The Story of the 2015 New York Jets

(photo credit: zimibo.com)

The New York Jets 2015 season unfortunately did not end with a playoff berth, which would've been their first since 2010. However, the Jets did finish 10-6 on the season and even doubled their win total from the year before. Heading into the final week of the season, the Jets had an opportunity to make the playoffs, but they simply couldn't capitalize on it.

The Jets new regime, which is led by head coach Todd Bowles, looks very promising. On the field, the Jets were led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, someone nobody would've expected to put up the numbers that he did. The new quarterback was one of several moves by the front-office that allowed Bowles to get the absolute best out of this team. Another move by GM Mike Maccagnan, was the acquisition of wide receiver Brandon Marshall from the Chicago Bears. The Jets were able to acquire Marshall and a seventhth-round pick for only a fifth-round draft pick. Calling this trade a steal would be an understatement.

Marshall would finish fourth in the NFL in receiving, as well as elevating fellow Jets wide receiver, Eric Decker, to another 1,000 yard receiving season. The two wide receivers would go on to break several receiving records set by a duo. Both Marshall and Decker are expected to be major part of the Jets offense for the foreseeable future.

There would be several more deals made by Maccagnan, which would benefit Gang Green. Knowing Bowles was a defensive minded coach who loves his defensive backs, Maccagnan went out and got him Antonio Cromartie, as well as Buster Skrine. Cromartie's contract is incredibly team friendly, which led to his release following the season. The signing of Skrine, however, challenged the acquisition of Marshall as the best off-season move. Skrine filled in brilliantly in the slot and outside when Revis and Cromartie were injured.

Geno Smith's injury during preseason turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the New York Jets offense. Many critics and experts agree that Geno Smith would not have been able to guide the Jets to a 10-6 record and his time in the Big Apple might be done. Behind two 1,000 yard receivers and a 1,000 yard running back, the Jets finished the 2015 season with the 10th best offense in total yards.

Ryan Fitzpatrick finished the season just shy of 4,000 yards passing, while throwing 31 touchdowns. His only real blemish on the season was his three interceptions in the final game that ultimately ended the Jets season, as well as their playoff hopes. Fitzpatrick needs a new contract, but he and the Jets are still miles apart as far as salary is concerned.

The Jets defense finished fourth in the NFL in 2015. New York's best player on defense is defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson, who missed the first four games of the season with a suspension. Their secondary, which boasts future Hall of Famer Darrell Revis and Pro Bowler Antonio Cromartie, was hot and cold throughout the entire season. Cromartie had trouble living up to his contract, while Revis lost a step, albeit a small one.

Rookie defensive lineman, Leonard Williams, showed off his strength and ability in a defensive unit that looks ready to attack offenses for many years to come. The Jets finished the season tied for third in the NFL with 30 takeaways, as well as recording 39 sacks after getting off to a slow start rushing the passer.