New York Jets: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly from the 2011 Season

The Jets ended their disappointing season with a horrific showing against the Dolphins this Sunday. 

Rex Ryan's bombastic predictions made the brutal year even more embarrassing, as New York is now the laughingstock of the league.

Gang Green entered the season as Super Bowl favorites, but they ended the season as an average team at a mediocre mark of 8-8.

Here is the good, the bad and the ugly from the 2011 season. 

The Good

David Harris: The Jets talented inside linebacker emerged as one of the league's top defensive players this season, as he performed at an incredibly high level on a weekly basis. The Michigan product contributed in all phases of the game, and he was the only player in the NFL to record five sacks and four interceptions. 

Darrelle Revis: The perennial Pro Bowler was as dominant as ever after a subpar 2010 season. Revis recorded four interceptions, and he led the league in passer rating against. The former first-round pick is undoubtedly the best cover man in football. 

Jeremy Kerley: The rookie wide receiver had an excellent season, as he emerged as a difference maker. Although he did have fumbling issues, Kerley showed that he can be a reliable slot receiver and return man, as well as a terrific wildcat option. The TCU product is a big piece of Gang Green's future. 

Aaron Maybin: The former bust has finally found a home with the Jets, as he led the team in sacks in 2011. The 23-year-old was one of the only consistent pass rushers on New York's defense, and he had a knack for making big plays. Maybin was a terrific signing, and he has a bright future ahead of him.

Dustin Keller: For the first time in his career, the talented tight end managed to put together a complete season. Keller led the team in catches (65) and receiving yards (815), while also recording five touchdown grabs. He is the team's most consistent receiving threat. 

Joe McKnight: Although he also struggled with fumbles, the second-year man was a big time playmaker this season. The USC product led the league in yards per kick return, and he was a solid runner as well. McKnight will be a terrific change of pace back next season behind Shonn Greene. 

The Bad

D'Brickashaw Ferguson: The Pro-Bowl tackle regressed this year, as he was consistently beaten by formidable pass rushers. Ferguson was eaten alive in many games, and he allowed constant pressure on Mark Sanchez. He also has trouble with false starts.

Jets run defense: After establishing themselves as one of the game's best rush defenses over the last two years, the Jets were pounded by the run this season. The defensive line was consistently outmatched by opposing offensive lines, and running backs were able to find holes. Even with Greene running for over 1,000 yards, the Jets were outrushed this season. 

Safety Play: New York was an absolute wreck at the safety position this year. The team struggled defending the interior pass all season long, as the safeties could not compete with solid tight ends. Jim Leonhard's injury was a devastating one for the Jets, as Eric Smith and Brodney Pool were dominated in the final three weeks. 

Pass rush: Even with all of Rex Ryan's bizarre blitz packages, the Jets pass rush struggled. The team ranked just 17th in sacks, and the defense was unable to force constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Without a solid pass rush, the Jets defense was torn to shreds on deep passes. 

The Ugly

Offensive Playcalling: Brian Schottenheimer again held back Mark Sanchez's development as a passer with an array of terrible play calling. New York threw the ball too much in some games and too little in others. They were unable to find a balance all season. New York was too conservative on big downs, as they did not trust Sanchez's ability to make plays. 

Mark Sanchez's Decision Making: Numerous times this year, the Jets quarterback made horrible decisions. Sanchez committed key turnovers in crucial times, and he cost the team multiple games. Although Sanchez has moments of greatness, he is still hard to rely on as a starting quarterback in the NFL. 

Wayne Hunter: Locking up Wayne Hunter to a long term deal was one of the worst moves of the offseason, as the right tackle was awful in every aspect of the game in 2011. He failed to open up holes in the running game, and he was consistently dominated by opposing pass rushers. Sanchez took dozens of unnessecary hits because of Hunter's inability to protect. 

Santonio Holmes: Holmes went back to his immature self after receiving a huge contract from the Jets last offseason. The former Super Bowl MVP struggled to break away from defenders, as he recorded just 654 yards this season. Holmes completely vanished in some games, and his actions off the field were downright disgraceful. The captain caused mayhem in the locker room, and he got into heated arguments with teammates. 

Lack of the Big Play: The Jets offense could not buy a huge play all year long. The team managed just two plays of over 40 yards, and they failed to spread the field. This allowed opposing defenses to bottle them up and prevent long and extensive drives.