The 2023 season for the New York Jets was supposed to be nothing short of legendary, and must see tv. With the key additions of receivers Allen Lazard, and Randall Cobb along with safety Adrian Amos, and most noteworthy quarterback Aaron Rodgers, expectations were high coming off an abysmal 2022 season.
In 2022, the Jets started the season 6-3, but then collapsed halfway through the season and finished 1-7 to end the season with a record of 7-10 record. That would mean another year of missing the playoffs for New York. The stage was set for the Jets to start off the season with a bang on Monday night football which took place in New York on September 11th. However something that no one predicted could happen occurred. On the very first drive of the game for New York, Aaron Rodgers would tear his Achilles tendon when he was sacked. The Jets entire season was riding on Aaron Rodgers, whom they acquired in a trade with the Packers in the off season. So the Jets find themselves in a very tough spot.
The Jets retained quarterback Zach Wilson who was their 2022 starter in hopes of having him sit behind Rodgers and learn from him before taking back the starting spot in a few seasons when Rodgers retires. But that plan got blown up alongside Rodgers’ Achilles. The Jets would go on to win their opening game despite Rodgers’ injury with an incredible punt return touchdown late in the game.
The Jets currently sit at 4-3 with Zach Wilson resuming his job as the starting quarterback. Wilson, although some improvements have definitely been made, has still been a disappointment overall for New York. In six full games for the Jets, Wilson has 1097 yards with 4 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. What really shows with Zach Wilson is his QBR or lack thereof. On a scale of 0-100, 50 being average Wilson has a quarterback rating of 36.7 which ranks 29th in the league. There are only 32 teams in the league. So there is still much to be desired from the former second overall pick.
One of the bright spots for New York has been their defense. Although they have given up a lot of yards, the Jets rank 11th in points against only letting up 19.3 points per game which is outstanding. They really have a “bend, don’t brake” approach and so far it has been working for them.
Aaron Rodgers’ recovery has been going miraculously well thus far. Just seven weeks removed from tearing his Achilles, Rodgers is already walking around and even throwing the ball in warmups with the Jets before their games. Usually it takes a full year to recover from an injury like the one Rodgers suffered. But he is on pace to potentially come back this year.
Rodgers says he plans to return this year which would be remarkable. The Jets really could use him as well. When asked if the Jets need Rodgers this year or if Wilson could lead the Jets to the playoffs, fan Devin Tumminello said: “Zach Wilson is not that guy. They need big dog, A-Rod.”
The AFC is absolutely loaded this year, and Wilson couldn’t make the playoffs last year with the Jets, and with little improvement to his game, it is hard to see why he should be trusted to do it this year. The Jets are going to most likely need 10 wins to make the playoffs, so they definitely have their work cut out for them. Their coach is on the hot seat too.
Robert Salah who is in his third year as the Jets head coach is feeling pressure to start winning some games for owner Woody Johnson. He is 15-26 so far without a winning record. Not the start he was hoping for most definitely.
More recently for New York, Rodgers has been with the Jets for game day in the middle of his rehab, flying back and forth from Los Angeles to New York on almost a weekly basis. That has had an impact on Wilson having Rodgers there in his corner mentoring him. It is great to see Rodgers helping out Wilson as Rodgers has been criticized in the past for not being a team player and only looking out for himself.
The future for the Jets is really anybody’s guess. They could finish 6-11 or 10-7 and make the playoffs. Both of those scenarios are very plausible for New York. What is perhaps the best thing for Jets fans is Aaron Rodgers’ commitment to the organization. Before he signed there, he seriously contemplated retirement.
So immersing himself in the Jets and the culture around the organization is a great thing for Jets fans. Especially him connecting with the younger players — there is almost a 20 year age difference between him and some of his teammates.
Although there is a lot of uncertainty around the New York Jets right now, it has definitely been entertaining to watch. The Jets have many prime time games going forward so America will be watching and monitoring the Jets’ situation as they look to make another playoff push this year.
