Can The New York Jets compete in 2024 with Aaron Rodgers back in the lineup? Gang Green finished 2023 with a disappointing season, but the team aims to turn things around in 2024. Fans are wondering if the Jets can compete in the AFC East with the return of Aaron Rodgers. After another blow to their Super Bowl hopes, the Jets are ready to make a strong comeback in 2024.
Gang Green hopes to leave a mark in the league and prove themselves as the top team in the NFL. The New York Jets finished the 2023 season with a 7-10 record. They beat the New England Patriots 17-3 at Foxboro in Week 18. However, the Jets’ elimination from playoff contention made the game fruitless.
Aaron Rodgers Return to the New York Jets
Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury derailed the 2023 season for New York—the 40-year-old Quarterback committed to playing in 2024. On the Pat McAfee show, he said, “When I came here, I got a renewed passion and love for the game.” “I don’t think next year will be my last year.” The New York Jets want to build around an aging Rodgers.
Some may consider it foolish to trust Rodgers to play beyond 2024. However, whether the Jets have formidable pieces for the four-time MVP is worth considering. Rodgers can’t save New York without fixing the offensive line and receiver core. Despite his age, Rodgers still gives New York a chance to win games if he stays healthy.
New York Jets and the AFC East Division
The AFC East division is where the Jets need to step up there for them to have any chance of success. The Buffalo Bills are the reigning AFC East champions and have been formidable since drafting Josh Allen and acquiring Stefon Diggs. Unlike the New York Jets, the Bills have one of the most lethal offenses in the league and narrowly lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round.
The Miami Dolphins will be a tough team for the Jets with their good defense and solid duo of Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill. The Jets lost to the Dolphins in both matchups this past season, and both games were blowouts. New York will need to put up points and get stops if they are going to beat the Dolphins.
The New England Patriots dominated the AFC East for a better part of the 2000s-2010s decade. Since defeating the Pats in the AFC divisional round in 2010, the Jets have had a hard time competing with the Patriots. After quite some time, New York scored a 17-3 victory over New England in week 18. The Patriots are always competing, even when they have a down year.
2023 was a rough year for the Pats, but they still have some talent and former player and Super Bowl Champion Jerod Mayo as head coach. They have a stout defense and are always competitive even when they have a down year. The Jets will have to find a way to compete with New England if they are going to have a chance to win games.
Conclusion
The Jets’ success in the NFL season hinges on Aaron Rodgers’ ability to stay healthy under center. With his return to the lineup, the team has the potential to be competitive in the NFL and their division. To better their chances of success, the Jets will need to bolster their offensive line and find a reliable number 2 receiver.
Main Photo: [Chris Pedota/NorthJersey.com] – USA Today Sports
