Head coach Robert Saleh insisted last week that the New York Jets are better heading into the upcoming season than they were a year ago in part because of the difficulties they faced after quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles four offensive snaps into Week 1 of the 2023 campaign.
During a recent conversation with Sky Sports, Rodgers suggested that injury could prove to be a blessing in disguise for everybody associated with the Jets.
"...In a lot of ways, I'm thankful for the lessons that I learned," Rodgers said about his "devastating" and "heartbreaking" setback. "Obviously, I would love to have had it gone differently from night one, but you know, sometimes in those low moments you learn a lot about yourself. So I'm thankful for the lessons as much as I would have loved for things to be a lot different."
The Jets acquiring Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers in April 2023 made them Super Bowl contenders in the eyes of many, and Gang Green managed to get to 4-3 without his services before a five-game losing streak ended any hope of the 40-year-old completing a miraculous return to the lineup in time for postseason action. On Wednesday, The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt noted that Rodgers "didn’t look hindered by his surgically repaired Achilles" throughout summer practices.
Questions about Rodgers' dedication to the cause arose when he was named as a possible vice presidential running mate for former independent 2024 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and after the future Hall of Famer skipped the Jets' two-day mandatory minicamp in June because of "a pre-planned trip to Egypt." He sounds eager to silence such chatter beginning with this coming Monday's regular-season opener at the San Francisco 49ers.
"I think it's all the things," Rodgers said about his mindset. "It's feisty, it's hungry, it's excited for the challenge and knowing that these moments are fleeting, you never know what play is going to be last, and I'm still fighting back Father Time and trying to play a few more seasons. Everything I did this offseason was to be able to play every game now. Some of that's out of your control, and there's going to be steps and hits that you don't know are coming. You just pray that you can survive them, get through them and get on to the next one."
As of Wednesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Jets as the betting favorites at +165 odds to claim the AFC East title this season. Finishing atop the division standings would be quite an accomplishment for the Jets considering they are responsible for the longest active playoff drought in the four major North American sports leagues that is now at 13 consecutive seasons.
"We're playing for a spot in the playoffs, and then once we get in, we'll be playing for a spot in that final two. So I love our chances and know it's going to be a successful season for us," Rodgers added. "Obviously, we're praying for some good health, but we have the talent and ability to be one of the last two teams standing."
