Legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre is throwing his support behind the New York Jets this season, particularly quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Favre, a former teammate of Rodgers and a Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers, believes Rodgers has what it takes to lead the Jets to a deep playoff run.
“He’s arguably the greatest playmaker in the game right now,” Favre said of Rogers while speaking to TMZ.
Favre’s confidence in the Jets extends beyond Rodgers. He praised the team’s defense, calling it “one of the best units in the game.”
(Although they will need to be a whole lot better than they were on Monday Night if they want to be true contenders.)
The Hall of Famer knows a thing or two about the Jets organization – both Favre and Rodgers won Super Bowls with the Packers before making the jump to New York in the latter stages of their careers.
However, expectations are high for the Jets this season, and pressure is mounting.
The franchise hasn’t reached the postseason in over a decade, and the front office is feeling the heat. General manager Joe Douglas is working without a contract extension, and head coach Robert Saleh is under increasing scrutiny to deliver results.
Jets fans are hoping Rodgers’ stint with the team has a better outcome than Favre’s.
In 2008, after leaving Green Bay, Favre had a short-lived season with the Jets. Despite a strong start, he suffered an injury, and the Jets limped to a 9-7 record, missing the playoffs.
Favre left the team after just one season and finished his career with the Minnesota Vikings (which is still strange to think about).
Rodgers and the Jets didn’t live up to the lofty expectations in their season opener.
The team fell 32-19 to the San Francisco 49ers, starting the year 0-1. The Jets’ defense allowed 401 yards, including 221 through the air, leaving little room for optimism.
On the offensive side, the struggles continued. Gang Green managed just 68 rushing yards and 14 first downs, putting more pressure on Rodgers to carry the load.
Rodgers, who made his return after missing virtually the entire 2023 season due to an Achilles injury, finished with 167 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
“I can play better,” Rodgers admitted after the game. “I missed a couple of throws… I felt overall I got the ball out pretty good, but there were some opportunities I’d like to have back.”
Despite the disappointing performance, Rodgers flashed his brilliant arm at times, proving he definitely still has elite throwing ability.
The Jets must address their issues quickly, as starting the season 0-2 could spell trouble.
Up next for Rodgers and the Jets is a crucial matchup against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. It’s a sneaky tough game, especially considering the talent on Tennessee’s defense.
As for Favre, it wasn’t too long ago that he and Rodgers were engaged in an ugly cold war … Are you surprised that he’s made a 180 and now seems to be driving the Rodgers-hype train?
What are YOUR realistic expectations for Rodgers and the Jets this season?
On a fun note: If you had to win one game, who would you rather have (in their prime) at quarterback: Favre or Rodgers???