Going into the 2023 NFL season, one of, if not the top storyline throughout the league was how four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers would fare in his first season with the New York Jets.
Unfortunately, for football fans, especially Jet fans, Rodgers Jets debut only lasted four snaps before his season was done with a Torn Achilles.
Last year at this time, the expectation for the Jets was at the bare minimum, the team would make its first playoff appearance since 2010 with Rodgers at the helm. Of course, all that hope was wiped away when Rodgers went down. But as we are once again close to another football season, as well as the Jets addressing the offensive line, and wide receiver group to help support their soon-to-be 41-year-old quarterback, New York once again expects to be back in the playoffs. Along with that, the oddsmaker believes in the Jets as they have shocking -145 odds to qualify for the postseason in 2024.
With -145 odds, some may see that as a sign to believe in the Jets in 2024, but I for one, view it as an opportunity to get +120 odds on this team to miss the post-season yet again.
Rodgers's health will be the determining factor for New York, and based on his age, coming off an Achilles tear, as well as the underwhelming year he had the last time we saw him on the field for a full season in 2022, I expect a similar season to that of Tom Brady & and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers that very same season.
In 2022, the Buccaneers with an above-average defense and offensive line, with an aging quarterback, went into the season with Super Bowl expectations but finished with a record of 8-9. If it weren't for the fact they were in the worst division in football, they definitely would not have made the playoffs.
Brady did put up respectable numbers that year finished with 25 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and 4694 passing yards, but despite the good numbers, the eye test was clear, Brady was no longer the same player, and his team's record showed it.
That is my expectation for Rodgers and the Jets in 2024. I expect Rodgers to put somewhere around 23-27 touchdowns with a low interception number, but despite the good numbers, I expect his Jets to hover around 7-9 wins, and to be in the wildcard hunt in December when the season comes to a close.
Rodgers even if he is 60% of the player he once was, is still a vast improvement over what the Jets have had at QB the last two seasons, but I do have questions about how healthy this roster can remain with some key players being Tyron Smith, and Mike Williams to name a couple injury risks along with Rodgers coming off his Achilles tear, but more importantly, I no faith in this coaching led by Rob Saleh & Nathaniel Hackett.
This will be a big year in New York, but I will not be shocked if we are looking at another disappointment that will lead to major changes for Gang Green going into 2025.
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