Grading Jets' win over the Steelers
T.J. Graham #10 of the New York Jets reacts after recovering a fumble on a punt in the second quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014 in East Rutherford, N.J. Credit: Jim McIsaac
OFFENSE
B+ Now this is how Marty Mornhinweg's offense should have looked all season. Though they were forced to settle for a field goal on their opening drive, the Jets started off brilliantly. Chris Ivory (14 carries, 51 yards) was punishing defenders, rookie tight end Jace Amaro caught his second career touchdown pass and Michael Vick (10-for-18, 132 yards, two TDs) extended plays with his arm and his feet. His 39 rushing yards made him the first NFL quarterback to rush for 6,000 yards. T.J. Graham caught only one pass, but it was a 67-yard TD that made it 10-0.
DEFENSE
B+Two words: Jaiquawn Jarrett. Those Jets fans who were upset about seeing first-round pick Calvin Pryor on the sideline immediately were treated to a banner day by the Brooklyn native and Temple product. In his first start, Jarrett got his first career sack, picked off Ben Roethlisberger twice, recovered a fumble (which was forced by Muhammad Wilkerson) and had 10 combined tackles. Leger Douzable also had a sack and Demario Davis led the defense with 12 combined tackles. Had it not been for the 80-yard TD pass to Martavis Bryant, it would have been an "A" day for the group.
SPECIAL TEAMS
BGraham came up big again when he recovered a muffed punt by Antonio Brown at the Pittsburgh 28 with less than two minutes left in the first half. Ryan Quigley had a 69-yard punt and finished with a 41-yard average, but Nick Folk missed a 45-yard field goal wide left and Percy Harvin netted 19 yards on his only kickoff return.
COACHING
B+The Jets' staff had players ready to roll. Mornhinweg's play-calling was excellent to start and Rex Ryan's defense delivered the type of dominant performance fans have been waiting for all season. The players haven't given up hope or stopped fighting, and that's a credit to the entire staff. One question, though: Why does Mornhinweg always stray from Ivory as the game goes on?
