Let’s face it, the Jets haven’t had a good passing game for a while—a long while. When the team brought in Eric Decker—who most pundits viewed as more of a number-two receiver—a year ago, he instantly became the best receiver on a team that lacked any playmakers.
Enter new Jets GM Mike Maccagnan. Maccagnan, hired in January, upgraded the receiving corps just two months later by trading a fifth-round draft pick to Chicago for five-time Pro-Bowler Brandon Marshall and a seventh-round pick.
Just a couple of days later, Maccagnan then traded a conditional sixth-round pick to Houston for journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who could legitimately challenge the talented, but inconsistent, Geno Smith for the starting position.
Just like that, the Jets had upgraded their weak passing game—easily the team’s Achilles heel.
Sunday, with Fitzpatrick—now with his sixth NFL team—starting for the injured Smith, the Jets passing game actually looked NFL-ready.
After a slow start it was Marshall’s forced fumble and subsequent fumble recovery of safety Tashaun Gipson, who had intercepted Fitzpatrick’s pass, that turned the game around for Gang Green.
Two plays later the Jets scored to tie the game at seven points. Then just before halftime, Fitzpatrick found Decker for a 15-yard score.
