2013 New York Jets Season Review
Record: 8-8 (2nd place AFC East)
Playoffs: N/A
Head coach: Rex Ryan
Notable Assistants: Marty Mornhinweg (offensive coordinator), Dennis Thurman (defensive coordinator), Louie Aguiar (special teams), Anthony Lynn (Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs).
Regular Season Overview
The Jets started off the year with a splash as only the Jets could by trading away star corner Darrelle Revis. The team was also in the news constantly because of the ongoing battle for the starting quarterback position between Geno Smith and Mark Sanchez. On top of that some thought that head coach Rex Ryan would be fired early in the season because of how dysfunctional the team seemed to be. Every offseason I end up looking at the Jets and thinking Hard Knocks should just do the Jets every year because drama loves this team.
The 8-8 record was actually good for them, I expected them to finish a lot worse especially with the Dolphins playing a lot better. They were 5-4 the first nine Weeks as they weren’t able to stay consistent and string together some wins. If they could’ve just pulled a winning streak together before the very end of the season they probably would have made the playoffs.
More consistent play from key positions would have helped the team do better. Another key issue was their turnover differential, at negative 14 there’s no question why they were so inconsistent. The best teams are able to constantly convert on third down, hold on to the ball, and force their opponent to turn it over. The Jets weren’t able to do any of these things this year and thats why they were only able to go 8-8.
Biggest Win
The Week nine win over the New Orleans Saints has to be considered the biggest win of the season. The Saints were one of the top teams this year and the Jets were able to knock them off in a close match. MVP would have to go to Chris Ivory as he ran for 139 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. With the ground game going the Jets didn’t really so heavily on rookie quarterback Geno Smith, (he only threw the ball 19 times in this game).
The defense also played well forcing Drew Brees to throw two interceptions. If the Jets could play mistake free football like they did in this game their season would have went a lot differently. The reason they beat the Saints (a better team), is because they were able to hang on to the ball and not make silly mistakes while at the same time forcing the other team to do that very thing.
Toughest Lost
This year the Buffalo Bills finished last in the division at 6-10. They came into the game as a team struggling at 3-7. The Jets should’ve had all the confidence in the world coming off a big win against New Orleans and a bye week. They had also beat the Bills already this season in Week 3 20-27 as they got their first division win. The game however went the exact opposite of the New Orleans game. Ivory had another good game but Smith threw three interceptions and the Jets as a team turned the ball over four times. The Bills however got a great game out of their rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel as he threw for 245 yards and two touchdowns. The Jets would lose the game 14-37 and this would be the start of a three game losing streak.
Offensive MVP
Chris Ivory 833 Rush Yards, 182 Carries, Three Touchdowns
I guess if you have to pick someone it would definitely be Ivory. It’s not like he had a great season but he’s the closest thing to good the Jets offense had this season. I feel for the receivers because they just couldn’t make plays because of the inconsistent play at quarterback.
Defensive MVP
Muhammad Wilkerson 63 Total Tackles, 43 Solo, 20 Assist, 10.5 Sacks, Two Forced Fumbles, One Interception
Wilkerson is really coming into his own as a dangerous lineman in the league. This year was his first year with double digit sacks and he forced a couple turnovers as well. The Jets had a lot of good players on defense this year but Wilkerson played very well, and his stats letting other teams know that he is now a lineman quarterbacks should definitely worry about when he comes to town.
Most Disappointing Player
Geno Smith 3,046 Yards, 12 Touchdown, 21 Interceptions, 66.5 Quarterback Rating
Smith was supposed to come in and lead the team back to the playoffs after he fell to the team in the draft. Smith once thought to be a top five pick was thought to be a steal as a second round pick, but his play says otherwise. Not only did he turn the ball over time after time, some of the turn overs left all football fans shaking their heads and face palming in disgrace.
Best Rookie
Dee Milliner 56 Total Tackles, 45 Solo, 11 Assisted, Three Interceptions
Milliner was drafted high in the first round to come in and replace Revis in the Jets secondary. With some big shoes to fill many questioned whether Milliner would be able to take the pressure and deliver. Well I would think leading the team in interceptions as a Rookie with other stars like Ed Reed and Antonio Cromartie on the team is more than just standing up to the pressure. I’m excited to see his progression in the next couple years.
Statistical Leaders
QB- Geno Smith 3,046 Yards, 12 Touchdown, 21 Interceptions, 66.5 Quarterback Rating
RB- Chris Ivory 833 Rush Yards, 182 Carries, 3 Touchdowns
WR- Jeremy Kerley 43 Receptions, 523 Yards, 3 Touchdowns
TE- Kellen Winslow 31 Receptions, 388 Yards, 2 Touchdowns
Tackles- David Harris 124 Total, 70 Solo, 54 Assist, 2 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumbles
Sacks- Muhammad Wilkerson 63 Total Tackles, 43 Solo, 20 Assist, 10.5 Sacks, 2 Forced
Fumbles, 1 Interceptions
INT- Dee Milliner 56 Total Tackles, 45 Solo, 11 Assisted, 3 Interceptions