The Jets suffered an embarrassing 37-14 loss to the Bills on Sunday as they continue to ride the seesaw of alternating wins and losses. Here are the Jets winners and losers from Sunday’s game:
Winners
MUHAMMAD WILKERSON: It’s not easy finding players who had a good game on Sunday, but you can always count on the defensive line, led by Wilkerson. The defensive end continued his push to make his first Pro Bowl with nine tackles, one for a loss, and one pass defended. He blew up a C.J. Spiller run in the backfield, showing a remarkable burst off the line.
SHELDON RICHARDSON: Wilkerson’s linemate had another strong game, as well. The rookie finished with nine tackles, one for a loss. Richardson showed remarkable closing speed on several tackles that were outside the numbers. The Jets’ draft is not looking great at the moment, but Richardson is the exception.
DAVE & BUSTER’S: They got a ton of free publicity out of the Jets’ trip there Saturday night. I don’t think the Jets will be playing Skee-Ball again for a while.
Losers
GENO SMITH: What can you say? The rookie was atrocious. He was a turnover machine with three interceptions and one fumble. It’s getting harder to justify keeping him as the starter. While Matt Simms might not be much better, can he be much worse? Smith has not had a strong game since the Falcons win in early October. If I’m Rex Ryan, Smith starts this week, but is on a short leash.
THE CORNERBACKS: Rookie Dee Milliner showed improvement against the Saints, then fell right back into his old ways against the Bills. He gave up two long passes, one a 34-yard touchdown to T.J. Graham. Darrin Walls, who replaced Milliner earlier this season, is not playing at all. It might be time to cut Milliner’s playing time. Antonio Cromartie continues his lost season. A Pro Bowler a year ago, Cromartie gave up another deep touchdown, this one to Marquise Goodwin for 43 yards. Goodwin simply ran past Cromartie, who is having his worst season as a Jet.
STEPHEN HILL: The second-year wide receiver is missing in action. For the second straight game, Hill went without a catch. He was targeted seven times by Smith, so that’s not the problem. The Jets expected to see growth from Hill in his second season, but if it’s there, it’s not showing on the field. The Jets offense would get a huge boost if Hill started living up to the potential the Jets saw when they drafted him in the second round a year ago.