Copy Edited by Ramon Rivera III
The 2024 season promised a fresh start for the New York Jets, with fans hoping for a resurgence. With the return of their star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, and the Jets having won their first two out of three games, many fans believed this would finally be their year. However, as we hit the midseason mark, it’s clear that the Jets have struggled to find their footing. Now, with a 3-6 record they are once again left searching for ways to turn things around as the second half of the season begins.
The Jets season started pretty well with their star wide receiver Garret Wilson and quarterback Aaron Rodgers connecting decently well through the first three games with Rodgers having nearly 600 yards passing and 5 touchdowns and Wilson having 15 catches and a touchdown through the first 3 games. Additionally, their star running back Breece Hall gave them great support from the backfield having nearly 300 yards from scrimmage along with 3 touchdowns. This start gave the fans some hope, but it all went downhill from there. The Jets lost three heartbreaking games all by one possession. Turnovers, missed kicks, and questionable coaching all contributed to these losses. This resulted in the Jets firing their head coach Robert Saleh to try and turn the season around—a surprising move that left many people including myself confused and uncertain about the team’s direction. Firing Saleh was not the best decision since they were barely 5 games into the season and it was his first time coaching Rodgers after he got injured early last year. This sudden change has raised questions about the team’s leadership and strategy, as they face an uphill battle to try and save the season. Additionally, the Jets were very active at the trade deadline, trying to strengthen their team in any shape or form and they succeeded by trading for superstar receiver Davante Adams to the Raiders for a 2025 conditional third-round pick. Rodgers and Adams—former Packers—are now once reunited in New York. This is a great move since both of them have played together before and they both have had a great connection during their previous time on the field. This trade had Jets fans more than excited as they believed this would make them stronger than ever, but soon they would realize that it was false hope. The Jets would lose two straight games in which Rodgers and Adams would connect for less than 80 yards and the Jets defense would allow over 30 points per game. Both sides of the team let each other down repeatedly leading to fans questioning what was wrong with them. It was frustrating to watch such high expectations crumble so quickly, and it leaves me wondering if this team is built to handle the pressure.
The Jets—now 2-6—would end up facing the 6-2 Houston Texans coming off a short week on Thursday Night. This game was a must-win for the Jets because if they lost it would be next to impossible to make the playoffs. Led by Garret Wilson who had two receiving touchdowns along with a stunning one-handed catch which will be remembered for decades to come—The Jets finally showed up and got a much-needed win. While It was thrilling to see them fight back, it’s hard to overlook the inconsistencies that have haunted them all season. Halfway through the season, the Jets now sit at 3-6, far from where they had hoped to be. There certainly are many concerns for the Jets, but their season is still not over. This win could help them create some momentum which can help bring life into their season. Moving forward, the Jets must find a way to play with consistency if they want any shot at the playoffs—though, realistically, they still have a long way to go to get where they want. Do you think they have what it takes?
