Jets grades: Mike White, offense get an A against Bears
Mike White and C.J. Uzomah of the Jets celebrate during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Credit: Jim McIsaac
OFFENSE
Mike White definitely lifted the offense and particularly the Jets’ passing game in his first start in more than a year. The Jets finished with a season-high 466 total yards and scored four touchdowns – their second most of the season. White threw for 315 yards – the Jets’ second-highest total of the season. The Jets’ 308 net passing yards were 264 than they had last week against New England. White’s three touchdown passes matched Zach Wilson’s total over the previous six games. White also did a good job of getting everyone involved as 10 different receivers caught passes. The Jets found their ground game again, even though they lost Michael Carter with an ankle injury in the first half. They ran for 158 yards. The offensive line also did a good job. White, who got rid of the ball quickly, was only sacked once.
GRADE: A
DEFENSE
Jeff Ulbrich’s group started slowly – giving up 10 points on the Bears’ first two drives against a team that didn’t have its top weapon, quarterback Justin Fields. But the Jets’ defense settled down and pitched a shutout after the first two series. Chicago didn’t score on its last eight possessions and totaled 140 net yards. The Bears had 142 on their first two series. The Jets really clamped down on the third Bears’ possession, stuffing Chicago on a third-and-1. All the momentum went the Jets’ way after that. They sacked backup quarterback Trevor Siemian twice and picked him off once. The tackling was an issue again and needs to be fixed with more talented offense teams (Minnesota and Buffalo) next on the schedule.
GRADE: A-
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Jets made sure they didn’t give up any big gains after allowing an 84-yard game-winning punt-return touchdown last week. The Bears had just 12 return yards on two points and six kickoffs, all of which were touchbacks. Greg Zuerlein kicked a 57-yard field goal – very impressive considering the weather conditions – and made all four of his extra points. Zuerlein also missed a 53-yard field goal attempt. He lined up for another but punter Braden Mann fumbled the snap and hold and ended up throwing an incomplete pass. Mann averaged 59 yards on his two punts, including a 62-yarder.
GRADE: B-
COACHING
Robert Saleh deserves credit for making the move from Wilson to White. Saleh could have easily stuck with Wilson, especially against this Chicago defense that traded away its best players and lost a few more to injury in this game. Saleh knew the offense needed a change and the team responded. White galvanized the Jets. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, who had a rough game last week, bounced back as well and called a good game. The Jets mixed things up and involved everyone.
GRADE: A
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
