Marshall praises Fitzpatrick's performance in win over Bills

The last time Ryan Fitzpatrick and the New York Jets faced the Buffalo Bills, it ended in disaster.

In Week 17 last season, the Jets' playoff hopes were dashed at MetLife Stadium, as Fitzpatrick threw three interceptions, strengthening the narrative that he struggles in big games, especially against Rex Ryan-led teams.

So after Fitzpatrick was close to perfect in New York's Week 2 victory over Buffalo on Thursday, finishing 24-of-34 for 374 yards and a touchdown, Brandon Marshall stuck up for his quarterback.

"You know, this guy, he's legit. You know, let's go back to last year. I hate to live in the past, but so many people were down on Fitz," Marshall told reporters after the game, according to Conor Orr of NFL.com.

"They said it was his fault. But you all know - you guys have been in the locker room, you guys have been in the huddle - sometimes, it may be the receiver's fault. I'm not going to live in the past, I don't want to throw anyone under the bus, but it wasn't all him. If we win that game, if one of those interceptions is a touchdown, now he's crowned king and maybe you don't even hold out the whole offseason. He (would have) had the contract Day 1 in free agency.

"I still run the table for Fitz, I believe in Fitz, and he proved himself tonight."

The Jets' win improved Fitzpatrick's all-time record against Ryan to 2-7, but more importantly helped New York avoid an 0-2 start, a notoriously difficult mark to recover from and make the playoffs.

It was a much-needed win for the Jets, as their upcoming schedule is brutal. The next four weeks pits New York against the Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Arizona Cardinals.