A quick grade report before we flip the focus to Jets/Bengals which is only three days away...
Quarterback (A+) - Welcome to the 2010 New York Jets season where 300 yard passing performances and last second heroics are common place. Mark Sanchez continues to play at a level higher than even the most optimistic Jets fans could have anticipated. Any questions about him being able to make all the throws at this level or having the maturity to play quarterback in New York just sound foolish at this point. The best news? The Bengals defense who just allowed a 49 spot to the mighty Buffalo Bills is now coming to town.
Running Back (C) - The only reason this grade is even this high is because of LaDainian Tomlinson's 7 receptions for 71 yards. The Jets never got going running the football as both Shonn Greene (15 carries, 42 yards) and Tomlinson (12 carries, 36 yards) struggled. To make matters worse, Greene lost a fumble, his second of the year which helped ignite the Texans comeback.
Wide Receiver (A) - (Take a moment to hold your arms out and run around Santonio Holmes style)...the Jets receivers are living up to their pre-season hype as Holmes had yet another 100 yard performance and 2 touchdowns. Braylon Edwards added on 4 receptions for 86 yards with a touchdown, his team leading sixth of the season. Patrick Turner even pulled in his first career reception for the Jets.
Tight Ends (C) - Paging Dustin Keller...2 receptions, 7 yards, no touchdowns since week 4...Keller? Keller?
Offensive Line (D) - Not a pretty day for the big guys up front. They allowed three sacks and didn't get a great push in the running game. Wayne Hunter struggled to replace Damien Woody, who sprained his MCL and could miss Thursday's game.
Defensive Line (C) - Vernon Gholston actually almost had a sack but beyond that it wasn't a productive day at the office for the Jets front. They did hold Arian Foster to under 100 yards but he still moved the ball well and a pass rush was nowhere to be found.
Linebackers (C) - The problems in coverage and getting pressure on the quarterback remain a major concern heading into December. An unusually quiet game for David Harris also.
Secondary (C) - Surprise, surprise the Texans tight end (Joel Dressen, 106 yards and a touchdown) killed the Jets, who continue to have communication issues in the secondary. Darrelle Revis was very good on Andre Johnson most of the day but did leave David Anderson wide open for a big play late in the game. Brodney Pool had 7 tackles.
Special Teams (B) - Robert Turner had a killer personal foul penalty late in the game on a kick return. However, Nick Folk got back on track with 3 field goals. Steve Weatherford was great again and Jim Leonhard continued his strong season returning punts. Also, how about Joe McKnight with 3 special teams tackles?
Coaching (B) - It is hard to get on the coaches too much because the Jets keep winning but Rex Ryan needs to do a better job manufacturing a pass rush.