New York Jets Midseason Report: Offense
By Joe Pietaro
When you limp into the half-way point in the season with seven consecutive losses, the grades on your midseason report cannot be good. In the case of the 1-7 New York Jets, that is an understatement.
After finishing 8-8 last season, a contract extension for head coach Rex Ryan and the signing of some quality free agents, it appeared that the Jets’ fortunes were certainly going in the right direction.
But a total collapse that has been spearheaded by quarterback Geno Smith is conjuring up memories of the ill-fated Rich Kotite era back in the mid-1990s.
General manager John Idzik did address some areas on offense but left the cupboard bare in others, especially in the secondary where it has been a glaring weakness since the preseason.
This will not be pretty, but as Bill Parcells is famous for saying, “you are what your record says you are.”
OFFENSE (OVERALL: C)
When you’re 28th in the NFL averaging only 18 points per game and have a minus-15 turnover ratio, it’s no wonder why your lone victory came against a still-winless Oakland Raiders squad. In what has become a common theme, Ryan echoed his sentiments in his post-game press conference following Sunday’s 43-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
"We had a great week of practice and preparation and obviously the execution fell flat."
QUARTERBACKS (C-)
Yes, Smith (131 for 233 for 1,370 yards, 7 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 65.6 QB rating) has been absolutely brutal at times and has taken a few steps back from what was an inconsistent rookie campaign. But when you take into consideration his effectiveness in the Week 7 loss to the New England Patriots, there are still questions that need to be answered before totally writing the West Virginia product off.
In limited appearances, Michael Vick (26 for 56 for 200 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception, 48.2 QB rating) appears to be an aging once-mobile quarterback that has a tendency to fumble the ball when hit hard.
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RUNNING BACKS (B)
One of the few bright spots so far, the Jets’ backfield is three-deep and when used properly, able to dictate the pace of the game. Chris Ivory has been a force with 475 yards on 101 carries with five touchdowns.
Newcomer Chris Johnson has not been involved in the game plan as he was during his tenure as the number one back on the Tennessee Titans, but has chipped in admirably with 268 yards on 67 runs. Bilal Powell, while a proven and capable back-up, has not played as much with the arrival of Johnson and has only run the ball 16 times for 78 yards.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS (C+)
The lack of production with this unit has been hurt by struggles of the offensive line and quarterback positions, but what looked to be a strong unit collectively has not been up to par. Eric Decker was signed to an expensive free agent contract but has dealt with hamstring issues. He has shown flashes, with three touchdowns and a team-leading 363 yards on 31 receptions.
Jeremy Kerley has been a security blanket for Smith and Idzik obviously saw the value in him by extending his contract with a hefty raise. Production-wise, Kerley has 24 catches for 226 yards and one score.
Perhaps this unit will be improved with the addition of Percy Harvin, who can be a dangerous weapon on and off the field.
At tight end, rookie Jace Amaro leads the Jets with 32 receptions and looks to be worth the high draft pick. Incumbent Jeff Cumberland is also a reliable target.
OFFENSIVE LINE (C-)
When you give up 22 sacks and have your quarterbacks running for their lives, there is plenty of room for improvement. Left guard Brian Winters was lost for the season with an injury and Oday Aboushi took over but the veterans have been shaky. When you have names like D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold and Willie Colon starting on your o-line, more is expected.
TOMORROW: Defense