New York Jets Week 5: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

The Jets went on the road and defeated the Atlanta Falcons 30-28 to run their record to 3-2 on the season. It wasn’t easy, it never is but a win is a win. Here is the good, the bad and the ugly from Week 5:

Oct 7, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) celebrates in the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Jets won 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The Good

1) Geno Smith’s poise – Geno Smith finished 16/20 with 199 yards, 3 touchdown and no turnovers. He was extremely poised when he needed to be leading his 3rd game-winning drive in the 4th quarter this year. He threw touchdowns to Cumberland, Kerley and  Winslow as well as leading the final drive for the game-winning field goal. He had no turnovers which is most important.

2) Defense slows Falcons just enough – The Jets defense got tired in the 4th quarter but they played well against a very good offense especially up front. Muhammad Wilkerson was dominant was 7 tackles, 2 for loss and a sack. David Harris had 14 tackles and Sheldon Richardson had 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a sack and a pass defense. Cromartie was excellent on Julio Jones covering him man for man with no safety help for a lot of the night.

3) Balanced running attack helps Smith – The Jets averaged 5.2 yards per carry and Goodson was electric during the 1st half and Chris Ivory ran well also. Bilal Powell had an off night by his standards.

The Bad Note: Alan Schechter taking over here for the balance of the piece.

1) Inopportune penalties – The Jets did reduce their penalties down to six, but they still committed several at terrible times. They committed penalties around the goal line on more than one occasion that could have cost the team the game. Were the calls questionable? Yes. But they still but themselves in the position to make those penalties, and that has to clean up.

2) Offensive killer instinct – If there is one thing that this offense needs to do to take that next step, is adopt that “killer instinct”. They need to show the ability to put a team away when they have the chance. Again, through the second half last night, the Jets had the opportunity to put up a score or two that would have ended this game, but they couldn’t do it. They let the Falcons hang around, and it came down to a final play. This needs to improve if the group is going to take that next step.

Oct 7, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Osi Umenyiora (50) sacks New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Jets defeated the Falcons 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

3) Geno’s backside awareness – Geno doesn’t have a great feel for the rush when it comes from behind him. Last night again, he took a blind-sided sack without scrambling. He has to feel the rush coming from his back side and step up. Be careful with the Geno, you will get yourself hurt if you don’t improve on this.

The Ugly

1) Clyde Gates – Yes, Clyde did make one catch late, and he didn’t drop the football. Kudos to him, a great step up in his game. However, he probably breaks off a first down, and maybe a touchdown, if he isn’t tackled by his own feet. He just time and time again shows himself to be basically useless. Ryan Spadola would perform better than him, at least in this writer’s view.