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New York Post
Jets have plenty at stake in pivotal training camp, 2024 season as they get Aaron Rodgers do-over
By Brian Costello,
7 hours ago
The Jets, starring Aaron Rodgers … take two.
As the players report to training camp Tuesday and take the field for the first time Wednesday, the 2024 season feels a lot like a do-over for a team that saw high expectations crash down in four plays in 2023.
When Rodgers tore his left Achilles tendon in Week 1 against the Bills, all the preseason hope and hype came to an end.
But now it is back.
The Jets enter the 2024 season with the same, or perhaps more, confidence that they can make some noise.
Aaron Rodgers will attempt to help the Jets snap their lengthy postseason drought in 2024. Bill Kostroun for the NY Post
A team that has missed the playoffs for 13 straight seasons has big goals.
“I really want to hold that Lombardi [Trophy] up for the Jets,” cornerback D.J. Reed said. “That’s something that I really visualize and dream about.”
That is something fans have been dreaming about for more than 50 years.
They have not come close to a Super Bowl since 2010, the last time the Jets made the playoffs and went to the AFC Championship game.
That starts with Rodgers, who will turn 41 this season and is returning from a major injury.
Rodgers knows the pressure is on for him to deliver.
If he doesn’t and the Jets fail to make the playoffs, the 2025 team surely will look much different, and head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas could be replaced.
“I think if I don’t do what I’m capable of doing, we’re all probably going to be out of here,” Rodgers said. “I like that kind of pressure though. It’s a tough market to play in. It’s not for everybody.”
Robert Saleh (l.), pictured with owner Woody Johnson, and the Jets are facing additional pressure to win this season. Bill Kostroun for the NY Post
Rodgers is attempting to do something unprecedented.
No quarterback has ever returned from an Achilles tear at 40 years old.
When this was pointed out to him this spring, Rodgers said, “Good.”
So how much does this motivate him?
“More, now that you mentioned that,” Rodgers said. “So, thank you for that.”
Smith is the biggest name among the newcomers, but the 33-year-old comes with age and injury questions.
He has not played a full season since 2015, but if he can stay on the field, he could drastically improve an offensive line that struggled mightily last season.
“I’ve been a fan of his for a long time,” Rodgers said. “He’s a Hall of Fame player.”
The Jets have a solid core of young players led by Wilson and Hall on offense, and Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams on defense.
Wilson has excelled in his first two seasons despite playing with a revolving cast at quarterback.
“He’s got all the makings of a star receiver,” Rodgers said. “We feel like if we can both stay healthy that we can accomplish a lot this year. But it’s going to be important we communicate.”
Garrett Wilson excelled during his first two seasons with the Jets. Bill Kostroun for the NY Post
The defense has finished in the top five in each of the past two seasons and does not expect to have a dropoff.
The biggest question for them entering training camp is whether edge rusher Haason Reddick, who came over in a trade with the Eagles, will report.
The Jets are optimistic Reddick will be there Tuesday.
He faces fines if he does not.
The 2024 season really begins this week with training camp.
The Jets open the season Sept. 9 on “Monday Night Football” against the 49ers.
The goals are clear for a team with high expectations.
“Winning games and winning in the playoffs,” Wilson said. “I’m confident that we do that. … We’re going to score points, and I’ll have something to do with it. We all will, so I’m excited.”
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