The New York Jets were the talk of the NFL during the offseason when they seemingly assembled a superteam by trading for future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers and also bringing in Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook.
But now they’re the talk of the league for the wrong reason.
Rodgers tore his Achilles on his team’s first offensive series of the regular season on Monday versus the Buffalo Bills, and all of New York’s Super Bowl hopes instantly went up in smoke.
Star cornerback Sauce Gardner sent a touching message to Rodgers on Instagram and wished him a speedy recovery.
Sauce Gardner commented this under Aaron Rodgers' recent Instagram post 🥹
(via @iamSauceGardner) https://t.co/nUy1VTf5rP pic.twitter.com/jKPx3Ofqfm
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 13, 2023
The Jets now find themselves in the all-too-familiar position of being an underdog team that will have to struggle just to snag a Wild Card playoff spot in the insanely competitive AFC.
Zach Wilson, now in his third season, is now under center again, and most doubt he has the ability to keep them competitive.
Luckily, New York has plenty of talent at other positions, and it all starts on defense.
That defense forced Josh Allen into three interceptions and forced a total of four turnovers, and it allowed them to somehow overcome a late deficit and win in overtime before their home fans.
Their running game also helped lead the way, as second-year running back Breece Hall accumulated 127 rushing yards on just 10 carries.
If the Jets are to somehow make the playoffs this season, Gardner, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, will have to play a pretty big part.
NEXT: Aaron Rodgers Sends Strong Message In Wake Of Season-Ending Injury
