Monday, October 10, 2011

Faint silver lining in Jets' 3rd straight loss

The New York Jets just lost their third straight game, fell multiple games behind two teams in the division and again failed to oust the New England Patriots in Foxborough in the regular season.

Simply put, they’re not in a good spot.

The Jets’ loss to the Patriots Sunday, however, was a small step in the right direction for a team that is trying to regain its pride after an embarrassing offensive showing in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Mangold return an obvious bright spot

New York finally got a little something going with the rushing attack (sure, anything would be an improvement), even while having to play from behind nearly the entire game. The return of Nick Mangold at center helped the offensive line open up some holes for running back Shonn Greene, as Greene picked up 83 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.

The running game wasn’t great from a numbers standpoint, but anyone watching could see signs of an improved ground attack. The Jets had to be encouraged.

Keeping Mark Sanchez’s pass-attempt total under 30 was important, as well. He completed 16 passes for 166 yards and two scores. And the biggest stat? No interceptions. Not to say that the passing game was better than average against what was supposed to be a very poor pass defense, but the pass-run ratio was an improvement for New York, which is trying to get back to its bread and butter.

Sanchez also got sacked only twice Sunday, which was a sign that having Mangold back clearly makes a difference in communication up front.

D finds a little pass rush, still giving up big yards

The Jets’ pass rush busted through (or mostly around) a pass-protection unit that has been stout in keeping Tom Brady’s jersey clean. Jamaal Westerman put a little more hope into the front-seven’s chances without Bryan Thomas, as he got to Brady twice. David Harris and Ropati Pitoitua also recorded sacks for the Jets.

Defensive penalties killed the Jets and kept drives alive, and a couple big chunks of yardage on pass plays helped Brady to a 321-yard day, though New York held him to a single touchdown and an interception.

New York’s run defense is still a cause for concern and was subpar again, giving up 136 yards and two touchdowns to BenJarvis Green-Ellis alone.

Follow Nick @NickStDenis