JETS REPORT CARD

QUARTERBACKS: B+

Chad Pennington (16-22, 189 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 94.7 rating) made one bad mistake with a chance to put the Lions away with his INT near the Lions’ goal line late in the first half. Other than that, he was extremely efficient.

RUNNING BACKS: A

Rookie Leon Washington (20-129, 2 TDs) had his career day to date. Kevin Barlow (12-49, 1 TD) showed some tough inside running, too. Overall, the best game of the year on the ground – 221 yards on 42 carries.

WIDE RECEIVERS: A

Laveranues Coles (4-29) was more of decoy on this day while Jerricho Cotchery (7-79) and Justin McCareins (1-44, TD) starred. Brad Smith was again utilized well, rushing three times for 16 yards.

TIGHT ENDS: A

Chris Baker (1-16) had a terrific game both receiving and blocking, as did Sean Ryan (1-9).

OFFENSIVE LINE: C+

Much sounder game from the line, which blocked better in the run game and protected Pennington well, allowing two sacks for six yards in losses.

DEFENSIVE LINE: C

DT Dewayne Robertson (6 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble) had a strong game. Quiet games for DEs Shaun Ellis (two tackles) and Kimo von Oelhoffen (no tackles).

LINEBACKERS: C

Jonathan Vilma was active with 11 tackles, 1 INT and two passes defended. Eric Barton had only four tackles but was very active. Bryan Thomas had five tackles and Victor Hobson had six.

SECONDARY: B

S Erik Coleman had 10 tackles. S Kerry Rhodes had an INT and two passes defensed. CBs Drew Coleman and Andre Dyson and the rest of the group did a terrific job on Detroit WR Roy Williams (2-29, 1 TD).

SPECIAL TEAMS: A

Rhodes had two solo tackles in coverage. The Jets allowed only a 20.6-yard kickoff return average wile averaging 23 yards themselves. Justin Miller averaged 32.7 yards with one 56-yard KO return that set up a TD.

KICKING GAME: B

P Ben Graham averaged 34 yards gross and net on two punts inside the 20. K Mike Nugent made his one FG attempt – a 33-yarder.

COACHING: A

Solid day for Eric Mangini and his staff, all of whom out-coached Lions’ coordinators Mike Martz and Donnie Henderson. More good imagination on offense from Brian Schottenheimer. Mangini has his team believing.