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New York Jets: Report Card vs. Browns in Week 5

By Stephen Smith

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 08: Jermaine Kearse #10 of the New York Jets runs the ball in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 08: Jermaine Kearse #10 of the New York Jets runs the ball in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 08: Isaiah Crowell #34 of the Cleveland Browns looks to run by Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets in the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 08: Isaiah Crowell #34 of the Cleveland Browns looks to run by Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets in the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Defense

The good news: the Jets held the Browns to 14 points. They forced three turnovers (two interceptions and one fumble). Now the bad news: the Browns marched up and down the field on New York, compiling 419 yards from scrimmage, including 22 first downs (the Jets had 14). The Jets were very fortunate that Cleveland kicker Zane Gonzalez missed a pair of field goals or Gang Green would have been heading home with a very bad setback.

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New York allowed the Browns to convert on 42 percent of their third down attempts (6-of-14) and missed a ton of tackles on Duke Johnson’s 41-yard catch and run for a touchdown that drew the Browns to 17-14 late in the fourth quarter.

On the positive side, rookie safety Marcus Maye had the best game of his career with four tackles and his first interception, which he returned 12 yards. Although fellow rookie safety Jamal Adams missed a couple of open field tackles, he still had a pretty effective effort with nine tackles and run support help. Cornerback Morris Claiborne enjoyed his best game as a Jet with nine tackles, two passes defended and a 28-yard interception return.

Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams (two tackles each) were non-factors again, but Demario Davis returned to his old stomping grounds and performed well (six tackles and one sack). This was a shaky overall performance by this defensive unit, though. They were lucky that Cleveland was so inept.

Grade: C-

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