After four plays in East Rutherford, NJ, boundless optimism turned into downright dejection for the New York Jets.
New York Jets 2023 Analysis
Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers signed with the New York Jets in July of 2023, but his first season with the New York Jets was over before it ever got a chance to get going. Four plays into NY’s home opener against the Buffalo Bills, Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles. The ensuing four months provided nothing but fodder for NFL fans everywhere.
Some of the controversies included Rodgers going on the “Pat McAfee Show” and espousing conspiracy theories, Rodgers trying to return from his injury months ahead of schedule, and Quarterback Zach Wilson being benched on multiple occasions only to be re-inserted soon after.
The New York Jets offense, as has been the case in recent years, held back the team from being a true contender. The Jets averaged 15.8 ppg this regular season, the fourth worst in the league.
The defense, on the other hand, was as strong as ever and won multiple games for the Jets this season. “Gang Green’s” defense allowed the third-fewest yards per game while being top 10 in takeaways and allowing the second-fewest passing yards per game of any unit.
2024 New York Jets Forecast
The New York Jets went 7-10 in 2023-2024, their 13th consecutive season where they failed to qualify for the playoffs. This is the longest active drought in American professional sports.
New York’s only chance to compete next year is Rodgers, a 40-year-old QB coming off a major injury, returning to the form that saw him win back-to-back MVP Awards in 2020 and 2021.
New York needs to upgrade their offensive line to keep an older Rodgers upright as Jets quarterbacks were sacked 64 times in 2023-2024, fourth most in the league.
The New York Jets also need to upgrade their receiving corps heading into 2024. Garrett Wilson was the only consistent receiving threat for New York all season. The Jets hold the No. 10 overall pick in this April’s draft and desperately need either an offensive lineman or a wide receiver. Luckily for New York, this is a prospect-rich draft at both of these positions.
Possible Turmoil at Head Coach Position
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson offered a blunt assessment of what he expects in 2024, “We have all this talent, and we have to deploy talent properly. So, I think they all got the message. This is it. This is the time to go. We’ve got to produce this year.”
Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh has an 18-33 record in three years with the Jets and, following an up-and-down 2023 campaign needs to produce wins next season, or his time with the Jets may come to an end sooner rather than later,
Rodgers will have his work cut out for him as he looks to return to form in an AFC that is as strong as it has ever been.
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