Last Season Review
The Jets receiving corps had a nice blend of veteran presence blended with an infusion of youth in 2016.
Faced with adversity, the pass catchers lined up with three signal callers under center this season. WR Brandon Marshall led the Jets with 59 receptions and was second on the team in receiving yards (788) and touchdowns (3). The 11-year vet battled injuries as early as Week 2 when Jets Nation held its breath after Marshall's knee bent awkwardly while being tackled against the Bills.
Eric Decker, Marshall's counterpart on the franchise's record-setting offense in 2015, played in only three games before he landed on injured reserve Oct. 12 with a shoulder injury.
As a result, opportunity arose for the young guns and they answered the call. Second-year WR Quincy Enunwa broke out and led the Green & White with 857 yards and four receiving touchdowns. Labeled the Dennis Rodman of the team by head coach Todd Bowles, the Nebraska product displayed his rare combination of size, speed, athleticism and ability to block throughout the season.
Undrafted free agent Robby Anderson was the team's go-to deep threat, registering four catches of at least 40 yards, two of which went for touchdowns. The Temple speedster completed his rookie campaign with 42 receptions (third on the team) and 587 yards (fourth on the team).
Similar to last year, the Jets tight ends were predominantly featured as in-line blockers. The primary pass catcher of the group was Austin Seferian-Jenkins — 10 catches for 110 yards — whom the Jets claimed off waivers on Sep. 26 from the Buccaneers. As the team dealt with injuries across the board, two TEs found themselves on IR (Kellen Davis, Braedon Bowman).
Best Images of the Jets Wide Receivers and Tight Ends During the 2016 Season
Looking Ahead
TEs Kellen Davis and Brandon Bostick are the only tight ends and wideouts with expiring contracts in March. Pending any transactions, the Jets receiving corps could look familiar in 2017.
Perhaps one of the most talented units on the team, the passing game will be boosted by the expected return Decker and progression of the young receivers.
While Anderson received the most rookie playing time, seventh-round pick Charone Peake and undrafted free agent Jalin Marshall both contributed on offense. Peake tallied 19 catches for 186 yards and recovered a fumble that he ran for a 42-yard touchdown against the Seahawks. Marshall, an Ohio State product, hauled in 14 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns.
And perhaps this unit will have another leader in 2017.
"I was a captain at Nebraska so I know how to do it, but this is a totally different level. I also need help from the older guys, but I'm going to do my best. That starts with leading by example," Enunwa said. "I have to come in every day on time, doing the work on and off the field. From there, I can do what I can speaking-wise as well."
