New York Jets: Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker a Dynamic Duo?
New York Jets wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are arguably the NFL’s best one-two punch. Last year, with the help of effective quarterback play from Ryan Fitzpatrick, each enjoyed big seasons. Can the dynamic duo keep up the pace and help lead the Jets to the postseason for the first time since 2010?
When you think of dynamic duo’s, the first couple of tandem’s that come to mind are: Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire. Batman and Robin. Sure, why not? In 2016, there is now another explosive tandem to add to that list: New York Jets wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker.
When you think of the New York Jets, typically a team symbolic for hard nosed defense with electric corner backs and a massive defensive line. On the offensive side, typically seen as a ground and pound – running team, with little explosiveness and challenged throughout the air.
Well, not anymore.
The Jets in 2015 became an explosive offensive team, with weapons on the each of the sidelines in Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. The passing attack was the best the team has had in well over a decade, finally having not one legitimate wide receiver, but two.
With the help of good quarterback play in Ryan Fitzpatrick (now a free agent) each receiver saw career years. Brandon Marshall, one of the best receivers in the NFL, finished 2015 with 109 receptions, 1,502 receiving yards, 13.8 yards per catch, and 14 touchdowns. Eric Decker, finished with 80 receptions, 1,027 receiving yards, 12.8 yards per catch, and 12 touchdowns.
The duo of Marshall and Decker is without questions the greatest tandem in the history of the Franchise. They combined for 2,529 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns (scoring in the same game a whopping 10 times).
Last season against the New England Patriots, they became the first teammates to catch at least one touchdown in eight games, passing the mark set by the Minnesota Vikings tandem of Randy Moss and Cris Carter in 1998.
In addition, the Jets led the NFL in touchdown receptions, 12, with four wide receiver sets.
Marshall is a Hall of Fame candidate who’s career numbers at 882 receptions, 11,273 receiving yards, 12.8 yards per catch, and 79 touchdowns speak for themselves.
Decker may be the best number-two receiver in the NFL. His career numbers with the Broncos and Jets stand at 376 receptions for 5,059 receiving yards (13.5 yards per catch) and 50 touchdowns.
But what makes Marshall and Decker mesh so well together? The two have a great relationship and not only push each other on the field, but are leaders on the side lines, and off the field, in the weight room, on the practice field, to not only make each other better, but to enhance the play of the entire offensive unit.
Marshall is a huge vocal leader who’s open battle with mental health issues has greatly helped himself along with thousands of others. Marshall’s attitude was nothing but positive in 2015.
The duo of Keyshawn Johnson and Wayne Chrebet in the late ’90’s simply did not have the same statistical stat line, nor the electricity, Marshall and Decker bring to this team. The addition of Matt Forte, who is just as much a receiving threat out of the backfield as he is running the football, create an even bigger challenge for opposing defenses to prepare for.
More nfl spin zone: New York Jets 30 Greatest Wide Receivers
The time is now for the Jets. All the pieces are there. All of the years with no offense and strong defense leading them to the playoffs has shifted to (a still potentially great defense) a potent offense capable of putting up 25 points per game on any given day.
They shared a special connection with Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has said publicly he wants to return to Gang Green. The fact now is with or without Fitzpatrick, the Jets air attack is one of, if not the best in the NFL. The two are a dynamic receiving threat to all opposing secondaries.