In the end the New York Jets pulled out an overtime win in Miami, 23-20, unfortunately that was the only positive they could take out of this game. Both defense and offense struggled tremendously throughout the contest and to make things even worse - the Gang Green lost CB Darrelle Revis, arguably their best player, for the season with a torn ACL.
The Jets improved to 2-1 but leave are plenty of reasons to be concerned, even besides the Revis injury. Just like in Week 1 against the Bills, the Jets' defensive front was manhandled at the line of scrimmage, allowing 185 yards on the ground (61 of those to Reggie Bush on just 10 carries). Once again the defense failed to apply any pressure on the quarterback, which was essential as they were up against a rookie signal caller. DE Quinton Coples, the star of preseason, has been completely invisible. He played in only 18% of snaps yesterday and this number will keep decreasing unless he steps up his game.
The offense looked just as bad, if not worse. QB Mark Sanchez completed just 21 of 45 passes, 1 TD, 2 INTs. If the first interception was more due to good coverage by the Dolphins, the second one was just an awful decision to throw a floater into double coverage, which is something he has done quite often over the years. Sanchez is now in his fourth NFL season but we're yet to see any signs of improvement. His completion percentage this year is a lowly 50.5, while his QB rating is only a 78.3.
RB Shonn Greene gained fewer yards on 19 carries (40) than second year RB Bilal Powell did on 10 (45). Is it time to make a change yet? Greene is not a feature back, never was and never will be. Powell does not look like the answer either, but he sure looked better than Greene, who has averaged just 2.8 yards/carry this season.
WR Stephen Hill was another disappointment. After a tremendous game against the Buffalo Bills where he scored two touchdowns, Hill had several drops against the Steelers and also dropped a sure touchdown yesterday against Miami. Sanchez targeted him 7 times yesterday - zero catches. In the wake of Hill's struggles, WR Chaz Schilens saw more playing time - 2 receptions for 16 yards.
The next two games will be crucial for the Gang Green, as they are about to face two teams, San Francisco and Houston, with powerful running attacks and dominant defensive units. The Jets will also have to adjust to playing without Revis, which means that they will have to find that elusive pass-rush, something that they have been lacking for quite a few years.