Grading the Jets’ 27-6 loss to the Chargers on Monday night.
Offense
The Jets’ offense was abysmal on Monday night. They padded their yardage stats at the end of the game, but the only thing that mattered was zero touchdowns. QB Zach Wilson (33 of 49, 263 yards, 80.6 rating, two fumbles) was inept for most of the game. The offense went 3-for-17 on third down and 0-for-2 in the red zone, continuing their season-long struggles with situational football. The offensive line was horrendous, allowing eight sacks. WR Garrett Wilson had a fumble. WR Allen Lazard committed three penalties and had a drop. It was a poor performance across the board.
Grade: F
Defense
These guys have to realize they are going to have to score touchdowns to win games with the way the offense is playing. They sacked QB Justin Herbert five times and Herbert (16 of 30, 136 yards, 65.4 QB rating) looked uncomfortable all night. RB Austin Ekeler (14 rushes, 47 yards, 2 TDs) had one long run but was mostly held in check. The Chargers managed just 191 total yards. The only knock on the Jets’ defense is they did not force any turnovers. The Chargers fumbled three times but recovered all three.
Grade: B
Special Teams
The Jets introduced punter Thomas Morstead first during the pregame on Monday night and then, of course, they gave up a first-quarter punt return for a touchdown to Derius Davis. It was a rare bad moment for the Jets special teams, but it spotted the Chargers a 7-0 lead. Kicker Greg Zuerlein made field goals of 46 and 47 yards for the Jets’ only points in the game.
Grade: D
Coaching
The offense’s struggles are not all on Zach Wilson. OC Nathaniel Hackett needs to show that he is more than just someone Aaron Rodgers likes a lot. Hackett is not solving the offensive woes. He needs to get people open and figure out a way to jump-start the offense. Robert Saleh’s team continues to struggle early in games and it was costly Monday. Give DC Jeff Ulbrich credit for throwing some different looks at the Chargers and holding a good offense down yet again.
Grade: D
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