Fitzpatrick, Jets look to recreate 2015 success

There seems to be a wide variety of opinions when it comes to predicting the New York Jets in 2016.

Did they overachieve last year or are they the real deal?

The team from East Rutherford, New Jersey was a pleasant surprise in 2015, thanks in large part to a career year from veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and a new approach from first-year head coach Todd Bowles, who was taking over for the heavily criticized Rex Ryan.  

Fitzpatrick replaced Geno Smith - who broke his jaw in a training camp scuffle - and led the Jets to a 10-6 record, their first 10 win season since 2010. New York just missed the second Wild Card spot, but Fitzpatrick put up career numbers in yards (3905) and touchdowns (31).

If the Jets want to be playoff contenders once again, the 33-year-old Harvard product can’t afford to have any regression as Smith (the likely backup) has had his fair share of struggles early in his career.

For a short time this off-season, it looked like Smith was on the path to be the starter once again in New York as Fitzpatrick and the Jets couldn’t agree on a new deal. However, after months of contract disputes, the two sides finally agreed on a one-year, $12 million contract in late July.

Buffalo Bills fans will remember Fitzpatrick as the man who received a six-year extension from the club halfway through the 2011 season. Fitzpatrick had the Bills at an impressive 5-2 mark in his third year with the club and things were looking up for the playoff starved franchise. He would win his first game with the new contract, but lost eight of the last nine to finish off the year, throwing a career high 23 picks in the process. The Bills released Fitz following another disappointing 6-10 campaign in 2012.

Jets fans are crossing their fingers hoping the same story doesn’t unfold in New York.

However, coach Bowles will need help from more than just his veteran pivot if the Jets are going to play postseason football for the first time in six years.

Just like last season, the Jets defence will need to be their strength in 2016. New York allowed the ninth fewest points per game (19.6), fourth fewest total yards (318.6) and had the second best rushing defence in the game, allowing just 83.4 yards on the ground per contest.

Their highly touted defensive line should be sharp again despite the loss of Damon Harrison who signed with New York’s other football team in free agency.  Pro Bowl defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson signed a five-year, $86 million extension this summer on the heels of recording a career high 12 sacks this past season. Wilkerson, alongside sophomore defensive end Leonard Williams and fourth-year man Sheldon Richardson will be counted on to lead the defensive unit once again. Lineman Jarvis Jenkins and nose tackle Steve McLendon were also brought in via free agency to help with depth.

The secondary could be strong as well. You know what you’re going to get from one of the best cornerbacks in the league in 31-year-old Darrelle Revis, but third-year safety Calvin Pryor is a true wild card. The Jets drafted the “Louisville Slugger,” in 2014 with high expectations, but struggled in his rookie campaign. The 24-year-old improved considerably last year racking up 69 tackles, six pass deflections, two interceptions and a forced fumble. It will be interesting to see if Pryor can perform at a Pro Bowl level this season.

The Jets took Ohio State linebacker Daron Lee 20th overall in this year’s draft and he was generally well received from fans. Bowles will count on the rookie to play an important role this season.

On the other side of the ball, Fitzpatrick’s main two targets in Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are back and will look to improve on their 13th best (253.6 yards per game) passing offence from last year. The Jets brought in two-time Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte from the Chicago Bears to replace 1000-yard rusher Chris Ivory, who was lost in free-agency.  New York is hoping the 30-year-old Forte has plenty left in the tank despite dipping below 1000 yards rushing for the first time since 2011 last season.

The Jets have a lot of talent on offence, but a major question mark comes at left tackle after losing D’Brickashaw Ferguson to retirement. The durable three-time Pro Bowler never missed a game over his 10-year career with the Jets and was helpful in protecting Fitzpatrick’s blind slide last season. Ferguson’s replacement, Ryan Clady, is no slouch, but missed the entire 2015 season after tearing his ACL during Denver Broncos training camp. The Jets are hoping the 29-year-old four-time Pro Bowler stays healthy or else Fitzpatrick might find it hard to connect with his targets.

The Jets’ schedule should be a cause for concern too. Not only do they get two late season contests against the mighty New England Patriots (with Tom Brady), but their first half of the season includes games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals. They have the seventh highest strength of schedule for 2016. The Jets could find themselves in a deep hole early if they start off slow.

It’s tough to imagine the Jets overtaking Brady and the Pats as division champions, but they have enough talent on both sides of the ball to contend for the playoffs. There are some major question marks, namely schedule and what to expect from the QB, but the Jets securing an 11-5 record and a Wild Card spot in the AFC is a real possibility.