Here’s a look at the first half of the season for the New York Jets (3-6) and a preview of what to expect in the second half:

Grade F: The Jets' many flaws were exposed against a brutal schedule over the first six weeks. Maybe, against weaker opponents, they could've overcome the problems and eased into the season, but they faced five 2015 playoff teams. There was no grace period. Most of the issues have occurred when the ball is in the air on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Their clockwork passing game, hurt by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's struggles and the season-ending injury to receiver Eric Decker, has been out of sync. Their pass defense, undermined by the sudden decline of Darrelle Revis, has been embarrassed in a few games. There have been an alarming number of blown assignments, a poor reflection of the coaching.

Midseason MVP: DT Leonard Williams. Drafted sixth overall in 2015, Williams already has established himself as one of the top young defensive linemen in the league. The Jets are so confident in his upside they tried to trade fellow lineman Sheldon Richardson before last week's deadline. Williams leads the team with six sacks (double his rookie total) even though he's still developing as a pass-rusher. He's already terrific against the run, one of the main reasons why the Jets are No. 4 in that category. The Jets have played more 4-3 fronts than usual, allowing Williams to defeat guards with his blend of power and quickness. He's one of the few blue-chip talents on the team.

Best moment: July 27, 6:59 p.m. ET That's when Fitzpatrick walked into the first team meeting of training camp. He had just agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract, ending a six-month drama that threatened to split the locker room. Fitzpatrick's return -- one minute ahead of a team-imposed deadline -- was a huge lift for the organization. His deal, coupled with a long-term extension for Muhammad Wilkerson a couple of weeks earlier, cast the Jets in a positive light, showing an all-in approach. It was positive momentum. And then the season began.

Worst moment: Fitzpatrick's historically bad performance in Week 3, the first sign of trouble. He tied a franchise record with six interceptions in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the start of a four-game losing streak that damaged the Jets' season and ultimately cost Fitzpatrick his job (albeit for only one start). This game changed the perception of Fitzpatrick; it was a reminder of his previous life as a turnover-prone quarterback who bounced around the league for a decade. He became That Guy again, getting benched for Geno Smith, who lasted less than two quarters because of a season-ending knee injury. After the Kansas City game, Brandon Marshall and Richardson got into a heated exchange in the locker room, another indication that storm clouds had arrived.

Player to watch: QB Bryce Petty. The fan base is fed up with Fitzpatrick and it wants to see Petty, a former fourth-round pick (2015). No one knows if Petty can win in the league, not even team officials, but he represents a fresh start. With Fitzpatrick nursing a sprained knee, the fans could get their wish this week. The disclaimer: Coach Todd Bowles said Fitzpatrick, if healthy, still gives them the best chance to win. Eventually, Bowles will turn his attention to 2017, but probably not until the seventh loss. Fitzpatrick is a lame duck (a free agent after the season), so it makes sense to audition Petty. It sets up a potentially awkward situation, especially if the Jets hang around on the periphery of the race.

Second-half outlook: Five of the final seven games are at home and the schedule is a lot easier than the first half ... except for two games against the New England Patriots. The Jets have the talent to finish 7-9, but their locker room is showing signs of crumbling and it wouldn't be a shock if they stumble to 4-12. They can salvage something from the season by getting a good read on Petty, who should get at least four starts. Schematically, look for the Jets to be more run-reliant in the second half, with more pressure schemes on defense. They strayed from their defensive personality, and now Bowles is trying to re-establish it.