5 things to watch as Jets face 49ers in Week 1 of 2024 NFL season

The Jets open their season with one of their toughest tests of the season as they face the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.

San Francisco lost just three games at home last year, two of which were after they had already clinched a playoff berth. However, New York will be eager to get the 2024 season off to a good start.

Here are some of the biggest stories to watch as the Jets get their regular season campaign underway:

The dawning of the Aaron Rodgers era: Take Two

Last year’s season opener was supposed to mark the start of a new era for Jets football, but Rodgers’ injury on the fourth offensive snap signified that the franchise hadn’t quite put the “Same Old Jets” moniker behind them yet.

We now find ourselves back in the same situation, with Rodgers one year older and returning to action with a surgically repaired Achilles tendon. Is Rodgers still capable of playing like he did in his Packers days? If he is, this could elevate the Jets into contention.

The Jets have added offensive playmakers, bolstered their offensive line depth and have a quarterback, front office and coaching staff that are all on the same page with the season about to get underway. Although Rodgers’ talent is undeniable, his experience, smarts and composure may be even more valuable to a Jets’ team that has been held back by substandard quarterback play for several years.

Will the Jets be able to create pressure without Haason Reddick?

The other big story all offseason was whether Reddick’s holdout would continue into the regular season, and it is now clear that they will need to begin the year without him. In addition, they’ll be facing a team boasting one of the best blindside pass protectors in the NFL in Trent Williams and capable of mitigating pressure through their quick passing game.

The Jets, who also lost John Franklin-Myers and Bryce Huff in the offseason, still have confidence that their pass rush can get home with pro bowlers Jermaine Johnson


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/5-things-watch-jets-face-140000527.html

Author : SNY

Publish date : 2024-09-07 14:00:00

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