The big concern about the New York Jets is being highlighted by NBC Sports in their NFL power rankings.
In their late-June power rankings update, Pro Football Talk and Mike Florio have the Jets at No. 25 in the NFL. That puts the Jets third in the AFC East rankings with only the Patriots (No. 31) worse in the power rankings.
Their reason, according to Florio, is because “They’re counting on way too many injured veterans to stay healthy.”
And while Jets fans may not like the ranking, it is a valid concern expressed by Florio. Is the ranking a bit too low? Maybe. But the concern is there.
Consider that last year, quarterback Aaron Rodgers did not make it out of the first quarter of the first game of the year without suffering a season-ending injury and it is clear the risk here. The Jets are rolling the dice that Rodgers can and will make it through the regular season in 2024 relatively unscathed.
Given that Rodgers has had a remarkably healthy NFL career for much of his 19 years in the league, it is a reasonable gamble by the Jets to assume that their quarterback can make it through the season and perform at a high level.
But, it is still a risk and a gamble, one upon which the whole season invariably centers on for the Jets.
Last year without Rodgers, the Jets finished 7-10 and with the second worst offense in the NFL.