New York Jets: Report Card vs. Chiefs in Week 13
The New York Jets enjoyed one of their most exciting wins of the season with a 38-31 comeback triumph over the Chiefs in Week 13. Here is their report card.
The New York Jets had one of their most inspirational victories in several seasons Sunday, rallying from an early 14-point deficit to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs, 38-31 at MetLife Stadium. The victory lifted Gang Green to 5-7 and snapped a two-game losing skid. The Chiefs, at one time 5-0 this season, dipped to 6-6.
Darron Lee (coach’s decision) sat out the game and Mo Wilkerson was also benched for part of the contest (coach’s decision). We’ll see what that scenario entails moving forward.
It was one of the most entertaining contests in recent memory. The Jets showed a great deal of resiliency, grit and determination. It was their finest triumph of the season when you consider the Chiefs were in first place in the AFC West when the game started.
Let’s take a look at their report card:
Offense
There were stars galore here with Jermaine Kearse leading the way with a game-high 157 yards receiving on nine catches. Robby Anderson’s five-game touchdown scoring streak ended but he added eight receptions for 107 yards. He does look like a Pro Bowl player this season doesn’t he?
What can you say about Josh McCown? The 38-year old signal-caller has been one of the pleasant surprises in the league this season. He finished the day with 331 yards passing, one touchdown, no interceptions and two short rushing scores. Spectacular. He now has 17 touchdown passes and eight interceptions on the year.
The offensive line played much better, allowing no sacks. The Jets rolled up 157 yards on the ground and 488 yards in all, their top effort of the season. They owned a dominant 42:49 to 17:11 advantage in time of possession. They also compiled 30 first downs to 17 for the Chiefs.
Gang Green is now averaging 22.2 points per game, much more than was expected heading into the season. A stellar performance.
Grade: A+
Defense
I wrote last week that New York had to contain Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill and that’s exactly what the Jets did not do. Both Pro Bowlers had two touchdowns apiece and continually burned Gang Green’s helpless secondary. Hill torched the Jets for 185 yards on just six catches, while Kelce’s two scores gave the Chiefs and early 14-0 first quarter lead.
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Alex Smith had a field day, throwing for 366 yards, four touchdowns, while adding a 70-yard scramble. He finally looked like the quarterback he was at the start of the NFL season. The Jets did have a pair of sacks but allowed 478 yards from scrimmage. It was one of their worst defensive efforts of the season.
Grade: F
Special Teams
Chandler Catanzaro booted three field goals, including a 47-yarder. Lac Edwards only had to punt twice but averaged just 41.5 yards per boot. Hill galloped 24 yards on a punt return and almost broke it for a touchdown. He is so dangerous. Otherwise, New York’s punt and coverage teams were adequate.
Grade: C+
Coaching
The Jets could have easily crumbled like a fresh coffee cake but they kept their composure when Kansas City grabbed a quick 14-0 lead just four and a half minutes into the game. New York had a fine mixture of run and pass but the Jets have to shore up their secondary against speedy receivers. It almost cost them the game.
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Still, all in all, this team plays hard every game and does not hang its head when faced with adversity. Todd Bowles disciplined two of his best players and he seems to have regained control of the locker room after last year’s debacle. There are no easy games against the Jets anymore. That says quite a lot.
Grade: B+