AN ERA YET TO BEGIN
Aaron Rodgers' 2023 season ends after just three snaps with his new team. The future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback suffered a worse-case-scenario Achilles tear on the Jets' first drive against the Bills during their Monday Night Football matchup. The former four-time MVP will turn 40 years of age before the 2023 season concludes, leaving the remainder of his professional career in question.
The Jets will operate with third-year quarterback and former first-round draft pick Zach Wilson under center. The organization is also currently in talks with potential free-agent veteran suitors who could step in to replace Rodgers as they hope to remain competitive.
Regardless of the course of action, the Jets' offense will be heavily affected by the loss of a perennial Pro Bowl talent under center. Let’s take a look at the state of the Jets franchise and how the loss of Rodgers affects the weapons in question.
STATE OF THE FRANCHISE: NEW YORK JETS
Zach Wilson
The Jets' lack of trust in Zach Wilson is grossly apparent. The entire projected offensive philosophy of the team will change should the third-year quarterback remain as the leading signal-caller. If Wilson is slinging the rock, expect fewer pass attempts with inconsistent efficiency. You can lower the floor and cap the ceiling of every pass-catcher on the Jets offense until we see any semblance of competent quarterback play out of Wilson.
Veteran QB Replacement
There is no shortage of rumors surrounding the Jets' next possible option at quarterback. Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, Matt Ryan, Carson Wentz, and even Tom Brady have been mentioned in the same breath as the next player to save the Jets franchise. Unfortunately, no available option will be able to replace the Super Bowl hopes that were once bestowed upon Rodgers' arrival. Any future additions to the position are likely a menial upgrade over the erratic Wilson.
Garrett Wilson
Garrett Wilson’s projected superstar sophomore breakout may come to a halt before it begins. The second-year wideout encouragingly caught the Jets' only passing touchdown in Week 1 but managed just five receptions on five total targets for 34 yards as the Jets immediately elected to go into clock-control mode without Rodgers. The team attempted just 21 passes once their starting quarterback went down. Wilson’s talent can certainly buoy a few low-volume game scripts but the ceiling that was suggested by his top 15 ADP has completely crumbled without a star quarterback delivering passes.
Allen Lazard
Allen Lazard was acquired in a 4-year $44M signing as a personal request via Aaron Rodgers. Lazard’s career-long connection with the future Hall of Famer is now a moot point as the long-time Packers wideout will contest for targets as the number two option behind Garrett Wilson. A massive decrease in target value from a receiver like Lazard, who has never been a high-volume option, could be a death knell to fantasy value.
Breece Hall
Breece Hall smashed through the Bills defense in Week 1, picking up right where he left off despite a season-ending ACL tear in 2022. Hall may be the least affected member of the Jets offense when projecting their new outlook for the 2023 season. The Jets' second-year running back was on a limited snap count in his first game back but managed to pile up 127 rushing yards on just 10 carries while adding a 20-yard reception as well. Hall could see increased targets with a new starter under center as inexperience often leads to a lower level aDOT from quarterbacks. Furthermore, Hall isn’t even playing at full capacity, suggesting his ceiling with increased opportunity and a clean bill of health is that of an RB1 overall candidate. Hall is the only member of the Jets offense that should not be discounted until his on-field play dictates otherwise.
Much respect, thank you for reading. If you have any continued thoughts and would like to share, I am always available for an open conversation on Twitter: @PsychWardFF or Instagram: @psychwardff.
You can find my other works as the Lead Writer and DOC at Broto Fantasy Football.
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By Matt Ward
For a second straight season, I am betting against Mahomes.