The season is coming. The DNA of Sports editorial team offers you an update on the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. Today, the New York Jets 2024. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
Few teams entered the 2023 season with more hope than the Jets. The signing of Aaron Rodgers had New York dreaming of a Super Bowl after a promising 2022 season. Unfortunately, after four short snaps, Rodgers' Achilles tendon ruptured, and with it the Jets' hopes.
Joe Douglas' goal was therefore clear before starting 2024: to bring the four-time MVP back to the field in top form, while surrounding him as best as possible, in protection as in targets. Once done, it remains to be seen whether the mayonnaise will take, in a division that is always very high-level.
Last season: 7 wins – 10 losses, 3rd in AFC East
Off-season moves
Notable Arrivals: Haason Reddick (DE), Morgan Moses (OT), Mike Williams (WR), Tyrod Taylor (QB), John Simpson (G), Javon Kinlaw (DT), Tyron Smith (OT), Leki Fotu (DT) , Isaiah Oliver (CB), Tarik Cohen (RB).
Re-signings: Thomas Morstead (P), Solomon Tomas (DE), Ashtyn Davis (S), Jake Hanson (G)
Draft: Olu Fashanu (OT), Malachi Corley (WR), Braelon Allen (RB), Jordan Travis (QB), Isaiah Davis (RB), Qwan'tez Stiggers (CB), Jaylen Key (S)
Notable losses: Zach Wilson (QB), Bryce Huff (LB), Jordan Whitehead (S), Duane Brown (OT), Quinton Jefferson (DT), Mekhi Becton (OT), Justin Hardee (CB), CJ Uzomah (TE) , Laken Tomlinson (G), Bryce Hall (CB), Carl Lawson (DE), Connor McGovern (C)
The observation in New York has been alarming for several seasons: it is the defense that is holding the team at arm's length. So, the logic was respected, the attack was strengthened. While he will return from a serious Achilles tendon injury, the emphasis was placed on protecting Aaron Rodgers. Exit the fragile Mekhi Becton, the average Duane Brown and the disappointing Laken Tomlinson. The Jets went to get confirmed veterans.
Tyron Smith (33) on the left and Morgan Moses (33) on the right, the new tackles have more than 300 NFL games between them. With the addition of the solid John Simpson on the inside, Rodgers has reason to feel secure. And what about the draft of Olu Fashanu, who represents the future of the blind side of the New York Jets line.
Since his arrival in the NFL, Garrett Wilson has shown that he has absolutely everything of a number one target. However, a good receiver is not enough to advance an offense. That is why Joe Douglas went to get Mike Williams from the Chargers who were selling off their receivers. When he is on the field, Williams is a quality target. However, he has to be on the field, something that happens less and less often. In the draft, the New York Jets also picked up Malachi Corley in the 3rd round, a very explosive and fast receiver, who could warm up Aaron Rodgers' arm. So they did what Rodgers has asked Green Bay for years: give him a maximum of quality targets.
Another move will bring experience to this young team, this time on defense. The Jets failed to keep the effective Bryce Huff in the pass rush. He will now be a joy to the Eagles' defensive line. But one thing led to another, Philadelphia had to part ways with some. For a conditional 3rd round draft pick, New York acquired the services of Haason Reddick. After a difficult start, Reddick has been breaking the records for the last four years. His experience will be welcome in a talented but still very young defensive squad.
Finally, how can we not mention the departure of the prodigal son. Zach Wilson left for the mountains of Colorado, taking with him the short hopes of all the fans, achieving the feat of doing worse, and by far, than Sam Darnold before him. He is replaced by Tyrod Taylor, who, it seems, did not want to move again, since he is therefore going from the New York Giants to the New York Jets.
Typical team:
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers. Running back: Breece Hall. Receivers: Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, Allen Lazard. Tight end: Tyler Conklin. Offensive Line: Tyron Smith, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Morgan Moses.
Defensive line: Jermaine Johnson, Quinnen Williams, Javon Kinlaw, Haason Reddick. Linebackers: Quincy Williams, CJ Mosley, Jamien Sherwood. Cornerbacks: Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed. Safeties: Chuck Clark, Tony Adams.
The strong point(s)
How can we not talk about the defense? For several seasons, the Jets have been causing monstrous problems for all the attacks they face. Last year, only the Browns and the Chiefs conceded fewer yards. This is mainly due to a high-flying pass defense. Of course, the figurehead of this squad is Sauce Gardner, who has established himself since his rookie season as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. This squad is full of high-level players at all positions: Quinnen Williams and his brother Quincy, CJ Mosley and DJ Reed. The pass rush is even starting to do some damage, with the very good second season of Jermaine Johnson, and the arrival of Haason Reddick.
