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2023 New York Jets Team Awards

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2023 New York Jets running back Breece Hall

After securing their first victory in New England in 15 years on Sunday, the 2023 New York Jets season comes to a close. It was a year of failed expectations, offensive problems, and a lot of injuries. However, through a microcosm, this was also a big year of growth through adversity. Despite the nonsense, the franchise witnessed some major contributions from some young players and managed to end two of the longest-running losing streaks in franchise history. I’m taking this time to appreciate players who’ve gone above and beyond this year. The 2023 New York Jets team awards are to shine some glimpses of optimism in a “lost season” this year.

2023 New York Jets Team Awards

Defensive player of the year: Bryce Huff

In what has been the crux of the New York Jets during the Robert Saleh era, the team once again put out a tremendous defense this year. Loaded with star-studded talents like Quinnen Williams, Sauce Gardner, C.J. Mosley, and more; it’s hard to pick just one for this award. However, it’s improbable to ignore the massive contributions Bryce Huff made this year.

Amid a contract year, the former undrafted free agent had the biggest season of his career. Huff went from a situational pass rusher to becoming a force off the edge. Huff played all 17 games this season to register a career-high ten sacks. He more than doubled the previous season’s total of 3.5 sacks. It’s unknown if the team will retain him in 2024, but there’s no question he’s earned a raise this off-season.

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Offensive player of the year: Garrett Wilson

It’s impossible to be positive from what the Jets’ offense has put together this year. Even with a healthy Aaron Rodgers, the team’s offensive line injuries, Nathaniel Hackett’s play calling, and dropped passes had put a real damper on the offense’s production. Not to mention a revolving door at quarterback between Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, and Trevor Siemian to end the year. Not to mention Aaron Rodgers’ former teammates laying a goose egg more often than not. However, there were some major contributions made by Garrett Wilson.

The reigning offensive rookie of the year had struggled thanks to the quarterback play. Despite it, he became the first receiver in franchise history to begin a career with back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. He finished top 15 in receptions and top 25 for receiving yards at 1,042. He also had one of the biggest touchdowns this year to tie Buffalo in the fourth quarter in week 1.

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Assistant Coach of the year: Jeff Ulbrich

This season demonstrated the importance of culture in New York. Season-ending injuries to both Aaron Rodgers & Alijah Vera-Tucker, and the additional problems on offense led New York to rely on their defense once again. This year was a display of Jeff Ulbrich’s importance in New York. In his third season as defensive coordinator, Ulbrich played an important role in shaping Robert Saleh’s defense. The Jets held opponents to an average of 20.9 points per game this season. This kind of performance against some of the better offenses in the league this year will surely earn Jeff Ulbrich a coaching interview or two this offseason.

Touchdown of the Year: Xavier Gipson

Week one of the 2023 season was meant for Aaron Rodgers. He was playing in his first game outside of Green Bay. He was facing a division rival at home on the anniversary of 9/11. He had a flashy entrance with the American flag. But reality quickly snatched it away after suffering a torn Achilles in only four snaps. Fortunately, Xavier Gipson was there to save the day.

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The undrafted rookie free agent out of Stephen F. Austin needed to make an impact to have a long-term role on the team. When the opportunity on special teams came about, he earned the kick returner job. After taking the Bills to overtime, Xavier Gipson became a beacon of hope. He returned a Sam Martin punt to the house for the game-winning touchdown. MetLife Stadium was on its feet to celebrate a young man scouts wrongfully determined was unworthy of drafting.

Team MVP/Most Inspirational: Breece Hall

It was noted last week when the Jets players/organization gave away their season awards, Aaron Rodgers was voted for most inspirational. Personally, as unfortunate as his injury was, his off-the-field antics and personnel decisions he played a role in don’t make it the correct choice. Just because he had a legacy established long before he was traded here is by no means an act of inspiration.

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Instead, if we were to pick a genuine answer to this question, as well as team MVP; there is no better candidate than Breece Hall. The second-round pick out of Iowa State was on his way to being a Rookie of the Year favorite. That abruptly ended after sustaining a torn ACL against the Broncos in October. Less than one year removed from surgery, Breece Hall returned to Denver with a vengeance. He finished the game with 177 rushing yards including the go-ahead 72-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. It was one of his nine touchdowns this season, as well as finishing the year with over 1,500 scrimmage yards. Doing all this with less than one year removed from reconstructive knee surgery, there’s no other answer than Breece Hall for team MVP.

Main Photo: [Brian Fluharty] – USA Today Sports

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