This much is true that New York Jets superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who will turn 41 years old midway through the 2024 NFL season, is nearing the end of his career. He is also coming back from a gruesome ACL injury that took his entire 2023 campaign away from him barring four snaps.
While his will and dedication to come back to the game with such a positive frame of mind at this age is highly commendable, the question arises as to just how good his comeback will be and whether or not he has another MVP-caliber season left in him.
Here is why he is a legitimate MVP contender entering the 2024 season.
Won Back-To-Back MVPs in 2020 and 2021
Even though it may be difficult to fathom a season in which Rodgers plays to the best of his ability given his age and recent injury, it is hard to bet against his skill. His arm talent and accuracy skills which are the most important factors of his game are still there.
Moreover, Rodgers has already proved that even well past the age of 35 he has what it takes to win not one but two MVPs which he did in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. If he was able to put together a couple of top-quality seasons not too long ago then there is no reason to believe that he won’t be able to do it once again.
Another motivational factor for Rodgers arises from the fact that he is only one MVP away from joining Peyton Manning at the top of the list for players with the most MVPs in the NFL.
Much Improved O-Line
Last season the Jets had an atrocious offensive line evidenced by the fact that Aaron Rodgers went down injured within minutes of taking the field. And while backup QB Zach Wilson may not have been the best man to lead the team forward, there is no denying he too was under heavy pressure playing behind that line.
Thankfully, the Jets have resolved the issue in the offseason as they signed left guard John Simpson and left tackle Tyron Smith in free agency. They also traded for right tackle Morgan Moses to address their concerns. All these are worthy additions that have propelled the Jets’ O-line from one of the worst in the league to a top 10 for sure.
Olu Fashanu’s signing from the 2024 NFL Draft at left tackle is also a step in the right direction for the Jets.
Quality WR1 And WR2 Receivers
In Garrett Wilson, the Jets have a true WR1 since 2022. Wilson has consecutive 1,000-plus-yard receiving seasons under his belt and that too without exceptional quarterback play which he was destined to last season.
While Wilson has been performing admirably, New York added another more than capable WR2 to their ranks by bringing in Mike Williams from the Los Angeles Chargers in the offseason. This signing is expected to provide Rodgers with sufficient firepower on the offense.
Williams, who is impressing the Jets with his ability is seen as a player who can provide more space for the likes of Wilson and Breece Hall to operate in. He is also excellent at coming down with the 50-50 balls.
Breece Hall Can Take Pressure Off Rodgers
One of the important aspects for any quarterback is the reliance on his running back to relieve some pressure and to help the team get into better down and distance opportunities. Third-year running back Hall is capable of doing just that.
Last season Hall proved his worth by finishing the year with nearly 1,000 rushing yards and five touchdowns along the ground in addition to 591 receiving yards and four touchdowns. If Hall can replicate his 2023 season then Aaron Rodgers will be able to rely on his pass-catching abilities as well.
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