The Jets persist in making headlines, and unfortunately, they are often for the wrong reasons.
The saga of the 2023 New York Jets can be encapsulated in two poignant moments: the optimistic start led by flag-waving Aaron Rodgers at MetLife Stadium’s opener and, moments later, the crushing blow when the presumed franchise savior was assisted off the field with a season-ending Achilles injury.
However, a recent report by The Athletic, based on insights from 30 sources within and around the team, sheds light on deeper issues that further derailed the Jets’ season without Rodgers at the helm.
Describing the Jets as a rudderless ship, the report unveils a power dynamic where Rodgers operates as the de facto general manager, overshadowing the actual GM, Joe Douglas. The quarterback’s hand-picked offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett, is accused of losing players’ trust.
Head coach Robert Saleh is portrayed as being fixated on negative press, publicly defending backup quarterback Zach Wilson while allegedly blaming Rodgers’ backup privately for the team’s struggles.
RELATED: Joe Burrow Allegedly Spotted Out to Dinner With Aaron Rodgers
Anonymous sources, including coaches and players, express concerns about a toxic atmosphere within the team that resorted to excuse-making throughout the season. Hackett, accused of inadequate preparation following Rodgers’ injury, is criticized for failing to adjust the game plan and continuing as if he still had the four-time MVP at his disposal.
The pervasive sentiment around the Jets’ facility, as revealed in the report, is captured by the phrase “That’s what Aaron wants,” highlighting Rodgers’ influence on decision-making, even to the extent of dictating play calls during training camp.
‘It’s just such a f***ing mess,’ one Jets coach told The Athletic. ‘Something has to change.’
Saleh’s hands-off approach to the offense is noted, with his primary concerns reportedly limited to Wilson. The report suggests Wilson’s reluctance to return to the starting lineup, fearing injury behind a depleted offensive line, leaked to the press. Saleh’s media paranoia intensified as he sought to identify the source, even threatening the team to reveal the information.
Concerns about media coverage were exacerbated by owner Woody Johnson, who closely followed tabloids and social media comments, relaying his worries to Saleh. The report suggests Saleh’s fear of being perceived like Vic Fangio, whose head-coaching stint with the Broncos was marred by a lackluster offense, fueled his obsession with media scrutiny.
While Douglas is relatively spared in the report, the prevailing perception is that Rodgers is calling the shots in the organization. The Jets’ efforts to accommodate Rodgers before the season included acquiring Hackett, as well as several former Green Bay players. Despite Rodgers’ desire for additional acquisitions, the Jets did not secure left tackle David Bakhtiari and tight end Marcedes Lewis from Green Bay.
As the team heads into 2024, Saleh is reportedly considering additions to the offensive staff under Hackett. The report concludes by highlighting the Jets’ 31st-ranked offense as the primary culprit for the disastrous 2023 season, emphasizing the need for adjustments and improvements. Receiver Garrett Wilson articulates the sentiment, stating that the team must find solutions to counter opponents and put points on the board to avoid a repeat of the challenging seasons.
It appears that Aaron Rodgers will face a considerable challenge in the upcoming season.
