NY Jets studs, duds following the loss to the Lions in Week 15

Well… what do you guys want to talk about? This week, the NY Jets suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Lions, making their playoff hopes even slimmer. Let’s take a look at some of the studs and duds from this week’s game.

Sauce Gardner, CB, NY Jets - STUD

Sauce Gardner had another impressive game this week. In 36 pass coverage snaps, Gardner was not targeted once as the nearest defender. That kind of game from a rookie is extremely impressive.

Gardner is already one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and with some help from Jets Twitter, he overtook Seattle’s Tariq Woolen as the leading Pro Bowl vote-getter for cornerbacks.

Jets fans are witnessing something special with Gardner, and no matter what happens over these final three games, the Jets are building something. Sauce Gardner could be the biggest part of that.

Garrett Wilson, WR, NY Jets - STUD

No matter who is at quarterback, Garrett Wilson just gives so much production. Wilson finished with four catches for 98 yards and is now up to 966 yards on the season.

It is looking like Wilson will be the first Jets receiver to have over 1,000 receiving yards in a season since 2015, when both Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker accomplished the feat.

Much like Sauce Gardner on the defensive side of the ball, no matter what happens the rest of this season, Wilson is an amazing piece to have and should be a true No. 1 wide receiver for whoever the quarterback is next season.

Garrett Wilson finished with the Jets' third-highest offensive grade from Pro Football Focus with an 80.6.

Zach Wilson, QB, NY Jets - DUD

Zach Wilson had a chance to silence his doubters and win back his starting job after three weeks of watching Mike White. That did not happen. Wilson finished the game by completing 18-of-35 passes for 317 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

From the box score alone, that certainly does not seem like a bad day at the office, but watching the game tells a different story.

Wilson had a game that was similar to a lot of his performances; he made some impressive throws but struggled with the simple things. Easy missed throws, an awful interception, bad decisions, and taking sacks when he shouldn’t be — it was difficult to watch at some points.

With the Jets on a short week, it seems White will not get cleared in time and Wilson will get another start, but if this week is any indication, it is not a stretch to say it could possibly be the end of the Zach Wilson era with the Jets.

Offensive Line, NY Jets - DUD

The offensive line certainly did not help Zach Wilson this week. The Lions had 22 pressures, four sacks, and five quarterback hits on the day. There was effectively no room to run the ball either, which did not help things.

Nate Herbig struggled the most, allowing six pressures along with a quarterback hit and a sack. Although Mike White’s ability to get the ball out of his hands quickly would have helped, the offensive line play needs to improve.

One positive is Laken Tomlinson, who only allowed two pressures and graded out at 70.8 from PFF, which is by far the highest of the rest of the offensive linemen.

Overall

It is disappointing to see the Jets fall to 7-7 after their 5-2 start. They now have to win out to have a really good chance to make the playoffs. Mike White being out obviously hurt the offense, and there is a good chance the Jets win that game with him at quarterback.

The Jets will look to get back on track against the Jaguars on Thursday Night Football.