I know, crazy isn't it! But it seems like Revis has lost a step, and he's actually been outplayed by Marcus Williams in recent weeks. In fact, I even considered putting Williams on the list ahead of Revis! ....btw the reason I put only Wilk on the defensive side of the ball is that he's our only defensive player with "MVP-worthy" stats. (though really none of our defensive players really stands out from the rest enough to be a serious MVP candidate; I just thought I should include one defensive player and Wilk seemed like the best choice this year)
After really thinking about it it's clearly Marshall he is making Fitz looking great as a QB, freeing up Decker to play his number 2 rule which is ultimately giving Ivory to run and Powell to catch out of the backfield. Brandon's getting doubled it all starts with him.
Wilkerson has been the best player. But it's hard to not give it to Fitzpatrick because of how important his position is to the overall success of the team. But just from a player standpoint with the guys the OP mentioned I would probably rank it Wilkerson Marshall Fitzpatrick Ivory
Quality post. (there have been many excellent posts in this thread btw; I appreciate the thought and analysis of my fellow Jets fans) Wilkerson is probably having more of an impact on the D than many of us realize, myself included. His disruptive presence has a trickle down effect on the rest of the line, and probably the secondary as well. But I think as far as the most crucial pieces to our success thus far, after thinking about it some more, I would have to say that Marshall and Fitz would be at the top. A case could be made for any of these guys, including Ivory, and guys like Decker, Revis, and really almost the rest of the D have played key roles as well, but without Fitz and Marshall, would we be having the same level of success? Probably not, imo... But again, everyone is making good points in this thread, and there has been a ton of good analysis.
I couldn't agree with you more about having the choice be between RF & Marshall, although Decker could be a 1A in this equation with Marshall due to his coming up big on 1st downs and his production scoring TD's. If I only got to pick one guy it would have to be RF, the guy is just playing great football and leaves it all on the field at the end of the day. His scrambling for 1st downs in crucial spots has just been off the charts.
Ivory and Wilk. With Ivory unavailable or limited our offense doesn't work as other teams will quite rightly disrespect our run game, double cover BM and wait for our D to run out of gas, give up a trick play or take advantage of busted coverage. The last happens a bit too frequently as whilst our secondary is good it does inevitably break down when Cro gets caught trying to anticipate or one of our other guys eventually loses his assignment because we struggle to get pressure on the opposing QB and thats why Mo is so important as he's really the only guy on the D who can consistently get that pressure.
I have no problem with that. I would rather have him fair catch a punt at the 8 than risk having the punt downed at the 1 or 2. At least at the 8, you have more offensive options to run than if you're backed up against your own goal. What's important for a punt returner is that he catches the ball cleanly and doesn't muff it, and if he decides to run, that he doesn't fumble. Anything more is gravy. I don't care that he hasn't run one back for a TD. He's done a great job protecting the football and that's all any sensible coach should ask of a punt returner.
Fitz has made more big plays this season than Sanchez (remember him?) made in his entire Jet career. The guy is the heart and soul of this team, which is the true definition of MVP. Could only imagine how Geno feels, who now has to gut it up and see if he can come back from two knockout punches in one season.
Defensively it is not Mo, it is Calvin Pryor. He has been a stud all year. His interception last night was in my opinion the biggest play of the game. Dallas scores there, we do not win that game.
Win or lose, what I really like about this year's team is that they all credit each other. Far from a "lost" locker room (here) , this team seems truly invested and supportive of each other, playoffs or not.
For me, it's Fitzpatrick. He's taken the team on his shoulders a few times this year. He's spreading the ball around to the open receiver, he's rushing it when he needs to, playing through injuries and he's winning. It has been a team effort, but without Fitz, we aren't winning.
Wonder how many catches Marshall would have if he didn't drop 2 passes evry game, same goes for Decker, Fitz would have more td's also if say Devon Smith didn't drop a perfect 55 yard TD pass
