Jets QB Aaron Rodgers on 2024 outlook: 'If I'm on the field and doing what I'm capable of doing … we've always got a chance'
When it comes to Aaron Rodgers, there’s never any lack of confidence or motivating factors.
Despite the New York Jets’ highly anticipated 2023 season being hampered before it even started, Rodgers remains extremely confident and is wholeheartedly embracing the pressure to succeed in the forthcoming campaign.
“I’m always confident, you know me, I feel like if I’m on the field and doing what I’m capable of doing, No. 1, we’ve always got a chance,” Rodgers said this week on Adam Schein’s SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio. “And No. 2, more than that, we’re one of those, you know, half dozen to 10 teams that can actually win a championship this year. So that’s what’s exciting.”
On paper, the Jets do have a roster ready to contend, but that was much the same a season ago.
Then just four snaps into Rodgers’ much-ballyhooed Jets debut in a Monday night affair with the Buffalo Bills, his Achilles tore, his season ended and the Gang Green faithful found its collective hopes dashed. That wasn’t, of course, the end-all be-all of the season. Rodgers flirted with an improbable comeback, the Jets won some games, lost more, the defense shined and the Zach Wilson-quarterbacked offense sputtered.
However, adopting an optimistic perspective, Rodgers is confident that there are benefits to be gleaned from the team’s experience of a disappointing season.
Nonetheless, with head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett back after the 7-10 season and Rodgers’ return getting closer by the day, the expectations are great once more and the weight on the season ahead has increased.
“Last year, we faced numerous challenges both on and off the field,” said Rodgers. “It wasn’t just the physical injuries, but also the verbal comments and other issues that surfaced. Such adversity truly reveals our character. I’m proud of how we managed to stay united. I commend the players for supporting Coach Saleh and Coach Hackett. There’s a strong belief within us. Naturally, there’s a sense of urgency. I mentioned this recently – some may shy away from discussing the urgency, the expectation, and the annual risk of job security. However, that’s the harsh reality in this league.”
In the Big Apple, the sense of urgency is high, but Hackett is likely to face and continue to face the most scrutiny.
Having been the Green Bay Packers’ offensive coordinator when Rodgers won back-to-back Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player accolades in 2020-2021, Hackett accepted the Denver Broncos head coaching job in 2022. He was joined by Russell Wilson and the results were disastrous. Hackett didn’t last a full season, Denver was dead last in points scored and Wilson was released this past offseason.
Hackett made his way to New York to reunite with Rodgers, who was transferred from Green Bay to New York in the last offseason.
However, with Rodgers out, the Jets offense performed terribly. Seemingly, Zach Wilson and Hackett alternated each week as the target of criticism from both the media and fans.
The Jets were 29th in the league in points scored, but Rodgers remains steadfast in his support of Hackett. So, for the Jets fans doubting Hackett, Rodgers’ message is simple and emphatic.
Rodgers advised Jets fans, “You ought to trust me and I have faith in Nathaniel.” He expressed that this should settle the matter, dismissing the rumors and controversies that have arisen over the last few years. He applauded Nathaniel’s professional handling of these issues. He urged fans to trust in their collaborative relationship and the discussions they have.
In the three years that Hackett was Rodgers’ OC in Green Bay, the Packers finished 15th, first and 10th in points scored.
“Rodgers stated, “We must have faith in Nathaniel. We have made improvements in certain areas, and some things were beyond his control. Ultimately, our partnership has been productive previously and it will be productive once more.”
Jobs are undoubtedly at risk and even legacies could be on the line in the Jets’ 2023 season.
New York hasn’t experienced a winning season since 2015, and hasn’t made it to the playoffs since 2010.
Despite numerous questions and concerns, Rodgers continues to remain unyielding and resolute.
Rodgers said, “I am eagerly anticipating a season that I hope will clearly be much longer than the previous one and much more fruitful.”
