Aaron Rodgers can get back to the level where he was the top player in the NFL, this according to ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky. This week, Rodgers begins his second season with the New York Jets.
Rodgers of course, was injured on the Jets first drive of their Week 1 game last year, losing the season to an Achilles injury. But if he can remain healthy – and Orlovsky acknowledges how precarious this is- but a healthy Rodgers means the Jets should be a lock to make the playoffs.
Rodgers was named the league’s MVP in 2020 and 2021.
In 2022, Rodgers had 3.695 passing yards with 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
“I think Aaron is going to pick up very similar to what he was in 2020 and ’21, is that right? Yea. That MVP type of season,” Orlosvksy said on Tuesday during an appearance on the ‘Pat McAfee Show.’
“I don’t think if it will be that grand, but I do think he will play at an awesome level.”
"I think Aaron Rodgers is gonna play at an awesome level this season..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 23, 2024
If the Jets score seventeen points a game with that defense they're gonna have a chance to win every game they're in" ~ @danorlovsky7 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/U19OTS1ljw
Then Orlovsky went into the outlook for the Jets. Returning what should be a top-three defense and with a revamped offensive line, there is reasonable optimism around the Jets that they can break a postseason drought that extends back to 2010.
“The Jets will be awesome if they stay healthy, if they stay healthy. It’s the biggest dice roll and finger crossed situation as we have had in the NFL,” Orlovsky said.
“You’re talking about a situation where you have to tell Aaron Rodgers, with one of the better dual backs in the league in Breece Hall and one of the better young wide receivers in the league (in) Garrett Wilson…I need you to score 17 points. If you score 17 points, we’re going to win or have the chance to win basically every game that we’re in. That’s it.
“You know how easy that is for Aaron? 17. He doesn’t give the ball away so you’re never going to be in negative situations or stressing your defense. You have the opportunity to then sit there and go that this is the perfect combination: A defense that suffocates you and a quarterback who doesn’t give the football away.”
