How can Aaron Rodgers and the Jets turn their season around?
How can Aaron Rodgers and the Jets turn their season around?
By Levi Coovert October 29, 2024 16:57
It’s no secret, the New York Jets have been a mess in 2024. They have started 2-6, including losses to the Patriots (2-6), 49ers (4-4) and Broncos (5-3), as well as the Bills (6-2), Steelers (6-2), and Vikings (5-2). Their only wins have come against the Patriots (2-6), and Titans (1-6). Needless to say, it has not been pretty for Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.
On top of that, owner Woody Johnson fired head coach Robert Saleh, traded for a new receiver in Davante Adams, and just resigned Hasson Reddick to be a new edge rusher. Despite the personnel changes, things have not gotten better for the Jets, who have lost four games in a row and appear to be lost.
With Aaron Rodgers possibly playing his final NFL season, the Jets need to turn things around, and fast. And while it’s reasonable to think that is impossible, the schedule does open up and there is an opportunity for a turnaround. That will have to begin on Thursday against the Texans.
The Jets host the Texans (6-2) on Halloween night for a primetime showdown. While that game looks hard on paper, it might be easier if Texans WR Nico Collins is still injured. Stroud struggled without Collins in the Texan's week seven loss to the Packers, and if the Jets can take advantage, they can steal a win.
That is followed by a game against the Cardinals (4-4) which should be winnable for New York, as the Cardinals lack the dynamic offense to get past the Jets’ solid defense.
Then the Jets will host a pair of current 4-4 teams in the Colts and Seahawks. However, there are serious holes in both rosters. The Colts have struggled with inconsistent QB play from second-year passer Anthony Richardson. With Reddick back in the fold, the Jets should be able to put pressure on Richardson and cause him to struggle. Seattle, meanwhile, has shown to be vulnerable on defense against teams that can beat them in the passing game. Perhaps with Davante Adams now in the fold, the Jets will be able to do just that.
The Jets' final five games include two matchups with the Dolphins (2-5), a game against the Jaguars (2-6), and a game versus the Rams (3-4), with a rematch with the Bills sandwiched in between. All of those games besides Buffallo are winnable based on the struggles of the Dolphins, Jaguars, and Rams this season.
So could the Jets turn it around? Absolutely. Outside of the Bills and Texans, the Jets have a very easy schedule going forward. If they can finish 7-2, they would likely make the playoffs with a 9-8 final record. Of course, that means the room for error is essentially nonexistent. However, it is possible, and if anyone can do it, it might just be Aaron Rodgers.