The Jets snapped their three-game losing streak with a 37-27 victory over the Raiders on Sunday. It may not have been the most impressive victory, but the Jets will take what they can get. Here’s a look at the Jets winners and losers from the game:
Winners
ANTONIO ALLEN – The second-year safety had become the forgotten man since Ed Reed arrived three weeks ago, but Allen made a difference Sunday. He blocked a punt that he recovered for a touchdown and saw his snaps on defense go back up after they had dwindled in the past three weeks. Allen has made a lot of progress this season, and it looks like the Jets found a steal in the seventh round of the 2012 Draft.
QUINTON COPLES – The Jets did not put a lot of pressure on Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin, but Coples was able to get to him a few times. He had one sack, two quarterback hits and one pass defended. Coples’ play has really picked up over the last month. He is living up to the potential the Jets saw when they took him with the 16th pick last year.
CHRIS IVORY – The bruising back continues to run hard and bounce off people. His 15-yard touchdown was fun to watch as he blew through the Raiders defense. More important than that, though, was a block he put on Raiders linebacker Sio Moore on a pass play. He hit Moore hard and gave Geno Smith time to complete the pass. Pass blocking was a knock on Ivory early in the season and one of the reasons he did not play as much. It looks like he’s been working on it.
Losers
BRIAN WINTERS – It’s getting ugly for the rookie. His run blocking is now getting as bad as his pass blocking. He was on the ground way too often Sunday and he is getting beat across his face, a bad sign. It’s amazing to say this, but the Jets might be better off putting Vlad Ducasse back in at left guard.
ANTONIO CROMARTIE – Another bad day in what has been a bad year for Cromartie. It looked as if the Raiders were actually targeting him instead of rookie Dee Milliner, who played one of his better games. The Raiders threw at Cromartie seven times, completing four of them, according to Pro Football Focus. He gave up a 40-yard pass and collided with Ed Reed on the 48-yard touchdown pass from McGloin to Rod Streater.
MUHAMMAD WILKERSON – It’s hard to get on Wilkerson because he’s had a terrific year, but he was invisible in this game. He was not getting near the pass rush and he got blocked on many of Oakland’s long runs. Wilkerson has raised the expectation level for himself with the way he’s played this season. On Sunday, he didn’t measure up.