New York Jets: Week 10 Report Card

The Jets beat the Steelers yesterday at MetLife Stadium by the score of 20-13, thus ending their eight game losing streak. Let’s get right to the report card grades:

Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback

Michael Vick

(1) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

QUARTERBACK: B Michael Vick did have a decent game, going 10-18 through the air with two touchdown passes. He also added 39 yards on the ground, including one run where he gave a dead-leg fake that left a Pittsburgh defender tripping over his own feet. The biggest bonus for the Jets was that Vick didn’t turn the ball over.

So, why only a “B”? Because he didn’t throw for over 200 yards. That isn’t all Vick’s fault, of course, but we do give out the grades based on the numbers in a bubble to a point, so the grade is a “B”.

Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back

Chris Ivory

(33) leaps over Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback

William Gay

(22) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

RUNNING BACKS: B- The running game was pretty strong overall, as they were able to net 150 yards on the ground. 39 of those went to Michael Vick, and 33 went to Percy Harvin. Chris Ivory led the way 51 yards on 14 carries, though a smaller than normal 3.6 yards per carry average. The Jets ran the ball when they needed to, but just not well enough to earn an “A”.

Nobody had a spectacular game, so by the numbers, they get a “B-”

Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

T.J. Graham

(10) avoids Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback

Brice McCain

(25) and scores a touchdown during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

WIDE RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS: C+ The Jets receivers made the catches that they had to make, but it was a very middle of the road, average game. T.J. Graham posted his first touchdown, a 67 yard connection with Michael Vick, but no other receiver or tight end put up more than 24 yards receiving. It was a game where the Jets receivers did what they had to do, but you just can’t call it a great performance.

Nov 2, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Jets guard

Willie Colon

(66) and center

Nick Mangold

(74) on the line of scrimmage during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

OFFENSIVE LINE: B The Jets needed to be able to run the football yesterday to win, and they did. Credit has to go to the offensive line, as the Jets put up 150 yards on the ground, and a 4.2 yard per carry average. They also were able to give time to Michael Vick to make the throws he needed to make, especially the downfield through to Graham. The grade comes down because of four sacks. Some of that is on Vick running around, but some of the mark goes against the offensive line as well.

But Nick Mangold gets a great deal of credit for the body slam on the play in the victory formation. I hope you all enjoyed that as much as I did.

Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback

Ben Roethlisberger

(7) is sacked by New York Jets outside linebacker

Quinton Coples

(98) and strong safety

Dawan Landry

(26) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Steelers 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSIVE LINE: B+ The Jets defense was back to its old self against the run, allowing 2.1 yards per carry. Le’Veon Bell and company had nowhere to go, netting a grand told of 36 rushing yards. They also put up enough pressure on Ben Roethlisberger to keep him on his toes all game.

The only reason they didn’t receive an “A” was the total of two sacks, and none by the starters on the line. The only sack recorded by the line was Leger Douzable. The Jason Babin personal foul didn’t help the final grade either.

Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker

Demario Davis

(56) on the sideline during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

LINEBACKERS: B- No unit on the Jets defense can receive a bad grade, the way the Pittsburgh offense played against them. As I said earlier in the day, the Jets dominated the Steelers offense for most of the game, the game only was close due to a late touchdown.

But as a group, we didn’t hear much from the linebackers. Demario Davis posted 12 tackles to lead the team, but other than that, it was a silent afternoon for the Jets linebackers.

Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end

Heath Miller

(83) runs with the ball while New York Jets free safety

Jaiquawn Jarrett

(37) attempts to tackle him during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Steelers 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSIVE BACKS: A Although I thought the Jets would win again sometime this season, but I never thought I would give this group of defensive backs an “A”, ever! Jaiquawn Jarrett was the best player on the field yesterday, with two interceptions, a sack, a fumble recovery and 10 tackles. Jarrett showed that Jets young safety Calvin Pryor can learn a lot.