New York Jets: Players to be Thankful For

It has not been the year that we had hoped for with the New York Jets. I think we all were cautiously optimistic. We knew the Jets had holes on the roster, but we also had played with an underdog roster before, and it got us far. Combine that with the fact that the Jets came on strong at the end of 2013, and Jets fans, at least some of them, thought we might surprise the NFL just a little bit.

It was not to be. Here we sit, staring at a Jets record of 2-9. However, on this Thanksgiving morning, there are players that we can be thankful for. Let’s talk about a few.

(Note: This is not to replace being thankful for family, having a home, health..etc. Most of you know I am thankful for being alive this year. This is to have some fun and talk about some Jets that have stood out in the midst of this mess of a football season.)

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) runs after a catch during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Decker is the first player that the Jets should be thankful for. After working with Peyton Manning in Denver over the last two seasons, Decker came to New York to be the number one wide receiver. Despite the fact that he is working with far worse quarterback play, and being hampered with a hamstring injury, Decker has done his job with the Jets. 47 catches for 513 yards and four touchdowns doesn’t sound flashy, but on a team with lousy quarterbacks, it’s about 1,500 yards for a team with a good quarterback.

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Decker has not complained about the Jets quarterback situation either. Of all people, he would notice the difference, coming from where he came from. Through all of that, Decker has been a loyal soldier. The Jets should be thankful for Eric Decker.

Nov 2, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Jets guard Willie Colon (66) and center Nick Mangold (74) on the line of scrimmage during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Mangold has been the anchor of the New York Jets offensive line since his first round selection in 2006. Despite the fact that it has been a revolving door of quarterbacks, Nick Mangold has been durable, and dependable. He plays to a high level, and is someone who young Jets quarterbacks have been able to lean on. The Jets should be thankful for Nick Mangold.

Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker Demario Davis (56) on the sideline during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Demario Davis was a third round selection in 2012, and primarily was a backup linebacker behind incumbent starter Bart Scott. Bart retired, and Davis became the starter in 2013. With every game he has played, he has improved, and steadily become the emotional leader of the New York Jets defense. He posted 107 tackles last season, and 83 already in 2014. He will be a star for the Jets for many years to come, and the Jets should be thankful for him.

Which players are you thankful for?