As the New York Jets find themselves in a challenging spot midway through the 2024 NFL season, the narrative around their performance continues to evolve. With a 3-7 record, the Jets’ latest setback came in Week 10, a formidable loss against the Arizona Cardinals ending in a 31-6 defeat. This result underscores the myriad issues the team has grappled with this season.
Offensive Struggles
The Jets' offensive line has been under scrutiny, particularly following their performance against the Cardinals. Managing to churn out only 207 yards in total, the offense's inefficacy was palpable. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has traditionally been a beacon of experience and skill, threw for just 151 yards during the matchup. His performance, measuring 4.3 yards per pass attempt, marked one of his lowest in games where he attempted at least 15 passes.
Davante Adams, another veteran star, was also stifled by the Cardinals’ defense. Targeted 13 times, Adams could only bring in 31 receiving yards, a shocking figure for a player known to transcend challenges that opposing defenses present. The lack of offensive cohesiveness has left the Jets as the sole NFL team yet to score at least 25 points in any game this season, highlighting an area in dire need of improvement.
Defensive Woes
While the Jets' offensive troubles are evident, their defense hasn't fared much better. Allowing an average of 7.1 yards per play against the Cardinals, the defense seemed porous at best. Moreover, they permitted 28 first downs, allowing Arizona to control the game's tempo and momentum.
This defensive performance is emblematic of the season as a whole. The Jets have consistently struggled to put forth effective resistance against their adversaries, contributing to their negative expected points added per play, at -0.07. These stats serve as a stark reminder of the gap the Jets need to bridge if they are to compete for a playoff spot.
Aiming for Improvement
Despite the setbacks, some hope can be culled from Aaron Rodgers' season averages. He currently boasts 6.4 passing yards per attempt and 225.8 passing yards per game, alongside a passer rating of 86.8. These are respectable numbers that suggest while individual performance is not entirely the issue, the overall execution needs refining.
Rodgers, having battled back from an Achilles tear in 2023, remains a resilient figure for the team. His nonchalant yet determined demeanor is evident in his recent take on whether the negativity surrounding the team affects him: "Not really, not for the negative, no. Not really." This unflappable attitude might be what the Jets need, as the pressure mounts moving forward.
With the Jets trailing the Denver Broncos by two games for the AFC's seventh playoff spot, the challenges of the forthcoming schedule loom large. As Rodgers aptly put it, when asked if he believed they could turn things around, "I think so, yeah."
Ultimately, the remainder of the season will test every facet of the Jets' roster. From seasoned veterans to promising young talent, the ambition to finish the season on a high is ubiquitous. For head coach Robert Saleh and his team, the mantra remains simple: find a way to harness the potential within and translate it into much-needed victories.