NY Jets: Top 10 moments from 2015

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jamar Taylor (22) tries to tackle New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) In the 2nd half at MetLife Stadium.The Jets defeated the Dolphins 38-20. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

The NY Jets season ended on an absolutely brutal note, but the team did leave their fans with a few positive takeaways in 2015.

2015 was a bittersweet year for the Jets and their fans. On one hand, the team, buoyed by an influx of new talent (Brandon Marshall, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Darrelle Revis), dramatically improved their record from the previous season (4-12 to 10-6).

Ultimately, however, the Jets were a disappointment. For the fifth straight season, they failed to make the NFL Playoffs. In true Jets fashion, the team came this close to ending their postseason drought, only to upset by Rex Ryan’s Bills in the final game of the season.

Yet here we are. It’s already the offseason and the Super Bowl is long past. Jets fans are undoubtedly tired of reliving the nightmarish end to their team’s season, and are ready to move on to the excitement that the offseason brings.

Before digging into draft boards, free agents and franchise tags, however, let’s take a few minutes to remember the top 10 good moments from last season.

Next: 10. Jets rebuild from the top

Jan 21, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets new general manager Mike Maccagnan (left) and new head coach Todd Bowles (right) speak during a press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports

10. Jets rebuild from the top

So much has changed for the Jets lately, its hard to believe that their current general manager and head coach have only been with the team for a year.

They weren’t the most flashy or exciting moves, but owner Woody Johnson’s decision to hire general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles placed the Jets in a prime position to succeed.

Between Maccagnan’s shrewd front office moves and the calm, disciplined approach of Bowles, its easy to see how the Jets improved so dramatically in 2015.

Next: 9. Star wide receiver has gritty debut

9. Star wide receiver has gritty debut

In spite of his immense talent, Brandon Marshall is a locker room distraction. He feuds with teammates and coaches. He’s a selfish player who prioritizes his own projects over his commitment to his team.

Or at least that’s what certain Chicago Bears beat writers would have us believe.

Marshall’s “selfishness” and “troublesome ways” were on full display in his debut game with the Jets. With the Jets trailing the Browns in the second quarter, a Ryan Fitzpatrick pass intended for Marshall was intercepted. Marshall, refusing to give up on the play, immediately stripped the ball from Browns safety Tashaun Gibson.

While it was just one play, it perfectly illustrated the passionate and elite play that the Jets would receive from Marshall all season long.

Next: 8. Jets win in Jerry World

Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Jets kicker Randy Bullock (8) kicks the go ahead field goal in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. New York won 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

8. Jets win in Jerry World

The mark of a truly successful NFL team is the ability to squeak out wins even in the midst of a sub par effort.

Facing the Cowboys in Week 15, the Jets did not play particularly well. Despite facing a quarterback combination of Matt Cassel and Kellen Moore, the Jets trailed 13-9 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Jets’ run game was stymied, their special teams floundered (missed field goal and extra point), they failed to have a single 100 yard receiver, and they scored less than 20 points. In spite of all their mistakes, however, the Jets played just well enough to sneak out of Dallas with a 19-16 last second win.

In doing so, they kept their playoff hopes alive for another week and gave their fans plenty of heart attack moments along the way.

Next: 7. Jets pummel an old Division Rival

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (55) hits Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) In the 2nd half at MetLife Stadium.The Jets defeated the Dolphins 38-20. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

7. Jets pummel an old Division Rival

As thrilling as nail-biter games can be, there is nothing more satisfying than watching one’s team of choice completely dominate.

In their Week 12 rematch against the Miami Dolphins, the Jets put together a truly dominant performance.

While their defense was respectable (3 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery), the Jets’ offense stole the show. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for four touchdowns. Brandon Marshall had a huge day (131 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns). Chris Ivory slid off Dolphins defenders like Teflon. Even rookie Devin Smith got involved in the passing attack, hauling in his first career touchdown.

The Jets went on to pummel the Dolphins by a final score of 38-20.

Next: 6. Jets find a gem on Draft Day

Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is sacked by New York Jets defensive end Leonard Williams (92) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Titans 30-8. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

6. Jets find a gem on Draft Day

From Vernon Gholston to Mark Sanchez to Stephen Hill, Jets fans have had plenty of reasons to boo their team in recent drafts.

In the 2015 NFL Draft however, the Jets finally had some good luck.

