Here is a breakdown of the Jets’ missed tackles in the first half:

Harris       5
Scott        4
Leonhard  2
Douglas    1
Green       1
Pace         1
Ellis          1
DeVito      1
Thomas    1
Revis        1
Strickland 1
Sheppard 1


Aside from Harris and Scott’s nine missed tackles, they were both out of position too often and allowed Jones-Drew some big runs up the middle.

The Jets’ defense was so bad in the first half it did not force a punt and gave up 9 plays of 10 yards or more.

In addition to the poor run defense, they did not cover well either. Dwight Lowery in particular struggled mightily in the first half.

The Jets will most definitely be looking for a starting CB this off-season. Lowery has his moments but is inconsistent and is not a man cover guy. He is better suited to a nickel role.

In the first half Lowery committed a defensive holding call and gave up a 14-yard catch to Tory Holt. He surrendered a 15-yard catch to Mike Sims-Walker as well.

Lito Sheppard is just plain awful. He has either been hurt, given up big yardage or committed pass interference penalties all year.

He had terrible coverage on Sims-Walker’s touchdown and took a poor angle after the catch and whiffed on the tackle.

Kerry Rhodes has yet to show up for the 2009 season. He had two interception opportunities and could not come down with either and has solidified his place as the Jets’ most overrated player.

If fashion shoots and interviews were an NFL statistic, Rhodes would be an All-Pro. No one talks more and delivers less than Rhodes.

I am beginning to think he is not the long-term answer at safety. Jim Leonhard was brought in to solidify the other spot and allow Rhodes to make plays but so far Rhodes has no interceptions, no sacks and no forced fumbles.

Leonhard has been great. Maybe Rhodes should be the one in a supporting role.

One of my keys in this game was for Jerricho Cotchery to be a big part of the passing game. Schottenheimer must have heard me because Sanchez threw his way 11 times (tops for all Jets’ receivers).

Cotchery caught 6 balls for 68 yards and a touchdown with three of his catches going for first downs.

Other Random Thoughts

Dustin Keller made some nice plays, particularly his 32-yard catch in the first half but he also had some drops. He is just not consistent enough to be considered an elite tight end yet. He missed a 45-yard catch that hit right off his hands. The pass was beautifully thrown by Sanchez who had to throw on the run…Sanchez misfired on a 25-yard throw to Cotchery that would have been an easy touchdown. The Jets had to settle for a field goal right before the half…Maurice Jones-Drew beat the Jets with more than just his legs. He picked up a blitzing Kerry Rhodes on Garrard’s second quarter scramble for a touchdown. He also picked up Donald Strickland’s blitz that allowed Garrard to complete a 20-yard pass to Mike Thomas.