Grading the Jets’ 31-21 win over the Broncos in Denver on Sunday.
The Jets moved the ball, gaining 407 yards but they went 0-for-5 on red zone trips and had some early penalties that hurt drives. RB Breece Hall (22 rushes, 177 yards, 1 TD) was the key to the offense, showing what he can do when he is unleashed by the coaches. QB Zach Wilson (19-of-26, 199 yards, 1 INT, 78.8 rating) did not do much but the Jets did not ask him to do a lot. His late interception was an amazing play by Patrick Surtain. The offensive line struggled with pass blocking, giving up four sacks but opened up huge holes for Hall.
Grade: B-
The Jets were dominant for a good portion of the second half. They allowed just four yards in the third quarter. But they gave up a touchdown drive late and some big plays early. In the end, LB Quincy Williams sealed the game with his strip-sack of QB Russell Wilson (20-of-31, 196 yards, 2 TDs, 103.7 rating, 7 rushes, 49 yards). CB Bryce Hall scooped up the fumble and scored. The Jets sacked Wilson four times with Williams getting two of those. Jermaine Johnson and Bryce Huff each had one sack and got good pressure all game.
Grade: B
Greg Zuerlein booted five field goals in this game for the Jets, remaining one of the most consistent players on the team. Irv Charles made a big play early when he was bearing down on Broncos punt returner Marvin Mims, causing him to muff the ball. Jets punt returner Xavier Gipson fumbled two punts, losing one.
Grade: C
This was not a pretty win for the Jets. Give defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich credit for dialing up the right blitzes against the Broncos late to sack Russell Wilson twice. On offense, Nathaniel Hackett got his revenge over Sean Payton and his former employers by being smart enough to hand the ball to Breece Hall 22 times. Robert Saleh has weathered the early Aaron Rodgers injury storm and has the Jets believing they can still make noise this season.
Grade: B