Brandon Marshall’s first year as a member of the New York Jets was a career year – but can he repeat his success and lead the Jets to the playoffs in year two?
Brandon Marshall’s first year with the New York Jets was one of, if not his best all around season in the NFL. Marshall enjoyed his best individual season since 2012 when he was a member of the Chicago Bears, where he posted 118 receptions for 1,508 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. In 2015, Marshall caught 109 footballs for 1,502 yards, averaging 13.8 yards per catch and 14 touchdowns – a career high.
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Most, including myself, can argue – this was Marshall’s best season as professional. The impact and great relationship Marshall had with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was noticeable all year and directly proved dividends on the field as Fitzpatricks go-to receiver (you thought I would say Jeremy Kerley, didn’t you?).
Marshall’s impact on fellow receiver Eric Decker, and the offense, was shown early and often throughout the season as he took pressure and double-teams off of Decker who also enjoyed his best season as a professional – posting 80 receptions for 1,027 yards and 12 touchdowns.
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That’s quite a one-two punch.
It all started out with a bang for Marshall who opened up the season with six receptions and a touchdown to romp a promising Cleveland team (at the time) 31-10 at MetLife Stadium (Cleveland then showed us their true colors throughout the year. You’re up again, LeBron).
Over Marshall’s and the Jets next four games, Marshall posted over 100 yards receiving in each contest:
vs. Indianapolis Colts (week 2) – 7 receptions, 101 yards, 1 touchdown (win, 20-7)
vs. Philadelphia (week 3) – 10 receptions, 109 yards, 1 touchdown (loss, 24-10)
vs. Miami (week 4)- 7 receptions, 128 yards (win, 27-14)
vs. Washington (week 6) – 7 receptions, 111 yards, 1 touchdown (win, 34-20)
Over the course of the year and in the seasons biggest games, Marshall proved worthy and showed everyone throughout the NFL that ever doubted him, that he is still an elite wide receiver and an unquestioned number one receiver at that (Marshall was in the discussion for Offensive Player of The Year).
In the midst of a playoff run (which was unsuccessful in the end) and the heart of the season – some of the seasons most important games, came Week 12 against Miami in an important divisional round match up. Marshall had 9 receptions for 131 yards for 2 touchdowns in a 38-20 win over the Dolphins.
Week 13 against fellow home-team, New York Giants, Marshall recorded 12 receptions for 131 and 1 touchdown in a 23-20 win – we’re getting a glimpse of the picture here right?
And in Week 16, and the most important game for the Jets in over four years (until week 17 against Buffalo) against the New England Patriots, Marshall came up huge once again with 8 receptions for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns in an enormous 26-20 victory over Tom Brady and those Patriots from New England.
When Marshall and Ryan Fitzpatrick lead the Jets into the playoffs next season (yes, Fitzpatrick will be signed) Marshall will undoubtedly be one of the primary targets for any offensive player in the playoffs (yes this is a year away).
His hunger and desire for a Super Bowl will motivate the rest of Gang Green to do what they do best – go to the AFC Championship game, but this time, win – and advance to the Super Bowl.
Quick fact: Brandon Marshall has never been to the playoffs. Yes, that is true. No player in NFL history has more receptions than Marshall who has never played in a post-season game. The future Hall of Fame receiver is starving to taste the post-season that he will do just about anything to get there. Luckily for him, this Jets team is right on the verge of making a legitimate run through the big dance in January.
In Marshall’s past, he was formally known as a ‘me’ first-type of player, someone who only cared about himself. Well, those days are long gone.
This season there were no blow ups, no yelling at teammates, no fights. This is not the Brandon Marshall of old. He has completely changed his attitude on the field and has become an extremely good teammate and locker room presence – and for the Jets, they could not have picked a better time in his career to get him.
Marshall is a well-known advocate for mental disorders and mental health, an extremely important topic and a fantastic advocate. Since Marshall was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, he sought treatment and it changed his life.
In the past few years alone, Marshall has become extremely positive and vocal about all things in the realm of sports and mental health, and not just about giving him the ‘damn ball’ (thanks Keyshawn). Marshall is a weekly contributor at Inside the NFL on Showtime, and absolutely has a career in the media once his career is finished and he wins a Super Bowl with the Jets.
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For now, in 2016, Marshall and the Jets look to get back to the post-season for the first time since 2010, but this time, remain the last team standing on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas, for Super Bowl LI.