Grading the Jets: Defense and special teams make up for poor offense

OFFENSE: C-

This was not a pretty performance from the offense. The Broncos’ tough, stingy defense had something to do with it, but still. The Jets recorded just 10 total first downs – one by penalty. They were 3-for-14 on third down conversions and had just 105 net yards passing. Breece Hall registered the only touchdown on a 62-yard run in the first quarter. Seven times the Jets went three-and-out. Zach Wilson has not been impressive throwing the ball. He was 16-for-26 for 121 yards - and for the third-straight game he had no touchdowns and no interceptions. Wilson was under pressure a lot. He was sacked three times and avoided several other by scrambling and spinning away from defenders. There were a few times he should have just thrown it away.

DEFENSE: B+

The defense continues to play well, which was critical because of how the offense played. The Jets didn’t give up any points in the second half. The Broncos are the worst scoring offense in the NFL, and they showed why they are. They were without Russell Wilson due to a hamstring injury – but they weren’t good with Wilson. Brett Rypien was starting for just the second time in his NFL career. He threw no touchdowns and one interception. The defense came up big at the end, getting two late stops to preserve the win. Rookie Sauce Gardner had another strong game. The Jets only sacked Rypien once and committed four penalties that led to first downs.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A

Greg Zuerlein accounted for more points than the Broncos. Zuerlein kicked three field goals and an extra point. He has given the Jets stability at kicker. Denver kicker Brandon McManus missed a field goal and an extra point. Braden Mann averaged 54.8 yards on his eight punts, including a 72-yarder. The punt coverage was strong again – allowing just 2 yards. Justin Hardee continues to be star in the coverage game. Brandin Echols had a great play on a punt, getting down there before the ball bounced into the end zone to down it at the 1.

COACHING: B+

The Jets are winning games by any means necessary and they’re not folding when they lose key players. They lost three starters on offense and had another inactive (Elijah Moore) and still found a way to win. They could have taken chances on a couple fourth-and-shorts, but Robert Saleh chose field goals because he trusted his defense. The defense and special teams have been the constant lately. Collectively, they’re getting a lot out of their players.

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.