OFFENSE: F
The Jets did very little on offense even when the defense gifted them some good starting field position. They totaled 195 yards of offense and never got in the end zone. Rookie Brady Cook struggled in this game. He threw for 188 yards, was sacked eight times and had two turnovers — both in the second half. Cook lost a fumble when he was sacked and threw a fourth-down interception in Saints’ territory. It wasn’t a good day for the offensive line. There were protection breakdowns and the Jets only finished with 64 yards rushing. The Jets also have some drive-stalling or drive-killing penalties.
DEFENSE: D
Chris Harris’ debut as defensive coordinator started great. The Jets forced a takeaway on the game’s second play. There were definitely signs of improvement from last week when they gave up 48 points to Jacksonville, including four touchdowns in the first half. The Jets didn’t allow New Orleans to get in the end zone until the final minute of the third quarter. But they gave up too many yards (412), too many passing yards to rookie quarterback Tyler Shough (308) and only forced one punt.
SPECIAL TEAMS: C+
Nick Folk accounted for all the Jets’ scoring with two field goals (29 and 36 yards). Punter Austin McNamara landed three punts inside the 10. The Jets averaged 38 yards on their two kickoff returns. The Saints kept the ball away from Isaiah Williams and Kene Nwangwu. Six of their kicks were touchbacks. The Jets committed two special teams penalties and gave up a first down on a fake punt.
COACHING: D
The defense played better, more sound and kept the Jets in the game. Strides were made there. The offense regressed in a big way. The Jets have to find a way to get Breece Hall the ball in space or areas he can be effective. The run game overall has slipped a lot.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.