NFL legend Tony Gonzalez has expressed his belief that Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets have the potential to make a playoff run.
The Jets have had a challenging NFL season so far, with Rodgers struggling to connect with his receivers early on and the defence not living up to expectations after a stellar 2023 season. After Robert Saleh was dismissed as head coach, the Jets traded for Davante Adams to pair with Rodgers, but this exciting acquisition didn't yield immediate results.The AFC East franchise suffered losses to both the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots before finally returning to winning form last week. A crucial victory over the Houston Texans last Thursday leaves the Jets at 3-6, currently outside the playoff picture.
However, Gonzalez is optimistic about their chances. During a discussion about potential AFC playoff contenders on the Thursday Night Football panel on Amazon Prime, he surprised and delighted his fellow panellists by picking the Jets. He explained: "AFC, I'm going to go with the Jets."
He elaborated further, saying: "We saw them last week, we saw some chemistry in that second half, the way that Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams are starting to get back. It takes time, when you break up with somebody and you get back together... it takes time for that chemistry to get back. Garret Wilson too, he is coming on strong."
Gonzalez remarked: "Sometimes it just takes time, but the Jets right now, do not count (out) Aaron Rodgers - Hall of Famer - they can make a run."
It's not the first time Gonzalez has shown his support for the Jets and Rodgers. Earlier in the season, he backed the New York team to go to the Super Bowl.
"Davante plus Aaron is legendary for all the reasons that you guys talked about," the48-year-oldbegan. "I think it's going to work out great; this changes everything. But I will say this: The pressure has fallen now, it's on 'Mr. Relax,' Mr. Aaron Rodgers.
"Because if I'm Woody Johnson, I'm saying, 'Hey, I did everything you wanted. Since the beginning, I did everything you ever wanted Aaron. And now, I went out and got Davante Adams.' And so there is no more excuses."
He added: "To me, this is what we thought the Jets could be at the beginning of the year. Meaning, that they could be a Super Bowl-caliber team right now."
The Jets are set to play against the 5-4 Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Sunday.
