New York Jets: Report card vs. Dolphins in Week 2

The New York Jets dropped a very disappointing 20-12 decision to the Miami Dolphins in their home opener Sunday. Here is their report card.

The New York Jets can’t stand prosperity. Just when their fans begin to get excited about their potential, they seem to stub their toe. It’s happened season after season, decade after decade. That’s exactly what happened Sunday afternoon when Gang Green dropped a very frustrating 20-12 decision to the Miami Dolphins in East Rutherford.

The loss dropped the Jets to 1-1 as they head to Cleveland on short rest for a Thursday night matchup with the Browns. That game won’t be easy by any means.

Let’s take at look at New York’s report card against their long-time AFC rivals.

Offense

It’s very hard to win games in the NFL when your team gains just 42 yards on the ground. Combine that with three turnovers, several dropped passes and a number of costly penalties and it’s no wonder the Jets fell flat on their face. Sam Darnold (25-of-41, 334 yards) tossed a pair of interceptions on poor reads. The USC product did connect with Bilal Powell on a 28-yard scoring strike, but he was under duress for much of the game.

He was sacked three times as the offensive line played poorly overall. Darnold threw some passes very effectively on the run though. His high ceiling is very apparent. He’s the youngest starting quarterback in the league and he’ll have his ups and downs. All rookies do. I’d be very surprised if Darnold doesn’t evolve into a Pro Bowl player someday.

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Quincy Enunwa enjoyed a productive outing with seven receptions for a game-high 92 yards. He’s so effective in the slot, he’s like another tight end and a security blanket for Darnold. Terrelle Pryor chipped in with four catches for 84 yards, but dropped a key pass in the second half. Where was Robby Anderson (three receptions for 27 yards)? Gang Green converted just 3-of-10 third down opportunities and seemed to be out of sync all afternoon.

Grade: D

Defense

The Jets wanted to get sustained pressure on Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, which they did by sacking him four times. Their Achilles heel, though, was the fact that they could simply not thwart the Dolphins in a crucial spot. Miami converted 6-of-13 third down opportunities, including two huge ones in the fourth quarter.

The initial one came with Miami facing a third-and-19 from the Jets 45-yard line, leading 20-12 with 3:36 left. Tannehill found Frank Gore wide open for a 19-yard pass completion. There was no excuse for that.

The second missed opportunity for New York came on third-and-6 from the Jets 22-yard line with 2:39 remaining. The Jets had to stop the Dolphins there and hope for a missed field goal. So what happened? Tannehill scrambled for eight yards out of shotgun formation to seal Miami’s victory.

This has been going on for years under Todd Bowles. The Jets forced two fumbles and held the Dolphins to 257 yards from scrimmage. However, good teams come up big in critical situations, and the Jets aren’t a good team. Yet.

Grade: C-

Next. 2018 NFL Power Rankings: Week 3. dark

Special Teams

Jason Myers booted a pair of long field goals, including a 55-yarder, but missed a PAT after Powell’s touchdown. Andre Roberts, who looked like Leon Washington in the season opener against Detroit, was held to four yards on just one punt return. New York’s punt and kickoff coverage units were decent, but nothing special. Lac Edwards averaged 43 yards on five punts, including two inside the 20-yard line.

Grade: C

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