Another week, another agonizing loss for Gang Green. The Jets had their chances to win against the Dolphins on Sunday, but a redzone interception and a 96-yard kickoff return made sure the team was handed another deserved L.
However, the game result itself wasn't the thing that lasted in my mind long after the final whistle blew. For me, it was Jalin Marshall's performance that really popped off the screen for me.
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Although Marshall only gained 59 yards on three receptions, these numbers are his career highs. The rookie out of Ohio State has been mainly tasked with punt return duties. But with the injury to Decker, Marshall was an early candidate to break out in his absence.
We've already seen the rise of Quincy Enunwa. This time, Jalin justified his spot on the roster. Marshall had the biggest play of the game for the Jets as he scored on an 18-yard touchdown with a tick under six minutes left in the fourth to give a 23-20 lead. If the Jets hadn't blown it on special teams, this article would be heaping most of the praise on Jalin, and deservedly so.
Only 21 though, Jalin Marshall showed us how much potential he has as a receiver in this league. He isn't the biggest guy on the field (he stands under 6 feet, which doesn't bode well for most receivers); yet, Jalin makes up for his lack of size for his quick feet and acceleration ability. These attributes are the reason why he is a return specialist for the Jets. But his future isn't on special teams--it's on the sidelines awaiting the snap.
Once considered a five-star recruit, Jalin went undrafted in the 2016 draft instead of returning to Ohio State. The Jets saw Jalin's impressive college tape and signed him as a free agent this spring. Jalin worked his tail off just to get a roster spot, and Coach Bowles decided that the receiver corp would be oversaturated with him in there. Understandibly, Bowles made him punt returner to try and make use of his skill set.
With a season-ending injury to one of the team's prime receivers, Jalin is now ready to relish in this opportunity. The receiver stated that he 'would love to be more involved' on offense. He's hungry, and ready. He has a chip on his shoulder, only one that an undrafted free agent would have. He has what it takes, and he has shown what he can become at time this season.
So in a season to forget, Sunday's game against the Dolphins showed us glimpses of what the future can look like. If this game was just the beginning for Jalin Marshall, then Jets fans have a lot to look forward to in the years to come.
