The New York Jets opened the door to the Super Bowl in the offseason. Now they have to go through it.

The final minutes of the game are underway when quarterback Mark Sanchez finds his wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery in the end zone – touchdown to make it 19-24 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But it was not to be enough, the Jets were eliminated from the playoffs of the 2011/12 NFL season.

It’s been a while since the Jets had a taste of the postseason. More precisely: over twelve years. The heroes of yesteryear, long since retired, a commentary booth or wrapped in a gold Hall-of-Fame suit.

That should and will change in the coming season. Because the Jets have pulled the right levers to walk through the playoff door.

New York Jets: Offense in focus

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers gushes about his new employer and gets a number of old companions to join him on the mission. There is no question that the four-time MVP – now also no longer plagued by a finger injury – still has enough class.

But – in contrast to some Packers seasons – hopes do not rest solely on Rodgers’ individual class. Offensive success can rely on young talents like Garrett Wilson or Breece Hall. Newcomer Dalvin Cook brings another explosive component, and the offensive line is adequately manned.

Nathaniel Hackett will be particularly challenged. The offensive coordinator failed miserably as head coach with the Denver Broncos and now, in his old role and with Rodgers, with whom he already worked very successfully with the Packers, is expected to put together all the pieces of the puzzle on the offensive line to form a fitting picture.

New York Jets: Super Bowl as a goal?

“I’m not going to beat around the bush. We want to win the Super Bowl. You wouldn’t make the offseason the way we made it if you didn’t want to go to the Super Bowl,” wide receiver Garrett Wilson said during training camp.

The Jets have invested a lot of budget in the offseason, the defence already played at a very good level last year and should confirm this level again – considering the only selective changes.

Now it’s up to the offence to end the long drought and ensure that the Jets still play important football games in January – at best in February as well. They have the talent, they just need to go through door.