It’s a new day for the New York Jets, as they have future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, giving them their first big name at the position since Brett Favre in 2008.
Since Favre didn’t do too well in his lone season with them, Rodgers has a chance of being their best signal-caller since “Broadway” Joe Namath some 50 years ago.
Normally, everyone focuses on how much a QB such as Rodgers makes his offensive teammates better and more effective, especially skill players at wide receiver, tight end, and running back.
But cornerback Michael Carter II says Rodgers has even helped the Jets’ defense get better.
#Jets DB Michael Carter II (@mcarter2nd) told @EGreenbergJets that it’s been ‘invaluable’ to have Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) going against the defense in practice. They’ve tried disguising things to try & trick him + when AR gets them, they go over it to learn why 🎥 @nyjets pic.twitter.com/vgBSMLKk0X
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) July 2, 2023
New York was already a very good defensive team last season, as they ranked fourth in points and total yards allowed.
They boast the services of corner Sauce Gardner, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, both of whom were chosen to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro First Team in 2022.
The Jets could stand to improve when it comes to defending the run — they were 14th in rushing touchdowns allowed and 16th in rushing yards given up last season.
But now, with a talented and balanced squad on both sides of the football, they look like a legitimate force.
New York hasn’t made the playoffs since 2010, and they haven’t gotten to the Super Bowl since the 1968 campaign when Namath guaranteed and delivered an upset win over Johnny Unitas’ Baltimore Colts.
The team will face lots of competition, including in its own division, but it at least has the horses to get things done.
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