Well I guess you can only lead a horse to water.

Compare the NYT article to the AP article. The NYT has no quotes condemning the attack, no quotes from the child's mother.

Apparently people expected something like a ranting blog post and anything else was underwhelming.

Let's take a moment and remember this isn't the internet we're talking about here but actual, physical newspapers. Reporters don't express bias one way or another by resorting to the insane rhetoric often found on the internet but what what they include and don't include. As the NYT public editor himself wrote:
While the story appeared to focus on the community’s reaction to the crime, it was not enough to simply report that the community is principally concerned about the boys and men involved – as this story seems to do. If indeed that is the only sentiment to be found in this community – and I find that very hard to believe – it becomes important to report on that as well by seeking out voices of professional authorities or dissenting community members who will at least address, and not ignore, the plight of the young girl involved.
Focusing on the fact that the story appears professionally written and doesn't include fiery language from some internet flame-fest ignores what the article is saying; like excusing offensive words because they are politely spoken.

Quote Originally Posted by HoreTore
But I am defending an article that doesn't focus on her bevahiour and her parents.
The NYT disagrees with you:
My assessment is that the outrage is understandable. The story dealt with a hideous crime but addressed concerns about the ruined lives of the perpetrators without acknowledging the obvious: concern for the victim.
...
These elements, creating an impression of concern for the perpetrators and an impression of a provocative victim, led many readers to interpret the subtext of the story to be: she had it coming.
But don't let that stop you from defending the story even the NYT won't.

CR