The Jets’ win over the Steelers in Week 4 was definitely a gutsy win and a much-needed win for team morale and to show the Jets are never out until they are completely out. However, the ebb and flow of the game Sunday certainly shows up in the players’ Pro Football Focus grades as there are some interesting names at the top and the bottom. Let’s run through those names and numbers from Week 4.
Top 5 Offensive Grades
Corey Davis – 80.2
Braxton Berrios – 73.8
Zach Wilson – 69.1
Conor McDermott – 61.8
Nate Herbig – 61.6
Corey Davis has been a major factor on offense this season, particularly in key situations. He did so again against the Steelers with five catches for 74 yards and a touchdown, making some clutch catches in the fourth quarter, so it’s not surprising to see him at the top of this list.
Conor McDermott has gotten some heat throughout the season, but he helped stabilize the line after replacing the injured Max Mitchell and, in fact, landed the highest pass-blocking grade (69.4) among the Jets’ offensive linemen. He wasn’t perfect by any means, but he stepped up in a key situation. Case in point: McDermott did not allow a single pressure against the Steelers, per PFF. He was the only offensive linemen for the Jets to do so.
Also making a surprise appearance in the top five was Nate Herbig, who started at right guard with Alijah Vera-Tucker starting at left tackle. Herbig and Vera-Tucker allowed the same number of pressures Sunday, with three. Herbig actually finished with higher grades than Vera-Tucker in pass-blocking (67.9 vs. 65.8) and run-blocking (66.2 vs. 47.0).
Bottom 5 Offensive Grades
Max Mitchell – 41.4
Laken Tomlinson – 44.7
Michael Carter – 51.3
Connor McGovern – 53.3
Breece Hall – 53.9
The Jets had issues running the football in Pittsburgh, which helped lead to both running backs being among the five-worst offensive grades. Hall’s pass-game grade (29.3) and Carter’s pass-blocking grade (22.3) were the biggest culprits in their respective overall grades.
Another week, another low grade for Laken Tomlinson. For the third time this season, Tomlinson earned a grade below 50 overall (44.7) and a grade below 50 in the run-blocking department (41.0).
Before Mitchell went out with an injury, Pittsburgh’sAlex Highsmith was giving him fits in the passing game. It added up to an 18.5 pass-blocking grade. Zach Wilson had to escape a lot of pressure, as the offensive line was responsible for 14 pressures (three hurries, 11 pressures).
By the way, Vera-Tucker was 10th among 17 offensive players with a 56.5 grade.
Top 5 Defensive Grades
Lamarcus Joyner – 89.8
Bryce Huff – 81.9
Jermaine Johnson – 80.0
Jordan Whitehead – 79.0
Quinnen Williams – 77.8
The numbers don’t lie. Lamarcus Joyner had by far his best game of the season. His previous highest PFF grade this season was 50.6 against the Bengals. An 84.2 run-defense grade and a tackling grade of 80.7 played a huge role in Joyner’s big day, which included four passes defended and two interceptions. His coverage grade, by the way, was a solid 78.7.
As the top five shows, Joyner wasn’t the only safety who bounced back in a big way. Jordan Whitehead scored his highest grade of the season as well with a 79 after grabbing an interception and scored a 74.7 coverage grade, second to Joyner.
Bryce Huff only played nine snaps. But he was darn effective in those nine snaps. He recorded three pressures in that short time and earned a 77.6 pass-rush grade. He absolutely needs to be on the field more.
Three more pressures from Quinnen Williams, who has arguably been the best player on the team this season. His grades included 70.6 for run defense, 71.3 for tackling and 70.6 for pass rush.
Bottom 5 Defensive Grades
Ashtyn Davis – 29.1
Nathan Shepherd – 54.7
Carl Lawson – 55.5
Jacob Martin – 59.2
Micheal Clemons – 59.4
The players on this list definitely don’t help the case for rotating defensive linemen. Shepherd scored zero pressures in 12 pass-rushing snaps, Martin had just one in nine pass-rushing snaps. Martin may soon start taking a backseat to Huff in the pecking order.
Davis saw just four coverage snaps and, well, the number speaks for itself. A 32.6 coverage grade.
One quick special teams note: Justin Hardee had a great day, scoring a 91.9 grade with two special teams tackles. Two other players that were solid on special were Marcell Harris (70.9) and Jamien Sherwood (70.6).