The New York Jets have stayed in place for the ESPN Week 7 Power Rankings, coming in at No. 25 once again.
The 2-4 Jets fell to the No. 7 ranked New England Patriots (4-2) by 26-19 last Sunday. The one-score difference against a far superior opponent apparently weighed heavily in keeping the Jets in their place, which is also what the Pats did to the luckless Gang Green in their house of horrors. The Jets have one win in the last 16 years at Foxboro, and even that win was a so-what, end of season victory against a spiritless Patriots team that was mentally checked out.
To form the ESPN list, more than a dozen NFL analysts evaluate how all 32 teams stack up against one another. This week, reporters were also asked to pick out the biggest offensive issue for each team.
Jets writer Rich Cimini cited red zone efficiency as the biggest Jets concern.
“The Jets are the NFL’s worst offense in the red zone, scoring on 37.5% of attempts (6-for-16),” Cimini wrote. “ They’re actually worse than last season (44.7%), something very few thought was possible.”
Offensive coordinator Frank Reich is catching heat for the inability to score. He’s also under fire for the perceived under-utilization of star receiver Garrett Wilson. The complaints on Reich grew so loud after Sunday’s loss that head coach Aaron Glenn felt compelled to defend Reich, whom he claimed was “doing a good job.”
There is no one issue for the red zone malaise, ESPN’s Cimini said. Quarterback Geno Smith (33rd out 33 qualified passers in red zone QBR) and the Reich playcalling were both pinpointed. But one could argue that not using running back Braelon Allen more or trying to get the ball to speedy tight end Kenyon Sadiq also qualify as puzzling decisions.
“ The Jets keep saying they’re close to a breakthrough, but that rationale doesn’t appease a frustrated fan base. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich is balanced in his play calls, but something is amiss.”
The Jets face the winless Miami Dolphins this Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The home game energy may invigorate the moribund red zone offense, as would a return to action by three key players in running back Breece Hall, receiver Adonai Mitchell, and left guard Dylan Parham.
The Jets targeted the New England game as pivotal, so they will have to guard against a let-down against Miami.
