Officially one month into the season, things haven’t gone as well for the New York Jets as they initially expected. While 2-2 isn’t terrible, coming off a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Denver Broncos on Sunday is the last thing the team wanted. Despite their defense turning a corner, the offense is as volatile as last year’s. This is simply unacceptable, especially from 4x MVP Aaron Rodgers. While the turnovers are low, it’s clear that the 20-year veteran has lost a step. This comes with the regression from Breece Hall & Garrett Wilson since playing with Aaron Rodgers. While it’s still early, Aaron Rodgers and Nathaniel Hackett must turn this offense around. One way to do that is to get more reps for young guys. One youngster who can benefit is rookie Malachi Corley. Despite limited snaps, the rookie wide receiver has the talent to elevate the offense.
Aaron Rodgers Needs to Trust in This Jets Rookie
The Jets continue to push for a playoff return for the first time in over a decade. Their defense is what’s going to carry them to the postseason. While finger-pointing is once again directed at head coach Robert Saleh, his defensive expertise continues to be an asset. His trust in offensive coordinators however can be scrutinized. The expectations for Mike LaFleur were too high for a first-time offensive coordinator. But going from Mike LaFleur to a recently fired Nathaniel Hackett was simply a vanity move to appease Aaron Rodgers before joining the roster, & same goes for Allen Lazard as well. While Aaron has only one interception this year, he’s struggling with little things. He continues to struggle to keep track of the play clock as evident in the Titans game. 26 consecutive games with under 300 passing yards is simply disappointing & unacceptable from Aaron Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers said he messed up when the Jets had to call timeout before a delay of game in the third quarter.
He said Breece Hall came up to him on the sideline and said: “Throw me a fade if there’s a go ball there.”
“I said: Ok!”
And then, TD.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) September 15, 2024
It’s time to give Malachi Corley an opportunity.
However, despite these struggles, the Jets offense can be fixed. Reports of wide receiver Davante Adams requesting a trade, eyes immediately point to New York to reunite with his former Packers teammates. And yet, despite the connection between Rodgers and Adams, New York won’t be the only team after the acclaimed wide receiver. Before looking for external options, New York has a potential solution already on their depth chart. After the emergence of Braelon Allen, New York needs to display that same level of faith in wide receiver Malachi Corley. Drafted in the third round this year, Corley was a stud at Western Kentucky catching passes from Bailey Zappe & Austin Reed.
Malachi Corley finished his last two college seasons with 11 touchdowns each year. Along with a 1,295-yard season off 101 catches his redshirt sophomore season. At 5’11 & 215 lbs, he has a similar size profile as Deebo Samuel, with just as much speed. Even renowned wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. praised Corley before the draft. Alas, Corley is buried in the depth chart behind Xavier Gipson. Gipson himself hasn’t done any favors with performance this year either. His lack of impact on kickoff returns dampens the Jets’ chance in field position, setting the offense up at a disadvantage.
What a ridiculous sideline catch by rookie WR Malachi Corley 👀🔥🔥#Jets | 🎥 @TalkJetsRadio pic.twitter.com/GXJS1UV9ib
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) July 30, 2024
Why Malachi Corley can help
The New York Jets have a gauntlet ahead of them this month. They face four stellar defenses this month with the Vikings, Bills, Steelers, and Texans in October. With Morgan Moses still recovering from his knee injury, a match-up against Buffalo is a tough way to return. Aaron Rodgers will see a lot of pressure in the pocket this month. So, having someone with Corley’s speed and ability to create separation makes him a great checkdown target. Corley’s YAC abilities make him a demon in the open field and creating plays out of nothing. This can make Garrett Wilson’s life easier by taking the attention off him, allowing Wilson & Mike Williams to create more separation on deep routes.
Over the past 3 seasons, Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley had 2,068 yards after the catch (most in FBS) and broke or evaded 77 tackles on catches (2nd most in FBS).
Powerful, explosive and fearless with the football. pic.twitter.com/lVmvWLgZk8
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 9, 2024
Corley’s speed can also help another talent in Breece Hall. It’s still early but Breece Hall has had a rough start to the season. 3.1 yards per carry is not what fans hoped for. Thankfully, Braelon Allen has been showing why he should have gone earlier than the fourth round in this year’s draft. Corley’s speed needs to be used on jetsweeps more. His elusiveness can allow him to get from sideline to sideline. Which in turn can keep linebackers on their toes and avoid filling the box during Breece Hall runs. The Jets are still searching for answers on offense. But before making a big move, they shouldn’t be afraid to let Corley loose and see what he can do.
Main Photo: [Steve Roberts] – USA Today Sports
