The New York Jets missed the playoffs for the third straight season as they came through a poor start to their year to finish with a respectable 8-8 record.

The Jets' late resurgence saved head coach Rex Ryan's job as for the majority of the campaign his five-year tenure looked in danger of ending in January.

However, Ryan lived to fight another day, much to the delight of his team.

Sports Mole looks back at their 2013 season.

Pre-season expectations

The Jets admitted going into the year that they were in a rebuilding mode after a disastrous campaign in the 2012 season, which saw general manager Mike Tannebaum leave the club. Ryan's side cashed in on their best player as they traded Darrelle Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, getting a first-round Draft pick in exchange. New GM John Idzik invested heavily in young talent as he brought in defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson and replaced Revis with young cornerback Dee Milliner. The biggest move was to be at quarterback, as Idzik chose Geno Smith in the second round to challenge Mark Sanchez for the starter's spot. A pre-season injury to Sanchez would pave the way for Smith to start the campaign and turn the heat on Ryan.

Highlight of the season

The Jets didn't have much to shout about in their campaign but a win over their biggest rivals the New England Patriots was their best moment of the year. Ryan's side rallied from an 11-point deficit at the break to take a late lead in the fourth quarter, but a Tom Brady comeback almost spoiled their party. Their defense made a crucial stop to take the game into overtime, where they were to win on a controversial play as Nick Folk missed a field goal from 56 yards. However, a penalty on Patriots defensive tackle Chris Jones on the play handed the Jets 15 yards for pushing his teammate into the line, the first time the call was ever made in the NFL, and Folk dispatched the kick from 42 yards to hand his side a shock win.

Biggest disappointment

After beating the New Orleans Saints in week 10, the Jets were looking to increase the pressure on their AFC East rivals with a win over the Buffalo Bills. However, it was a disastrous performance from Ryan's side as they fell 20 points behind at the break and couldn't recover in the second half. Smith threw three interceptions and was sacked four times, and he was pulled from the game in favour of Matt Simms in a miserable afternoon for Gang Green.

Player of the season

Muhammad Wilkerson had an incredible season for the Jets. He made his mark from the opening game of the season with a sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and continued in that vein of form throughout the year as he dominated the line of scrimmage, winning much acclaim for his performances. He totalled 10.5 sacks on the season, the highest of his three-year career. Although he was snubbed in the Pro Bowl voting, the 24-year-old was voted as a second-team All-Pro for the first time since entering the NFL in the 2011 season.

Unsung hero

Calvin Pace was released by the Jets in February due to his high salary cap number and decreased production in the 2012 season. However, the club decided to bring him back on a one-year deal and the linebacker produced one of his best seasons in his 11-year career. The 33-year-old was a veteran presence in a young but explosive defense, and the new players around him enabled him to make plays and reach form he had not produced since the 2009 campaign. Pace notched 10 sacks, two forced fumbles along with 57 tackles and may have earned another year at the Jets, or certainly another side in the NFL.

Off-season changes

The Jets are fortunate they don't have many key players as unrestricted free agents with decisions to be made on Pace and tight end Jeff Cumberland, who may be the only players they consider bringing back who are out of contract. Santonio Holmes could be a cap casualty - the former Super Bowl MVP has struggled with injury in the past two seasons and has seen his production diminish. For the price the Jets are paying him his current level of form is not worth it, and there are several good options to replace him in free agency or the Draft. New York have to think offense with their additions after loading up on defense for the past few years. Ryan's side could look at the Denver Broncos' Eric Decker or the Pittsburgh Steelers' Emmanuel Sanders as receiving options to help Smith develop, while young players at tight end in the Draft such as Eric Ebron or Jace Amaro could also be considered.

2014 prospects

Despite their record suggesting they were close to a playoff berth, they were helped by some poor play for their opponents at the end of their season, which gave them a decent boost. The Jets defense will continue to improve as Wilkerson, Richardson, DeMario Davis and Milliner all improve, and that will give them a fighting chance in the AFC conference. Smith will also have to raise his game, as they won't be winning the AFC East anytime soon if he turns out to be inconsistent.