Offense
The group had its moments, but ultimately fell short for most of the game. Quarterback Geno Smith (15-of-28, 167 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) nearly made it through the game without a turnover, but gave up his fifth pick-six of the season to Captain Munnerlyn. The Jets ran the ball well (36 carries, 131 yards, 1 TD) against the No. 2 defense against the run. Receiver Santonio Holmes (2 catches, 14 yards) was a no-show after running his mouth this week.
C
Defense
This unit did its best work in the red zone, holding the Panthers to 1-for-5 inside the 20. The Panthers rolled up 392 yards, but the Jets kept them out of end zone outside of a 72-yard screen pass and a score that was set up by a blocked punt. The Jets allowed 131 yards rushing and Cam Newton (16-of-24, 273 yards, 1 TD) had a good day.
C
Special teams
The blocked punt in the fourth quarter changed the game and directly led to the loss. The Jets decided to have three flyers, allowing the Panthers to put Jason Williams over long snapper Tanner Purdum. Williams beat Purdum and blocked the Ryan Quigley punt. The Panthers scored moments later and the Jets were down 10. Nick Folk kept his spectacular season going with two field goals, including a 54-yarder, and keeps this group from getting an F.
D-
Coaching
It’s hard to pin this one on the coaches. The Jets were just playing a football team in a different class than them. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg tried some creative plays. A pass to fullback Tommy Bohanon on third down in the red zone was one he would probably like to have back. Special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica takes a hit for the blocked punt. His decision to use three flyers led to it.
C-