Quarterback: (Grade ‘ D)

Chad Pennington might have dug himself into a hole he cannot get out of with his poor performance the past two games (five interceptions). The smart decisions that exemplified Pennington are now eluding him. Kellen Clemens is this team’s future, but how long until he’s the team’s present?

Running Backs: (Grade ‘ D-)

Thomas Jones was not brought in from the Bears for this. Between him and Leon Washington, the Jets’ running offense ranks dead last in yards per carry (3). Makes you wonder if Curtis Martin would be willing to come out of retirement ‘

Wide Receivers: (Grade ‘ B)

Laveranues Coles (32-300-4), Jerricho Cotchery (30-414-0) and Brad Smith (9-112-1) are doing everything they can to help this team win. They have made some spectacular catches from mundane throws. In other news, Justin McCareins is blaming a swarm of gnats for his inability to catch.

Tight Ends: (Grade ‘ B-)

I just can’t understand how Chris Baker (10-112-2) does not get the ball thrown to him more often. It just seems every time he has the ball the play ends with a first down or a touchdown. He can be a playmaker with the right play calling.

Offensive Line: (Grade ‘ C)

I agree with management’s decision not to give former LG Pete Kendall a $1 million raise after renegotiating his contract last year, but he seems to have gotten the last laugh. Now with the Redskins, Kendall gets to watch the Jets’ O-line struggle in run blocking from afar. At least the pass blocking has gotten better.

Defensive Line: (Grade ‘ F)

For a team playing a 3-4 defense, it sure doesn’t have the personnel for it. Shaun Ellis and Dewayne Robertson are great players in unsuitable roles, with the latter needing to be traded ASAP before his value drops any further. Kenyon Coleman is an upgrade over Kimo von Oelhoffen, but that has not helped the Jets’ run defense look any different from last season. Two sacks (both from Ellis) won’t cut it from any unit, let alone this one.

Linebackers: (Grade ‘ C)

Different year, same problems. Jonathan Vilma is another 4-3 player trying his best in a 3-4 role. Victor Hobson has a sack and a forced fumble, but can’t stop the run by himself. The rest of the linebacking core has shown promise at times, but not often enough.

Defensive Backs: (Grade ‘ C-)

David Barrett, your paycheck is waiting for you whenever you decide to start playing. Same goes for you Andre Dyson. You can’t expect me to believe you’re a cornerback when you don’t know when to just push a wide receiver out of bounds (see Plaxico Burress). Nice to see Kerry Rhodes return to form (forced fumble, TD vs. Giants).

Special Teams: (Grade ‘ C)

Mike Nugent has already missed as many field goals in five games (3) as he did all of last year. Coverage was disastrous the first two games, but has returned to form since. Leon Washington has filled in beautifully for Justin Miller on kickoffs (2 TDs in last 2 games).

Coaching: (Grade ‘ D-)

What’s missing are the fundamental keys to football like finishing tackles, pressuring the opposing QB, running the ball well and not making mistakes. Last year Mangini was able to skate around these issues with an easy schedule. Not this year. Either Gang Green fixes these holes in a hurry or else they’re ‘out for the count’ (to keep with the boxing theme of old).