Table of Contents
The New York Jets’ season so far can be described as underwhelming, yet they still find themselves on the cusp of leading the AFC East. After five games into the 2024 NFL season, the Jets are sitting at 2-3, and despite their struggles, a win against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night could propel them into first place in the division. That, in itself, is quite remarkable considering the turbulence the team has endured both on and off the field.
The most significant shake-up came after Week 5 when Jets owner Woody Johnson decided to part ways with head coach Robert Saleh. Johnson appointed defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as the interim head coach, signaling that a major overhaul was needed if the Jets were to salvage their season. Ulbrich wasted no time making changes, notably stripping offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of his play-calling duties and handing that responsibility to quarterbacks coach Todd Downing.
With these changes in leadership, the Jets are hoping to steer their season in a positive direction. However, it remains to be seen whether these adjustments will bring about real change or if it’s simply an attempt to mask deeper issues. Much of the Jets’ offensive game plan has revolved around quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whose presence has been a double-edged sword for the team.
Will Buffalo’s Offense Regain Its Form?
The Buffalo Bills, on the other hand, have had a somewhat smoother start to their season, but recent cracks are beginning to show. After winning three consecutive games, the Bills have dropped their last two and are looking to stop the bleeding. Some have speculated that Buffalo’s strong start was bolstered by a relatively weak schedule, with victories over the Cardinals, Dolphins, and Jaguars — all teams currently sitting below .500 with a combined record of 5-12.
Despite those wins, concerns have emerged about Buffalo’s offense, particularly regarding quarterback Josh Allen’s consistency. Allen struggled mightily in last week’s loss to the Houston Texans, completing just 9 of 30 passes for 131 yards. Miscommunication with his receivers was apparent, and Allen currently has the fourth-highest percentage of “bad throws” in the league at 19.5%. To compound matters, Buffalo receivers have the second-highest drop rate per attempt at 7.8%. In short, the Bills’ passing game is faltering.
The challenge doesn’t get any easier for the Bills, especially with a daunting matchup against a Jets secondary that ranks first in the league in pass coverage, according to Pro Football Focus, with an elite 86.5 grade. If Allen and his receivers don’t iron out their issues, Buffalo could be staring down the barrel of a third straight defeat.
Boost your game with our NFL Betting Tips & Tricks for winning strategies this season!
The Aaron Rodgers Factor in the Jets’ Dysfunction
It’s impossible to analyze the Jets’ season without addressing the influence of Aaron Rodgers. Acquiring the Hall of Fame quarterback in the offseason was supposed to be the game-changing move that elevated the Jets to contender status. However, it has also led to the team bending over backward to accommodate Rodgers at nearly every turn. Even before Rodgers suited up in a Jets uniform, head coach Robert Saleh brought in Nathaniel Hackett, Rodgers’ former offensive coordinator in Green Bay, in what many viewed as an effort to appease the star quarterback.
Rodgers’ sway over the organization didn’t stop there. His influence was reportedly a factor in the Jets signing wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, two of his former teammates with the Packers. Cobb, in particular, is well past his prime and hasn’t made much of an impact on the field, but his relationship with Rodgers earned him a spot on the roster. These moves have led some to question whether Rodgers is calling the shots behind the scenes — a notion supported by reports that Rodgers personally reached out to Jets owner Woody Johnson after hearing rumblings that Hackett might be fired.
Though Rodgers may have played a role in staving off Hackett’s dismissal earlier in the season, even he couldn’t prevent the inevitable. Hackett was demoted following the Jets’ 2-3 start, and Downing has now been tasked with revitalizing a struggling offense. So far, Downing has focused on emphasizing the Jets’ running game, which has shown flashes of potential but hasn’t been consistent.
“First of all, this team does have a strong run game. We just haven’t seen it come to fruition consistently enough,” Downing said in his first press conference after the change. “Secondly, I think there become times where you can find people pressing a little bit because there’s an expectation for production and when it’s not met, you can feel a sense of urgency.”
Conspicuously absent from Downing’s remarks was any mention of Aaron Rodgers, whose performance has been less than stellar. Rodgers currently ranks 25th in the league in Total QBR, and unless Downing can find a way to introduce meaningful changes to the offense, the Jets’ woes are likely to continue.
Maximize your payouts with our Parlay Betting Guide: Strategy and Tips!
Looking Ahead: More of the Same or a Turning Point?
The big question heading into Monday night’s matchup with the Bills is whether these coaching changes will breathe new life into the Jets’ offense. Historically, interim head coaches have had varying levels of success, but turning around a sluggish offense midseason is no easy task. Much of the Jets’ hopes will rest on whether Todd Downing can craft a more effective game plan that minimizes the offense’s reliance on Rodgers and maximizes their talented running back duo.
For the Bills, the task at hand is equally challenging. They’ll need to fix their passing game issues quickly if they want to avoid a third straight loss. Allen’s chemistry with his receivers must improve, and the team has to cut down on the mistakes that have plagued them over the past two weeks.
This game could be pivotal for both teams, as the AFC East is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in football this year. A win for the Jets would not only boost their standing but could serve as validation that their midseason changes were the right call. For the Bills, getting back on track with a victory could restore confidence in a team that, not long ago, was considered a Super Bowl contender.
In what could be a low-scoring, defensive battle, it’s worth noting that both offenses are facing significant challenges. For bettors, the most prudent move might be to take the under on the total points, which currently stands at 41 (-110 at BetMGM).
Both teams have the talent to win, but the outcome will hinge on which offense can make the necessary adjustments and execute under pressure.