There are, without a doubt, a few key differences from last season to this season for the NY Jets. But for the most part, it largely feels like they are running it back.
All of the biggest pieces remain in place. The major difference will be the hopeful health of hall-of-fame QB Aaron Rodgers who missed the entirety of last season due to an Achilles injury that sidelined him as early as the first series of the season.
The defense has seen some changes. Homegrown talent Bryce Huff left for Philadelphia, and in turn, the Jets traded with Philly to acquire Huff’s replacement in Haason Reddick.
Although Reddick remains in the midst of a contract dispute, he should be suited up for the start of the season in theory. Other than that, the defense remains largely the same.
Offensively, Garret Wilson and Breece Hall remain the key skill position threats. The biggest changes on offense, outside of the fact that the Jets should be seeing grown-up level play at the quarterback position this year, are the additions of the elite yet chronically injured wide receiver Mike Williams, and the future hall-of-fame left tackle, Tyron Smith.
Other than those acquisitions (and the rumored potential of a future deal that would land Rodgers’ former Green Bay buddy, Davante Adams), there haven’t been any other important infrastructural shifts to the roster. And nothing of importance was lost offensively.
A team that was able to mustard together seven wins despite historically putrid play behind center in Zach Wilson, now with an all-time great in Rodgers replacing him, should be a no-brainer lock to compete for the division and hopefully a deep playoff run. When assessing the Jets’ chances at such success, there is only one factor that can logically halt their aspirations — injuries.
When speaking to Jets fans, I know I don’t have to elaborate on this point much. Every Jets fan knows how an injury can completely derail a season. I could rattle off several debilitating injuries that severed the Jets’ potential hopes in the past, but we need look no further than last season.
What was supposed to be the best Jets’ season in over a decade, ended before the team completed five offensive snaps when Rodger’s went down. So, we all know what is at stake with regard to the teams’ health.
Injuries remain the biggest concern for the NY Jets in 2024
The NY Jets don’t have the perfect roster, that is easy to say — but no one in the league does. And despite a very formidable division, no one in the AFC East does either.
As long as Gang Green goes through the 2024-2025 season with a reasonable level of health, and no elongated injuries to any of their few key pieces, fans should expect to see them fighting for a championship in December, January, and hopefully February.
But that is a lot easier said than done. For one, the biggest piece of the puzzle is Aaron Rodgers, who is unfortunately a high-level injury prospect at all times at this point in his career.
Another major piece of the offense, left tackle Tyron Smith, is also an elderly star who is poised to go down at any moment. And even though his presence is more a luxury than a necessity, Mike Williams is unfortunately more likely to miss some time than he is to get through the entire season.
All of that is on top of the fact that in the NFL, any team can be decimated by injuries at any time. So, without sounding too grim, the team’s health will be the most important thing to track throughout the season. It is without question, the most important factor to the Jets’ bringing home a second Lombardi Trophy.
