Grading the Jets’ 22-17 loss to the Patriots on Sunday.
Offense
The Jets had nearly 400 yards total offense, but they largely felt like empty yards. QB Zach Wilson (20 of 41, 355 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, 64.6 rating) killed the Jets with his interceptions. The Jets had no running game to speak of with Breece Hall out of and only gained 51 yards on 15 carries. WR Garrett Wilson (6 catches, 115 yards) and TE Tyler Conklin (6 catches, 79 yards, 2 TDs) were the top performers on offense.
Grade: D
Defense
The roughing-the-passer penalty on John Franklin-Myers was back-breaking. It nullified an interception return for a touchdown and gave the Patriots a chance to score before halftime. Other than that penalty and the first two drives after halftime, the defense played OK. It had six sacks of Patriots QB Mac Jones (24 of 35, 194 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 79.9 rating) and Michael Carter II had an interception.
Grade: C+
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Special teams
After weeks of playing well, this unit faltered on Sunday. Punter Braden Mann had a 22-yard punt at the beginning of the game and slipped on the second-half kickoff, resulting in a poor kick. The Patriots also had a 32-yard punt return. Kicker Greg Zuerlein missed a 45-yard field goal.
Grade: D
Coaching
This game felt too big for the Jets all week. All the talk about getting revenge for last year’s loss to the Patriots seemed like a bad idea. Robert Saleh should have squashed that talk. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur needs to find some creativity in the run game with Hall out. The Jets can’t win with 43 passes and just 15 runs.
Grade: D
