The New York Jets enter the 2024 NFL season with some cautious optimism as they are healthy and ready to show they can compete in a competitive AFC.
The Jets looked like a potential contender last season after they acquired Aaron Rodgers, but unfortunately things went awry quickly when the future Hall of Fame quarterback suffered an Achilles tendon tear in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.
While New York managed to win that game, the rest of the regular season went downhill as the team struggled to score without a competent quarterback under center.
Rodgers attempted a comeback later in the year, but was eventually shut down after the team was mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
By all accounts, Rodgers is fully healthy and will be able to start during Week 1 but it remains to be seen how he’ll perform after so much time away from the field.
While people aren’t outright doubting Rodgers’ return, Nick Wright went as far as to say that he needs to be good in order to stick via First Things First.
“If Aaron Rodgers is mediocre this year, it’s just over,” Wright said.
“If Aaron Rodgers is mediocre this year, it’s just over.”
— @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/2wTehE9RSy
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) August 16, 2024
Wright argues that Rodgers needs to be good off the bat because of his age and injury history.
The debate revolved around who’s under more pressure between Rodgers and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, and it’s hard to argue with Wright’s point.
Granted, Rodgers will have every opportunity to prove himself but if his return doesn’t go well then New York will have to seriously consider its best path forward.