New York Jets Report Card-Week 2
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by user Alanschech
The Jets played well again in week 2, fighting back from a 24-0 deficit only to lose 24-17. They have showed the league that they are an improved team. Here's the report card.
Quarterback- A Chad Pennington showed his health again, going 22-37 for 306 yards and 2 touchdowns. He threw one interception, but that was a desperation hail mary at the end of the game.
Running Backs- C- Still unable to manage any form of a running game, Kevan Barlow was the closest thing, rushing 14 times for 42 yards, but he never really got any serious damage going. Derrick Blaylock was horrendous carrying 6 times for a whopping 7 yards.
Wide Receivers- A Jerricho Cotchery lead the way with 6 catches for 121 yards, including a spectacular TD where he seemed to have been tackled by two Patriots. Laveranues Coles added 6 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. Justin McCareins in his 3rd receiver position added 4 catches for 51 yards.
Tight Ends- D
Chris Baker and Shawn Ryan were non-factors adding just one catch each.
Offensive Line- D+
The group did improve throughout the game during the comeback, however they did allow 4 sacks, and Chad Pennington was harassed for the majority of the first half. They have to be held accountable for the lack of running attack as well.
Defensive Line- C+
They never mounted a serious rush on Tom Brady, he had all day to throw. Corey Dillon and Lawrence Maroney had great impact all day long. Shaun Ellis never really made his presence felt with only 2 tackles. They did improve as the game went along, as the whole defense did, but they couldn't stop the ground attack on the final drive, not leaving the offense enough time on the last drive.
Linebackers- B
The linebackers all make their presence felt, led by Eric Barton and Jonathan Vilma with 5 tackles each, and Vilma did block the field goal attempt in the fourth quarter to set up the final drive. They can't get an A, however, because they couldn't stop that final drive with any more time than 1:15 left in the game.
Defensive Backs- B
They held their own, holding Tom Brady to slightly over 50% passing for the game. Kerry Rhodes led all defenders with 10 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. David Barrett added an interception.
Punter- C
Ben Graham had an off performance, averaging 31.8 yards per punt.
Kicker- A
Mike Nugent was back on his game, making a 42 yard field goal and both extra point attempts.
To summarize, as evidenced by the comeback, the team is better. The offensive line is getting there, and when they play well, the offense plays well. The defense will continue to gel as well, and the Jets will get better.
Date
Tue 09/19/06, 7:19 pm EST
