'Super Bowl Window' Open for Jets, But How Long?
Can a window close before it actually opens?
The New York Jets were on the cusp of contention last year, but lacked the consistent quarterback play needed for a postseason pursuit.
With the NFL's fourth-ranked defense and young exciting offensive playmakers in place, the Jets opened a "Super Bowl window" by acquiring four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to take the reins.
Sports Illustrated national writer Gilberto Manzano recognizes Gang Green as a serious player in the ultra-competitive AFC, but questions how long Robert Saleh's team can maintain that status. Manzano listed the Jets as one of "11 teams with Super Bowl windows that might be on the verge of closing after the 2023 season."
Placing the "window-closing" teams in rank order, the Jets appeared at No. 2 overall on a list headlined by the San Francisco 49ers. The Philadelphia Eagles owned the No. 3 slot followed by the No. 4 Buffalo Bills.
From "49ers, Eagles Among 11 NFL Teams With Closing Super Bowl Windows":
2. New York Jets
After lengthy trade negotiations, the Jets finally acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers from Green Bay and created a one- to two-year window to end the organization’s Super Bowl title drought of more than five decades.
Rodgers is coming off a down season for his lofty standards, but he dealt with injuries and had an inexperienced supporting cast because the Packers traded star wideout Davante Adams to the Raiders. Now Rodgers will throw to rising star wide receiver Garrett Wilson and will have the luxury of playing with a standout defense featuring shutdown cornerback Sauce Gardner.
There’s plenty of unknown with the Jets because Robert Saleh has plenty to prove as a head coach, and the franchise hasn’t made the postseason since 2010 when Mark Sanchez was the starting quarterback. Also, Rodgers has plenty to prove because he’s regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and has only one Super Bowl title. The Jets, however, have gone down this road before during a dreadful ’08 season with Brett Favre.
But Tom Brady proved in Tampa Bay, and so did Matthew Stafford with the Rams, that sometimes a fresh start is needed to reach the mountaintop. But Rodgers is entering his age-40 season, and the Jets will need to make the most of his presence this season.
— Gilbert Manzano
The Jets have young studs Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson and Quinnen Williams all locked up together for the next four years and they'll be viewed as legitimate contenders as long as Rodgers is taking the snaps.
The 39-year-old Rodgers, who admitted to being nearly 90 percent retired early in the offseason, appears rejuvenated and reenergized since joining the Green & White. Rodgers is known to take proper care of his body through stringent nutritional and physical regimens. Don't forget, Tom Brady played until age 45 and won a Super Bowl as a 43-year-old.
Regardless of how long it remains that way, the Jets' window is wide open in 2023 and the oddsmakers have confirmed that notion. Gang Green has jumped over the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots on the AFC East wagering odds board.
Listed as the top threat to the reigning three-time division winner Buffalo Bills (+125), the Jets (+225) are a 9:4 proposition to finish in first place.
When it comes to winning it all, only five NFL teams are more heavily favored than the Jets in the race for the Super LVIII trophy according to SI Sportsbook. Gang Green (+1400) is tied with the Dallas Cowboys as the sixth most-likely team to win the world championship.
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