The New York Jets entered the 2023 NFL season with high expectations, fueled by the arrival of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a blockbuster trade from the Green Bay Packers. Many believed his presence would finally raise the Jets into legitimate Super Bowl contention.
However, the team’s hopes were quickly shattered in their first game against the Buffalo Bills. Rodgers suffered a catastrophic Achilles injury during his debut series, abruptly ending his season. This blow to their offense proved too much to overcome, as the Jets struggled and managed only seven wins for the year, falling well short of the playoffs.
Despite the severity of his injury, particularly at 40 years old, Rodgers has made a remarkable recovery. Now fully cleared, he is ready to return for the start of the 2024 season, injecting a sense of optimism back into the team.
ESPN’s Mike Greenberg, an avid Jets supporter, believes that even a slightly less than 100% Rodgers could still lead the Jets to dethrone the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. Speaking on Mad Dog Sports Radio, Greenberg remarked, “If Rodgers can perform at 80 percent of his peak, the Jets are just as competitive as any team in the AFC, and they have as good a shot as anyone to knock off Mahomes and the Chiefs.”
Rodgers’ comeback will be tested right away in a highly anticipated Week 1 matchup on “Monday Night Football” against the San Francisco 49ers, the defending NFC champions. This early-season showdown could serve as a preview of what’s to come, with both teams eyeing a potential Super Bowl run. If the Jets can perform as expected on both sides of the ball, it promises to be a thrilling battle.