Week 5 Jets Report Card

Oct. 8, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) reacts as the Jets are forced to burn a timeout in the 4th quarter against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

The grades are in from last night’s 23-17 loss to the Texans, so let’s get to it:

QUARTERBACK:C+

Mark Sanchez was his usual average self. He again was under 50% completion, 14-31 for 230 yards, 1 TD and 2 INTs. He did make some big throws, like the touchdown to Jeff Cumberland and the big connections to Jeremy Kerley. However, the throw to Antonio Cromartie, was not good, and although the ending interception should have been caught, the throw was still too high.

Tim Tebow should have been 1-1, as he made a beautiful throw down the field to Jason Hill. If not for a great play on defense he would been. He had one great run to set up a first and goal, but wasn’t given the opportunity to do more.

RUNNING BACKS:D

Another poor outing for the Jets running game. The great Shonn Greene put up 8 carries for 26 yards, but 12 of those yards were racked up on 1 carry. He looked slow, continued to look so, and needs to be off the football field. Bilal Powell looked faster, with 4 carries for 18 yards, but he was not given an opportunity to make an impact on the football game. “Ground and Pound”? Ha! Insert your own replacement names for the Jets running attack.

Sept. 9, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (11) makes a catch during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS:B-

For what it’s worth, the receivers stepped up a bit last night. Jeremy Kerley had another huge game, proving, as we talked about earlier this week, that he is emerging as a reliable threat for Mark Sanchez. 5 catches for 94 yards led all receivers last night. He did a terrific job. So did Chaz Schilens although it didn’t translate into the numbers as much. 4 catches for 29 yards doesn’t jump off the page, but when you watch the game, it becomes apparent. Schilens is a tough route runner, and a big target for Mark Sanchez. He has great hands, and will be an asset as a possession receiver.

Jeff Cumberland did catch a 27 yard touchdown pass, although he bobbled the ball initially. The ball went off his hands that ended the game with the INT, but he should have made the catch. The throw was high, but not uncatchable. He is improving as a receiver, but more needs to come.

OFFENSIVE LINE:C

It was a very average performance for the offensive line last night. They still are opening up zero for the running game, 3 yards per carry is not going to work. They did a decent job in the passing game, Mark Sanchez had time to make some throws, but they had a difficult time with JJ Watt. Everybody does, but they didn’t take him out. They also need to do a better job of keeping the defensive line’s hands down to keep the passing lanes open.

September 16, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass against pressure from New York Jets defensive end Quinton Coples (98) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

DEFENSIVE LINE:C-

As we talked about earlier, these guys had their moments. They did make stops against the run when they had to. Give the Jets defense credit, they gave the ball back to the offense at crucial times in the football game. But, the run defense is overall still very bad. They allowed 4.8 yards per carry, and Arian Foster ran for 152 yards.

The young players need to step up. Has anyone heard Quinton Coples name? I didn’t, other than when Jon Gruden was talking about who needs to play better. What about a pass rush? Nothing. This line needs to start making an impact as the season moves on.

LINEBACKERS:D

This group is not making an impact on anyone. When the opponent’s top receivers for the game are the tight end and fullback, that is a bad game for the linebackers. These guys have looked slow, and continued to look slow last night. They did make a couple of plays in big spots, but it is not enough to raise the grade. They have to make more of an impact on the football game now.

Aaron Maybin, is he still on the team? We haven’t heard his name called yet this season. Can Bart Scott step up and make some big plays before I lose all my hair? It would be nice. This linebacker group is just not good.

DEFENSIVE BACKS:B-

This group deserves credit, as they stepped it up. Other than the TD pass to Owen Daniels, a game ball definitely goes to Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie took Andre Johnson out of the football game, giving him the Darrelle Revis treatment, holding him to 1 catch for 15 yards.

Matt Schaub was held to a 14-28 performance, and a big credit for that goes to the Jets’ secondary. They effectively stepped up their game last night.

SPECIAL TEAMS:B

The special teams crew had a good outing last night. The fake punt was a great call, and my favorite role for Tim Tebow. You can expect a kick return for a TD every year with the Jets, and last night proved no different.

The onside kick was not a great call, but I can’t hold that against the special teams unit, as it was Rex’s call, and it was a kick that was well executed.

There are your week 5 grades.