The downside of the Jets acquiring Aaron Rodgers

The Jets' offseason acquisition of Aaron Rodgers was accompanied by several signings and a hiring of the quarterback's close friends. In the four-time MVP's absence, however, his longtime teammates and coach have floundered in New York.

To seemingly entice Rodgers to come play in the Big Apple, the Jets hired offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who developed a strong relationship with the 39-year-old while they were together in Green Bay. After trading for the star quarterback a few months later, New York subsequently signed wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, as well as tackle Billy Turner — all former Packers.

Following many prosperous seasons together in Green Bay, many expected Rodgers and his posse to achieve similar success in New York. After the future Hall of Famer went down with an Achilles injury four snaps into the season, however, his friends have struggled mightily in their new setting.

Hackett is OC of one of the worst offenses in the NFL, ranking last in the league in red-zone TD scoring percentage (23.81), third-down conversion rate (22.12 percent), first downs (119) and total yards (2,183). The Jets have scored eight offensive touchdowns in eight weeks, tied for the third fewest over their first eight games in franchise history.

Lazard, who the Jets brought in to serve as WR2 alongside Garrett Wilson, has not proved worthy of the four-year, $44 million contract New York gave him this offseason. Against the Chargers on "Monday Night Football," the 27-year-old dropped a pass and committed three costly penalties that stalled drives.

On the season, Lazard has just 19 catches for 273 yards and one touchdown — hardly the production you'd expect from the No. 24 highest-paid receiver per year in the NFL. Fellow wideout Cobb has additionally become a non-factor, reeling in three catches this year and missing Week 9 as a healthy scratch.

After being thrust into the starting right tackle position following multiple injuries to New York's depleted offensive line, Turner failed miserably against the Chargers. The veteran surrendered nine pressures (h/t SI.com), three sacks and two quarterback hits — the most of any lineman on the Jets.

New York's offense is anemic mostly because of a lack of talent at wide receiver and on the offensive line. Garrett Wilson has 46 catches, but the Jets' other wideouts have only 27. The depth at O-line has not held up, with quarterback Zach Wilson being sacked 31 times, the second most in the NFL. 

New York won't be making a change in regards to who is calling the plays. So, the ineptitude on offense will likely continue, and all Rodgers can do, barring a miraculous comeback, is watch from the sidelines.