Categorizing the Jets’ performance against Bengals in Week 13 as disappointing would be a massive understatement.
Armed with the opportunity to extend its winning streak to four, New York simply did not show up against a winless Cincinnati squad. As Gang Green’s veterans turned in lethargic and disinterested performances, the rookies on the squad followed suit and contributed very little in the loss.
With that being said, let’s take a crack at ranking New York’s rookies following Sunday’s action in the latest edition of Jets Wire’s rookie power rankings series.
No. 5: OT Chuma Edoga
Last Week: No. 4
Edoga was inactive against the Bengals due to a knee injury.
New York’s offensive line didn’t seem quite the same with Edoga on the bench and Brandon Shell starting at right tackle. The USC product will have a chance to return to the field in Week 14 against the Dolphins if his knee continues to heal as expected.
No. 4: TE Trevon Wesco
Last Week: No. 5
Wesco’s one-spot jump in the rankings is facilitated by Chuma Edoga’s absence. The rookie tight end out of West Virginia failed to appear in the box score against the Bengals and seldom saw the field as the Jets leaned heavily on their passing attack in the second half.
No. 3: DE Kyle Phillips
Last Week: No. 2
Phillips’ decline in production continued against the Bengals, as the undrafted free agent out of Tennessee did not appear in the box score.
With the way Phillips played while Henry Anderson was out with an injury, it was hard to see him becoming a non-factor upon Anderson’s return. Unfortunately, that is exactly what has happened.
Phillips is still loaded with talent and has the potential to be a piece on New York’s defensive line in the future. It’s just a matter of him getting on the field at this point.
No. 2: CB Bless Austin
Last Week: No. 1
Austin wasn’t bad against the Bengals, but he wasn’t necessarily good, either.
Tyler Boyd and Auden Tate, Cincinnati’s two outside receivers, combined for nine catches, 125 yards and a touchdown. It’s not fair to blame Austin for all of those receptions, but he didn’t do much to prevent them, whether he was shadowing Boyd or Tate.
It was only a matter of time before Austin came back down to earth a bit. He still has the makings of a very good cornerback, but it wasn’t realistic to expect him to be a lockdown player every time out just yet.
No. 1: DT Quinnen Williams
Last Week: No. 3
Williams had only two tackles and one for a loss against the Bengals, but considering how the rest of New York’s rookies performed, that’s enough for him to reclaim the top spot in the power rankings.
Williams’ tackle for loss could be viewed as a step in the right direction. The Alabama product has gotten into opposing backfields as a rookie, but has failed to make plays when he does break through the offensive line. That wasn’t the case against Cincinnati.
