How Far Are Jets From Super Bowl Contention?

Just a week before the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers battle in Super Bowl LVIII, the question remains just how far the New York Jets are from one day being a part of the biggest spectacle in American sports.

Super Bowl LVIII is almost upon us. For another year, the New York Jets will not be a part of the festivities of the biggest game in North American sports. 

Just how far is Gang Green from being involved in the Super Bowl conversation, though? 

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With a Hall-of-Fame quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, and a top defensive unit in the game, the idea that the Jets are far off from competing for a championship isn't too far-fetched. 

In 2023 alone, despite a 7-10 mark, New York was able to give a Super Bowl MVP like Patrick Mahomes fits by their defensive alignments. The 27-23 loss to the Chiefs may have hurt, but it was a sign that the Jets could hang with a top team when fully healthy. 

And that was even without Rodgers on the field. 

The good news for Jets fans is that they aren't far off. Yes, additions along the offensive line and another top receiver will be important needs this offseason. Figuring out what to do along the defensive line will be just as much a need, too. 

But, the team has most of their core under contract for another season - a clear sign that the return of a franchise quarterback could simply be the difference in the Jets finally ending a 13-year playoff drought. 

There is bad news, though. As good as Rodgers has been, the window for the Jets to be in title question is marred by fog...coaching fog. Robert Saleh and his staff have done a good job of building a top defense and making New York competitive. 

They have also gotten in the way of the team and could be considered serious hindrances to this organization taking the next step to title contention. Too many times has the team failed to be adequately prepared in key moments in the last two years and the coaching staff has done little to adjust to those issues. 

There's still plenty of time for Saleh and his staff to show they are more than capable of leading New York to the promised lands, but it's essentially make or break for them in 2024.

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Simply getting into the playoffs won't be enough either for the Jets or their fanbase. With the talent on their team currently, they are good enough to compete in a crowded AFC. 

How far they would eventually go depends on the health of the roster and the true effectiveness of the coaching staff.