4 nightmare scenarios for NY Jets in 2024

The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Said another way, same ole Jets. The NFL season is one filled with best-case and worst-case case scenarios, and more than any other franchise the NY Jets have often found the worst-case scenario to be the reality.

Whether it's a crucial injury, an underperforming player, or a bad offseason move coming back to bite them any NFL team can see a big dropoff from expectations to actual outcomes. Jets fans are more accustomed than most to this, which explains why so many in the fan base are ever pessimistic.

We've already discussed four dream scenarios for the Jets in 2024, now it's time to look at four nightmare scenarios that could plague the team. Some of these will be the inverse of the best possible outcomes while others are new threats to the team's success.

1. NY Jets QB Aaron Rodgers misses extended time due to injury

Last season, the Jets saw their Super Bowl aspirations go up in smoke as after just four plays they handed the reigns over to an all-time draft bust in Zach Wilson and NFL nomads Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian.

This offseason general manager Joe Douglas righted that wrong by signing veteran backup QB Tyrod Taylor. Taylor is an above-average backup quarterback, capable of holding down the fort for a few games without things going off the rails.

However, if Taylor is pressed into extended action, it will become clear why he never made it as a starter in the league.

The Jets don't need Aaron Rodgers in his peak form. They don't need MVP-caliber play from their franchise signal caller in order to finish the year hoisting the Lombardi trophy. But what they do need is for him to be healthy and running an efficient offense under center.

Not only is quarterback one of the most important positions in all of sports, but Rodgers also serves as a pseudo-coach on the field. His knowledge of the offensive scheme, ability to read defenses, and freedom to override play calls from much-maligned offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett are crucial to keeping the offense on schedule.

If Rodgers just plays like an above-average QB, the Jets will be in good shape. Even with the uncertainty around his performance due to age and coming off a serious injury, that seems like a good bet.

The key word there, however, is play, and if Rodgers can't stay on the field the Jets will find themselves mired in mediocrity once again.