NY Jets First Quarter Awards: MVP, LVP, MIP, Rookie of the Year

The NY Jets are 2-2, but they don't have a ton of momentum right now. The two teams they have beaten, the Titans and Patriots, have a combined 2-6 record. Mixed in between those wins are a blowout loss against the 49ers and a brutal 10-9 defeat to the lowly Denver Broncos at home.

Aaron Rodgers and a defense that still ranks as one of the best in the league will be enough to keep the Jets competitive. Still, it's worth taking a look at which parts of Robert Saleh's machine are operating at peak efficiency and which ones need a big can of WD-40 to grease things up.

With Rodgers' big comeback nearly one-quarter in the books, which players have lived up to billing this season? Which ones need to start improving if they want to keep New York's postseason hopes alive?

Jets First Quarter Awards: Who is MVP, LVP?

MVP: Aaron Rodgers

The only reason the Jets are still breathing is the fact Aaron Rodgers looks good. The 40-year-old QB has five touchdown passes and just one interception (which wasn't his fault) and is an unfathomable upgrade over Zach Wilson. Rodgers will give the Jets a fighting chance to make some noise in the postseason.

LVP: Haason Reddick

Micheal Clemons has struggled, and Breece Hall is barely over 3.0 yards per carry, but at least they've done something this year. Haason Reddick is committed to stupefyingly losing money, as he is now $9 million in the hole while seeking a trade or long-term contract that will never come. What a masterclass in misreading the market this was.

MIP: Allen Lazard

Allen Lazard may have been the worst receiver in the league last year, but he has been one of the Jets' most effective weapons with Rodgers back. After amassing just 311 yards and one touchdown catch last season, Lazard already has 206 yards and three touchdowns after four games this year. While by no means elite, Lazard looks like the player he was in Green Bay.

ROY: Braelon Allen

With Olu Fashanu working through a position change and wide receiver Malachi Corley in the Springfield Mystery Spot, Braelon Allen has emerged as not only a contributor but a vital part of the offense. Allen is averaging just under 50 yards from scrimmage as a backup running back, showcasing a very violent and aggressive style of toting the rock.

Best Newcomer: John Simpson

With Tyron Smith fresh off a tough game against Denver, John Simpson has been one of the best offensive line signings of the 2024 offseason. Grading out as a quality road-grader, Simpson has helped add a degree of toughness to an offensive line that was pushed around often last year.

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