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New York Jets: Report Card vs. Buffalo Bills in Week 9

By Stephen Smith

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 02: Outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins #48 of the New York Jets celebrates his sack with teammate defensive end Leonard Williams #92 against quarterback Tyrod Taylor #5 (not pictured) of the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 2, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 02: Outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins #48 of the New York Jets celebrates his sack with teammate defensive end Leonard Williams #92 against quarterback Tyrod Taylor #5 (not pictured) of the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 2, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 02: Running back LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills is tackled by defensive end Mike Pennel #98 and inside linebacker Darron Lee #58 of the New York Jets during the third quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 2, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 02: Running back LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills is tackled by defensive end Mike Pennel #98 and inside linebacker Darron Lee #58 of the New York Jets during the third quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 2, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Defense

Spectacular. That one word sums up New York’s most dominant defensive performance in years. Again, don’t let the final score or total yards fool you. The Jets were up, 34-7 in the fourth quarter before they let down a little and allowed the hapless Bills to tally a pair of garbage time touchdowns. Gang Green crushed Buffalo. Simple as that.

The Jets entered the game with only 11 sacks in their first eight contests. They recorded a season-high seven against the Bills, led by linebacker Jordan Jenkins (2). Mo Wilkerson had a sack, his second in two games, two quarterback hits and a pass deflection. He has been sensational the last three games. He finally looks like the Pro Bowl performer he was in 2015.

New York forced three turnovers (all fumbles) which was pretty impressive when you consider that Buffalo committed just three in their first seven contests. The Jets swallowed up halfback LeSean McCoy, who gained a scant 25 yards on 12 carries with no catches as well. “Shady” came in averaging almost six receptions per game. This was same player that rambled for 110 yards against New York in the season opener. What a tremendous performance.

Gang Green did an excellent job keeping talented quarterback Tyrod Taylor in the pocket where their pass rush took full effect. His final stats look pretty good but he was not a factor at all when the game was being decided. Jenkins and company swarmed all over him and did not allow him to get to the edge where he is a very dangerous runner.

It’s going to be difficult for the Jets to top this defensive performance in 2017. For one night, one glorious night, they looked like the ’85 Bears.

Grade: A+

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