Grades for the Jets’ 37-31 win over the Bills on Thursday:
Offense
That’s more like it. After a rough outing against the Bengals, the Jets rolled against Rex Ryan’s defense. They had 493 total yards and were 8-for-13 on third down. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (24 of 34, 374 yards, 1 TD) played one of the best games of his life. He hit five passes of more than 25 yards. WRs Eric Decker (6 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD) and Brandon Marshall (6 catches, 101 yards) were huge. RB Matt Forte (30 rushes, 100 yards, 3 TDs) showed the dimension he can give the Jets.
Grade: A
Defense
It is troubling how many big plays the Jets are giving up. They were victimized again Thursday night on an 84-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor to Marquise Goodwin and a 71-yarder from Taylor to Greg Salas. Other than those big plays, the defense played pretty well, but those were huge. A Marcus Williams interception in the fourth quarter and a fourth-and-1 stop by Sheldon Richardson and Darron Lee were also key. A week after getting seven sacks, the Jets had zero on Taylor.
Grade: C
Special teams
Kicker Nick Folk bounced back with three field goals after his struggles in Week 1. The Jets did little in the return game and allowed a 45-yard kickoff return to Brandon Tate. Rookie punter Lachlan Edwards had an easy night, with just two punts.
Grade: C+
Coaching
Give Todd Bowles credit. He had the Jets turn the page immediately after the loss to the Bengals and they looked ready to play from the start Thursday night. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey pressed all the right buttons and got all of his playmakers involved. The defense had some mistakes and allowed some big plays. That is something Bowles must get fixed pronto.
Grade: B+