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The New York Jets, despite the return of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, sit at just 3-6 through nine games. They were expected to have a great offense with Rodgers throwing it to wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall in the backfield. They're a team loaded with talent.
Instead, they've lost twice as many games as they've won, and they have looked dreadful at times in the process. They're the eighth-worst scoring offense in the NFL, ranking even below teams that have been decimated by injuries to their star players, like the Los Angeles Rams.
So what's wrong with the Jets? Can they turn it around? Will they even make the playoffs this year?
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What's Wrong With The New York Jets?
The first and most glaring problem was the offensive play-calling. Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett had a long history of gaffes and has been awful for his new team. They made a move in the right direction by stripping him of play-calling duties, but nothing can erase the losses they've already picked up.
This is when I was done with Nathaniel Hackett pic.twitter.com/63E5S2W6nu
— Michael 🇲🇽 (@RespectMyCos) May 8, 2023
Trying to trot him out as their OC predictably led to disastrous results. The NFL is an unforgiving league, and mistakes like that are swiftly punished. He should have never been hired for his position, but he was one of ARod's guys.
The second major issue has been the offensive line. Despite the team signing Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, and John Simpson in the offseason, and using a first-round NFL Draft pick to select OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, they've played like one of the worst units in the league.
"The onus is really on Tipp and the tackles. I can handle what I can handle, but those guys have got to communicate the call with each other"
Aaron Rodgers talks about handling the Jets' protections with changes on the offensive line: pic.twitter.com/jTwqoKm2mS
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) November 6, 2024
Rodgers was getting demolished by the pass rush of the Houston Texans in Week 9 before star defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) went down with an ankle injury and wasn't able to return. Only then were they able to turn it on. New York has been wholly incapable of stopping good pass-rushers this season.
AVT IS BACK! This #Jets offensive line is healthy for the first time in a few weeks! Go out there and be dominant! GO JETS! pic.twitter.com/2LIvopBnBb
— The Long Beach Joe Show (@TheLongBeachJoe) November 9, 2024
Injuries have plagued this unit as well. The run game typically struggles without great run-blocking guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, who's missed a few games, and right tackle Morgan Moses dealt with a knee injury and wasn't able to suit up a few times as well.
It's tough to evaluate Rodgers and Hall based on the poor performances of the offensive line. When they're healthy, they should be able to gel better, and we can get a good idea of how the two are at these stages in their careers.
Will The Jets Make The Playoffs?
It doesn't look good. They struggled to beat a team that was missing its best defensive player. The signing of WR Davante Adams could help, but he performed sluggishly in his first two games with the team. Wilson emerged with a monster performance last week, though, and it looks like his connection with his QB is finally flourishing.
GARRETT WILSON TD CATCH OF THE SEASON WOW 😱
(via @nyjets)pic.twitter.com/wfLlYdbwwO
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 1, 2024
The offensive line will be the key to the team's success. If it can't give its quarterback good protection, we'll see him get blasted by opposing defenses and the offense will likely crumble again. If it can hold up, we could see this resurgence continue.
It'll still be a huge uphill battle. The team needs to go at least 6-2 from here on to make the postseason. Luckily, the Jets have a soft schedule remaining. This is a storm cloud that does have a silver lining, and the cloud could be clearing up. Also, Haason Reddick is back for the defense. They're in solid shape overall.
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