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The Jets dropped another game, but there were some excellent performances. All of them were on the defense. The offense was putrid and Darnold put up arguably the worst QB performance I’ve seen from a Jet in years. Spencer Long may be injured, but I’ve never seen a center fail so miserably. You shouldn’t even notice a center, nevermind credit him partially responsible for a loss. Boy, was this one miserable to watch. Thankfully, the defense was exceptional and we’ve got three actual studs for stickers this week.
Bronze Star: LB Jordan Jenkins (5 tackles, 2 sacks)
Jenkins is a bit of a boom or bust player. He’s typically a solid edge setter who offers little in terms of explosive plays or pass rush. He has trouble setting the edge in some games, especially against mobile quarterbacks. Every now and then, however, he puts up multiple sacks against a weaker offensive line and helps the defense take over the game. He did this once again against Miami, though it wasn’t enough with the offense’s abysmal performance. Nevertheless, he earns a sticker.
Silver Star: LB Avery Williamson (11 tackles, 1 sack)
Williamson has been one of the few free agent hits for Maccagnan this season. He hasn’t been an elite player, but he’s been very good against the run and when asked to rush to the passer. His coverage skills have been a bit better than advertised, making him a very valuable piece in the middle of the defense. With 11 tackles and a sack against Miami, he’s earned another sticker.
Gold Star: S Jamal Adams (7 tackles, 2 passes defended)
It may not be the best season for the Jets, but Adams’ development has been a bright spot. He may be the only player on the roster deserving of a Pro Bowl nod, and he backed up his bid once again against the Dolphins. Adams batted down multiple passes and flew around the field. He was the best part of a defense that played extremely well despite an awful performance by an offense that outscored itself. This is his first gold star of the year, though he’s consistently been in the running. He should be earning more soon.
So there you have it, eight weeks in and the table stands:
Jamal Adams 9 points (1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze)
Jason Myers 6 points (2 gold)
Avery Williamson 5 points (1 gold, 1 silver)
Morris Claiborne 5 points (2 silver, 2 bronze)
Quincy Enunwa 4 points (1 gold, 1 bronze)
Darron Lee 4 points (2 silver)
Deontay Burnett 3 points (1 gold)
Isaiah Crowell 3 points (1 gold)
Henry Anderson 3 points (1 gold)
Andre Roberts 3 points (1 gold)
Sam Darnold 2 points (1 silver)
Leonard Williams 2 points (1 silver)
Bilal Powell 2 points (2 bronze)
Robby Anderson 1 point (1 bronze)
Darryl Roberts 1 point (1 bronze)
Jordan Jenkins 1 point (1 bronze)