It’s been more than 54 years since Joe Namath lifted the Super Bowl III trophy for the New York Jets. Since then, it’s been one disappointing moment after another for the NFL franchise. Being from New York, one would expect a high urgency to win and be relevant. In the last few years, the New York Jets have tried to be the ones to watch, although it’s been a not-so-successful effort. Here are three key reasons why Gang Green is the NFL’s biggest boom-or-bust team entering this season.
3. Aaron Rodgers’s Clock is Ticking
When the Jets announced the signing of Aaron Rodgers, the Big Apple was sent into a frenzy. We’re talking about a first-ballot Hall of Fame QB coming to New York. Yes, the ghosts of Brett Favre loomed as he also came from Green Bay, but this time was different. Rodgers was coming off a low season, but he’d recently won two MVPs, despite being an NFL veteran.
His highly-awaited debut lasted less than a pizza delivery since his Achilles’ heel tore on his first drive under center for the Jets. Rodgers is 40 years old, so he’s by no means a spring chicken and is at the back end of his career. His quality is undeniable, but the New York Jets know it’s a now-or-never situation. Rodgers won’t be here for long, and he already missed a year.
Can you trust a 40-year-old, recovering from the most devastating injury in sports, to lead you to the promised land? Certainly a tough ask, but that’s why you bring in Aaron Rodgers if you are the New York Jets, where the expectations are the highest.
2. Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas Are on The Hot Seat
I am breaking the fourth wall here. I, myself, am a Jets fan (I know… why?) and I’m kind of torn on this point. However, I do acknowledge the seat is getting hotter by the second for both the GM and the Head Coach of the New York Jets. Joe Douglas was appointed as the Jets’ GM in 2019. Douglas’s contract expires in 2025. If he doesn’t get results now, his job might be in jeopardy.
Now, Douglas has done very good things for the New York Jets. His first two years were dealing with Adam Gase. However, since then, he’s done more good than bad. Yes, drafting Zach Wilson didn’t result in great things, but the Jets needed a QB, and who else from that draft class has done any good? He’s also drafted top prospects like Alijah Vera-Tucker, Garrett Wilson, and Breece Hall. The defensive side has also seen great draft picks like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams.
Another move was bringing in Robert Saleh as HC in 2021. Saleh became prominent in the NFL as the Defensive Coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. To be fair to Saleh, the Jets have been a top defensive team ever since he came. His side of the ball is elite, and that’s one of the first things you’d expect from your head coach. Having said that, an 18-33 record and no playoff appearances are starting to loom over Saleh’s bald head. Both GM and HC know this season is key to keeping their jobs.
1. Key Players Might Get Frustrated
Having elite players like Sauce Gardner, Breece Hall, and Garrett Wilson under rookie contracts is insane. We’re talking about top-tier players in their respective positions, who are due some big contracts. As an NFL franchise, you need to exploit these talents before paying them the big bucks.
More likely than not, you won’t be able to keep all of these players due to salary cap issues. That’s how the NFL works. Not to mention: these are high-level, competitive athletes. If they see themselves in the mirror, knowing they’re about to reach their primes, not going to the playoffs will not cut it for them. Someone will pay them huge money, and if they can improve their chances to win, they might force their way out.
What Do We Expect from the New York Jets?
They’re as pressured as they come. The Jets need a successful season, from the front office to their players. The offense has been up and down in early training camp sessions, but it’s not time to worry. After all, Rodgers is just coming back, and they have playmakers all around their roster. As for the defense, Haason Reddick was signed in the offseason, but is holding out due to contract disputes, which isn’t very helpful. However, the New York Jets defense is still elite.
The NFL is a cruel league. It will run you over if you don’t take advantage of your windows. The Jets know everything about being run over. This year, they hope they can at least get to January football.
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