Last season, the New York Jets put together a roster that they thought could win a title after acquiring future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but he tore his Achilles in Week 1 of the team’s first series, and his season was over.
Fortunately for Rodgers and the Jets, they get another shot at it, and on Monday night, the Jets begin their season on the road as they face the NFC champions, the San Francisco 49ers.
Rodgers, 40, has accomplished a lot in the NFL, but the four-time league MVP says he still plays with a “chip on his shoulder.”
“I’ve always kind of played with something on my shoulder,” he said on Thursday, “You got to manufacture things from time to time, but yeah, I mean, it’s kind of goes back to the prove it. Who would I need to prove to just myself at this point? But I have a lot of pride in my performance, so when I take the field, I expect greatness and because I’ve done it before, so that’s kind of standard to hold myself to.”
Jets head coach Robert Saleh thinks Rodgers is in a good place heading into the season.
“I really don’t have expectations, you know?” Saleh said. “I think he’s in a great place. I think he’s, not just mentally, but physically, he looks awesome. You guys have been there every day, and you see how good he looks. I think he’s been prepared, he’s prepared himself, and if he continues to stay focused on that, which he will, he’s a professional; he’s done it a long time. He’s not a 40-year-old quarterback, I think he’s going to be just fine.”
In 2023, the Jets had an elite defense but a not-so-good offense. However, with Rodgers, things should be different on offense with this team. Rodgers went into detail on why he thinks New York is ready to win now.
“I would say the maturity in the locker room,” Rodgers said. “I think that we’re much better suited to handle the ups and downs of the season because of guys like Tyron Smith and guys like Morgan Moses and our young players who’ve gotten paid, Michael Carter (II) just got paid. Guys are about to get paid. The Sauce Gardeners of the world, Jermaine Johnson, Breece (Hall), and Garrett (Wilson). Then the consistency from guys like the Williams brothers and C.J. Mosley. It’s more than just the on-field play, which is very important, but it’s how do we handle a long season? How do we stick together in the tough moments? How do we get the right messaging out to the guys? How are we holding guys accountable? How are we making this a player-led team? We have the ability to because there’s just more veterans in key spots this year and it’s a credit to Joe (Douglas) and Robert (Saleh) and their staff for bringing the right kind of guys.”
The Jets have talent, but you wonder if it’s enough to make noise in the AFC. Rodgers is 40 years old and will be 41 in December. Plus, it’s hard to come back and be the same after an Achilles injury, so the odds are against him, but he’s a great player, and great players find ways; however, Rodgers and the Jets won’t find enough ways to win a title in 2024.
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