In their last game of the year, the New York Jets led by Ryan Fitzpatrick defeated the Buffalo Bills led by EJ Manuel by a score of 30-10. This game featured two quarterbacks that have become forgotten men on their respective teams. In the end it was Fitzpatrick who succeeded and had one of his best games of the year and Manuel who was benched for rookie Cardale Jones.
New York Jets Week 17 Takeaways
Ryan Fitzpatrick was Good
Fitzpatrick completed 20 passes of 30 for 210 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. This was one of his best games of the year next to Week Two against the Bills and Week 12 against the New England Patriots.
This takeaway might come as frustrating for Jets fans. Fitzpatrick has played poorly in almost every game that mattered this season. Now in Week 17, the Fitzpatrick that the Jets waited for all off-season during contract negotiations, finally showed up.
What may frustrate fans even more, is how Fitzpatrick couldn’t do this against the Bills in Week 17 last year. The Jets were in a situation where a win would’ve made them playoff bound. Instead Fitzpatrick produced a season-low quarterback rating of 42.7. That consisted of a 43.2% completion percentage, 181 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.
It was an All-Around Victory
The Jets struck from all cylinders. As already mentioned, Fitzpatrick had a good game.
Bilal Powell continued his excellent play that started in Week 14 against the San Francisco 49ers. He rushed for 122 yards and caught three passes for 15 yards and a touchdown. Since Week 14, he has rushed for 411 yards and has caught 21 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown.
Quincy Enunwa had 81 yards including a 51 yard pass. Jalin Marshall had 22 yards with his second touchdown of the season.
Jordan Jenkins, Sheldon Richardson, and Brandon Wilds all had a fumble recovery. Wilds also added 20 yards on two receptions and nine yards on four rushes.
Finally Darrelle Revis had his first interception of the year. Everything seemed to go well for the Jets today.
The Offseason is Here
The Jets tough season has finally ended. They will have another silent Winter as they’ve missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.
The 2017 Jets should look different in regards to some positions, but look the same in others. It is likely that Fitzpatrick has played his final game for Gang Green. Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey’s future is currently unknown. Gailey has never performed too well without Ryan Fitzpatrick. The duo worked well together last year and during their time in Buffalo. With Fitzpatrick likely gone next year, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Gailey gone as well.
Nick Mangold is another veteran who may not be on the Jets next year. He wants to come back and the Jets would probably like him back due to his talent, leadership, and the history he has with the team. In the end, his age and cap hit are two big reasons why he may not be back.
Both Head Coach Todd Bowles and General Manager Mike Maccagnan will be back for the 2017-2018 season. Bowles has also talked to Darrelle Revis about a potential move to safety next year so he could be back after all as well.
There are many other questions that must be addressed in the off-season. Maccagnan has a long haul ahead of him to field a competitive team in 2017.
