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Jets: 3 Reasons New York Can Win A Super Bowl With Aaron Rodgers

By Hunter Haas

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) celebrates after breaking up a deep pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 3 game between the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022.Cincinnati Bengals At New York Jets Week 3
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) celebrates after breaking up a deep pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 3 game between the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022.Cincinnati Bengals At New York Jets Week 3 /
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Jul 27, 2021; Florham Park, NJ, United States; New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton (77) talks with the media on training camp report day at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2021; Florham Park, NJ, United States; New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton (77) talks with the media on training camp report day at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Offensive Line Remains Healthy

The offensive line, on paper, is a stacked group with high draft-pick capital invested at nearly every spot. Mekhi Becton is uber-talented. However, he has a history of injury issues, including a kneecap fracture that cost him the entire 2022 season. Now, Becton is slimmed down and looks ready to handle an NFL workload, but given his track record, it is a very serious concern.

Elsewhere on the line, fellow first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker saw his 2022 campaign cut short after a promising 2021 rookie season. The USC alum appeared in multiple spots across the line, including left tackle, right tackle, and guard. He is a player with All-Pro potential in Year 3, assuming the injury bug doesn’t take another bite out of him.

Laken Tomlinson didn’t perform particularly well in his first season with the Jets, but more continuity with his teammates will go a long way in 2023. Duane Brown will be 38 years old on Week 1, so durability could be an issue, but when healthy, the grizzled vet is still an above-average contributor on the blindside.

Perhaps the most exciting addition (besides Rodgers) came when the Jets selected Joe Tippmann midway through the second round at the 2023 NFL Draft. The Wisconsin leader will start at center from Day 1 and offers the team another player with All-Pro potential on the interior. Tippmann is a difference-maker in the run game and in pass protection; he will be a guiding light for the offense as a rookie.

The reason I am so bullish on the offensive line improving is not just the sheer talent of the starting unit. After suffering numerous injuries over recent years, the Jets decided to stack up the depth chart. Max Mitchell, Billy Turner, and Connor McGovern could all start in a pinch, giving waves of insurance to Rodgers as he settles into his new home.

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