New York Jets: Week 14 Report Card

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets quarterback

(7) breaks away from Minnesota Vikings defensive end

(97) during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Jets 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets fell to 2-11 yesterday, with a 30-24 overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings. There were some improvements, however, so the grade will be a little bit more interesting this week.

Let’s get to it.

QUARTERBACK: B Geno Smith performed much better for the Jets yesterday. He extended plays with his legs, running it six times for 33 yards. He was generally accurate with the football, going 18-29 for 254 yards and one touchdown, 35 yards to Percy Harvin. The one play he would like to have back was the first one. The pick six. The Jets win without it, so the grade has to come down to a “B”.

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets running back

(33) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings safety

(22) during the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

RUNNING BACKS: B The Jets did run the ball fairly well yesterday. Chris Ivory led all running backs with 16 carries for 53 yards. Chris Johnson added 16 rushes for 53 yards. However, Ivory did drop a crucial fumble in the redzone that cost the Jets dearly. As the running backs were cycled in and out, they had a difficult time getting back into the flow of the action, but that is for a different discussion.

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Percy Harvin (16) is helped off the field during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Jets 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

WIDE RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS: B- Eric Decker and Percy Harvin posted strong games for the Jets. Both caught six passes, Harvin for 124 yards and a touchdown, Decker for 89 yards. It’s an exciting sign for the Jets future to see both Eric Decker and Percy Harvin playing well.

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

(66) and center

(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: C Nothing special from the Jets offensive line yesterday. Geno Smith was sacked three times, and the Jets ran the ball at a clip of four yards per carry. Nothing special, yet nothing horrible. So, this Jets group earns a “C”.

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback

(5) is tackled by New York Jets defensive end

(91) during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Jets 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSIVE LINE: C+ Sheldon Richardson played about as good of a game as you can play yesterday for the Jets. Five solo tackles, three sacks, and one for a safety can be described by one word, “dominant”. The trouble is, he was the only Jets defensive lineman you heard from all game long. Quinton Coples was silent. I didn’t hear Damon Harrison called out.

More from Jets News

• NY Jets should target TE Hunter Henry in free agency
• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency

All of the sacks came from Richardson, and the Vikings rushed for over four yards per carry.

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) celebrates his safety with linebacker

(97) during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

LINEBACKERS: C- A very similar grade here to the defensive line, the only difference being that there wasn’t a dominant performance by anyone like Sheldon Richardson. I remember hearing Demario Davis being spoken about on a penalty, but that was the only discussion I can remember of the Jets linebackers yesterday.

Dec 1, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan and New York Jets corner back

(20) during warmups before a game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSIVE BACKS: D The interception did nothing to make any impression on the performance of the Jets secondary. Kyle Wilson committed yet another penalty, which by itself it not that surprising. Darrin Walls got beaten badly on the long touchdown. They just didn’t look very good. Story of the season for the Jets. Thank your general manager kids! “Thanks John!”

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets kicker

(2) kicks a 44 yard field goal to tie the game with the Minnesota Vikings as kicker

(4) holds the ball in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

SPECIAL TEAMS: A Nick Folk was back to his normal Jets self, despite the hip injury, hitting on all five of his field goal attempts. Percy Harvin added an electrifying 47 yard kick return as well.