NY Jets 2015 Spotlight: Eric Decker

Last season with the NY Jets, wide receiver Eric Decker continued to thrive in his natural slot role. He continued to impress as he took a big step in the right direction in 2015.

Eric Decker wasn’t really known because of who he played with while playing for the Denver Broncos but as time went on he got on the radar as being a good receiver. Decker made himself known in 2013 when he played with Julius Thomas, Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker. He had a career season that year when he had 1,288 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

When Decker signed with the Jets in 2014 he had his third best career season in receiving yards when he totaled 1,027 total yards, 80 total catches, and averaged 12.8 yards per catch. This season he and Brandon Marshall became the best wide receiver duo amongst NFL teams. Decker has developed his game to be better every single season and he will look to make it even better in 2016.

Decker is 28 years old and it just seems he is hitting his stride in his career for how well he plays every single season. With the tandem of Decker and Marshall, the Jets knew they had finally found some play-making wide receivers last year. He also was able to take some of the pressure of himself because he had help on the opposite side.

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If Decker had a bad game, Marshall would step up and make sure they would produce to help out the offense.

Decker was always a team player and didn’t worry about getting the football as much. He always made sure he would find a way to contribute no matter whether it was blocking or coming in with a clutch reception for a first down.

When the Jets had signed Decker via free agency in 2014, they had spent a good amount of money and I think he has been worth every penny. He hasn’t let the organization down from the moment he stepped foot in the complex and he looks to only continue getting better over time. He has also been a mentor to the younger receivers in helping them understand the offensive playbook.

With his leadership and ability to lead his teammates to become better players on and off the field, it made the team become closer as a unit and play cohesively on the football field. He along with Marshall always kept the team in check in making sure they put the work in during practices in preparation for football games. What I liked about Decker the most in 2015 was his toughness and always playing through it. He suffered through major injuries throughout the season and and played hard every single game.

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Many people questioned Decker in his ability to be a big time wide receiver and if he had the tough mindset to thrive in New York. These past few seasons he proved people wrong and has become one of the best receivers the Jets have had in a long time.

Decker will continue to grow and become an elite receiver that will be even more of a game changer than what he is already. With a tougher schedule in 2016, the opponents the Jets will face next season will be a true test for Decker in how he handles everything heading into his third season with the organization.

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