JETS REPORT CARD

QUARTERBACKS: B

Chad Pennington (19-of-30, 190 yards, 2 TDs, 103.5 rating) wasn’t artistic, but he was gritty, resilient and clutch. On crucial drive in the fourth quarter, he was 7-of-7 for 74 yards and a TD.

RUNNING BACKS: C

Curtis Martin (31-74) earned every one of his yards and allowed the Jets to control the game in the first half. He, too, was clutch on some third-and-long runs for first downs that kept drives alive.

WIDE RECEIVERS: B

Laveranues Coles (5-68, TD) was, as usual, always there for Pennington. Justin McCareins (6-87) made some key catches in the clutch. Wayne Chrebet had three catches for 22 yards. Gone were the drops from a week ago from this group.

TIGHT ENDS: C

Chris Baker (1-3) wasn’t as involved in passing game as a week ago, but the run blocking was solid at times.

OFFENSIVE LINE: C+

Overall, a better job, though Pennington was harassed and the running game wasn’t humming. LT Jason Fabini, with some help, did a good enough job on Dolphins DE Jason Taylor, who was active against the run but held without a sack.

DEFENSIVE LINE: B

DE John Abraham had a sack, forced fumble, a batted pass and several pressures. He, too, was solid against the run. DE Shaun Ellis had a sack.

LINEBACKERS: B

Jonathan Vilma had a team-high 11 tackles, while Eric Barton had nine and Victor Hobson had five. Everyone swarmed to the ball.

SECONDARY: B

CB David Barrett, who had a rough game last week, sealed the game with an INT. CB Ty Law began to look more like the shut-down corner he’s been. Safeties Eric Coleman and Kerry Rhodes were aggressive to the ball.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B

WR Jerricho Cotchery is a machine, making three tackles in coverage. The Dolphins averaged 5.2 yards on six punt returns and just 18.3 yards on KO returns.

KICKING GAME: B

P Ben Graham continues to impress, averaging 44.1 gross and 40.4 net. K Mike Nugent had his first NFL FG, a 41-yarder in the first half.

COACHING: B

Herman Edwards did a good job of refocusing his players. Defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson settled down his defense with a simplified scheme. Same for offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, who made some terrific run calls for Martin.