New York Jets’ Week 12 Report Card

Nov 24, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan walks on the field prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M

Another game in the books, worthy of burying the game ball. That has happened far too often in the 2013 season, wouldn’t you say? Yesterday, the Jets fell to the Baltimore Ravens by a score of 19-3, not showing much fight all afternoon long.

Let’s get to the report card grades for this bunch. Needless to say, many of these will need to be brought home and signed by their parents.

QUARTERBACK: F Geno Smith didn’t get a lot of help from the players around him, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that he played terribly. 9-22 for 127 yards is awful. Over the last few weeks, it has almost felt that Geno has lost some command of the offense. He hasn’t looked good, and the grade has to reflect that.

RUNNING BACKS: F These guys couldn’t get anything going either. Aside from one long run by Chris Ivory, the running attack was invisible. Bilal Powell ran it 11 times for 41 yards, while Ivory ran it nine times for 35 yards. As a team they could not run the ball for more than four yards per carry. The offensive line shoulders some of the blame, but so does the running back group.

WIDE RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS: D Greg Salas and Kellen Winslow saved the grade from being an “F” here. They weren’t really influential catches these two made, but they still posted a couple of receptions each. Kellen Winslow caught two for 34 yards in garbage time, while Salas led the team with two receptions for 48 yards. But nobody took the initiative to step up and make plays when needed.

OFFENSIVE LINE: F Let’s evaluate the performance of the offensive line. They couldn’t open up holes in the running game. They had Geno running for his life a lot. Other than that, they did a wonderful job. Sarcasm noted I hope, and the grade stands.

Nov 24, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) runs with the ball as New York Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson (96) defends at M

DEFENSIVE LINE: C Where would this football team be if it weren’t for our front three on defense? They come to play, and they ball out, no matter what the scoreboard says, and we are going to be proud to have them on our side for many years to come.

Mo Wilkerson “beasted” to the tune of two sacks, and Sheldon Richardson posted .5 sacks and 7.5 tackles, six of the solo. For what it’s worth, the Ravens averaged well under three yards per carry, another worthy testament to this great front.

LINEBACKERS: D The linebacking group really didn’t make their presence felt all game long. They didn’t do anything particularly badly, nor did they stand out. Nobody made any particularly noticeable plays, they just sort of blended in with each other.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: F I would have given an “Q” if that were such a grade. These guys have not been good all year, and it’s getting irritating to watch them. Yes, Cromartie posted an interception. But, the group dropped two more, ones that were right in their hands. These are plays that have to be made. You don’t get a lot of chances in this league, when you get them, you have to make them.

And they allowed another long TD pass. This just isn’t good. They don’t stop a nosebleed back there anymore. Frankly, it’s scary.