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Bye-Week Bliss: The Jets Overcome Grueling Schedule

The injury to Aaron Rodgers in week one had fans spiraling. But coach Saleh didn't fret. He believed in his team and the Jets now sit at 3-3.
New York Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh

Before the sight of Aaron Rodgers sitting on Metlife Stadium’s turf in pain, the New York Jets were facing an uphill battle early in the 2023 season. Their first six games of the season included four top-10 defenses in the league and four playoff teams before Halloween. Including last year’s Super Bowl teams within three weeks. Despite the victory on Monday Night Football, members of the fan base were looking to wave the white flag.

Yet, through this excursion, two people never stopped believing; head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. Now towards the tail end of October, the Jets have made it to their bye-week with a 3-3 record, including winning two of their last three games. With a dropped Randall Cobb Hail-Mary against New England and some controversial calls against Kansas City, it’s possible New York would be 5-1 this season. It’s a testament to a strong team and a potentially historic defense built by Douglas and Saleh.

Bye-Week Bliss: The Jets Overcome Grueling Schedule

The New York Jets are currently within their bye week with one more game to go before the NFL Trade deadline. Before that, New York had to face the Buffalo Bills, the Dallas Cowboys, the New England Patriots, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Denver Broncos, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Fans were skeptical about the team’s early success, even with a healthy Aaron Rodgers. However, those fears were amplified once Rodgers was carted away.

The realization of Zach Wilson leading the offense again sent many into a tailspin. The purpose of the Rodgers trade was to give Zach Wilson off the field and learn on the bench. Alas, destiny had other plans. Xavier Gipson’s walk-off touchdown in overtime gave fans a moment of jubilation in Week 1. However, the fun ended the following Sunday after the Dallas Cowboys dominated in a 30-10 victory over New York. After that, New York knew they had to make some changes to survive this stretch. Thus, the team decided to make a major change in an important unit. The offensive line.

The new offensive line creates opportunities

After the blowout loss in Dallas, the Jets knew they couldn’t allow the Patriots to do the same in Metlife. After it was announced that Duane Brown was heading to the IR, the team was gifted a window of opportunity to test their second-round pick. Saleh and Hackett made the call to move rookie Joe Tippmann to the starting lineup at right guard. The accomplished center from the University of Wisconsin was regarded as a premier talent in the draft class. Although it ended in defeat, the new configuration was a success for the eye test. Altering the line allowed for better pass protection.

It was the following week however when things truly looked optimistic. A Sunday Night Football match-up against Patrick Mahomes and the reigning Super Bowl Champions Kansas City Chiefs. On the brightest stage was where the unexpected happened. Even though they couldn’t secure the victory, fans watched quarterback Zach Wilson play one of the best games of his career. Wilson finished the game with more passing yards, touchdowns, and fewer turnovers than Patrick Mahomes. While not perfect it gave the fans something they were begging from their second-overall pick quarterback; progression.

Winning Streak???

With a 1-3 record entering that game and the desire to overcome some off-season comments made about Nathaniel Hackett by Broncos coach Sean Payton, the Broncos game was a must-win for the Jets. What started with a lackadaisical effort on offense, New York fought back with their stellar defense. After being down at the half, running back Breece Hall gave New York the lead with a massive 72-yard touchdown run to put New York ahead 14-13 and never looked back. On top of rushing for 177 yards, it was the redemption Hall was looking for after tearing his ACL in Denver last October.

Returning home, the Jets were faced with an arduous task. They faced an undefeated Philadelphia Eagles team, the one franchise the Jets have never defeated in the team’s 60-year history. They went into that game with their backs to the wall and the defense delivered tenfold. With four total turnovers, including three interceptions of Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. It was one of the best defensive performances in franchise history. Made even more impressive as the team played without DJ Reed and Sauce Gardner. The 20-14 victory cemented New York’s first-ever victory over the Eagles.

Against all the odds and losing Rodgers, New York managed to survive heading into the bye-week. The defense has been on a history-making pace. The offensive line has looked much better. Breece Hall is no longer on a snap count. Zach Wilson has thrown a single interception in his last 134 pass attempts. With the trade deadline fast approaching and Aaron Rodgers accelerating his rehab, the New York Jets are finally looking like what doubters thought they could never be; contenders.

Main Photo: [Brad Penner] – USA Today Sports

Michael Zimmelman

Michael Zimmelman

Michael is an NFL editor & writer covering the New York Jets. His articles strive to provide fans with a unique and engaged perspective highlighting the organization as a whole. From player analysis, transactions, coaching retrospectives and more.

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