The New York Jets were poised to reach postseason for the first time since 2010. It looked like the Todd Bowles-Mike Maccagnan era in New York was about to start on the right foot in 2015.
All they had to do was beat a familiar face in the regular-season finale. Instead, former Jets coach Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills ended the honeymoon. A 22-17 loss sent the Jets home, wondering how they squandered such an excellent opportunity.
As they head into the 2016 season, however, things are different. There's a sense the team is incomplete.
And it all starts with last year's starting quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, who remains a free agent with training camp just around the corner. Uncertainty at the position can unravel any momentum that was built from a solid season. Despite the Fitzpatrick contract saga, the company line continues to indicate optimism.
"They have more chemistry and they've been together in the system a year, so they're not starting out as slow as they were last year," Bowles, the head coach, said recently of the offense. "So they've been in sync pretty good."
That might be lip service.
It's no secret wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker and center Nick Mangold are big Fitzpatrick supporters. So if the team doesn't reach an agreement with Fitzpatrick, it could create ill will in the locker room — especially if the Jets struggle without him.
Fitzpatrick's absence could put all the pressure on Geno Smith.
"We've got three guys here that we're working," Bowles said, referring to his other passers. "We're not just waiting for (Fitzpatrick) to come back. We have guys we're getting ready to play. … If he comes back, we'll be happy to have him back, but meanwhile we've got to get other guys ready to play."
The Jets have a lot of talent. Some aging pieces give them a win-now feel. But as things have gone in the AFC East for the last decade, everyone is trying to catch the New England Patriots. Whether the Jets make any ground or fall further behind, who's throwing the ball should be one of the main reasons.
Quarterback
The Jets currently lack an unquestioned starter with the Fitzpatrick situation unsettled. The Jets have an offer (three years, $24 million) on the table, but Fitzpatrick wants more guaranteed money, especially in the second and third seasons. The Jets drafted Christian Hackenberg in the second round, but he's a project. Second-year passer Bryce Petty, a former offensive force at Baylor, also should be considered a backup. If Fitzpatrick and the Jets don't come to an agreement, New York will be Smith's team again. "We're very comfortable with that," offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said.
Running back
The big departure was Chris Ivory, the team's leading rusher for the last three seasons, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The man the Jets signed to replace him, however, is older. Matt Forte, 30, should come in as the featured back after a productive stretch with the Chicago Bears. Bilal Powell returns, and New York added former New Orleans Saints rusher Khiry Robinson.
Wide receiver
Thanks in part to an excellent rapport with Fitzpatrick last season, Marshall and Decker were one of the most productive pass-catching duos in the NFL. They will continue to be the focus whether Fitzpatrick returns or not. Because he didn't fit the scheme, wideout Jeremy Kerley was released. Last year's second-round speedster, Devin Smith, is healthy after dealing with a number of injuries, and Quincy Enunwa should be asked to assume a bigger role. One name worth watching is seventh-round pick Charone Peake, who has above-average size and speed.
Tight end
Jace Amaro missed the entire 2015 season after he landed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. He will be the No. 1 threat at the position, and if he lives up to his stature as a 2014 second-round pick, he could add another dimension to the offense. Kellen Davis is more of a blocking specialist, but the Jets are optimistic about what they have in terms of depth. Asked if he was impressed with the group, Bowles said, "From an intelligence standpoint, learning the system and throwing and catching, yes."
Offensive line
The Jets lost their silent leader and most consistent player of the last decade when left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson retired. To help replace him, New York traded for Ryan Clady, formerly of the Denver Broncos. Though he missed last season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Clady will step in right away as Ferguson's replacement. The rest of the starting line remains the same, highlighted by Mangold in the middle.
Defensive line
This continues to be one of New York's strengths, even with the departure of nose tackle Damon Harrison. The Jets have stars in defensive ends Muhammad Wilkerson, who just signed a long-term extension, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams. To replace Harrison, the Jets signed former Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Steve McLendon.
Linebacker
Two of the Jets' first three picks in the draft addressed this group. First-rounder Darron Lee could step in right away as a three-down starter thanks to his exceptional athleticism. Jordan Jenkins was a third-round selection, but he should contribute right away as well. Demario Davis struggled in coverage last season and was not re-signed. The Jets signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Bruce Carter, but David Harris continues to be the team's leader. Inside linebacker Erin Henderson is expected to make a jump, and the Jets appear to be in better shape at the position.
Secondary
This might be one of the most important positions in Bowles' aggressive defense. Cornerback Darrelle Revis might not have played up to his previous levels last season, but he still had a productive campaign despite needing offseason wrist surgery. With the departure of Antonio Cromartie, there's an open spot opposite Revis that could be filled by Buster Skrine or Dee Milliner. Whoever loses out on that job will likely play in the slot. Safeties Calvin Pryor and Marcus Gilchrist round out a talented group. "I know what the secondary means to that defense, because it allows him to be more aggressive when you have studs in the secondary," Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson, who played for Bowles when he was Arizona's defensive coordinator, told USA TODAY Sports.
Special teams
New York has a two-way battle for the punting job after Ryan Quigley was not retained. The job will come down to two Australians, Lachlan Edwards and Tom Hackett. Nick Folk resumes his role as kicker. Kick and punt return duties are open with Kerley gone, but watch out for undrafted free agent Jalin Marshall, who is electric.
Coaching
Since Bowles is in his second season, the staff remained mostly the same. The biggest change was firing special-teams coordinator Bobby April and replacing him with Brant Boyer.
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Follow Lorenzo Reyes on Twitter @LorenzoGReyes
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