As the New York Jets reach the midpoint of the 2024 NFL season, their performance has been less than stellar, marked by a 3-7 record after a heavy Week 10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, 31-6. This defeat exacerbates the team's struggles, as they remain the only NFL team that has not scored at least 25 points in any game this season. The game against the Cardinals highlighted familiar issues within the team, both offensively and defensively, raising questions about their ability to turn the season around.
Offensive Struggles
The Jets' offense continued to flounder, managing only 207 yards against Arizona. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a key acquisition expected to invigorate the offense, threw for 151 yards. His passing metrics were notably underwhelming, averaging just 4.3 yards per attempt—his third-lowest rate in a game with at least 15 pass attempts. Such statistics cast a shadow over the former MVP's season, during which he averages 225.8 passing yards per game and holds a passer rating of 86.8.
Even Rodgers' partnership with wide receiver Davante Adams did little to boost the offense. Adams, targeted 13 times, managed only 31 receiving yards. The disconnection between Rodgers and Adams, both highly regarded stars, is emblematic of the offensive unit's broader issues. Reflecting on their struggles, Rodgers seemed resigned, stating, "Not really, not for the negative, no. Not really," when asked if the team could take positives from recent performances.
Defensive Challenges
The defensive side of the ball has been equally troubling for the Jets. The Cardinals' offense thrived, accumulating 7.1 yards per play and securing 28 first downs. In a league increasingly defined by high-octane offenses, the Jets' defense has not risen to the challenge, contributing to their negative expected points added per play rating of -0.07.
With their defensive frailties exposed again, the Jets find themselves two games behind the Denver Broncos for the AFC's seventh playoff spot. Cumulatively, these deficiencies have consigned the Jets to an average of just 17 points per game, a statistic that stands as a testament to their inefficacy on both sides of the ball.
Pressures of the Past and Present
For Rodgers, the season has been particularly tumultuous. Having overcome an Achilles tear in 2023, expectations were high for his ability to leap back to top form and galvanize the Jets into playoff contention. However, his game against the Cardinals starkly contrasted the hopes pinned on him. Rodgers offered a hint of muted optimism, cryptically stating, "I think so, yeah," when queried about the potential for a better second half of the season.
The Jets' current plight requires introspection and perhaps systemic adjustments. With Rodgers at the helm, there persists a wary optimism that their condition is temporary rather than terminal. Yet, until tangible improvements are evident on the scoreboard and in the standings, their aspirations remain distant.
In the unforgiving spotlight of New York's demanding fan base and media, the Jets must navigate this juncture of their season with urgency and resolve. Their journey through the remainder of the season will decide whether they can salvage what remains of the 2024 campaign or if another year will slip into the annals of disappointment.