The Jets open their season with one of their toughest tests of the season as they take on NFC champion San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.
San Francisco lost just three games at home last year, two of which came after they had already secured a playoff spot, but New York will be eager to start the 2024 season strong.
Here are some of the key stories to watch as the Jets begin their regular season:
The Beginning of the Aaron Rodgers Era: Take Two
Last year’s season opener was supposed to mark the start of a new era for Jets football, but Rodgers’ injury on the fourth snap meant the franchise had yet to completely shed the “Same Old Jets” nickname.
We’re in the same situation again now, with Rodgers a year older and returning to action with a surgically repaired Achilles tendon. Can Rodgers still play like he did in his Packers days? If so, it could put the Jets in contention.
The Jets have added offensive playmakers, bolstered their offensive line and have a quarterback, front office and coaching staff that are all on the same page as the season approaches. While Rodgers’ talent is undeniable, his experience, intelligence and composure may be even more valuable to a Jets team that has been held back by subpar quarterback play for years.
Can the Jets apply pressure without Haason Reddick?
The other big story during the offseason was whether Reddick’s holdout would carry over into the regular season, and it’s now clear they’ll be starting the year without him. What’s more, they’ll be facing a team that boasts one of the best blindside pass protectors in the NFL in Trent Williams and be able to relieve pressure through their quick passing game.
The Jets, who also lost John Franklin-Myers And Bryce Huff in the off-season they still have confidence that their pass rush can come home to the pro bowlers Jermaine Johnson And Quinnen Williams leading. They may expect higher contributions from Michael Clemons And Will McDonald and some extra depth through recent addition Takk McKinleyalthough.
Can the defense slow down the 49ers’ offensive weapons?
The 49ers are a team with one of the best collections of offensive weapons in the league. Running back Christian McCaffreytight end George Kittel and wide receivers Deebo Samuel And Brandon Aiyuk are all capable of playing an important match on Monday evening.
McCaffrey has been limited with a calf/Achilles injury during the offseason and Aiyuk is just coming off a long holdout, so this group may not be at full strength. Still, there are plenty of playmaking options at quarterback Brock Purdy to aim.
The Jets’ trio of cornerbacks – DJ Reed, Gardner’s sauce and the recently expanded Michael Carter II – will play a key role, but the Jets may also need players like CJ Mosley And Chuck Clark to cover McCaffrey and Kittle. In addition, everyone must tackle effectively, because this is a team that can do damage with yards after the catch.
Which team will be most successful with the ball?
The 49ers had the NFL’s third-best running game in 2023, while the Jets ranked just 25th in run defense. Even if McCaffrey is limited, this could be a mismatch in San Francisco’s favor, especially if they want to run behind the formidable Williams. The Jets, however, will hope to be more solid up front with the 320-pounder Javon Kinlaw included in the starting line-up.
Last season the Jets’ running game was poor, although Breece Hall overcame the inconsistency on the offensive line to rack up 994 rushing yards. They hope the additions of Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses And John Simpson on the attacking line, along with the return of Alijah Vera-Tucker due to an injury, giving Hall more playing time in 2024.
Should the Jets be concerned about Greg Zuerlein?
Veteran kicker Zuerlein has proven reliable in his two seasons with the Jets, but it was a concern when he missed two field goals in the last practice game.
Zuerlein played well in pre-season, but his most recent struggles could be cause for concern. This could be a close match that will remain exciting until the end, so Zuerlein needs to be flawless rather than worrying about his confidence or making technical corrections.
