Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Things we learned about the Jets

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- A few takeaways on the New York Jets' loss to the Detroit Lions:

1. Lack of energy: There were stretches in the game when the Jets seemed utterly lifeless. I suppose that's what happens your offense suffers five consecutive three-and-out possessions, but it's still uncharacteristic of a Rex Ryan-coached team. Except for the crowd responding to a few big plays and chanting for Michael Vick, the stadium was dead. Other than empty seats, nothing upsets an owner more than lethargy.

2. Rex's job security: I'm not one of those who believe it's playoffs or bust for Ryan. I think he can survive if they finish on an upswing, as they did last season -- and the second-half schedule isn't nearly as formidable as the first half. So, no, he's not Dead Man Coaching, but there are certain red flags that will doom him -- a perceived lack of effort and fracturing in the locker room. The next three weeks (at the San Diego Chargers, home for the Denver Broncos and at the New England Patriots) will go a long way toward determining whether he withstands the storm.

3. A crack appears: For the first 19 starts of his career, Geno Smith showed a remarkably calm demeanor, deflecting adversity with the aplomb of a seasoned veteran. That changed Sunday when he cursed out a heckler, an indication the pressure of losing and the stress of a quarterback controversy are inside his head. It's a troubling sign. Nevertheless, Ryan was resolute in his support for Smith, who also has the all-important backing of GM John Idzik. Ryan also has to gauge the pulse of the locker room because, with another bad game by Smith, his players will start to jump on the Vick bandwagon, if they haven't already.

4. Identity crisis: The Jets began the game by running the ball down the throat of the NFL's second-ranked run defense. They ran 10 times en route to a field goal, but they ran Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson only 13 times over the final 3 1/2 quarters. I think offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg is searching right now, trying to figure out what he has. I also believe he's still trying to determine the best way to navigate Smith's inconsistency. After last week's loss to the Chicago Bears, Mornhinweg chided himself for putting "too much on [Smith's] plate." He scaled back the game plan, calling safer plays and using fewer substitutions. That didn't work, as the offense went into a deep freeze. Let's face it: They're scrambling to form an identity.

5. Playing like No. 2 vs. No. 2s: How lucky can you get? The Jets were handed gifts the last two weeks, facing a banged-up Brandon Marshall and Calvin Johnson. Once upon a time, a Ryan-coached defense, sensing blood in the water, would've responded with a feeding frenzy. Not anymore. They were shredded by the No. 2 receivers of the Bears and Lions. Alshon Jeffery and Golden Tate combined for 16 catches for 221 yards, underscoring the Jets' problems at cornerback. Don't blame Antonio Allen and Darrin Walls; they're doing the best they can. Blame Idzik for leaving Ryan with a suspect group of cornerbacks -- and that was before the injuries hit.

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