Aaron Rodgers: A Must or Bust for New York Jets?

After a humiliating loss to the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field that eliminated the Green Bay Packers from play-off contention, there was much speculation around Aaron Rodger’s future with the team. A bittersweet moment showed Rodgers and former long-time teammate Randall Cobb walking off their homefield perhaps for the last time in Green Bay Packers Uniforms.

Rumors held true as not long after the loss, Rodgers found his new home in New York with the Jets. It was reported early on that Rodgers felt very positive about his place on the team, often expressing how great he felt to be a New York Jet. This should come as a sigh of relief for a team that no question has lacked a leader at the quarterback position for many seasons. In multiple occasions in the previous season, star wide receiver Garrett Wilson was seen expressing his disappointment and frustration often on the field for the fans and public to see. The quarterback position with the New York Jets has almost been widely accepted as “cursed” or impossible to succeed as it seems year after year quarterbacks struggle to find a hint of success on the field. If Rodgers can pull off a successful season with the Jets, should he receive even more credit toward his legacy as one of the best quarterbacks of all-time?

There is no question the Jets have a play-off caliber team with rising star RB Breece Hall, WR Garrett Wilson, and OT Mekhi Becton leading the offensive line. They are also not to shabby on the defensive side of the ball, with the defensive star Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner. Former teammate WR Alan Lazard will also be at Rodgers’ disposal which is huge as these two have been on the same page and hooking up for huge gains at Green Bay. Perhaps veteran QB Aaron Rodgers is the final piece of the puzzle in turning the struggling New York Jets into Superbowl Contenders for the 2023 season.

The key to the Jets’ success this season will depend heavily on their ability to protect Aaron Rodgers. Star offensive tackle Mekhi Becton will have a tremendous responsibility in rallying and leading the offensive line this season. We have seen how dangerous and effective Aaron Rodgers can be when given adequate time in the pocket and his ability to improvise and turn a broken play into a huge gain. As of recent, we have seen his numbers at quarterback decline heavily mainly because of his offensive line failing to provide him with adequate protection, often times sending him scrambling out of the pocket immediately after the ball is snapped. An effective offensive line will not only pave the way for the success of a future hall of fame quarterback but will also open up a successful running game for future star Breece Hall who has gotten off to an explosive start early in his NFL career. The Jets will need to focus their attention on keeping a healthy offensive line this season as this will have a heavy impact not only on the Jets 2023 season, but for Aaron Rodgers’ legacy as well.