New York Jets Week 9 Position Report Card

Where have you been defensive line? This is the type of performance that the Jets were expecting for this unit at the start of the season. Let me preface this  grade and the whole defensive unit’s grades for one simple reason.

Spoiler, I was going to give every unit an A plus grade. However, the Bills were able to score two touchdowns on their last two drives. I know, I know, I know. These touchdowns came in garbage time when the game was out of reach. However, with the Jets preaching finishing games out, it was concerning that this unit couldn’t finish their last two series by getting off the field and instead allowed two touchdowns. This team has struggled finishing games, and even in a decided game you would like to see this team play all sixty minutes.

Back to the task at hand. This unit dominated in the trenches holding the Bills to only 62 yards rushing and LeSean McCoy to 25 yards on the ground. The defensive line not only helped New York have a season high seven sacks, they had only 11 the entire season coming into Thursday, and more importantly kept Tyrod Taylor in the pocket and to only 35 yards rushing.

Kony Ealy and Muhammad Wilkerson each had a sack with Leonard Williams and Steve McLendon had a half sack apiece.

Stopping the run and getting to the quarterback. If this unit can do that this defense can really play at a high level.