As we all know the 2013 season was one filled with many ups and downs for our beloved Jets. Despite the team's struggle at times, there were many bright spots to take from this season besides massive amounts of frustration and countless moments of "getting our hopes up" (as ALL of us Jets fans are all too well acquainted with). An overall finish of 8-8 with marquee wins over New England and New Orleans was a huge success for the Jets, especially considering many "experts" projected the Jets to finish the season as one of the worst teams in the league. Here are my season grades for the team:
Offense:
Grade - C+
Don't get me wrong the grade could have been a lot lower here but I felt the need to be a little generous. Considering how productive the running game was, finishing 6th overall in the NFL, with a rookie quarterback, who's inconsistency was obvious, really impressed me. The offensive line did a solid job on the season in run blocking, with Chris Ivory clearly establishing himself as the "go to" back as the season progressed. Ivory was able to earn hard fought yards with his bruising style of running which really impressed fans. Perhaps even more impressive was for the first time in his career Ivory was able to stay healthy throughout an entire season while carrying the load in the Jets backfield. The passing game is another story however. Although quarterback Geno Smith showed much improvement in the final month of the season, he displayed more inconsistency and question marks then anything else being labeled as a "turnover machine" in his rookie campaign. It remains to be seen if Smith can be an effective quarterback at the NFL level after throwing for 3,046 yards, 12 touchdowns, 21 interceptions, a completion rate of 55.8%, and an abysmal 66.5 QB rating leading the league's 31st ranked pass offense. Yes, we all know Smith lacked weapons on offense with Santonio Holmes having another awful, unproductive injury plagued season and Jeremy Kerley being forced to be the team's number 1 option. The passing games struggles can also be attributed to weak offensive line play in pass protection and an overall lack of connection between Smith and his receivers. The offense also struggled mightily finishing off drives and turned the ball over often, finishing with a -14 turnover ratio ranking 2nd to last in the AFC.
Defense:
Grade - B
The defense was obviously the bright spot for the Jets this season finishing 11th overall in total yards allowed throughout the NFL. I couldn't award the Jets a higher grade because of their lack of pass coverage. The secondary was extremely inconsistent at best, owning the 22nd worst pass defense in the league. Antonio Cromartie had one of the worst seasons of his career likely setting himself up to become a cap casualty in the upcoming offseason. Dee Milliner, the Jets 9th overall selection in the draft, rebounded nicely from a rough start to his rookie season to be named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Month for the month of December. His season's drastic turn around can be partially attributed to the Jets mid-season signing of Ed Reed and his veteran tutorage he offers to younger players. The pass rush of the Jets was able to generate pressure pretty consistently with Muhammed Wilkerson and Calvin Pace both finishing the season with 10-plus sacks on the year. However, the Jets' front seven really earned their keep in the running game. With a defensive line anchored by Damon "Big Snacks" Harrison, breakout star Muhammed Wilkerson, and the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year Sheldon Richardson, the Jets completely shut down their opponents running attack finishing with the NFL's 3rd ranked rush defense. This group of studs put the entire league on watch and will be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come.
Special Teams:
Grade - B
Nick "Folk-Hero" was the definition of clutch for the Jets this season missing only 3 field goals and hitting every game winner/tier he attempted. Folk was the lone bright spot for the Jets in special teams this season as his punter counterpart, Ryan Quigley, struggled greatly all season long. Quigley's net average was 38.9 yards per punt this season can be considered pedestrian at best. Finally the return game was horrendous, rarely giving the Jets an advantage in field position and producing 0 touchdowns all season.
Coaching:
Grade - A-
I personally believe this was Rex Ryan's best coaching job yet. Faced with a roster void of talent Ryan managed to put together an 8-8 season. He coached up his defense to play at a high level and really did an incredible job with the front seven. Perhaps his most impressive feat was getting his roster of 53 men to all buy into his system. Despite being the laughing stock of the league preseason, Ryan got his team to believe they were winners, in turn his team greatly overachieved on the season.
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