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.