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May 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) makes a one handed catch during organized team activities at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
When it comes to wide receiver Brandon Marshall of the New York Jets heading into the upcoming season, there is a very good chance he will have quite the rebounding season. General manager Mike Maccagnan of the sure had a busy off season, bringing in multiple star players to help replenish a roster that won only 4 games last season.
One of those brightest stars is Marshall thanks to the incredible skill-set he brings to the table. Since being drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2006, Marshall has been one of the best and most consistent receiving threats in the NFL.
Because of age, injury and character concerns, the Jets acquired Marshall at a bargain price (5th round pick). In spite of a few question marks surrounding Marshall, Jets fans should be excited about his addition to the team.
In particular, here are 5 reasons why Marshall is going to thrive in New York this upcoming season.
Next: 5. Health
Dec 4, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) is injured during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
5. Health
Prior to 2014, Marshall was one of the most reliable wide receivers in the NFL. In his first 8 seasons (2006-2013), Marshall missed a combined 5 games and was truly a presence on the field when running his routes and creating mismatches.
Last season was difficult for Marshall as he battled a variety of injuries (ankle injury, broken ribs, collapsed lung) that severely limited his on-field effectiveness. In 2014, Marshall played in the fewest games (13) in any season of his career. He also had a 7-year streak of 1,000+ receiving yard seasons broken.
Fortunately, Marshall has had an entire off season to recover as Jets fans should expect to see a very different player than the Marshall of 2014.
Next: 4. Simplified Offense
Jul 30, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) and quarterback Geno Smith (7) during first day of training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
4. Simplified Offense
The Jets completely retooled their coaching staff in the off season, bringing in former Arizona Cardinals’ defensive coordinator Todd Bowles as their new head coach.
The Bowles acquisition is important as he brings a quiet professionalism to the team in the aftermath of the Rex Ryan era. However, because this team has always struggled offensively, the most important coaching change for the Jets is the hiring of new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.
Gailey runs a spread offense which should bode well for everyone involved in executing it as planned. Spread offenses rely on having multiple wide receivers (3+) spread across the field. Quarterbacks in this system frequently take snaps from the shotgun formation, allowing them to make quick reads and hit whatever receiver is open on a particular play.
Technical descriptions aside, what does Gailey and his new offense mean for Marshall? Because both Geno Smith and Ryan Fitzpatrick have extensive experience running spread offenses, expect the Jets to benefit from improved quarterback play this season. Additionally, because spread offenses rely heavily on wide receivers, expect Marshall to see plenty of passes coming his way.
Next: 3. Better Supporting Cast
Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) tries to break free from Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Preston Brown (52) after he catches a pass during the second half at Ford Field. Bills beat the Jets 38-3. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
3. Better Supporting Cast
Although there are a few exceptional receivers who can thrive regardless of who else is in the huddle, the success of most wide receivers is influenced by a team’s overall talent at the offensive skill positions.
Going into 2015, the Jets look to have one of their best wide receiving corps in recent memory. Here are some of their stats from last year from Pro Football Reference:
Marshall and Decker are both potential 1,000+ yard receiving threats, and when combined with steady slot receiver Kerley, should form a potent receiving trio. The Jets also have some youngsters in tight end Amaro and rookie wide receiver Devin Smith, both of which have major potential.
Expect the Jets entire passing offense, including Marshall, to thrive in 2015.
Next: 2. Consistency
Nov 9, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) catches a touchdown pass against Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
2. Consistency
Over the past 8 seasons, Marshall has been one of the most consistently productive wide receivers in the NFL. His receiving stats, listed below from Pro Football Reference, clearly illustrates this:
In 9 seasons, Marshall has posted 1,000+ yard seasons 7 times. He’s also scored at least 6 receiving touchdowns in 7 of his 9 seasons.
When projecting how a player will perform in a given season, there are obviously many variables to consider. That being said, the fact that Marshall has consistently been successful- regardless of what team he was playing for or what quarterback was throwing him the ball- bodes well for the Jets in 2015.
Next: 1. Early Success
May 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) catches a pass during organized team activities at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
1. Early Success
Jets fans did not have to wait long to see the Marshall acquisition make an impact.
During the Jets’ annual Green and White scrimmage game, Marshall shined, posting two receiving touchdowns. Considering that Marshall frequently lines up against talented cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie in practice, his early success is promising.
As the season progresses and Marshall has more time to develop a feel for the new offense and chemistry with Smith, expect many more big days from him. He could turn out to be one of the most important pieces for the Jets this upcoming season.
Barring injury, another season of 1,000+ receiving yards and 6+ touchdowns is likely for Marshall. And while nothing is guaranteed in sports, Jets fans should be excited about the potential that an elite receiving threat like Marshall brings to the offense.
Next: New York Jets: Will Jeremy Kerley surprise in 2015?