If there is anything that has become painfully obvious since the Green Bay Packers traded Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets, it is that Cheeseheads have been spoiled by the things Rodgers does. Now, don’t get it wrong: it was time for the Packers to transition to Jordan Love and Rodgers was obviously ready to play of a new team. However, in the last 15 years, Packers fans saw some incredible passing, things that no other quarterback had done.
And it became normal. Seeing Rodgers thread an impossible needle was as common as a Kwik Trip on the corner. While Green Bay fans have yet to see all that Love can do, Jets fans and media are getting their first glimpse of how special a quarterback he can be.
New York Jets Fans and Media Are Amazed by an Aaron Rodgers Throw Green Bay Packers Fans Know Well
While the Packers veterans do not have to report to training camp for a few more days, Jets players have already started their practices. Today, Rodgers made a couple of his signature “ball through a closing window” throws that left fans and media present amazed:
Can say same thing about this one as the Conklin touchdown: I didn’t know this window existed. pic.twitter.com/mfZYBDt8Eg
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) July 22, 2023
It was truly a magnificent throw, and the kind that Rodgers was still able to make last season despite having a down year. That being said, it is clear to everyone outside of New York that Rodgers and Jets fans/media are still in their honeymoon phase.
Making throws like this in practice is one thing. Making them in games, winning games, are a different animal altogether. As mentioned, Rodgers had a down year last year. While he is extra motivated following his divorce from the organization that drafted him 18 years ago, it remains to be seen whether or not 2022 was just a down year or if Father Time has caught up to him.
Are Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets In a Race Against Time?
The Saquon Barley and Josh Jacobs contract situations have led to a great debate about whether or not running backs should be paid as much as other players. Detractors cite the fact that running backs have a short shelf life as a reason why they are and should continue to be devalued.
While quarterbacks have a longer shelf life, the end can come quickly and with little warning. In 2009, Brett Favre nearly won his fourth NFL MVP Award while playing for the Vikings, throwing for 4,202 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions.
The next season, he threw for 2,509 yards, 11 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. Favre’s career was over after that season. While it is not likely or reasonable to think 2023 will be that way for Rodgers, it is a cautionary tale that the bottom can drop out suddenly and quickly.
As far as Rodgers is concerned, though, he does not think that will happen (who ever does, though?). He recently told the New York media that he certainly intends to play beyond this season, and perhaps for several more years.
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