Jets report card: Defense and kicking drag down solid offense

Grades from Saturday’s 29-22 Jets loss to the Texans:

Offense

The Jets should have won this game after the 15-play drive the offense mounted in the fourth quarter. QB Sam Darnold (24-of-38, 253 yards, 2 TDs, 100.0 rating, 6 rushes for 35 yards) played his best game of the season. He showed poise and playmaking ability. The offensive line did pretty well against a tough Texans front until the final minutes when they gave up two sacks. WR Robby Anderson (7 catches, 96 yards 1 TD) would have had a perfect day if he had hauled in the fourth-and-15 pass with two minutes left.

Grade: B+

Defense

It was the same old story with the defense. It played well at times, but when the Jets needed a stop it folded up. Texans QB Deshaun Watson (22-of-28, 294 yards, 2 TDs, 134.2 rating, 4 rushes, 26 yards) had long stretches of ineffective play, but moved Houston down the field when it mattered. Morris Claiborne’s holding penalty was a killer. WR DeAndre Hopkins (10 catches, 170 yards, 2 TDs) had a monster game. The Jets pass rush was strong, with six sacks, three from Henry Anderson.

Grade: C

Special teams

Kicker Jason Myers has been terrific for the Jets this season, but he missed two extra points in the game, which is inexcusable. Punter Lachlan Edwards did a good job pinning Houston inside the 20 twice. The return game was not much of a factor.

Grade: D

Coaching

The Jets played hard despite having nothing to play for but pride. There was nothing noteworthy in this game in terms of coaching decisions. You can argue Todd Bowles should have taken a penalty he declined in the second quarter, but it was not egregious. Offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates called a good game in the second half and got the best out of Sam Darnold.

Grade:  C