Sitting at 1-7 halfway through the season, it was surprising to see the Jets be relatively competitive down the stretch. It seemed as if New York was destined for another top-three selection.
Finishing 6-2 in the team’s final eight games, the Jets were able to go 7-9 in Adam Gase’s first season as head coach. Largely thanks to Gregg Williams and a contingent of unheralded defensive players, the Jets were able to play meaningful football toward the end of the season.
There were so many pleasant surprises for Gang Green in 2019 even if the year ended with the franchise’s ninth consecutive season of missing the playoffs. Some of those pleasant surprises who couldn’t crack this list include Nathan Shepherd, Tarell Basham, Brian Poole, Braxton Berrios and Vyncint Smith.
With that said, let’s take a look at the Jets’ biggest surprises from the 2019 season.
TE Ryan Griffin
Ryan Griffin was never supposed to be the Jets’ No. 1 option at tight end, but merely a placeholder for Chris Herndon.
When Herndon returned from his four-game suspension, he injured his hamstring and was then subsequently placed on injured reserve with a broken rib after being active for only two games.
Griffin managed to make the most of his opportunity despite dealing with an injury ailment of his own. He will be out six months after undergoing surgery to repair ligament damage in his ankle.
On the season, Griffin hauled in 34 receptions for 320 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games played. His five scores were a career-high. In Griffin, the Jets now have a viable No. 2 option at tight end who can be the perfect complement to Herndon.
CB Blessaun Austin
After suffering multiple knee injuries at Rutgers, Blessuan Austin finally got the chance to prove himself in Week 10.
Since then, Austin has proved he was well worth the gamble. In his first three games, he allowed just seven catches on 16 targets, producing an overall grade of 87.5 from Pro Football Focus. He was ranked the 18th best rookie in PFF’s rookie rankings.
Unfourtanely for Austin, he was benched after allowing a 29-yard touchdown in the Jets’ 16-10 win over the Steelers in Week 16. Fellow rookie Diontae Johnson ran right by Austin for the score. Austin sparsely saw the field for the remainder of the game and in Week 17.
Still, it’s a learning experience for the rookie, who figures to have a much larger role in New York’s defense in 2020.
LB James Burgess
James Burgess was brought in as a camp body after Avery Williamson’s ACL tear because he was familiar with Gregg Williams’ defense.
He didn’t make the team outright and it took injuries to five inside linebackers to give Burgess a chance.
A player who was cut eight times before sticking with green and white became the team’s heartbeat in the middle when the Jets desperately needed someone to step up.
Burgess finished the season with 80 tackles, recording at least seven tackles in each of the last eight games. A free agent, the Jets should bring back as a depth piece — if another team is not considering him for a starting role.
DL Kyle Phillips
The Jets’ best rookie this season was an undrafted free agent out of Tennesee.
A parting gift from Mike Maccagann, Phillips proved to be one of the better findings of the undrafted free agent period. He emerged as one of the team’s best run-stuffers on the edge, but his versatility enables him to line up all over the defensive line.
Beating the odds, Phillips recorded a total of 39 tackles as well as 1.5 sacks. According to PFF’s grading system, Phillips’ run-defense grade of 76.6 ranked 17th among all edge defenders in the NFL in 2019.
DL Foley Fatukasi
A relative unknown, Foley Fatukasi was a 2018 sixth-round pick who did not see the field much of his rookie year.
In fact, it took a total regime change for his full potential to be harnessed by Gregg Williams. Fatukasi was the Jets’ breakout star on the defensive line and immediately became one of the NFL’s best run defenders. PFF graded Fatukasi as the fourth-best run defender among defensive tackles.
In his sophomore season, Fatukasi had 27 total tackles, seven TFLs and three quarterback hits. While the statistics don’t tell the full story, Fatukasi is the Jets defender who is most responsible for doing the team’s dirty work.
CB Arthur Maulet
Another bright spot for a weakened Jets secondary was Arthur Maulet.
With the team reeling at the cornerback position, Maulet stepped up, showing off his versatility to aid with cornerback help on the outside and inside.
In Week 3, Maulet made his first mark in green and white by returning a muffed punt for a touchdown in the Jets’ 30-14 loss in New England. He was waived and brought back due to multiple injuries and made his presence largely felt.
It would be a surprise if he did not return as a backend cornerback, as well on special teams.
