Jets Report Card: Ugly win has team in tie for division lead

The game took almost four hours to play including an almost complete overtime period, which says it all. But ultimately, the Jets left Miami with a 23-20 win over the Dolphins and are now tied for the division lead with the Buffalo Bills with a 2-1 record.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez struggled in Sunday's 23-20 overtime win at Miami, includding this pass, which resulted in an interception. (AP)

The game took almost four hours to play including an almost complete overtime period, which says it all. But ultimately, the New York Jets left Miami with a 23-20 win in overtime over the Dolphins and are now tied for the division lead with the Buffalo Bills with a 2-1 record.

Although he threw for 306 yards, QB Mark Sanchez ’s completion rate was just 46.6%. At one point, he hit QB Tim Tebow in the helmet on a play where Tebow was in at receiver. The defense had issues with the run all day and never once got to Dolphins rookie QB Ryan Tannehill.

Offense: D

So much for the “ground and pound.” RBs Shonn Greene and Bilal Powell combined for a grand total of 85 yards. QB Mark Sanchez was off, throwing two interceptions – one in the end zone, negating what had been a timely turnover by the Jets defense. WR Santonio Holmes, after a slow start, ended with 147 receiving yards, his biggest day since joining the Jets in 2010.

Defense: C
The defense allowed Dolphins RB Reggie Bush to run wild in the first half before he left with a knee injury. But, in less than two quarters he singlehandedly racked up 61 of the total 94 rushing yards the team put up before halftime. The secondary was hot and cold, but they did hold rookie QB Ryan Tannehill to only 196 yards and a 50% completion rate. S LaRon Landry’s pick six (the first of his six-year career) was one bright spot. CB Darrelle Revis left the game with a knee injury, which could be a harbinger of worse things if he’s sidelined.

Special teams: B
The fake punt by Tebow that gave the Jets a first down was also a big morale boost. P Robert Malone averaged 42.5 yards on four punts, giving the Jets decent field p sition. K Nick Folk was 3-3 on field goals, including the 33-yarder to win the game in overtime.

Coaching: C+
The Jets need to give thanks for this win. Some of the play-calling was questionable, especially on a couple of offensive series. Where was the “ground and pound?” Defensively, where was the pass rush? On special teams, coach Mike Westhoff pulled a rabbit out of his hat with Tebow’s fake punt. To their credit, they kept the team in it until the end and ultimately pulled out the victory.

Stay dialed in on the New York Jets by following correspondent Lisa Zimmerman on Twitter @CBSJets and @LisaZimmerman.