New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Analyst believes Jets can win AFC East, and not because of Aaron Rodgers

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 4/10/24

After revamping their offensive line and adding some pieces defensively, the New York Jets, with a healthy Aaron Rodgers, could be a dark-horse playoff contender in the AFC.

However, NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger doesn’t just think they could compete for a playoff spot, he has the Jets beating out the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins, who both went 11-6 last year, for the AFC East crown.

“I’m all-in on the Jets,” Baldinger said. “I was last year too until four plays into the opening game. As much as we want to focus on Aaron Rodgers, the defense might be the best in the league. … I like them to win the division, I like them to do a lot of damage in the AFC.”

To Baldinger’s point, the Jets had the No. 3-ranked defense in the NFL last season, so finishing 2024 with the top-ranked defense is actually quite doable.

New York allowed the second-fewest passing yards per game (168.3) and fourth-fewest touchdown passes (19), and it finished seventh in sacks (48) and eighth in interceptions (17).

The team added edge-rusher Haason Reddick, who totaled 68 pressures, 42 hurries and 11 sacks in 2023. It also beefed up its defensive line with defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu and bolstered its secondary with cornerback Isaiah Oliver.

The team added edge-rusher Haason Reddick and beefed up its defensive line with defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu. Photo via X (The33rdTeamFB)

“They have loaded up. When you trade for Haason Reddick, add Javon Kinlaw, bring back Solomon Thomas — they’re eight deep — to go with Jermaine Johnson, Will McDonald in his second year, and of course, Quinnen Williams and John Franklin-Myers," Baldinger added.

“That group up front is going to get after the quarterback. It’s a pack of hungry wolves; there is no other way to describe it. Then you put C.J. Moseley, and Quincy Williams and Sauce (Gardner) and D.J. (Reed) and what they have outside, this defense should carry this team.”

On paper, the Jets appear to have one of the better defenses when it comes to getting after the passer.

If that holds true, Rodgers and the offense, which has a revamped line with tackles Tyron Smith (free agent) and Morgan Moses (trade) and guard John Simpson (free agent), plus a premier No. 2 receiver in Mike Williams, should put up enough points to at least keep the Jets in and probably win most games.

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