WATCH: Marcus Maye's health is biggest X-factor for Jets' defense
Marcus Maye's sophomore campaign was nothing short of a nightmare.
Whether it was due to injuries or simply second-year regression, it was evident that something was amiss with the talented Jets safety. A 16-game starter as a rookie, Maye was limited to just six games last season.
It was a far cry from his rookie season, when the 6-foot, 207-pound heat-seeking missile burst onto the scene, notching 79 tackles, two passes defended, two interceptions and a forced fumble.
The standout defender lined up alongside first-rounder Jamal Adams, giving Jets fans a glimpse of what they hope to be sustained dominance on the backend.
As it turns out, Maye was laboring through ankle and thumb injuries during the early stages of last season. Though the ankle injury caused him to miss the first three games, it was a lingering shoulder injury that ultimately cut his second season short.
After missing the team's Week 11 matchup against the division rival New England Patriots, the Jets opted to place Maye on injured reserve on Dec. 1, officially ending what had been a underwhelming season marred by adversity.
Though he was intent on putting last season's misfortune behind him, Maye began training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP), dealing with nerve complications in his surgically repaired shoulder. He was officially taken off the PUP list on Aug. 11, and was a limited participant in practice.
After extensive rehab and nearly eight months away from the game, the 26-year-old was finally cleared for contact prior to the team's Week 3 preseason clash with the New Orleans Saints. This test was the final step in Maye's arduous path to return to prominence.
He left the contest unscathed, immediately turning his attention to the Jets' Week 1 opponent, the Buffalo Bills.
When healthy, Maye has proven he can effectively work in tandem with All-Pro Jamal Adams, potentially forming the league's most fearsome safety duo. Their innate communication on the backend stems from the close bond that the third-year safeties share, both on and off the field.
Given the Jets' cornerback conundrum, the dynamic duo's communication may prove to be crucial in masking any deficiencies on the perimeter. Finally reunited after a long layoff, the versatile running mates figure to be the heartbeat of the rapidly ascending Jets defense.
