NY Jets: Top 5 things that went right in 2015

Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles (left) celebrates after New York Giants kicker Josh Brown (not pictured) misses a field goal during overtime at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Giants 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the NY Jets not making the NFL Playoffs, they ended their season 10-6 which amounts to a successful 2015 season.

Against the Buffalo Bills, that season finale was heartbreaking for any Jets fan. It was the game that was going to release us of our “ same old Jets” tag. And although the Jets had a huge opportunity against ex-coach Rex Ryan’s Bills, we need to put it aside and think about all the positives.

Repeat after me… The Jets went 10-6. That’s wild! Only a year ago did they end the 2014 season 4- 12. There’s no doubt that the Jets completely re-branded themselves in 2015. We saw a change in management, coaches, players and even the fans.

The Jets entered the season with a 6-10 prediction. Immediately after the first handful of games in the regular season, the prediction increased to 8-8. And, I will say it again, 10-6! So what changed, what worked this season?

Let’s take a look at the top five things that went right for the Jets in 2015.

Next: 5. It's always sunny on this island

Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets corner back Darrelle Revis (24) warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

5. It’s always sunny on this island

Despite ending the season with a bust against Sammy Watkins of the Bills, Darrelle Revis had an amazing season. Coming into 2015, scrutiny suggested Revis was too old to still be considered one the NFL’s top cornerbacks.

After returning to the Jets this season, Revis showed everyone he is a force to be reckoned with. Revis finished the season with five interceptions, which the second most of his career. Less than 50 percent of targets were completed when thrown to Revis Island.

No other cornerback had a lower percentage this season even after Revis missed two games due to a concussion and his blowout games against DeAndre Hopkins and Watkins. Revis had the 16^th fewest yards allowed among corners this season. He allowed a catch percentage of only 42.6. Those numbers are incredible.

Revis remains one of the top NFL cornerbacks, even at his age! The Jets signed Revis for five years, so Revis is assumed to be the Jets’ top cornerback in 2016. Not only has Revis progressed this season, he will look to come back with vengeance in 2016. I’m looking forward to visiting the island next season.

Next: 4. Together they made history

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) and New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) celebrate Marshall’s touchdown during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Patriots 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

4. Together they made history

Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker were like two peas in a pod. Although playing opposite sides of the field for most of the season, they worked hand in hand allowing both of them to reach the best season of their respective careers.

Marshall was the only player in the NFL to have six 100+ reception seasons; this season totaling 109. Coming in at 14 touchdowns, Marshall hit a career-high this season.

Decker ended the season with 15 touchdowns, the second best season of his career. I should mention in 2014, Decker had less than half of that with only five touchdowns for the Jets. Decker also had his first career over-time touchdown this season in a game against division rival the New England Patriots.

Separately the two were on fire, but combined, they made NFL history. Week 17 marked the ninth time the duo scored touchdowns simultaneously in the same game. No two teammates have ever done that in the past. Next season is looking good for this duo.

Next: 3. There's magic happening

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the first half of their game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

3. There’s magic happening

Coming into the season, we didn’t know if we should embrace Ryan Fitzpatrick or literally fear the beard. Yes, jokes were being made about the “unfortunate” jaw breaking of Geno Smith, but with only a couple of weeks before preseason, could the Jets really afford to lose their starting quarterback?

The Jets signed veteran Fitzpatrick who had his fair share of being passed around the NFL. Would the Jets be able to stay afloat this season with a not so talented Smith on the bench and an “old” worn out Fitzpatrick in a starting position?

The answer is yes! Fitzpatrick had a career-high season with the Jets and went above and beyond all expectations. He had 3,905 passing yards and 31 total touchdowns this season. He finished 12^th in quarterback ratings and 24^th in passer ratings.

He may not be Cam Newton or Carson Palmer but Fitzpatrick has been the best thing for the Jets since Chad Pennington. A team that has always struggled offensively is showing hope with the new quarterback addition.

Fitzpatrick also positively influences the team off the field. His team dynamic is what most franchises hope for. He connects with his teammates and offers a sense of leadership that guided the team to success. Fitzpatrick has been a great impact and I think we are all eager to see what happens with Fitzmagic and the Jets in 2016.

Next: 2. A top-five NFL defense

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) celebrates his sack of Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (not shown) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

2. A top-five NFL defense

Imagine you’re an offensive player assuming position, what is the first thing you see? The Jets’ defensive line front and center. The Jets’ defense has always out performed many opposing teams in the NFL, but this season was something to watch.

The defense ranked No. 4 overall in 2015 thanks to players like Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, and rookie Leonard Williams. Combined, these players totaled 20 sacks which is almost half of the seasons 39 sacks total.

Wilkerson had a career-high of 12 sacks this season, which is more than double of his 2014 performance with the Jets. Richardson had less sacks this season than last year as he totaled five this season. Williams had a breakout NFL debut, recording three sacks this season.

It will be interesting to see where the defense goes from here. With Wilkerson entering a contract year and Richardson’s pending legal charges unknown, it will be an interesting postseason for the Jets. Personally, I don’t think you should fix something that isn’t broken and hopefully this solid defensive line will remain intact.

Next: 1. He defines coach

Oct 2, 2015; Sunbury-on-Thames, United Kingdom; New York Jets coach Todd Bowles at press conference after practice at the Hazelwood in advance of the NFL International Series game against the Miami Dolphins. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1. He defines coach

Is it me or does head coach Todd Bowles have a particular swag to him? I can’t help but to gawk over the man who has created an empire. Okay, maybe not an empire but remember, 10-6. Bowles has literally re-branded the Jets as a whole.

Week after week Bowles productively unified a team that had not seen playoff possibilities since 2010. He didn’t fall short to the press and public gimmicks. He kept the team focused on what mattered most, the next game; not playoffs or Super Bowls. He slowly took the Jets to their most promising season in years.

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Bowles makes sure everyone is doing their job and if they’re not doing their part, he takes immediate action. After their tenth game of the season, Bowles made an example out of Quinton Coples by cutting him because was lacking speed and spirit. If there was any doubt before, the players now knew Bowles meant business.

Bowles also recently released three special team coaches. Bowles identified the weakest part of the unit and announced the future changes early in the offseason. With Bowles looking to enhance the team’s downfalls, 2016 holds promising results for this emerging leader.