There are high expectations for Robert Saleh and the New York Jets heading into 2023. The Jets are all in this season after trading for Aaron Rodgers, signing Allen Lazard, and several other of his Packers teammates. But will all the new shiny toys in the Big Apple produce wins on the field? Jets fans have one goal: to break their playoff drought. Will that happen in 2023?
2010 Cinderella Playoff Run
The Butt Fumble pic.twitter.com/S67or96JLW
— Jonathan Small đșđŠ (@JonathanBSmall) August 18, 2023
The last time the Jets made the playoffs was in 2010 under Rex Ryan. Mr. Butt Fumble, Mark Sanchez was the QB, and LaDainian Tomlinson helped lead the Jets to an 11-5 record and a Playoff berth. They would beat the Manning-led Colts and the Brady-led Patriots en route to the AFC Championship game. Unfortunately, their Cinderella run would end there, as the Pittsburgh Steelers, led by Big Ben, defeated them 24-19 to advance to the Super Bowl. According to DraftKings, the odds of the Jets making the playoffs in 2023 are -130 for yes and +110 for no. The odds that they win the Super Bowl sit at +1600, while the odds they win the AFC East are +270.
13 Years of Bad Luck
The New York Jets Day 2 Picks from 2014-2019:
Jace Amaroâ
Dexter McDougleâ
Devin Smithâ
Lorenzo Mauldinâ
Christian Hackenbergâ
Jordan Jenkinsâ
Marcus Mayeâ
ArDarius Stewartâ
Nathan Shepardâ
Jachai Politeâ
Chuma EdogaâElite level incompetence. đ” pic.twitter.com/D1pFzwbMEZ
— The Mock Draft Guy ™ïž (@MockDraftGuyYT) July 17, 2023
The Jets have been one of the worst teams in the league over the last 13 years. They have seen three new head coaches and have not even been close to sniffing the playoffs. Since 2010, they have a record of 70-194. In 2015, they won ten games, which wasn’t good enough to make the playoffs and was the only year they had double-digits since 2010. Jets fans have had to painfully watch their beloved team win a measly 13 games in the past three years; seven of those wins came last year. But then the trade heard worldwide happened, and the Jets went from pretenders to contenders, literally overnight.
Hope for the Future
.@iamSauceGardner’s impression of @AaronRodgers12 đ pic.twitter.com/918PBlZ2id
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 19, 2023
Breaking news: the Green Bay Packers have agreed to send Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets. It was at this moment that the Jets fanbase and the franchise had hope for the future. They secured a future Hall of Fame QB with one of the greatest arms in NFL history. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who they drafted the year before, proved to be a stud. Breece-lightning showed he was the real deal, and the Jets’ defense was fairly decent, with Sauce Gardener establishing himself as one of the best corners in the game. But Rodgers wasn’t done yet. He also brought his favorite target from Green Bay, Allen Lazard, and his good ole buddy Randall Cobb. Rodgers would take a massive pay cut to help bring more talent to the Big Apple. That pay cut would lead to the Jets landing superstar RB Dalvin Cook. Let’s be honest: this New York offense is absolutely loaded, and the only thing that can stop them is injury.
Protection Problems
let’s goooooo @DuaneBrown76 pic.twitter.com/qtvBFchoFM
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 23, 2023
One of the biggest concerns heading into the new season is the offensive line’s ability to protect Rodgers. Billy Turner will be solid at left tackle, and Mekhi Becton will be the backup. The left guard position will feature Laken Tomlinson, who has not been that good in the NFL. His backups aren’t much better. Connor McGovern will be the center, and he has been mediocre at best. The right side of the line is in shambles, and rumors have been circulating that Rodgers wants David Bakhitari, but I don’t see Green Bay giving him up at this point. It will be interesting to see how Saleh and the Jets address the issue because if Rodgers doesn’t have time in the pocket, he won’t be successful.
Defensive Juggernaut or Not?
‘Game Wrecker’ Will McDonald is ready to create his own ‘legacy’ on Jets defense https://t.co/lQk6v1AVBC pic.twitter.com/MvpvxNqZ36
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) August 19, 2023
The Jets have a top-5 defense on paper. Their defensive line is stacked with John Franklin-Myers, Al Woods, Quinnen Williams, Carl Lawson, and rookie Will McDonald IV. Sauce Gardener anchors the left side of the field, but the right side is weak, with D.J. Reed projected as the starter. The depth at the CB position is soft, and finding a veteran through free agency or trade would solidify the sidelines. The safety position is stout, with Adran Amos and Jordan Whitehead as the projected starters, but like the corner position, there isn’t much depth. Keep an eye on S Tony Adams, who has been turning heads in training camp and has intercepted Rodgers twice. As for the linebackers, C.J. Mosley, who is in the twilight of his career, Jamien Sherwood, and Quincy Williams are the projected starters. Nick Vigil, Zaire Barnes, and Pita Taumoepenu will provide mediocre support. This defense is solid but not very deep. I think they are overrated heading into the season and will struggle against better offensive units.
Stacked Division and Tough Schedule
The AFC East is the toughest division in the NFL this year. Buffalo, New England, and Miami are all projected to do well, and the Jets are primed to prove they are also contenders. It would not be surprising to see all four AFC East teams make the playoffs. The Jets have a brutal schedule this year and are liable to start the season 1-3 as they face the Bills, Cowboys, Patriots, and Chiefs in their first four games. Then they will play Denver, Philly, the Giants, and the Chargers. I see them going 3-1, only losing to the Eagles. So, through the first eight games, I see them sitting at 4-4. Weeks 9-12 feature games against the Raiders, Bills, Dolphins, and Falcons. In my opinion, this stretch is a must-win if they want to make the playoffs, and I see them going 4-0, bringing their record to 8-4. I see them avenging their week one loss to Buffalo and proving they are for real. They will battle the Texans, Dolphins, Commanders, Browns, and Patriots down the stretch. I see them going 3-2, beating the Texans, Commanders, and Patriots, but losing to the Browns and Dolphins. When the dust settles and all is said and done, I see the Jets finishing with an 11-6 record and making the playoffs as a wild-card team.
