As part of our season-ending coverage of the New York Jets, we'll take a look at five players who exceeded expectations:
James Carpenter, left guard: There was some skepticism in scouting circles when the Jets gave Carpenter a four-year, $19 million contract last offseason, but it turned out to be a terrific free-agent signing. Carpenter was arguably the Jets' best offensive lineman, flourishing in their man blocking scheme. He embraced the change after four years in the Seattle Seahawks' zone scheme.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, quarterback: He arrived as a backup, coming off a broken leg, and he wound up setting career highs in passing yards (3,905) and touchdowns (31). He finished 12th in Total QBR (63.6) and 24th in passer rating (88.0). By NFL standards, it was hardly an off-the-charts season. By the Jets' standards, he was the best thing since Chad Pennington, showing mature leadership and a firm grasp of the offense and locker-room dynamics.
Brandon Marshall, wide receiver: You knew when he arrived last March the Jets were getting a talented, highly-motivated player, but be honest: Did anybody expect 109 catches, 1,502 yards and 14 touchdowns? Gaudy numbers aside, Marshall was a good teammate, according to coaches and teammates. That may have been the biggest development of them all, considering his past issues.
Bilal Powell, running back: Powell proved himself as a workmanlike player over his first four seasons, your basic jack-of-all-trades, but master of none. This season, he took it to a new level as a third-down back, finishing with career highs for receptions (47) and receiving yards (388). He became an integral player down the stretch, and his absence was glaring in the season-ending loss.
Marcus Williams, cornerback: The former undrafted free agent finished with a team-high six interceptions. It's an impressive total by any measure, but it's mind-boggling when you consider he played only 277 defensive snaps (26 percent). What can you say? He's an instinctive player with a nose for the ball. He was quite a find last year.
James Carpenter, left guard: There was some skepticism in scouting circles when the Jets gave Carpenter a four-year, $19 million contract last offseason, but it turned out to be a terrific free-agent signing. Carpenter was arguably the Jets' best offensive lineman, flourishing in their man blocking scheme. He embraced the change after four years in the Seattle Seahawks' zone scheme.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, quarterback: He arrived as a backup, coming off a broken leg, and he wound up setting career highs in passing yards (3,905) and touchdowns (31). He finished 12th in Total QBR (63.6) and 24th in passer rating (88.0). By NFL standards, it was hardly an off-the-charts season. By the Jets' standards, he was the best thing since Chad Pennington, showing mature leadership and a firm grasp of the offense and locker-room dynamics.
Brandon Marshall, wide receiver: You knew when he arrived last March the Jets were getting a talented, highly-motivated player, but be honest: Did anybody expect 109 catches, 1,502 yards and 14 touchdowns? Gaudy numbers aside, Marshall was a good teammate, according to coaches and teammates. That may have been the biggest development of them all, considering his past issues.
Bilal Powell, running back: Powell proved himself as a workmanlike player over his first four seasons, your basic jack-of-all-trades, but master of none. This season, he took it to a new level as a third-down back, finishing with career highs for receptions (47) and receiving yards (388). He became an integral player down the stretch, and his absence was glaring in the season-ending loss.
Marcus Williams, cornerback: The former undrafted free agent finished with a team-high six interceptions. It's an impressive total by any measure, but it's mind-boggling when you consider he played only 277 defensive snaps (26 percent). What can you say? He's an instinctive player with a nose for the ball. He was quite a find last year.
