The New York Jets' offense has been one of the league's least-productive over the past two seasons, but the hope is Aaron Rodgers can change that.
It's unlikely, however, for the 40-year-old quarterback to do it all by himself. In an attempt to surround Rodgers with adequate tools and protection, the Jets made significant changes to the starting lineup this past offseason. One Fox Sports analyst is suggesting that the offensive overhaul may not be enough to reverse New York's fortunes.
Posing "15 burning questions" as NFL training camps kick off around the country, the Fox Sports staff naturally includes the Jets' Rodgers-led offense.
From What's in store for Aaron Rodgers, Dak Prescott in 2024?:
Do the Jets have the right supporting cast for Aaron Rodgers this season?
"The Jets offense was an unmitigated disaster without Rodgers last year. I'm not so sure his return — and the heavy turnover on offense — will suddenly fix their problems. ... that's a newbie at 40% of the non-QB positions and 60% of the offensive line. All of these guys have plenty of NFL experience. But none has experience with Rodgers — or offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. There's going to be a lot to figure out. ... ." — Henry McKenna
The lack of continuity could be a problem, but it's one the Jets should be able to solve through training camp repetitions.
There's no question that Rodgers and Hackett are on the same page and any newcomers have an opportunity to acclimate over the next six weeks. Meanwhile, young stars Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson were both productive — Hall totaled 1,585 scrimmage yards and Wilson put up a second straight 1,000-yard receiving season — in Hackett's system despite quarterback instability last year.
The first-team offensive line is where the bulk of gelling needs to occur, but all three newbies are grizzled veterans.
The Jets needed to upgrade the supporting cast around Rodgers, and improve an offensive line that surrendered 64 sacks in 2023.
If 33-year-old tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses hold up health wise, they the quarterback should be adequately protected. Time will tell if wide receivers Mike Williams and Malachi Corley will be able to contribute fast enough in their first season in New York.
The Jets' supporting cast will have to gel on the fly and prepare to produce come Week 1.
