The 2022/23 season was an up-and-down campaign for the New York Jets and their global fanbase as the team often flirted with the prospect of making the playoffs for the first time in over a decade but would ultimately fall off before the end of the season in typical frustrating fashion.
Despite their disappointing results towards the end of the season, there was still plenty of optimism surrounding this young team as several Jets players impressed and showcased that the team is primed to make a charge for the playoffs should they add a few more extra pieces to an already intriguing youth setup.
The two major bright sparks that culminated for the Jets in 2023 were the amazing performances of Wide Receiver Garrett Wilson and Cornerback Sauce Gardner who both took home the offensive and defensive rookie of the year awards, becoming only the third duo from the same team to win the awards, with the last instance being Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore of the New Orleans Saints in 2018.
Overall, the Jets posted one of the league’s best defenses in 2023 with Gardner being one of three defensive pro ballers which also included Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and Linebacker C.J. Mosley, which is proving to be a tremendous building block that the Jets could look to utilize.
However, the main problems for the Jets came in the game’s most important position at Quarterback as last year’s second overall pick Zach Wilson endured another underwhelming season after a poor showing as a rookie, with the likes of Mike White and Joe Flacco being unable to change any of the Jets QB woes.
Despite this, the Jets made sure to enter the offseason in high spirits for the recruitment of several big name acquisitions and would eventually secure the services of one of the game’s all-time greatest names in Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers.
- What does Rodgers’ arrival mean for the Jets?
While the Jets were already a talented team even before Rodgers’ arrival in New York, this simply has solved plenty of worries on their inconsistent offense, especially at QB.
In the latest NFL odds on the BetUS sportsbook, New York is ranked at +225 to win their division and make a first playoff appearance since 2010, as well as being +250 to claim second or third.
Despite being offering such promising odds and expectations for the season, there is still a shred of insecurity surrounding this team due to the AFC East being arguably the best division in the NFL in terms of overall talent and Superbowl contender status.
The Buffalo Bills are still the odds-on favorite to win the East despite the recent reports of disgruntlement between star QB Josh Allen and WR Stefon Diggs, whilst the Miami Dolphins have made several marquee acquisitions over the past two off-season’s which includes the likes of Tyreek Hill, Jalen Ramsey and the drafting of Jaylen Waddle which has also placed the Sunshine state into firm contention to win the division.
However, with Rodgers now joining a tremendous young core in New York, there should still be plenty of hope that the Jets could win the division at make a playoff push given that Rodgers is still one of the best QBs in the league despite being at the latter stages of his illustrious career.
Alongside helping to improve the Jets offense on the field, Rodgers could also help mentor the aforementioned Zach Wilson and ensure that New York will have a great young option at the backup spot if Rodgers is absent for whatever reason, especially if the Jets retain their faith that Wilson can still prove that he is capable of playing at the NFL level.
- What are the Jets expectations for the 2024 season?
Simply put, the Jets are now a playoff contender with the addition of Aaron Rodgers and do not want to waste the remainder of his best years in the NFL.
Rodgers has proven time and time again that he can be a remarkable signal caller which can strive a team towards a playoff berth, and given the weapons around him on offense there should be plenty of excitement brewing in New York for the first time in a long while.
The fellow additions of Rodgers’ former teammates Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and Adrian Amos from Green Bay as well as other intriguing transactions, should give head coach Robert Saleh with the the opportunity to work with a talented roster for the new season alongside first year OC Nathaniel Hackett and his merited DC Jeff Ulbrich who has helped setup one of the league’s most feared defenses.
Overall, the Jets are set to be one of the league’s most fascinating teams to watch for the new season which could likely result in a playoff appearance and even a first postseason win since their Divisional round victory back in 2010, leaving this season as arguably the most anticipated campaign throughout the past decade for New York fans to be hyped about.