The New York Jets' offense features multiple young emerging stars, but it will also rely on a number of elder-statesmen with histories of injury.
The durability and capability of key offensive pieces could become a concern for the Jets in the season ahead, according to CBS Sports writer Jared Dubin. In a pre-training camp exercise, the CBS scribe identified "where each of the league's 32 teams is still lacking." New York's biggest hole was tabbed as "Injuries to old guys."
"And then the Jets are just counting on guys like Aaron Rodgers, Tyron Smith and Mike Williams to stay healthy. None of those things feels like a safe bet, let alone all three of them."
Obviously, the 40-year-old Rodgers is the centerpiece to the entire operation with the Jets' Super Bowl hopes hanging on his surgically-repaired Achilles. By all indications, the four-time NFL MVP is healthy and motivated. He practiced without restrictions during voluntary OTAs and, even with limited mobility, the savvy vet instantly upgrades New York's offense.
The 33-year-old Smith, an eight-time Pro Bowl honoree, has totaled only 30 appearances over the past four seasons, but, if healthy, he's one of the most effective left tackles on the circuit. In case he breaks down, the Jets have Penn State rookie Olu Fashanu, the No. 11 overall draft pick, as the next man up.
The 29-year-old Williams is definitely on the proverbial back nine of his career as a receiver, and it doesn't help that he's coming off an ACL tear. Even if he is unable to rediscover his pre-injury form, the Jets may be able to get away with others compensating in the passing game.
Realistically, it's all about Rodgers staying healthy. If that one "old guy" produces, the Jets will be a problem.
