2014 New York Jets: A Review at the Quarter Pole

It’s the quarter pole of the 2014 NFL season. The Jets are 1-3, and off to take on the San Diego Chargers in a few hours time. Let’s take a look at where the Jets are so far:

Sep 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback

(7) reacts on the field against the Detroit Lions during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Lions won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The most talked about figure on this team is the beleaguered quarterback, Geno Smith. He has had his ups and downs, that’s for sure. Here are his stats, year to date:

82-136 passing, 60.3% completion, 922 yards, four touchdowns, five interceptions.

Not great, I am not naive to those numbers. But they are better than they were last year. To all of the folks that want Michael Vick in the game, he is better. Take a look:

78-136 passing, 57.3% completion, 1,090 yards, four touchdowns, seven interceptions.

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The numbers don’t lie. The problem is the timing. Geno Smith turns the ball over at very bad times. There never is a good time, but he doesn’t throw those long interceptions that equate to a punt. They happen in scoring opportunities, and that is what needs to get better.

Sep 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back

(33) carries the ball as Detroit Lions defensive tackle

(99) tackles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Ivory has been the story for the Jets offense. Running the ball at over five yards per carry, he is running, as I have said many times before, like he is mad at the grass. Chris Johnson and Bilal Powell are good compliments, but Johnson is not what he once was. He has been very underwhelming, aside from the long TD last week. Powell hasn’t been used much. Ivory is the guy the Jets need to use, and use a lot.

Sep 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

(87) scores a touchdown as Detroit Lions cornerback

(23), middle linebacker

(55), and strong safety

(32) defend in the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Decker has been everything the Jets have needed and more. With 204 yards and two touchdowns receiving, Decker is leading the team in both categories. He has performed well, and has been a threat on the outside that Geno Smith trusts. The problem now is his health. His hamstring is a nagging one, and him being slowed at all will be a huge problem for the New York Jets.

Sep 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver

(17) drops the ball during the first half as New York Jets inside linebacker

(56) defends at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Demario Davis is slowly becoming a superstar for the New York Jets and this league. He leads the team with 31 tackles, and has added two sacks as well. He is the leader of this defense, and Rex Ryan’s voice on the field. He still feels, however, that he hasn’t played a complete game yet, which shows you just how good he wants to be, and will be.

Sep 14, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Jets defensive end

(96) fights with Green Bay Packers offensive tackle

(69) and defensive tackle

(94) tries to get between them in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Wilkerson was ejected from the game. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Despite getting ejected in the above picture, Muhammad Wilkerson has had a strong season for the New York Jets. With three sacks, he leads the NFL’s top pass rush, and has been an intimidating force on the “Sons of Anarchy”, the Jets’ front seven.

Sep 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Detroit Lions running back

(21) carries the ball as New York Jets cornerback

(39) tackles during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Lions won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets’ defensive backs on a whole, have been the weakest link so far. We know how porous they have been against the pass. Antonio Allen and company are doing the best that they can, but it hasn’t been great, at least not yet. It’s a weak link, and opponents are exploiting the Jets.

Sep 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan looks on during the second half against the Detroit Lions at MetLife Stadium. The Lions won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Time for an overall grade. There have been some good things in the first quarter of the season for the Jets. But, it has been far from perfect. Nobody can be happy with a 1-3 record. Overall, taking it all into account, I give the Jets …a

C+

Do you guys agree? Too nice? Too harsh? Let me know….