In the lead-up to the NFL season, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is poised to embark on a new chapter in his illustrious career, leaving behind his long-time team, the Green Bay Packers, and joining the ranks of another NFL franchise.
All eyes will be on Rodgers as he faces Super Bowl pressure with the New York Jets, who believe they are one talented quarterback away from a long-awaited championship.
Amidst the excitement surrounding the star quarterback’s move, an anonymous AFC scout has made a bold proclamation that others in the league are seemingly hesitant to acknowledge – Aaron Rodgers may be showing signs of decline.
Speaking to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the scout revealed that there is a reluctance among NFL insiders to admit that the legendary quarterback’s skills might be diminishing.
“I think everyone is afraid to say he’s declined a little. He’s still a great thrower and sees it really well, but he’s more like [ranked] eight to 12 for me,” the scout stated candidly in an article ranking the Top 10 QBs in the game.
Despite the scout’s concerns, Rodgers secured the number four spot on the list, falling behind the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen.
While the ranking indicates that Rodgers is still considered among the elite quarterbacks in the league, the scout’s comments hint at a potential shift in perception of the veteran player’s abilities.
As Rodgers prepares to lead the Jets, expectations for the team have skyrocketed. The Jets believe they have assembled an impressive array of offensive weapons that, coupled with Rodgers’ expertise, will propel them to the playoffs and perhaps even to the Super Bowl.
After a lackluster 2022 season with rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, the Jets are eager to witness the transformative impact Rodgers may have on the team’s performance.
“The younger signal-caller took a step back in 2022 and would probably do well playing behind one of the greatest QBs of all time,” the scout commented, suggesting that Rodgers’ experience and leadership could greatly benefit the budding talent of Wilson.
The Jets ambitious aspirations for the upcoming season are evident, and anything less than at least a playoff berth would be considered a disappointment for the team and its fans.
Rodgers, even in potential slight decline, is still expected to elevate the Jets to a higher level, thanks to the talent that surrounds him.
Where would you rank Rodgers among the current NFL quarterbacks?