On offense, Breece Hall has exploded since his arrival in the league. Very effective on the ground, he is also a major threat in reception, with 591 yards and 4 touchdowns last year. Well returned from his serious knee injury during his rookie season, he brings a real threat at all levels. Behind him, the New York Jets have recovered two prolific rookie runners, with the very young Braelon Allen (20 years old), leader of Wisconsin's exclusively ground attack, and Isaiah Davis, who destroyed all FCS defenses with South Dakota State to win two second division college titles.
Overall, one of the strengths of this roster is its youth, with many stars in the making. Most notably, the quartet of a 2022 draft pick that could become iconic in the Big Apple: Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson and Breece Hall.
The weak point(s)
It’s a constant. Injury problems have plagued the last few seasons. Aaron Rodgers’ injury, of course, dashed the Jets’ hopes in the first offensive series last year. Alijah Vera-Tucker, the talented offensive lineman, has also had his share of injuries since being drafted. Chuck Clark hasn’t played a single minute since his arrival a year ago. To make matters worse, several rookies also have less than stellar histories in this area. Mike Williams played only three games last year after a torn ACL, Tyron Smith hasn’t played a full season since 2015, and Javon Kinlaw played his first full season in four years in the league last year. Robert Saleh must therefore rely on prayer that all these fine players stay healthy.
If there's one flaw in the Jets' defense, it's the ground. Jeff Ulbrich's squad has struggled to stop opposing running backs, ranking just 25th in that area. While Leki Fotu and Javon Kinlaw were recruited in part for that, it's going to have to improve further for this defense to be recognized for its true worth.
Finally, despite the continued explosion of Garrett Wilson and the recruitment of Mike Williams, the targets committee is still in the lower average of the league. Aaron Rodgers is a formidable quarterback who can make any receiver shine, but he still lacks threats. Malachi Corley is a talented rookie, but still very raw and who will have to adapt to the demands of the NFL. Allen Lazard is coming off a disastrous season, but his connection with Rodgers should allow him to have a role on this team. Tyler Conklin, for his part, is an okay tight end, but nothing more. A rookie at this position would have been nice.
X Factor: Aaron Rodgers
When the star around whom your entire project revolves gets injured while the season has just started, everything falls apart. That's what happened to the Jets in the first week of the 2023 season. A seemingly innocuous tackle by Leonard Floyd, and suddenly, Aaron Rodgers ruptured his Achilles tendon. While rumors of an early return ran throughout much of the end of the season, the former Packer will be back on the field for the start of the 2024 season. In what frame of mind?
It is common knowledge that Aaron Rodgers is a colorful character. Having left Green Bay with a bang after several seasons of being threatened with retirement, he finally arrived in New York with the hope of offering a title to a historic franchise, but one that has been waiting for a title for more than 55 years. Objective missed, due to bad luck. Will he manage to focus solely on the game, he who is known for his love of alternative medicine, and his political positions, in an election year, to become again the monster of efficiency and leadership that he was in Wisconsin? Or will he be eaten by the New York media jungle that is only waiting for a controversial statement to make headlines?
If he stays focused on football, there are few quarterbacks in the league who can match his level. The answer comes in week 1, at home in San Francisco, a game in which he will face a certain Leonard Floyd. Nothing better to get off on the right foot.
Player to watch: Tyron Smith (OT)
After 13 years of loyal service, Tyron Smith has said goodbye to the Cowboys. For the first time in his career, he will wear a jersey other than Dallas next year. The five-time All-Pro signed a one-year, $20 million contract in New York.
But make no mistake, Tyron Smith is far from being in early retirement. His mission will be to protect Aaron Rodgers' blind side. An obvious improvement for a Jets line that has been porous for many seasons. One question remains, however: is he capable of staying healthy? The last time he played an entire season was in 2015. 8 seasons have passed since then, and he has always missed at least three games.
Tyron Smith is a fragile player, that's for sure. However, when he's on the field, he's a more than reliable protection for the quarterback behind him. Dak Prescott and Tony Romo can attest to this, being behind Smith is comfortable.
Moreover, he will also be able to participate in the training of the young Olu Fashanufirst round draft pick of the Jets and the announced future boss of this offensive line for many years to come. How can you imagine a better coach than him?
New York Jets 2024 Schedule
@49ers, @Titans, Patriots, Broncos, @Vikings, Bills, @Steelers, @Patriots, Texans, @Cardinals, Colts, bye, Seahawks, @Dolphins, @Jaguars, Rams, @Bills, Dolphins.
The audio preview of the podcast
In summary
It's New York's time to shine. With Aaron Rodgers back on his feet, the Jets have no excuses. A rock-solid defense, a much-improved offense, a legendary quarterback, some eager young guns and some solid veterans. This team seems to be missing nothing.
The only problem for them is that they are in a very competitive division and conference. Places are expensive in the AFC, and the slightest unexpected defeat can end a season prematurely. Also, the first part of the season will be key in the New York Jets' journey, with many games largely within their reach. They will have to rack up as many victories as possible in order to avoid cold sweats and return to the playoffs, for the first time since 2010.
