Jets grades
Mark Sanchez looks on from the bench during the fourth quarter of a game against the San Francisco 49ers. (Sept. 30, 2012) Credit: Jim McIsaac
OFFENSE: F
Forty-five rushing yards isn't going to cut it -- especially when your opponent piled up 245. QB Mark Sanchez was sacked three times and committed a costly turnover before the half. In all, the Jets amassed just 145 total yards. Absolutely abysmal.
DEFENSE: F
The only stat you need to know is this: 245 rushing yards. The Jets' defense continually touts itself as one of the top units in the league, but they have yet to prove it. The defense had no answer for running back Frank Gore (62 yards, TD) or backup QB Colin Kaepernick, who had 50 yards and a TD on five Wildcat carries.
SPECIAL TEAMS: D
Not since 2008 have the Jets had a punt blocked. But yesterday, Robert Malone's fourth-quarter punt attempt was blocked by Larry Grant, putting the 49ers on the Jets' 4-yard line. Four plays later, Kendall Hunter ran it in from the 1-yard line to make it 34-0.
COACHING: F
If your team is getting its butt kicked like this at home, as Rex Ryan said, you're a big part of the problem. Ryan was right to question himself and the rest of his staff. For weeks, the coaches have talked about the importance of fundamentals, like tackling and protecting the ball, but it still hasn't happened. Not to mention, the 49ers came to MetLife Stadium and showed Tony Sparano how to effectively use the Wildcat. That's a BIG problem.
