In just over a month and a half, New York Jets fans will flock to 1 Jets Drive for the most anticipated training camp in franchise history. It has been 12 straight seasons without a playoff berth for Gang Green, yet General Manager Joe Douglas has put together a team that has many believing the drought could end. With the acquisition of the most decorated gunslingers in league history, the whole league is buzzing about the Jets. That being said, let’s preview the Jets 2023 quarterbacks ahead of training camp…
New York Jets 2023 Preview: Quarterbacks
Quarterbacks Recap from the 2022 Season
To understand how the Jets new quarterback room came together, one must understand how the unit performed last year. The team got off to a flaming hot 6-3 start to the year, powered by an explosive run game, elite defense, and mistake-free quarterback play. That was until injuries and mistakes piled up, leading to a 1-7 skid that saw the once-promising season crash and burn. On the year, Jets quarterbacks completed less than 57% of passes, with only 14 passing touchdowns. In other words, such a young and hungry team was bound to search for an upgrade.
Week 1 Starter: Aaron Rodgers
Until Aaron Rodgers takes his first snap as the starting quarterback for the New York Jets in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, it will still feel like a fever dream. After having a revolving door under center for decades, Rodgers is the Jets best shot at a solution, albeit temporary. The 39-year-old is a four-time NFL MVP with 10 Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl ring to top it off. Oh, and the most important part – the intelligence, experience, and confidence to do it all again.
But it would be foolish to expect the Jets to get prime Aaron Rodgers play at his age. By Rodgers standards, his performance last year was concerning. As he failed to pass for over 3,700 yards and tossed 12 interceptions (most since 2008), it is fair to question if father time is settling in. There is also the matter of his durability, as he dealt with an ankle ailment during OTAs.
Dot.
🎯 @AaronRodgers12 pic.twitter.com/I4rB0By1lg
— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 9, 2023
These are all concerns until one realizes this is Aaron Rodgers. One of the greatest quarterbacks the game has ever seen. Even in a down year, his bad throw percentage was a mere 14.8%. To put that into context, Joe Flacco had the lowest bad throw percentage amongst Jets quarterbacks a year ago at 20.5%. Zach Wilson owned a mark of 25.2%, while now Miami Dolphins backup Mike White stood at 22.5%. Rodgers also was without a true number-one receiver, as his inexperienced weapons dropped 40 total passes.
At the end of the day, Rodgers at 40 years old (as he will be in December) is a drastic improvement compared to Jets quarterback play in 2022. The future Hall of Fame quarterback can still make every throw, specifically the easy ones that past passers have struggled to make. He’s hungry to prove he has more left in the tank and has played in every situation in the book. Come July, every Jets fan will be flocking to Florham Park to catch a glimpse of the legend.
Last look at Jets QB Aaron Rodgers throwing in front of cameras during the offseason program. The next time will be training camp. pic.twitter.com/HYWnJnCSgI
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) June 9, 2023
Backup Role: Zach Wilson
Look, everyone knows the story of Zach Wilson. A breakout final year at BYU and electric highlight tape launched Wilson up draft boards, all the way to the Jets selecting him second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Then, things went downhill. Wilson started out of the gate, and the inconsistencies of his game quickly proved he should have had time to sit and develop. Then again, Wilson is the best fit for the Jets backup role in 2023.
Compared to the likes of Tim Boyle or Chris Streveler, Wilson has far and away the most NFL exposure. In 22 starts, Wilson has accounted for 20 total touchdowns and 24 turnovers, yet somehow eight wins to 14 losses. By no means is this the production the Jets hoped for by drafting Wilson. Although it is a start. Wilson will only turn 24 years old in August, is entering his third season, and now has Aaron Rodgers as a mentor.
"Right now, I'm having a ton of fun – more fun than I've had. That's the QB room, being with Aaron…every single day, there's so much to learn."
– Zach Wilson pic.twitter.com/xiT6CSTeUH
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) June 9, 2023
Wilson is now an understudy to one of the best to ever do it and will only continue to learn and absorb knowledge during the 2023 season. Without the pressure to be the franchise savior, being the backup to Rodgers could be the greatest thing that could have happened to Wilson. The former BYU Cougar will undoubtedly be on the roster this year, as he is due over $9.5 million. To have anyone else backup Rodgers would be detrimental to the hopeful recovery of Wilson’s development.
On the Roster Bubble: Tim Boyle, Chris Streveler
Believe it or not, this will be the most interesting battle during training camp at quarterback. Rodgers and Wilson are locks to make the team, leaving newcomer Tim Boyle competing against fan-favorite Chris Streveler for the third-string role.
After spending his entire career in the NFC North, Tim Boyle reunites with Rodgers and Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Boyle is familiar with Hackett’s offense from his time with the Green Bay Packers from 2018 to 2020. Therefore, giving him the upper hand in understanding of how to run the offense. The 28-year-old has dressed for 17 games, starting just three for the Detroit Lions in 2021. Some may think he is just a training camp arm to ease Rodgers’ transition. However, if Wilson falters during camp, Boyle is the next best backup option.
HE DID IT AGAIN FOLKS@cstrevy | @PrimetimeCeej | #NYGvsNYJ on NFLN/WCBS pic.twitter.com/PNGyboLenM
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 28, 2022
Who knows how Chris Streveler will fit into the Jets plans? A dual-threat quarterback whose 2022 pre-season play earned him a role last year, Streveler is in a tricky spot. With a new Offensive Coordinator coming in, there is no longer the familiarity with the offense he once had. He needs to prove he has the arm strength to be more than a wildcat quarterback to stand out. Otherwise, the Taysom Hill-type role may never come to fruition for number 15.
Who to Watch for in Training Camp: Aaron Rodgers
As previously mentioned, Jets training camp tickets are going to sell out quickly because fans want to see Aaron Rodgers live, in person. The last time there were Super Bowl aspirations for the team entering a season was well over a decade ago. After countless failed attempts to solve their quarterback crisis in the draft and free agency, the team finally has an all-time talent. And every Jets fan young and old will do anything to see an upbeat Rodgers ball out during practice.
Pre-Training Camp Quarterbacks Projection
Aaron Rodgers will be the Jets starting quarterback during the 2023 season and will take all first-team reps during training camp. Without the attention of the entire Big Apple market, Zach Wilson will make strides in his development just from being Rodgers’ understudy. He’ll win the backup role over Tim Boyle, pinning Boyle against Chris Streveler for the final spot. The pre-season will determine who wins that, coming down to who looks more comfortable running the offense. The x-factor is whether or not Streveler can prove he has the arm strength to last.
Main Photo Credit: Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
