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2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (81) runs after a catch and breaks a tackle by Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) during the first quarter at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (81) runs after a catch and breaks a tackle by Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) during the first quarter at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
27

New York Jets 4-12

Last week: 4th, AFC East
Last rank: 27th

Looking Back: Do we really have to? After teasing many with a season that saw them post 10 victories, Todd Bowles’ club fell hard and fast in ’16 and there was plenty of blame to go around. From quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s erratic year to a major fall on defense, the Jets found themselves back in the AFC East basement for the second time in three years.

Looking Forward: The Jets certainly have their share of young quarterbacks on the roster. But when will we found out how many of them can play? Fitzpatrick was an enormous disappointment and both parties failure to get a deal done earlier in the offseason certainly hurt. Geno Smith did get his chance this season but went down due to injury and it’s somewhat unlikely he will be back with the team. Bryce Petty threw three touchdown passes compared to seven interceptions in limited action. However, 2016 second-round pick Christian Hackenberg never saw the field. Head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan need to make this top priority.

Offseason needs: Could this be another offseason of wheeling and dealing by the Green and White, as was the case in 2015? Young players such as wide receiver Quincy Enunwa and defensive end Leonard Williams stepped to the forefront and showed plenty of promise. But inside linebacker David Harris now has 10 physical seasons under his shoulder pads. And veteran cornerback Darrelle and the New York secondary in general suffered through a forgettable year. The Jets allowed 30 touchdown passes while the team as a whole totaled a mere 14 takeaways. And finding an edge pass rusher would be a big help.

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