Grading the Jets
New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) crosses the goal line on a bootleg run for a touchdown in the third quarter of an NFL football game. (Dec. 19, 2010) Credit: AP
OFFENSE
B
The Jets rediscovered where the end zone is, scoring an offensive touchdown for the first time since the third quarter of their Thanksgiving night victory over Cincinnati. QB Mark Sanchez, who's been taking his share of criticism for his unit's lethargic play of late, bounced back with a solid performance. He ran for a 7-yard touchdown, completed 19 of 29 passes for 170 yards and didn't throw an interception for the first time in nine games. Braylon Edwards had one of his most productive games, racking up 100 yards on eight receptions.
DEFENSE
C
After a stifling effort against the Dolphins a week ago, the Jets yielded 378 yards against the Steelers including 25 first downs and 11 of 17 conversions on third down. They allowed a 100-yard rusher (Rashard Mendenhall ran for exactly 100 yards and a TD on 17 attempts) for the first time since Cincinnati last postseason. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 264 yards and a TD and wideout Mike Wallace had 102 yards on seven receptions. But the Jets did keep the Steelers out of the end zone on that final drive.
SPECIAL TEAMS
A
Brad Smith's 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the game was just what the Jets needed as it silenced the crowd seconds into the game. Nick Folk drilled both field goals, from 25 and 34 yards, on a tough field. Steve Weatherford's first punt was into the wind and went only 36 yards. But he pinned his other three inside the 20. Marquice Cole downed one on the 3-yard line with 2:45 left, which led to the Jets' safety.
COACHING
B
Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who took plenty of grief this past week for his unit's struggles, deserves some credit for a couple of gutsy calls and for coming up with an effective game plan loaded with several different personnel groupings that kept Pittsburgh a bit off balance.
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