The New York Jets have rocked the landscape of the NFL by acquiring future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. Just how high can this Jet offense fly with Rodgers?
People seem to forget that the Jets started 7-3 last season with Zach Wilson as their starting quarterback.
Wilson, who finished dead-last in standard QB rating and completion percentage, was about as bad as a starting quarterback could possibly be. Still, the Jets were winning.
In comes future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, and it’s only natural to wonder: If the Jets could start 7-3 with Wilson, just how high can they fly with Rodgers under center?
Ultimately, the key to answering this question is looking around and analyzing their surrounding talent.
Aaron Rodgers has plenty of talent to weaponize with New York Jets
At running back, Breece Hall was arguably the best in the league prior to his devastating torn ACL. In a 24-20 Week 4 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hall scored the first touchdown of his NFL career while adding 80 total yards of offense.
Just a week later, on his rapid ascension, Hall torched the division-rival Miami Dolphins with 197 total yards and a touchdown. The Jets won 40-17 – against an eventual playoff team – and Hall was easily the best player on the field that day.
The progress didn’t stop the next week. Hall continued dismantling the competition on his way to 121 total yards and a touchdown against Rodgers’ then-Green Bay Packers. The Jets won easily, by the score of 27-10.
Even without Rodgers, the Jets probably would have made the playoffs had Hall remained healthy.
At wide receiver, the Jets have the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, the great Garrett Wilson.
Wilson, despite heading into just his sophomore season, is already one of the elite players at his position. He is quick, smart and technically-sound. He’s a top-tier route runner with excellent hands. If Rodgers remains healthy, Wilson is going to have an absolute field day this season.
Also at wide receiver, the Jets have acquired Rodgers’ former Packer teammate, Allen Lazard. At 6’5″, 227 pounds with long arms, Lazard is a big-bodied target who will thrive as Wilson draws defensive attention and double-teams. Of course, Rodgers has already established timing and chemistry with his buddy Lazard.
And don’t forget about WR Mecole Hardman, who was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs. Hardman is a team-first player with tons of big-game experience. He will enjoy connecting with Rodgers and swimming in the wakes of Wilson and Lazard at the wide receiver position.
At tight end, Tyler Conklin was a pleasant surprise last season. In PPR fantasy leagues, he was in the top 10 at his position for a large portion of the season. Conklin is known to make himself available in the midrange, going over the middle and chipping away with grinder gains. Rodgers knows him quite well as a former division rival with the Minnesota Vikings.
In terms of protection, the Jets’ top two offensive linemen – Alijah Vera-Tucker and Mekhi Becton – are expected back strong and ready to go. With all the pieces in place, the Jets’ offensive line should be much better than it was last season.
In the end, everything is lining up beautifully for Aaron Rodgers and his Jets. New York should boast one of the top all-around offenses in the NFL. Thus, there’s really only one question to ask:
Will they somehow still end up the same old Jets?
