The New York Jets 2024 season was supposed to be a coronation. Honestly, if you scrolled through NFL Twitter back in August, the script was already written: Aaron Rodgers returns from the Achilles tear, the defense suffocates everyone, and the longest playoff drought in North American sports finally ends.
Instead? We got a 5-12 train wreck.
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But here’s the thing: everyone wants to point to one single "moment" where it all fell apart. People love a simple narrative. Was it the Robert Saleh firing? Was it Rodgers being "washed"? Was it the Davante Adams trade being too little, too late? The truth is way messier and, frankly, more interesting than a single headline.
The Rodgers Paradox: Stats vs. Reality
If you just look at the box scores, you might think Aaron Rodgers had a decent year. He threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns—numbers that actually rank in the top three for any quarterback in Jets history. Seriously. That’s how bleak the history of this franchise has been. He played all 17 games. His legs looked surprisingly "bouncy" in the season finale win against the Dolphins.
But stats are liars.
Basically, the offense was a slog. They finished 24th in the league in scoring, averaging a measly 19.9 points per game. Rodgers’ passing plus-minus was a staggering -30.5, the fourth-worst mark tracked since 2006. He wasn’t just missing throws; he was fundamentally out of sync with his weapons. Whether it was the "cadence" issues that Saleh complained about before getting the boot, or the fact that Rodgers had a negative Completion Percentage Over Expected (CPOE) to every single receiver he targeted, the "efficiency" just wasn't there.
He looked hesitant. He looked like a 41-year-old coming off a major injury who didn't trust his protection. And let’s be real—the protection wasn't great.
Why the Robert Saleh Firing Was the Turning Point (But Not How You Think)
When Woody Johnson fired Robert Saleh on October 8, 2024, the Jets were 2-3. They had just lost a close one to the Vikings in London. It felt like a panic move. It was a panic move. This was the first time in Woody’s tenure that he’d fired a coach mid-season, and it sent a shockwave through the locker room that they never recovered from.
Jeff Ulbrich took over as the interim, but the "new energy" Woody promised never materialized. The Jets went 3-9 under Ulbrich.
The Coaching Carousel
- Robert Saleh: Fired after Week 5 (2-3 record).
- Jeff Ulbrich: Finished the season 3-9.
- Nathaniel Hackett: Stayed on as OC despite the offense's historic struggles, largely because of his relationship with Rodgers.
- Joe Douglas: The GM was finally let go in November after a Week 11 loss to the Colts, replaced by Phil Savage.
The organization became a "walking contradiction." They were trying to win now but lacked the basic discipline to stop beating themselves. They were the most penalized team in the league over the 2023-2024 stretch. You can't win in the NFL when you're constantly facing 1st and 15 because of a false start.
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The One-Score Nightmare
If you want to know why the New York Jets 2024 season felt so agonizing, look at the "one-score" games. They went 3-7 in games decided by 8 points or less.
They had a fourth-quarter lead in six of their losses. Imagine that. Six times, the fans at MetLife Stadium or watching at home had a lead in the final frame, only to watch it evaporate. The Week 4 loss to Denver (9-10) was particularly soul-crushing, marked by five false starts and a missed field goal.
Then there was the Week 11 collapse against the Colts, where they lost 28-27. That was the game that finally cost Joe Douglas his job. It’s hard to build a winning culture when your "winning formula" involves finding new and creative ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Bright Spots in a Dark Year
It wasn't all garbage, though. Breece Hall is a superstar. Period. He eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing (1,065 to be exact) and was arguably the only consistent explosive threat on the roster. Garrett Wilson also had moments of brilliance, though his chemistry with Rodgers was "hit or miss" for much of the season.
Defensively, Will McDonald IV stepped up after Jermaine Johnson went down with an Achilles injury in Week 2. McDonald finished with 8 sacks, showing that the Jets' pass-rush factory still has some life in it. Jamien Sherwood also emerged as a tackling machine, leading the team with 154 total tackles.
The Rookie Class
- Olu Fashanu (OT): Drafted 11th overall. He was forced into action due to injuries and, while he had rookie growing pains, he showed the "fast feet" that scouts raved about at Penn State.
- Braelon Allen (RB): The 20-year-old "Agent Zero" became a fan favorite. His "truck-like" running style provided a perfect change of pace to Breece Hall, though the coaching staff strangely went away from him in key moments.
- Malachi Corley (WR): The "YAC King" didn't see the field nearly enough. His lack of usage was one of the biggest mysteries of the Nathaniel Hackett era.
The Davante Adams Trade: Too Little, Too Late?
The Jets finally pulled the trigger on the Davante Adams trade in mid-October. They sent a conditional third-round pick to the Raiders to reunite Rodgers with his favorite target.
Did it help? Kinda.
Adams had some big games, like the 100-yard performance against the Bills, but by the time he arrived, the "vibes" were already cooked. The Jets were 2-4 when he joined and immediately lost three more games. The connection was there, but the offensive line was so porous that Rodgers rarely had time to let deep routes develop. It felt like buying a Ferrari when your house is on fire.
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What Really Happened with the Defense?
For years, the Jets' defense carried the team. In 2024, they were still "good," but they weren't "elite." They finished 3rd in total yards allowed but 20th in points against.
That gap is huge.
They would hold teams for three quarters, then break in the fourth. Part of that was fatigue—the offense went three-and-out so often that the defense was constantly on the field. But part of it was a lack of "takeaways." They were bottom-tier in the league in turnover margin (-19). You can't be a great defense if you aren't taking the ball away.
Actionable Insights for the 2025 Offseason
The New York Jets 2024 season is over, and now the franchise faces a total rebuild. If you're looking for what comes next, here is what the front office actually has to address:
- Hire a "Culture" Coach: No more "defensive gurus" who ignore the offense. The Jets need a CEO-style head coach who can hold Rodgers accountable and fix the penalty problem.
- The Rodgers Decision: Rodgers has a massive cap hit. Does he stay for one last ride, or do the Jets move on to a veteran like Sam Darnold (ironic, right?) or a high draft pick?
- Prioritize the "Cadence": If the offense is going to use Rodgers' hard count, they need players who don't flinch. The five false starts in one game were an embarrassment that shouldn't happen at the professional level.
- Build the Wall: Olu Fashanu is a start, but the interior of the line needs help. They need "nasty" blockers who can pave the way for Breece Hall on a consistent basis.
The 2024 season was a masterclass in how "on-paper" talent doesn't always translate to wins. It takes discipline, coaching, and a little bit of luck—three things the Jets haven't had in a long, long time.
Next Steps for Jets Fans:
Monitor the coaching search closely. The profile of the next head coach will tell you everything you need to know about whether the team is doubling down on the "Rodgers Era" or finally moving toward a post-Aaron future. Check the 2025 draft order; with a 5-12 record, the Jets will have another premium top-10 pick to potentially find their next franchise cornerstone.