The Jets spent the offseason overhauling an anemic offense, trading for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, hiring former Packers offensive coordinator Nate Hackett, and adding other pieces like wide receivers Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman and Randall Cobb, along with offensive tackle Billy Turner.
That doesn’t mean the offense itself will look radically different, however, something that may sound surprising to fans hoping for a significant improvement out of Gang Green’s attack from a season ago.
Speaking to SiriusXM, second-year wide receiver Garrett Wilson, last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, says that the new scheme under Hackett remains rooted in the same West Coast offense as Mike LaFleur ran in 2022, and he appreciates the similarities.
“Lucky for me, it’s been super similar, you know, they’re both a West Coast offense and have the same premises,” Wilson said. “But, you know, with this new offense, there are a few nuances that you just got to be keen on when you’re a skilled player in the offense, especially having someone like Aaron Rodgers as your quarterback.”
Given the connections that both coaches have back to Rodgers’s former team, the Packers, that isn’t much of a surprise. Hackett served as Packers coach Matt LaFleur’s offensive coordinator from 2019 to ’21, before taking over as the Broncos’ head coach last season. Mike LaFleur is Matt LaFleur’s younger brother, and they share similar offensive values, both spending time on staff under 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan.
As Wilson said, it is likely good news for him as well, as he can build off of a remarkable 83 catch, 1,103-yard, four-touchdown rookie season with a huge upgrade under center in Rodgers.