Despite being widely considered the top overall prospect in the draft, star USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams fell to the sixth overall pick and the Jets.

Although his rookie stats were not overwhelming on paper (3 sacks), Williams showed considerable potential. And considering the uncertain contract status of fellow defensive linemen Muhammad Wilkerson and Damon Harrison, the Jets were fortunate to add key depth at the position.

Next: 5. Undrafted free agent has breakout season

Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New York Jets strong safety Marcus Williams (20) smiles after a defensive play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Texans defeated the Jets 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

5. Undrafted free agent has breakout season

In an effort to fix their leaky defensive secondary from two seasons ago, Maccagnan offered over $100 million in free agents to cornerbacks Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine.

Cornerback Marcus Williams, an undrafted free agent out of North Dakota State, was widely expected to ride the bench for the entirety of the 2015 season.

Yet in the sports world, injury is the necessity of invention. In light of injury issues to the Jets’ secondary, Williams played in the vast majority of his team’s games. He developed into a prolific ball hawk, leading the Jets with six interceptions.

Because Cromartie will most likely be released this offseason, Jets fans should expect to see far more of Williams in the upcoming season.

Next: 4. Revis has vintage performance

Sep 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) is congratulated by his teammates after making an interception against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. New York Jets defeat the Indianapolis Colts 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

4. Revis has vintage performance

Darrelle Revis‘ homecoming season with the Jets was a wild ride. Although he was generally effective, there were some unexpected cracks in Revis Island. In particular, his performances against DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins left many Jets fans wondering if Revis was still an elite player.

Despite a few hiccups, Revis had plenty of vintage moments in 2015.

Revis’ game against the Colts in Week 2 was particularly impressive. The star corner recorded an interception, recovered two fumbles, and shut down Colts’ receiver T.Y. Hilton (4 catches for 45 yards).

Led by his performance, the Jets upset the Colts in Indianapolis, 20-7.

Next: 3. Jets call in a Marshall to beat Giants

Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) runs the ball past New York Giants defensive end Damontre Moore (98) and New York Giants corner back Prince Amukamara (20) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Giants 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jets call in a Marshall to beat Giants

A few years ago, the Giants pummeled the Jets on Christmas Eve and killed their playoff hopes in the process.

In Week 13 of this past season, the Jets were given a chance to return the favor.

It looked like the Jets were going to squander yet another opportunity, as they trailed the Giants 20-13 with only 2:40 left to play. But Fitzmagic struck again, and he led the team on a 71-yard scoring drive. The drive was capped by a dramatic leaping touchdown catch by Brandon Marshall.

The Jets’ rally wasn’t in vain, as the team went on to win 23-20 in overtime.

Next: 2. Fitzpatrick shatters a franchise record

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) tries to knock down a pass by New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

2. Fitzpatrick shatters a franchise record

If you’re a Jets fan, Week 17 was about as bad as football can get. With their devastating loss to Bills, the Jets were eliminated from playoff contention.

However, there was one small positive for Jets fans to take away from that miserable day in Buffalo. Ryan Fitzpatrick, despite playing a poor game (16/37 with 2 TD’s and 3 INT’s), broke the franchise record for most single season touchdown passes.

Fitzpatrick also bears the honor of being the only quarterback in franchise history to ever throw for 30+ touchdowns in a season.

For the first time in years, the Jets have finally found respectable quarterback play. Even if the season ended on a sour note, at least Jets fans can take some solace from that.

Next: 1. Flip Gate

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) catches a game winning touchdown pass from New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) (not shown) during overtime at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Patriots 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

1. Flip Gate

Although there have been a few bright spots, the Jets and their fans are used to being disappointed by the Patriots. It looked like this past season would be more of the same.

In their first game against New England, the Jets blew a fourth quarter lead on route to a 30-23 loss.

A few weeks later, the same narrative began to unfold. The Jets once again led against the Patriots entering the fourth quarter. And once again, the Jets could not hold onto the lead. Tied 20-20, the Jets’ Week 16 matchup against the Patriots went into overtime.

The Patriots won the coin toss, and you could almost hear the collective groans of the MetLife crowd. Tom Brady would get the ball first, march down the field, and break the hearts of Jets fans yet again.

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But fortune smiled on the Jets that day. The Patriots elected to kick, the Jets’ offense drove down the field and Eric Decker caught the game-winning touchdown pass.

Against all odds, the Jets triumphed that day and gave their fans an incredible memory from the 2015 season.