Buffalo Bills beat New York Jets: Week 1 defensive grades

By Michael Pallas | Sep 11, 2017

ORCHARD PARK, NY - JANUARY 03: Muhammad Wilkerson #96 of the New York Jets hurries Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills in the back field during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium on January 3, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

When it came to the defense of the New York Jets in their 21-12 loss to the Buffalo Bills, there’s a lot left to be desired.

In their Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the New York Jets did have two sacks, and an interception. However, that’s all the good that came from that side of the football in Buffalo on Sunday.

Their defense was a mess. Buffalo ran up and down the field on them, to the tune of 190 yards on 42 carries (4.5 yards per carry). They also couldn’t contain quarterback Tyrod Taylor. He not only threw two touchdowns, but he also had 38 yards rushing, and escaped a lot of sacks.

Linebacker Darron Lee also had a costly penalty after the interception. The penalty was a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty, and the Jets ended up punting on that drive.

Even though they bent, but didn’t break on several drives, the defense of the Jets didn’t play well. When they actually get home, they need to work on how to keep quarterbacks contained.

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Clearly, they must establish themselves up front. They were physically outmatched by a tough, road-grading Bills offensive line. They can’t allow a team to outplay them from a physical/toughness standpoint and expect to win many football games.

Frankly, the Jets defense were outplayed in most facets against the Bills offense, and it showed from the opening whistle. The Bills did lead the NFL in rushing last season, and the Jets did nothing to slow that train down.

The backend even played like young and inexperienced players, and it showed. Early and often, they looked lost and confused on the field. They got burned by Charles Clay and Jordan Matthews on multiple occasions.

Flat out, this defense didn’t quit, which is a good sign. They were just outplayed on every level and every facet of the game, period. They have to hit the film room because they have a lot of work to do. They left a lot in Buffalo, and it’s going to take a lot to fix their glaring problems.

Week 1 Defensive Grade: D