Biggest Storylines Going into Jets Training Camp
Following a disappointing season, the New York Jets once again prepare for training camp with high ambitions headed into the 2024-25 season. Last year, after new additions to the team, a feature on Hard Knocks, and a Monday Night home opener to kick off the year, it was nothing but a downhill slide for this Jets team. Finishing with a 7-10 record, the Jets fell short of many expectations, but once again look to make noise. New York's one chance at doing that lies in the hands of a 40-year-old quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.
After a long-awaited time, all eyes are back on the four-time MVP to fly the plane. Coming off a torn Achilles and an unexcused absence at OTAs, Rodgers has Jets fans and the NFL world wondering what version of him will be seen. With a Jets roster that is well-rounded and talented, the team has positioned themselves to be one good quarterback away from breaking a 13-year playoff drought. If what they are given is a ready-to-go Aaron Rodgers, both physically and mentally, the Jets once again have a new life.
In order for Rodgers to play at the highest level, the Jets have focused on improving the offensive line over the offseason, which was a major sore spot last season. The training camp spotlight will be on newcomer and veteran Tyron Smith to turn it around. The Jets will lean heavily on the eight-time Pro-Bowler to make a difference in protecting their most important piece in quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Many parts of the line will need to step up, so the performances of rookie Olu Fashanu and a healthy Alijah Vera-Tucker will be watched closely. Being the offensive line for a 40-year-old quarterback fresh off a season-ending injury takes major priority and will undoubtedly be a point of emphasis in camp.
With a healthy Rodgers and offensive line, this opens the opportunity for some of the Jets’ bright spots on the offensive to shine. Many headlines should come around the skillsets of Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, two young stars on the Jets roster. Having Hall behind an improved offensive line, with Rodgers calling the shots, and several months of extra recovery from a torn ACL in 2022 should be a show to watch. The same goes for Wilson, as the connection between him and Rodgers has not yet been put on full display. Soon to be lined up with Mike Williams on the end of the field, the two receivers look to make a dangerous duo once Williams is fully recovered from a torn ACL.
On the other side of the field, the Jets’ defense does not have many areas that have fans worrying. If there was news to focus on, it would mainly surround the appearance of Haason Reddick, the recently acquired edge rusher that should make the defense that much scarier to go against. With contract negotiations up in the air, it would be a great sign for this Jets team if Reddick were to be available for training camp. Besides a Reddick sighting, it will be important to see who fills the void of safety Jordan Whitehead for New York, being the only defensive position up for grabs. Apart from that, there’s no doubt that the main concerns for this Jets team come on the offensive side of the ball. Iron sharpens iron, however, so the matchups between the offensive and defensive line, and Garrett Wilson versus Sauce Gardner on the outside will make for a great show to get the people talking at training camp.
