Unprecedented stretch of games set to test New York Jets’ resolve
The New York Jets are looking at anything but a soft landing to begin the 2024 season.
The Jets will play six prime-time games within their first 11 games of the season – a new NFL record.
the Jets are the FIRST team in NFL history to receive SIX PRIMETIME GAMES in the first 11 weeks of the season:
Week 1 at 49ers (MNF)
Week 3 vs Patriots (TNF)
Week 6 vs Bills (MNF)
Week 7 at Steelers (SNF)
Week 9 vs Texans (TNF)
Week 11 vs Colts (SNF)4 of the 6 are at home
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 15, 2024
If you add in a Week 5 game in London, that gives the Jets seven “standalone” games before their Week 12 bye. In other words, more often than not, the Jets will be playing the only game on TV at the time, leading to a massive national audience.
The Jets will also play three games in 11 days to begin the season, in addition to having short turnarounds for their Week 7 and Week 9 prime-time games.
While some of the prime-time opponents might not be the most difficult, the slew of prime-time games and short weeks could even the playing field. A key example is the New England Patriots; while they are set to be a rebuilding team, a short week and three games in 11 days could cause a closer game than expected at New York’s home opener.
New York cannot afford a slow start on either side of the ball and needs its additions to make an instant impact. Aaron Rodgers needs to get the offense rolling quickly, regardless of the opponent. The Jets’ defense must continue to play at the level it has established itself at over the past two seasons.
More importantly, New York needs better results from the administrative side. After two straight disappointing years, Robert Saleh should be able to show steps forward in player and game management. Due to Rodgers’ return, the offense should be streamlined under Nathaniel Hackett. Performance staff changes should help the injury issues.
The beginning portion of 2024 will test the Jets in multiple facets. Whether in the physical sense or the mental sense, New York must be ready to overcome significant obstacles. How they respond and move forward will key the watchful public in on what the 2024 team is truly made of.
