Players To Watch
Ryan Fitzpatrick:
It’s blatantly obvious: Ryan Fitzpatrick is, by far, the most important member of the New York Jets. His surprising 2015 season featuring 3,905 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions will now be severely tested right of the gate as the Jets face a murderous first six games.
He received his $12 million. Maccagnan and Bowles received their veteran to hold the bag for 2016. It’s simply a waiting game to see how it all plays out.
Calvin Pryor:
When safety Calvin Pryor missed time due to injury a year ago, the New York Jets defense struggled mightily.
The three games Pryor missed, the Jets went 1-2 with losses to the Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills, and a narrow win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The defense surrendered 451 yards in Oakland, 436 yards against the Jags, and 280 yards while facing a Rex Ryan offense that never wants to score points.
Pryor needs to stay healthy for this defense to want to get where it’s going: No. 1 in the NFL.
RELATED: Fitz & Jets Will Throw, Throw And Throw Some More In 2016
Nick Mangold:
If Pryor is the defense’s most important player, then Nick Mangold is the offense’s version of the same thing (other than the Fitzpatrick/QB angle).
Like Pryor, Mangold missed time in 2015. Also like Pryor, the unit he plays on completely forgot how to play when he was on the sideline (offense).
For a team that ran well all season long, the two games Mangold missed (Oakland he started but came out quickly), the Jets failed miserably on the ground. Chris Ivory rushed 15 times for 17 yards against Oakland and then backed it up going for 26 yards on 23 carries against Jacksonville.
When Mangold returned a week later against Buffalo, Ivory busted out for 99 yards.
Now 32 years of age with a weak right side of the line next to him, Nick Mangold cannot lose a step or miss any time.
