Are the New York Jets Super Bowl favorites? Offseason moves and elite defense could boost franchise's trajectory
This has arguably been one of the best weeks in New York Jets franchise history.
On Wednesday, Green Bay Packers future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers announced his intention to join the Jets via trade. The day before, New York was able to agree on a four-year, $44M deal with one of Rodgers' former teammates in wide receiver Allen Lazard.
With Rodgers set to join and his leading receiver from a season ago already in New York, it is fair to say that the Jets are primed for a Super Bowl run.
Head Coach Robert Saleh already has an elite defense at his disposal. Now, it appears as if his offense is about to take flight too. When Rodgers is finally traded to New York, Gang Green should be considered among the Super Bowl favorites.
Aaron Rodgers will give the Jets a high-powered offense
Aaron Rodgers has done everything you can possibly do in the NFL. He is a 10-time Pro-Bowl selection, a four-time MVP, a Super Bowl winner and a Super Bowl MVP. Rodgers is top 10 all-time in passing touchdowns, passing yards and completions. He also has the best TD/INT ratio (4.52/1), along with the best passer rating (min. eight seasons played; 103.6).
Rodgers will be the leader of an offense that has studs all over the field. Look no further than the 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
eThe former Ohio State Buckeye caught 83 passes last season for 1,103 yards and 4 touchdowns. New York also has a speedy slot receiver in third-year man Elijah Moore (4.35 speed), who is no longer expected to be traded.
In the backfield, there lies talented running back Breece Hall. Hall was on his way to possibly winning Offensive Rookie of the Year before tearing his ACL last season (averaged 5.8 yards per rush in 2022).
The addition of Rodgers' old teammate in Allen Lazard will also help the situation. He set career highs in receptions (60) and receiving yards (788) last season with the Packers.
The hiring of former Packers Offensive Coordinator and Broncos Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett could prove to be the most impactful change. He has a strong history with both Aaron Rodgers and Allen Lazard. In 2020, Green Bay ranked No. 1 in scoring offense thanks to the coaching of Hackett and the play of both Rodgers and Lazard. It is safe to say this New York offense could explode in 2023.
This Jets Defense is elite
Robert Saleh's defense is a special unit. They ranked top 10 in completion percentage allowed, passing yards allowed, sacks, yards per carry allowed and interceptions. They are a suffocating side of the ball.There are superstars all over the field. On the interior, All-Pro Quinnen Williams causes complete havoc for opposing offenses. Five-time All-Pro linebacker C.J. Mosely is the leader in the middle of the defense. Cornerback "Sauce" Gardner earned Defensive Rookie of the Year Honors en route to a First-Team All-Pro selection as well.
It would be fair to say that if Aaron Rodgers is traded to the Jets, this would be the best defense that he has been around since the 2010 Super Bowl defense he had with him in Green Bay. That unit had stars all over the field, including Charles Woodson, Clay Matthews, Nick Collins and A.J. Hawk.
This Jets roster with Aaron Rodgers on board should take an immediate leap. A well-coached team with elite players on both sides of the ball is the perfect recipe for a Super Bowl run. Adding an all-time great quarterback to the mix only furthers that belief.
Yes, the Kansas City Chiefs are the reigning Super Bowl Champs. Yes, the AFC East is a very tough division. But when teams look across the field and see a team comprised of Aaron Rodgers, Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, "Sauce" Gardner, Quinnen Williams and C.J. Mosely, it is going to be a long day at the office.