The Post Aaron Rodgers/NY Jets Era Has Begun: 42:28
Segment 1: Quick Review of the 2024-25 Jets Season (Starts at 0:30)
- Disappointing 5-12 finish; hard to believe former QB Zach Wilson led the team to more wins than future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers
- Opportunities Squandered:
- Rodgers had the most dropped passes in the NFL (36)
- Jets led the league with 6 blown 4th quarter leads
- Team was 3-7 in one-score games
- Missed FGs and PATs led to losses
- Fired Head Coach Robert Saleh after 5 games, did not provide the intended spark
- Longest playoff drought in professional sports (14 seasons) in North America continues; one key constant over that span
- Defense (porous run defense, few turnovers generated) and special teams both regressed
- Only one way but up???
Segment 2: A Recap of the Busy Off-Season including the Hiring of a New Head Coach and GM, in that order (7:57)
- Cautious optimism around new Head Coach Aaron Glenn, former Jets first round pick and quality cornerback, experienced major turnaround under tutelage of Bill Parcells from 1-15 team; spent last 4 seasons as Lions defensive coordinator, part of coaching staff building a winner in Detroit
- Pattern of hiring head coaches and GMs with no previous NFL experience in those roles continues; ditto with the offensive coordinator selection
- First big decision made: Aaron Rodgers' future; threw for close to 3,900 yards and 28 TDs, both third-best single season performances in franchise history; massive salary cap hit over next 2 seasons
- Addition of Packers OL Josh Myers (who played with new QB Justin Fields at Ohio State) to provide flexibility and movement along the offensive line?
Segment 3: Initial Thoughts on the First Wave of Free Agent Signings (18:45)
- The Justin Fields era begins: 2 years and $40M, $30M guaranteed; gives indication of offensive philosophy; can the new coaching staff maximize his talent given Jets' history on not being able to develop young quarterbacks?
- Commentary on the 10+ free agents signed (to 1-year deals), strategy: focus on young talent with upside and for roster depth
Segment 4: Needs Going into the NFL Draft Next Month (28:00)
- Top needs going into the draft: OL, DL, WR, TE, CB
- Strong nucleus of young talent: can it be developed and converted into wins?
- Intriguing options with the No. 7 overall selection in round one: edge rusher? Offensive lineman to replace RT Morgan Moses? Playmaker/weapons for the new QB...Penn State TE Tyler Warren, who set a number of Nittany Lion and Big 10 records last season? A QB???
- Signs the new leadership team is demonstrating progress: more wins, Justin Fields showing he can be a franchise QB/2025 version of Sam Darnold; increased discipline (fewer mental mistakes and penalties); strong in-game clock management; building a winning culture
