Jets, OC Nathaniel Hackett can look to this 2017 AFC South team for a winning formula

Following the loss of Aaron Rodgers to a season-ending injury, New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett will be tasked with accomplishing what many deem impossible: coaching an underwhelming QB to the Super Bowl.

Hackett, however, almost managed that feat several years ago.

While serving as the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator in 2017, Hackett helped lead the Jaguars to the AFC Championship Game. Despite holding a 20-10 lead in the fourth quarter of that game, the Jaguars fell, 24-20, to quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, bringing an end to their unlikely run at the Super Bowl.

Regardless, the season was deemed a great success, especially considering Jacksonville finished 3-13 the previous season. As New York aims to pick up the pieces with lackluster QB Zach Wilson, it may want to draw from the achievements of Hackett's former team, which bear similarities to the 2023 Jets.

The 2017 Jaguars were fueled by their stout defense, one of the NFL's best. Defensive lineman Calais Campbell became the heart and soul of Jacksonville's fearsome defensive line and set the season franchise record with 14.5 sacks. Pass-rushers Yannick Ngakoue, Dante Fowler Jr. and Malik Jackson had 12, eight and eight sacks, respectively.

The 2023 Jets have a D-line that can be just as dominant, with the likes of star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, edge-rushers Carl Lawson and John Franklin-Myers and rotational pieces Bryce Huff, Micheal Clemons and Jermaine Johnson. In the win on Monday, New York's defense sacked Bills QB Josh Allen five times and often had him on the run when it didn't tackle him for a loss.

Jacksonville's defense would not have been complete, however, without lockdown cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye, who combined for 10 interceptions in 2017. New York has its own talented cornerback tandem in D.J. Reed and 2022 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner.

While the 2017 Jaguars defense was expected to be one of the best in the league, Jacksonville's offense had many questions entering the season. 2014 first-round quarterback Blake Bortles had not lived up to expectations and was set to play behind an offensive line that lacked big names. Making matters worse, star wide receiver Allen Robinson suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 1.

To ease pressure for Bortles, the Jaguars rushed 2017 first-round pick Leonard Fournette into the ground (268 carries for 1,040 yards). As a team, Jacksonville averaged 33 rushes per game and finished as the NFL's top rushing team (141.4 yards per game). Its offensive line excelled in the passing game as well, allowing a franchise-low 24 sacks.

Under Hackett's tutelage, Bortles did all that was needed of him upon taking a back seat to the run game. He completed 60.2% of his passes and threw for 21 touchdowns to just 13 interceptions.

Rodgers' injury now sets the stage for Wilson, who struggled mightily during his first two seasons in the NFL. The 24-year-old quarterback must assume a similar game-manager role as Bortles, limiting mistakes and turnovers and relying heavily upon Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook — the 1-2 punch at running back. 

New York suffered a big blow after losing Rodgers for the season, but NFL history shows it still can make a run at a Super Bowl.