For the first time in a long time, the New York Jets had a lot of optimism coming into the season. After acquiring Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers, Gang Green looked to have finally addressed their void at the quarterback position.
Alas, that optimism lasted all of four offensive snaps. Rodgers suffered an Achilles injury on his fourth play with the Jets, ending his season and dashing their Super Bowl hopes. Without Rodgers in the lineup, New York turned to Zach Wilson, who struggled mightily.
After Wilson, the team turned to Tim Boyle before turning back to Wilson after Boyle proved to not be any better. Wilson was hurt after being re-inserted into the lineup, leading to Trevor Siemian taking over as the starter.
NFL News & Rumors: Aaron Rodgers & New York Jets Updates
The results offensively have been disastrous as the Jets have one of the worst offenses in the history of the NFL. A lot of people believe that if Rodgers was in the mix, these issues wouldn’t exist. But, in the opinion of Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, this team, even with Rodgers, has a lot of work to do.
“There’s a belief that Aaron Rodgers comes back next year, they run it back and it’ll be fine. … I think everybody’s gotta dial it back next year because this team needs some work.
I don’t think it’s just going to be enough to sprinkle Aaron Rodgers in and everything’s going to be fine. Offensive line needs work. Defense, it’s not championship caliber.” (H/T FirstSportz)
That is certainly a hot take from Florio, who isn’t high on the outlook of the Jets in 2024 at all. He is certainly correct in most of his assessment, as the offense, as currently constructed, would be troublesome even with Rodgers leading it.
NFL News & Rumors: Aaron Rodgers & New York Jets Updates
The leaky offensive line is their biggest issue. Already 40 years old, the Jets need to figure out a way to ensure that Rodgers will be kept upright. Running for his life behind a porous offensive line is a quick way to get him injured for a second time.
Finding more reliable and productive weapons beyond running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson is a must. All of the Jets’ free agent signings this season were busts as Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb were two of the least effective wide receivers in the NFL and Dalvin Cook struggled as a complement to Hall in the backfield.
For this team to reach the heights they believe possible, they need the defense to play up to its potential as well. The pieces are there to be a championship-caliber defense, and hopefully, an improved offense will help them showcase that talent on a more consistent basis in 2024.
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