Jets Week 9 report card: Give Jeff Ulbrich credit

Assessing the Jets’ 21-13 victory over the Texans at MetLife Stadium on Thursday:

Offense

This evaluation needs to be split into two parts for the distinct halves.

In the first half, the Jets were dreadful, only mustering 69 yards and failing to score.

However, they turned things around in the second half, scoring three touchdowns and finishing the game with 293 yards.

QB Aaron Rodgers (22 of 32, 211 yards, 3 TDs, 118.1 QB rating) found his groove in the second half, connecting with Garrett Wilson (9 catches, 90 yards, 2 TDs) and Davante Adams (7 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD).

Wilson made an incredible catch in the back of the end zone.

The offensive line allowed two sacks but also created running lanes for a total of 100 yards on the ground.

Grade: C+

Defense

The pass rush overwhelmed Texans QB C.J. Stroud, sacking him eight times.

Stroud (11 of 30, 191 yards, 59.2 QB rating) struggled throughout the game.

He appeared uneasy and never settled in.

RB Joe Mixon (24 rushes, 106 yards, 1 TD) found early success, but the Jets improved their tackling as the game progressed.

DT Quinnen Williams (1 ½ sacks, 4 QB hits) had another standout performance, showing signs of returning to form.

The Jets were not flawless but held the Texans to just 13 points.

Grade: B

Special teams

Two costly penalties on special teams didn’t have a significant impact on the Jets, but they were undisciplined.

Irv Charles was penalized for roughing the punter, and Eric Watts for roughing the long snapper.

Punter Thomas Morstead booted a 75-yard punt.

New kicker Riley Patterson didn’t attempt any field goals but converted his extra points, with the first one hitting the upright.

Grade: C

Coaching

Credit to Jeff Ulbrich for steadying the ship.

He managed to instill calmness this week, leading the Jets to victory.

Whatever adjustments were made at halftime paid off as the Jets displayed a different attitude in the second half.

Offensive play-caller Todd Downing seemed to find his rhythm in the latter half, leading to the Jets’ best performance in a while.

Grade: B