Jets vs Steelers: 5 Quick Hits

1.

The New York Jets offense succumbed to struggles not seen last week against the Buffalo Bills. The offense struggled in both the run and passing game throughout this afternoon’s contest. While the first series saw Mark Sanchez come out and march 90 yards down the field for a touchdown, the success did not continue as he completed 33% of his passes. While many of his passes were dropped Sanchez looked confused on some plays, and often failed to keep his footwork consistent when climbing in the pocket. This is dissapointed as Sanchez started the game promising, driving the Jets 90 yards for a passing touchdown on their first possession of the game.

2.

The defense cannot tackle. Although Big Ben is one of the best escape artists in the league, David Harris and the rest of the defensive squad consistently missed routine tackles. Both running backs Chris Redman and Jonathan Dwyer were able to avoid tackles in the backfield, turning should be losses into 10+ yard gains.

3.

The wide receiving core did not impress. While Santionio Holmes had a touchdown and Jeremy Kerley caught a 45 yard pass, the Jets receiving core struggled to deliver against a Steelers defensive backfield missing Troy Polamalu. Santonio Holmes dropped routine catches. Unable to haul in curl routes in tight coverage, or break free into open space, Holmes failed to look like he was on the same page with quarterback Mark Sanchez. Jeremy Kerley had similiar struggles despite early success while Stephen Hill failed to appear at all, logging zero catches.

4.

The offensive line looked good. Mark Sanchez appeared to have adequate pass protection within the pocket, as the Steelers sent pressure throughout the game. Austin Howard did give up a sack, but that’s not a bad performance against the confusing and relentless blitz schemes of the Pittsburgh defense. Holes were initially open for the Jets running backs but after Sean Greene’s head injury, the backfield unit failed to produce consistent gains. Overall the line was not the weak point of this game, and anytime you can say that after playing the Steelers it is definitely a positive.

5. Tim Tebow was once again Tim Tebow. He took the field for a series that produce two big rushing gains and then gave the ball to Greene on what was a six yard loss. Then Sanchez took the field with what was now a second and sixteen. The play was a read option where it looked as if Tebow should of kept the ball to follow pulling lineman. Instead he gave the football to Greene for a big loss. Once again this “Wildcat” package has failed to deliver either points, or a wow factor that opposing defenses must seriously account for.