Despite the Jets not making the playoffs, they had a solid year, making fans optimistic for their future. The Jets went 10-6, a great improvement over last year’s 4-12 record. Their turnaround is due in part to numerous key additions to the roster, including Brandon Marshall, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and the return of Darrelle Revis and his lockdown defense. Before the season started, it seemed that Geno Smith was to be named the starting quarterback. However, after being punched in a locker room dispute by IK Enemkpali, Geno Smith was out six to ten weeks. Ryan Fitzpatrick was tapped to replace him. Once Fitzpatrick was named starter, the Jets went on a roll behind their gunslinger. Fitzpatrick had a tremendous year, throwing for 3,905 yards with 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, the best season of his long career. Jets fans went so far to joke that IK Enemkpali was the Jets team MVP for eliminating Geno Smith as starting quarterback. Hopefully Fitzpatrick’s performance this year can carry over into next year.

The Jets defense was once again one of the NFL’s best, allowing a total of 5,098 total yards – the fourth lowest in the NFL. They shut down their opponents and only allowed them to score, on average, 19.6 points a game. Surprisingly, the Jets offense also had a good year. The Jets gained 5,925 yards, which was tenth best in the NFL. They also averaged 116.8 rushing yards per game due to Chris Ivory’s ground-and-pound running. Ivory was such a strong force for the Jets, rushing for 1,070 yards and punching in seven touchdowns. Brandon Marshall broke the Jets franchise record for receiving yards with 1,502. He caught 14 touchdowns this season, tying for most in the NFL in this regular season.

Even though the Jets lost to their former coach and got knocked out of the playoffs, they have much optimism for next season. Leonard Williams had a monster season, putting him in contention for Defensive Rookie of the Year. The fact that Williams is a rookie and can only get better makes the thought of the Jets’ defense next year even scarier for other teams. Brandon Marshall, Darrelle Revis, and Muhammad Wilkerson were selected for the Pro Bowl and the fact that they are all returning next year is crucial. After a respectable 2015 season, the expectations of Jets fans for next season are higher than ever, and for good reason.