Week 11 Jets Report Card

Nov 18, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) congratulates New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) after the game at the Edward Jones Dome. The Jets defeated the Rams 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE

We have a short turnaround for Thursday night’s game, but we still have enough time to go through the weekly report card. Coming off of a 27-13 win, obviously the grades will be better than last week, so let’s get right to it:

QUARTERBACK:A-

Mark Sanchez played an efficient game yesterday, going 15-20 for 178 yards, 1 TD, and more importantly zero INTs. Mark was decisive with his throws, and accurate. Just as important, he made the throws when he had to make them, he made timely completions. The throw to Schilens for the TD was an excellent throw, and the throw to Konrad Reuland, in my opinion, was especially clutch.

The only thing that took it down from a full fledged “A” was when he took a strip sack from the back side. Thankfully he fell on it, but he still needs to understand the pressure, and feel it better from behind him. He didn’t turn it over, but he could have. Otherwise, it was, at least for now, a critics silencing performance for Sanchez.

RUNNING BACK:B+

Nobody had the huge breakout game, so it doesn’t rank up to an “A”, but the running game was solid, doing enough to keep the defense honest. Shonn Greene lead the way with 18 carries for 64 yards, and Bilal Powell did a great job as a change of pace, adding 11 carries for 42 yards and 2 TDs that helped salt the game away. Both of these guys had runs for over 10 yards. The line opened the holes, and the running backs did a good job.

Nov 18, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (11) catches a first down pass as St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) defends during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE

WIDE RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS:B-

This grade was brought up by the play of two guys, Jeremy Kerley and Chaz Schilens. Kerley was a late gametime decision, working out on the field before being given clearance to play. Despite all of that, Kerley caught the ball all three times he was targeted for 43 yards. It was a quite gutty performance by Kerley. Chaz Schilens came to play today as well, with 4 catches for 48 yards and the go-ahead TD. On the play, Chaz made a great adjustment on the ball in the endzone to make the catch. He is a big target, and one that can be a weapon for the stretch run. Big clutch catch by Konrad Reuland as well by the way.

The grade came down with Stephen Hill’s play, a guy that is not ready for the limelight yet. It’s not all his fault, the Jets put too much on him by making him an immediate starter. He needs to be a role player for now, his hands are too inconsistent to start right now.

OFFENSIVE LINE:B

It was a solid game out of the offensive line, and especially by Nick Mangold. Nick dominated the middle of the line like the All-Pro he is, all game long. They opened up the holes for the running game, not for a great average (3.0), but enough so the defense had to respect it. They gave Mark time to throw, although they did give up 3 sacks. All in all, it was a solid game.

Turn the page for the defense and special teams.

November 18, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) has the ball striped as he throws by New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

DEFENSIVE LINE:B-

The line played pretty well, but the Rams did go for 5.7 yards per rushing attempt, which kept the grade down. Stephen Jackson had a good game, while it was close, rushing 13 times for 81 yards, a 6.2 yards per carry average. But, there are two guys that are making their mark this week, and improving each week. Those two guys are Quinton Coples, and Mo Wilkerson.

Coples contribued 3 solo tackles, one for a loss. Mo Wilkerson is looking like he is ready to take that next step as a Pro Bowl lineman. He added 3.5 tackles, and a beautiful strip sack. The young pups on the defensive line are really getting it together.

LINEBACKERS:B-

It was an average game for the linebacking group in my opinion. Other than Bart Scott recovering the fumble, nothing exciting, but nothing terrible either. Calvin Pace did get close on a blitz, but was just a little too slow. All in all, an average game for the linebackers.

Nov 18, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; New York Jets free safety Eric Smith (33) intercepts a pass intended for St. Louis Rams tight end Mike McNeill (89) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE

DEFENSIVE BACKS:B+

Wasn’t it nice to see Eric Smith make a big play? I had to rub my eyes a couple of times when I heard “picked off by Eric Smith”. It was a great feeling, that’s for sure. Bradford had a tough day, going 23-44. The group did allow 2 TDs, but never was the game really in doubt, once the Jets took over the lead. Good job by the group.

SPECIAL TEAMS:C-

Again, the special teams had their troubles. They gave up another blocked field goal. So uncharacteristic. What’s going on with Mike Westhoff? It’s really just strange. And then, that fake punt? What the heck was Tebow thinking? Stevie Wonder knew that they were waiting for a fake. Terrible move by Tebow. Sorry, he had a bad game, and so did the special teams.