2015 Highlights: In his first season with the Jets, Chan Gailey coordinated a unit that established a franchise record for total yards with 5,925. The Jets finished No. 10 overall in offense and No. 11 in scoring at 24.2 points per game. Their 66% TD conversion rate in the red zone placed them No. 3 overall. The Jets also had two 1,000-yard receivers (Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker) and a 1,000-yard rusher (Chris Ivory) in the same season for the first time since 1998. Ryan Fitzpatrick flourished upon reuniting with Gailey, setting the franchise mark with 31 TDs while throwing for nearly 4,000 yards. The Jets relied on Ivory early before the pass game took over late as Bilal Powell emerged as the club's third receiving weapon.
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Usher in the New**: Following D'Brickashaw Ferguson's retirement, Jets GM Mike Maccagnan moved quickly to fill the void at left tackle with the acquisition of four-time Pro Bowl T Ryan Clady. After Chris Ivory departed in free agency, the Jets rebounded with a perfect fit for Gailey's attack in Matt Forte. The 6'2", 218-pound Forté, whose 12,718 yards from scrimmage since 2008 lead the NFL, can excel between the tackles and also wreak havoc in the pass game.
On the Mend: Clady, who missed all of last season with the Broncos after tearing his ACL, took some team reps in the spring and shook off some rust. While he expects to be ready for action, second-year wideout Devin Smith will work on a different timetable after recovering from an ACL tear last December. Smith was encouraged by rehab this spring as he worked on strengthening the muscles in his leg. Physical new back Khiry Robinson, who broke his tibia last year with the Saints, could return to team drills in camp and find a role perhaps in red zone and short-yardage situations.
Keep an Eye On: This is a critical camp for Jace Amaro. While Gailey used the tight ends primarily as inline blockers last season, Amaro was a prolific pass catcher at Texas Tech and he had 38 receptions as a rookie. After missing last season with a shoulder injury, the 6'6" Amaro will look to carve a role on an offense that has plenty of playmakers.
Key Question: While Geno Smith worked with the first-team offense this spring, head coach Todd Bowles said that Ryan Fitzpatrick would be the team's starter if he re-signed with the Green & White. If Fitzpatrick does not return, will the Jets add another veteran to a group that includes second-year passer Bryce Petty and second round-pick Christian Hackenberg?
