Grading the Jets' Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions

OFFENSE

The Jets’ offensive line had some issues for the second consecutive game, and they played a big part in the 31-24 loss. The Jets only rushed for 58 yards on 19 carries. Geno Smith was sacked five times. The fifth one ended the game. With the Jets driving to possibly tie the score, Smith was sacked and fumbled. The Lions recovered. Smith was also sacked on back-to-back plays in the red zone, forcing the Jets to settle for a field goal. Smith did get the passing game going, throwing for 321 yards and three touchdowns. Garrett Wilson had 10 catches for 107 yards and a touchdown and Kenyon Sadiq had seven grabs for 105 yards and his first NFL receiving touchdown. Lindenhurst’s Jeremy Ruckert caught his second career touchdown pass. The Jets lost Breece Hall in this game with a thigh injury.

Grade: C-

DEFENSE

The Lions are one of the best offenses, and they showed it. They scored on four straight possessions over the second, third and fourth quarters. The Jets also provided little resistance on Detroit’s game-winning drive. The Lions needed just four plays to regain the lead. Isaac TeSlaa was left open for a 49-yard gain. Jahmyr Gibbs, who rushed for two touchdowns, was wide open when he caught the game-winning touchdown and went untouched into the end zone. It also was the first game in which Aaron Glenn’s defense allowed more than 200 yards of offense. The Lions racked up 381 yards of total offense. Missed tackles played a role in this loss

Grade: C

SPECIAL TEAMS

It was another shaky day for the normally reliable special teams unit. The Jets allowed kickoff returns of 44 yards and 37 yards by Jacob Saylors. Both gave the Lions good field position and they scored touchdowns on both possessions. The Jets couldn’t get much going in their return game. The only time the Jets began a series past the Detroit’ 35 was when they took over on downs in the fourth quarter. Austin McNamara’s first punt was 30 yards. His next one, he boomed for 57 yards.

Grade: C-

COACHING

The offensive staff has to figure out how to get the run game uncorked and protect Smith better. Glenn acknowledged he has to make better calls defensively because there were too many breakdowns and explosive plays allowed. The end-of-half clock management and decision-making remains a problem. Jets had time to do something at the end of the first half. Glenn used his last timeout after getting a first down in Detroit territory instead of spiking the ball to stop the clock. The Jets ended up getting no points. The fight and resiliency the Jets showed were positive changes considering last year’s team would have folded.

Grade: C

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.