The Jets, starring Aaron Rodgers … take two.
As the players report to training camp Tuesday and take the field for the first time Wednesday, the 2024 season feels a lot like a do-over for a team that saw high expectations crash down in four plays in 2023.
When Rodgers tore his left Achilles tendon in Week 1 against the Bills, all the preseason hope and hype came to an end.
But now it is back.
The Jets enter the 2024 season with the same, or perhaps more, confidence that they can make some noise.
A team that has missed the playoffs for 13 straight seasons has big goals.
“I really want to hold that Lombardi [Trophy] up for the Jets,” cornerback D.J. Reed said. “That’s something that I really visualize and dream about.”
That is something fans have been dreaming about for more than 50 years.
They have not come close to a Super Bowl since 2010, the last time the Jets made the playoffs and went to the AFC Championship game.
Since then, it has been mostly disappointment.
This group has a lot of potential on paper.
The big “if” is whether they can stay healthy.
That starts with Rodgers, who will turn 41 this season and is returning from a major injury.
Rodgers knows the pressure is on for him to deliver.
If he doesn’t and the Jets fail to make the playoffs, the 2025 team surely will look much different, and head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas could be replaced.
“I think if I don’t do what I’m capable of doing, we’re all probably going to be out of here,” Rodgers said. “I like that kind of pressure though. It’s a tough market to play in. It’s not for everybody.”
Rodgers is attempting to do something unprecedented.
No quarterback has ever returned from an Achilles tear at 40 years old.
When this was pointed out to him this spring, Rodgers said, “Good.”
So how much does this motivate him?
“More, now that you mentioned that,” Rodgers said. “So, thank you for that.”
The Jets tried to get Rodgers some help this offseason by signing veteran left tackle Tyron Smith, wide receiver Mike Williams, guard John Simpson and trading for right tackle Morgan Moses.
Smith is the biggest name among the newcomers, but the 33-year-old comes with age and injury questions.
He has not played a full season since 2015, but if he can stay on the field, he could drastically improve an offensive line that struggled mightily last season.
“I’ve been a fan of his for a long time,” Rodgers said. “He’s a Hall of Fame player.”
The prospect of Williams playing opposite Garrett Wilson is also a big potential upgrade.
Again, though, there are injury questions with Williams, who is recovering from a torn ACL.
He expects to be ready for the season but will miss much of training camp.
Still the idea of having Williams out there with Wilson has the Jets excited.
“I can’t wait for Mike to come back, to be honest,” running back Breece Hall said. “With him, he’s just like Garrett — a huge playmaker.”
The Jets have a solid core of young players led by Wilson and Hall on offense, and Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams on defense.
Wilson has excelled in his first two seasons despite playing with a revolving cast at quarterback.
“He’s got all the makings of a star receiver,” Rodgers said. “We feel like if we can both stay healthy that we can accomplish a lot this year. But it’s going to be important we communicate.”
The defense has finished in the top five in each of the past two seasons and does not expect to have a dropoff.
The biggest question for them entering training camp is whether edge rusher Haason Reddick, who came over in a trade with the Eagles, will report.
Reddick stayed away all spring because he is unhappy with his contract.
The Jets are optimistic Reddick will be there Tuesday.
He faces fines if he does not.
The 2024 season really begins this week with training camp.
The Jets open the season Sept. 9 on “Monday Night Football” against the 49ers.
The goals are clear for a team with high expectations.
“Winning games and winning in the playoffs,” Wilson said. “I’m confident that we do that. … We’re going to score points, and I’ll have something to do with it. We all will, so I’m excited.”