer Game Balls.  

Offense: A-

Rushing: A-

Passing: B-

Offensive Line: A

Coaching: A-

The Jets offense appeared to have awakened from its 10-week slumber yesterday. Although the final stat sheet may not be bulletin board material, the 266 yards the Jets offense amassed against Washington was gained by way of stylish play calling from coordinator Brian Schottenheimer that is, by all accounts, well overdue.

The Jets deployed a wildcat formation on several occasions that included a sprint option from rookie wide receiver Jeremy Kerley. A scheme that would be a minor quirk for any other offense; the use of such a package is nearly scandalous coming from this Jets incarnation.

Shonn Greene had the breakout performance that has been expected all season running from Rex and Company, grinding out 88 yards and a career-high three touchdowns on the ground. Greene ran the ball with the north south, pads-down physicality that the former Iowa Hawkeye has built his young career on and reaped the benefit of a dominating offensive line that did not allow the strong Redskins defense to penetrate.

The offensive line also did not allow a sack for the second consecutive week, something the Jets line struggled with earlier in the season. Quarterback Mark Sanchez provided the big plays when they counted most yet again, finishing the game 19-for-32 passing, including an absolute gem of a touchdown sling to Santonio Holmes. More importantly, although he flirted with one or two, Sanchez threw no interceptions.

For the first game in quite some time, there were many positive developments on the offensive side of the ball for the Jets.

Defense: B+

Pass Rush: A

Run Stop: B-

Pass Coverage: B+

Coaching: B

It was a tale of late arrival for the Jets defense yesterday. Starting the first quarter as if they were not made aware that the game had actually started, the Jets defense had an incredibly difficult time slowing rookie Redskins running back Roy Helu from the onset. Helu gashed the Jets defense in less than five minutes for the game’s first touchdown and set the stage for what looked like an offensive track meet.

The Jets defensive backfield fared no better in the early stages of the game, allowing quarterback Rex Grossman to connect with wide-open receivers. Like a dog poked one time too many, the Jets defense decided to join the game soon after, containing Helu and the Redskins offense to field goals for the rest of the game.

A rejuvenated Aaron Maybin has showcased his immense pass rush skills and has improved greatly. With interior giants Sione Pouha and Ropati Pitoitua controlling the run, the Jets defense played with the rugged attitude we have come to expect from a Rex Ryan defense.  

Special Teams: D+

Kicking: B

Returns: D-

Coaching: B

The less said about the Jets special teams after yesterday’s atrocity, the better. I think it’s a fair assumption that resident special teams wizard Mike Westhoff is not in the greatest of moods this morning. His special teams continue to make costly mistakes in tight games, frequently handing the opposition golden scoring opportunities similar to the one offered to Washington yesterday thanks to another muffed punt return.

If there is any consolation, the B given to Westhoff credits his swift substitution of shore-handed Jim Leonhard into the game before any significant damage could be done.

Game Balls

Mark Sanchez

So continues the topsy-turvy rollercoaster that is the Jets franchise quarterback. I am starting to question whether Sanchez is doing this purely for his own entertainment. His touchdown heave to Santonio Holmes in the fourth quarter was the embodiment of what earns him the Sanchize monicker. His near picks and occasionally poor decision making are why he has heard a few more boos from Jets faithful than normal. Often labeled a game manager, Sanchez assumed the leadership role that he must continue to fill throughout the next month, and led his team to a huge win.

Shonn Greene

Like Sanchez, Jets fans have been waiting with exasperation for their No. 1 running back to become the performer he is supposed to be. When he lowers his pad level and remembers that he is not Walter Payton on the juke and jive scale, few rushers in the NFL pack a punch like Shonn Greene. A three-touchdown ground and pound performance will serve as a good reminder.

Aaron Maybin

It does not take a Jet-aholic to see the developing pattern with the New York Jets. They are a team that is chalked full of potential not yet realized. On a roster of “could bes” and “would bes," there may be no bigger surprise than the output of Aaron Maybin. Outcast from a woeful Buffalo Bills team that could not find a way to best utilize his skill set, Maybin has suddenly become one of the best situational pass rushers in the league. His six sacks and four forced fumbles leads the Jets defense and his game solidifying crushing of Rex Grossman sealed the game for his Jets.

Brian Schottenheimer

I doubt that the Schottenheimer fan club has too many new members this morning, but the reality is that the Jets offense appeared to have taken the training wheels off in D.C. yesterday. Schottenheimer’s play calling kept the Redskin defense on their heels for the entire 60 minutes and showed ingenuity in doing so. Jets fans can only hope that this trend continues.

Tom Moore

An outside-the-box Game Ball recipient this week is the former architect of the Indianapolis Colts offensive machine, Tom Moore. Head coach Rex Ryan said in one of his weekly press conferences that Moore, now a Jets offensive consultant, would be present during the Jets game preparations and would have a stronger hand in the offense.

If you do the simple arithmetic, it could be assumed that this week’s revived Jets offense may be due in part to Moore’s appearance.