Grading the Jets’ 20-17 loss to the Lions on Sunday.
Offense
The Jets lived on big plays Sunday. They had plays of 50 and 40 yards and two plays of 33 yards each. But they did not do a good job of sustaining drives. They had four drives of three-and-out. QB Zach Wilson (18 of 35, 317 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 89.8 rating) had some good moments in his return but he had a terrible third quarter and missed some critical throws. The Jets did not have a running attack, rushing for just 50 yards. WR Garrett Wilson (4 catches, 98 yards) turned in another strong game.
Grade: C-
Defense
The Jets allowed only one touchdown to the high-powered Lions offense, but it came at the most critical point in the game. The Lions scored a 51-yard touchdown on fourth-and-1 with 1:49 left to take the lead. The Lions gained 359 yards, but the Jets’ defense did well overall until that last touchdown. QB Jared Goff (23 of 38, 252 yards, 1 TD, 88.9 rating) did not have a big game. There were no takeaways and no sacks for the Jets’ defense. They did not affect the game enough.
Grade: C
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Special teams
Things started off poorly in this department when former Jet Kalif Raymond returned a punt 47 yards for a touchdown to give the Lions an early lead after the Jets’ defense mounted a goal-line stand. It is hard to hammer kicker Greg Zuerlein for missing a 58-yard attempt as time expired. Zuerlein did make a field goal in the game. The Jets did not get much from the return game.
Grade: D
Coaching
Robert Saleh had some head-scratching time management at the end of this one. He ended up leaving with a timeout in his pocket. Jeff Ulbrich had a great plan against the high-powered Lions offense and limited it all day until giving up the game-winner. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur dialed up some nice plays in the first half but then seemed to be spooked after Zach Wilson’s interception in the third quarter.
Grade: D
