Jets report card: Another letdown for the defense

Grading the Jets’ 24-17 win over the Titans on Sunday:

Offense

The Jets did not move the ball for long stretches of the game and looked really shaky early, but they did score three touchdowns and put together a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter. They get credit for that. QB Aaron Rodgers (18-of-30, 176 yards, 2 TDs, 98.7 rating) was not spectacular, but he went 5-for-5 on the game-winning drive and moved the Jets down the field. RB Breece Hall (14 rushes, 62 yards, 7 rec., 52 yards, 1 TD) was a steady presence throughout the game. The offensive line played better than last week, but it still feels like the offense is a tick off.

GRADE: B-

Defense

It was another substandard effort for a defense that prides itself in being one of the best in the league. The Titans gained 300 yards, 130 on the ground. QB Will Levis (19-of-28, 192 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 84.2 rating, 1 fumble) had moments where he made the Jets defense look bad, but his fumble in the red zone really kept the Jets in the game. DE Will McDonald sacked Levis three times and was credited for the forced fumble when Levis threw the ball away. CB Sauce Gardner did not have a good game, allowing a touchdown to Calvin Ridley and getting beaten on several other throws.

GRADE: C

Special teams

Irv Charles might have had the best game of anyone on the Jets. Charles blocked a punt and made two open-field tackles on punt returns. Thomas Morstead was his usual steady self with two punts inside the 20 and Greg Zuerlein made his only field-goal attempt.

GRADE: A

Coaching

The schedule-makers really gave the Jets a test to open the season, and Robert Saleh and his staff deserve credit for managing this tough week of travel. The Jets got back in the middle of the night Monday after the loss to the 49ers and then had a short week to prepare for the Titans and travel here. That should not be overlooked. There is still plenty to clean up, but the Jets scored three touchdowns and the defense stiffened when it needed to. It was not perfect but it was a positive step.

GRADE: B