Thankfully, the 2016 season of the New York Jets is finally over. Here are some awards and superlatives for this most disappointing squad.
The 2016 season for the New York Jets started off with high hopes for ending their five-year playoffs drought after missing out on the playoffs last year by just one game while showcasing a 10-6 record.But it didn’t take long this season to see that this year was going to be a complete and utter disaster. Now that this dismal 2016 season is over its time to hand out the 2016 superlatives for the New York Jets.
Offensive MVP: Matt Forte
Towards the end of the year, he was banged up and did not see the field much giving Bilal Powell an opportunity and he didn’t disappoint. For the majority of the season, though, Forte was the featured back and gave the Jets solid production.
Forte signed in the off-season for three-year, $12 million deal, the 31-year old veteran running back carried the ball 218 times for 813 yards and seven touchdowns. He also added 30 receptions for 263 yards and a touchdown. Forte had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and most likely would have rushed for a 1K if not hurt. He was a bright spot in this struggling offense.
Defensive MVP: Leonard Williams
Last year’s first-round pick took big strides in his second year in the league. The Jets have a very talented defensive line and Leonard Williams led Gang Green this year in sacks with seven. In Williams rookie year, he had only three.
Williams also recorded 68 tackles, which is third most on the team only behind David Harris and Darren Lee. It’s great to see Williams be productive like this because it can allow the Jets to trade someone like Sheldon Richardson for other team needs.
Biggest Surprise: Quincy Enunwa
Quincy Enunwa has shown flashes of being a solid receiver for the New York Jets and he really had an impact this season.
Enunwa finished tied for second for most receptions for the Jets this season along with Bilal Powell with 58 receptions, which was only one behind Brandon Marshall. Enunwa Led the
Jets in both receiving yards and touchdowns with 857 yards receiving and four touchdown receptions.
He had some big explosive plays this year, especially against the Baltimore Ravens when he caught and ran for a 69 yards on touchdown pass from Geno Smith:
Quincy Enunwa, what a play. Geno's strong quality is still there: Hangs tough in the pocket. 10-7 Ravens. #JetUp #BALvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/NBoJrrRIzt
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) October 23, 2016
What a phenomenal catch by Quincy Enunwa. #JetUp #NYJ pic.twitter.com/OrWhHFv9jr
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) November 27, 2016
Biggest Disappointment: Ryan Fitzpatrick
This was the obvious choice for this category, although there were other disappointing players such as Brandon Marshall and Darrelle Revis. Fitzpatrick held out this off-season for more money and the Jets gave it to him.
The $12 million man did not live up to the contract he was giving. There was no “Fitzmagic” this year, only “Fitztragic,” as he had only 12 touchdown passes to 17 interceptions and 2,710 yards passing. Last year he threw 3,905 yards, 31 touchdowns (a franchise record) and only 15 interceptions.
No chance the Jets will be bringing him back and perhaps against the Bills in Week 17 he played his last game in the league. More than likely, though, he probably will be a backup on somebody’s roster next year.
Best Rookie: Robby Anderson
Darron Lee has a solid rookie campaign, but wide receiver Robby Anderson was very impressive. He was a undrafted free agent pick-up for the Jets and contributed to the team right away. He was Bryce Petty‘s favorite target.
Anderson finished off the year with 38 receptions for 544 yards and three reception touchdowns. One thing positive for the Jets they have some good young receivers guys like Anderson, Charone Peake, Jalin Marshall.
High Point of the Season
Well, the only high point of the season this year would be Week 2 against the Bills where the Jets enjoyed their only great offensive performance of the year. Even Fitzpatrick won the AFC Player of the week.
It looked like the Jets were ready for take-off after this win, but that never happened. Really, the high point of the season comes now in understanding that it is finally over and the Jets can wipe the slate clean and start over again.
Low Point of the Season
Once again, the entire season was a low point, but if you want to be more specific the Christmas Eve Massacre was definitively the lowest point of the season. The Jets didn’t even put up a fight against the New England Patriots as they were blown out 41-3.
Most Likely Not to be on the Roster Next Year
There are a lot of choices to choose from for this category. Obviously, Fitzpatrick is one but another guy is Sheldon Richardson. Richardson has had a history of getting in trouble with the NFL and this Jets team. He seems to be someone who is a distraction in the locker room and with the high level of play by Leonard Williams he is certainly someone the Jets can move.
Richardson is a very talented defensive end that teams will definitively want on their roster despite the baggage he brings. He had 63 total tackles and only 1.5 sacks, but that number is more likely to be up next season. The Jets have other team needs. It’s unlikely to see him back in a Jets uniform next year.
Biggest Team Need
The Jets need to find an answer to the quarterback situation. Yes, their secondary looks to be a mess, but you can’t be a successful team in this league if you don’t have a quarterback. Look at all the real Super Bowl contending teams they all have one thing in common, which is all having a franchise QB.
If the Jets take a Quarterback in the draft they are still most likely to sign or trade for veteran QB to be their man behind center next year. Possible quarterback options include Tony Romo, Jay Cutler and Mike Glennon.
Top Draft Pick Need
The Jets could use secondary help, but the Jets really need improvement to their offensive line. They need to get younger talented lineman. They took only one O-Lineman in the draft last year and that was Brandon Shell, who was not expected to be much of a player but played really well when he got an opportunity.
Nick Mangold the anchor of the line has been banged up the last few years the Jets need to start finding guys for their future of their O-Line.
