At first, after future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles in Week 1, the New York Jets were somehow finding ways to win games. They held a 4-3 record after Week 8, and it looked like perhaps they would even have a chance at making the playoffs. It gave hope that the Jets could tread water until Rodgers’ return and stay in contention with the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills in the AFC East.
But since then, they have lost two games in a row, and their offense has been horrid. They rank near the bottom of the NFL in points and total yards, and they have scored over 20 points in regulation just once this season. In fact, they haven’t done so since Week 5.
It has led to speculation that Rodgers may somehow try to return later this season, even though the mere idea of a pro athlete returning to action from a torn Achilles in just a few months seems insane.
Melissa Stark of NBC reported during the Jets’ Sunday night loss to the Las Vegas Raiders that Rodgers told her he’s looking to return by mid-December.
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“He said, ‘I know it sounds insane, but you do a good surgery, you have a good patient, it makes this possible,’” Stark said during the broadcast.
On Dec. 17, New York will travel south to face the Miami Dolphins in South Florida. The Dolphins have looked outstanding at times this year, but they have struggled against quality teams, and if Rodgers returns for that contest and plays well, the Dolphins could have some real trouble winning that contest.
The Dolphins are 6-3 on the season and hold first place in the AFC East. While they’re arguably the best offensive team in all of football, their defense has been problematic and they have yet to defeat a team that is likely going to make the playoffs.
What makes the Jets interesting is the fact that they have talented players on both sides of the football. Their defense, at least for the most part, has been very solid this year, and on offense, they have two promising second-year playmakers in wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall.
If they just had a good quarterback added to the mix, perhaps they would make some real noise.
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