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New York Jets: 4 Players that need to bounce back in 2017

By Stephen Smith

Oct 2, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) celebrates after a blocked pass in the second half at MetLife Stadium. Seattle Seahawks defeat the New York Jets 27-17. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) celebrates after a blocked pass in the second half at MetLife Stadium. Seattle Seahawks defeat the New York Jets 27-17. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 24, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) stands in the pocket while New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) tries to rush during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) stands in the pocket while New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) tries to rush during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Muhammad Wilkerson

The Jets were supposed to have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL last year. However, aside from Leonard Williams, their performance was hugely disappointing. One of the biggest culprits was Wilkerson, who suffered through one of the worst seasons of his career in 2016.

The University of Temple product recorded just 4.5 sacks last year, the fewest since his rookie season in 2011 when he had only three. You really have to wonder if the broken fibula he suffered in the 2015 season finale against Buffalo hampered him all of last year. Wilkerson did not look like the same Pro Bowl player that he was the year before. He was slow coming off the ball and his performance against the run was subpar as well.

Head coach Todd Bowles thinks he knows the reason why Wilkerson had such a down year in 2016, as per rotoworld.com:

"“I’m sure he played hurt most of the year,” Bowles said. “We had to give him some off-days. Usually, those things take about a year-and-a-half to come back from. He came back early and gutted it out. Hopefully, he’s gotten better and he can go back to being himself.”"

Next: NFL 2017: Ranking the 30 best pass rushers

The Jets desperately need the 6-4, 315-pounder to return to form. Management has committed $86 million to Wilkerson. Like his line mate Sheldon Richardson, the upcoming season is a crucial one for Wilkerson to re-establish himself as one of the premier defensive linemen in the game. If he can accomplish that, the Jets once again should have one of the most feared defensive lines in the entire NFL.

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