The New York Jets find themselves in a challenging stretch during the 2024 NFL season, grappling with a 3-7 record after their first 10 games. The team’s latest setback came in Week 10, where they faced a humbling 31-6 defeat at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals. This loss has left them two games behind the Denver Broncos for the AFC's seventh playoff spot, casting a shadow over their postseason aspirations.
Offensive Struggles Persist
The Jets' offense has been a point of concern throughout the season, and their performance against the Cardinals did little to allay those worries. The team managed a mere 207 yards offensively, with Aaron Rodgers throwing for 151 yards. Rodgers’ 4.3 yards per pass attempt in this game is notably his third-lowest in any game with at least 15 pass attempts. Highlighting the struggles in the passing game, Davante Adams, despite being targeted 13 times, was able to record only 31 receiving yards.
Overall, the Jets have been unable to surpass the 25-point mark in any game this season. They are managing an average of just 17 points per game. Aaron Rodgers, the veteran quarterback who had high hopes pinned on him after overcoming an Achilles tear in 2023, has been averaging 6.4 passing yards per attempt and 225.8 passing yards per game this season. Rodgers currently holds a passer rating of 86.8, which reflects the challenges faced by the team's offense.
Defensive Woes Compounding Issues
The defensive side of the ball hasn't fared much better for the Jets. Against the Cardinals, the Jets' defense allowed a worrying 7.1 yards per play and conceded 28 first downs. These numbers starkly illustrate the inability of the defensive unit to contain opponents, especially given the significant yardage allowed in key situations.
Compounding their struggles, the Jets have recorded a negative expected points added per play, sitting at -0.07, which underscores the difficulties they’ve faced on both sides of the ball. These issues have prevented the team from capitalizing on opportunities and shifting momentum in their favor during critical junctures of the season.
Aaron Rodgers and the Path Forward
Amidst the adversity, Aaron Rodgers remains a figure of resilience for the Jets. Despite the challenges and less-than-stellar stats this season, Rodgers' ability to regroup and drive improvement continues to be a focal point. Reflecting on the current predicament, Rodgers succinctly remarked, "Not really, not for the negative, no. Not really," conveying a sense of determined focus against succumbing to negativity in light of the tough situation.
When asked about possibly altering the game plan or approach to shake things up, Rodgers simply noted, "I think so, yeah," suggesting that while tweaks might be considered, substantial changes are not necessarily on the agenda. This speaks volumes about his confidence in the current system and teammates to ultimately turn the season around.
With the playoff picture becoming increasingly bleak, the Jets must find ways to harness their potential and execute effectively. The road ahead demands recalibration on both offense and defense to recapture competitive form and close the gap in the playoff race.
The Jets are facing a crucial juncture as they look to defy the odds and salvage their season. For a team steeped in history and expectations, reclaiming momentum and fostering a positive trajectory will require collective effort and a reinvigorated performance in the weeks to come.