Can Jets’ revamped O-line protect Aaron Rodgers? Why veteran QB is in position to thrive behind upgraded unit

What a difference a year makes. At this time last offseason we were talking about the Jets’ Super Bowl expectations with Aaron Rodgers. After he tore his Achilles on the fourth play of the 2023 NFL season, the conversation is more like: Can Rodgers even stay on the field in 2024?

The Jets’ overhauled offensive line will play a large role in making fans’ dreams a reality. Then maybe we can start talking about the Jets ending their long playoff drought, or even contending for a championship.

Their offensive line was in shambles last season after it was a big talking point in the offseason. The Jets had 13 different starters, the most in the league. They also ranked bottom five in pressures (280), hits (129) and sacks allowed (64). 

There’s no way the Jets can keep a 40-year Rodgers healthy coming off a torn Achilles with that type of O-line production. 

Jets offensive line last season

Different starters

13

Most

Sacks allowed

64

Tied for third most

Hits allowed

129

Third most

Pressures allowed

280

Fourth most

Some of those numbers will naturally come down with a quarterback like Rodgers, who gets rid of the ball quickly, as opposed to the Jets 2023 quarterback group. But this number is really telling, and shows that New York’s poor O-line numbers weren’t merely a product of quarterbacks holding onto the ball too long and inviting pressure. 

The Jets ranked 30th in ESPN’s pass block win rate metric last year. They use NFL Next Gen Stats technology to track how often a team’s offensive line holds up for 2.5 seconds, roughly the average time for a quarterback to pass. If even one pass rusher breaks through the line within that time frame it’s a loss for the offensive line. Well, the Jets pass rush win rate was 50%. It was a coin flip whether they’d hold up for their quarterback on any given play.

You can see why general manager Joe Douglas made it a priority to overhaul the group. Here’s what the Jets…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/can-jets-revamped-o-line-protect-aaron-rodgers-why-veteran-qb-is-in-position-to-thrive-behind-upgraded-unit/

Author : Douglas Clawson

Publish date : 2024-05-21 13:36:37

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