As if the Giants’ 40-0 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday night wasn’t enough, the next day the Jets lost their quarterback savior, Aaron Rodgers. Dear New York supporters, I am writing to tell you that all is not lost. Worst case scenario, there’s always next year…
Far be it from me to crush your heart to pieces. This vital organ has already stopped beating very hard since Rodgers fell on the fourth play of the game against the Bills. The ruptured Achilles tendon ended his season. In your case it is certainly soul-torn.
The diagnosis is cruel, I know, friends of the Jets. The person who carried the flag of the United States in a crowded stadium to commemorate the sad events of September 11, 2001 was also the bearer of all your hopes.
There seemed to be great energy in Metlife Stadium as the man who would destroy your accumulated suffering emerged from the tunnel, like a light after years of gloomy darkness. When Rodgers returned to the locker room, the air left the stadium like a giant burst balloon.
After unsuccessfully trying to get up, Aaron Rodgers had to be escorted off the field by medical staff and teammates. Getty Images via AFP
All this for that
We’ve been talking about Rodgers’ situation for months now, then boom!
A pass. A very small attempt and Aaron Rodgers joined the not very immortal Joe Gasparella in history. Does that name mean nothing to you, dear Jets believers? Me neither, but according to ESPN, Rodgers became the first starting quarterback since that great guy in 1951 to finish a season without completing a pass.
These aren’t jokes, we’d swear the Jets have been doomed to great misery since their only capture of the Super Bowl in January 1969. If it’s not the indigestible Mark Sanchez making a fool of himself with the famous “Butt Fumble”, is it Brett Favre and his sexting or how many other absurd scenarios?
The Jets haven’t made the playoffs for 12 straight seasons, but Rodgers was chosen as the chosen one to end the disaster by opening the field. Against his will, he ended up just opening another wound.
And now?
With a touchdown on a punt return in overtime, Xavier Gipson allowed the Jets to win and keep hope alive. Getty Images via AFP
After this devastating observation, why do I still dare to give you hope, dear Jets fans?
Because your club has dogs. Not even close! We saw that clearly on Monday night when your JETS toppled the Bills despite the overwhelming severity of Rodgers’ downfall. The defense never stops and almost guarantees you’ll be in the game every game. This win was deserved as hell.
I know you expected more this year. I also know that reconnecting with Zach Wilson instead of Rodgers is like looking forward to the greatest meal of your life and washing it down with a bottle of Nicolas Laloux.
In the face of such tragedy, all we can do is take a good sip and hold our noses. As you have done so many times over the years.
The problem is that we don’t know whether the invitation to the big table will come back to you next year. The hardest part is that Rodgers is 39 years old and his Achilles tendon injury will require a long rehabilitation.
A proud competitor excited about his new romance with the Jets, Rodgers could well opt for a return in 2024. Will he be the same player? This is anything but certain.
Meanwhile, a veteran is needed to back up Zach Wilson, but interesting options are few and far between. There is a retiree named Tom Brady, but he would never do such a blasphemous thing against his eternal flame, the Patriots.
The Jets can still end the losing streak without a series, but with a tough defensive brigade it will be difficult and difficult. It wouldn’t be thanks to Zach Wilson, but in spite of him. Here, Rodgers’ injury hurts so much and I bleed with you.
Oh, and in all the hustle and bustle, I almost forgot to tell you about New York’s other football team, the Giants. It has to be said that after their shameful performance, they really aren’t worth it.
MY PREDICTION FOR THURSDAY: Vikings 23 Eagles 31
A second choice
When it comes to Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending injury, keep in mind that it is now official that the Packers will receive a second-round pick in a trade with the Jets. If Rodgers had been involved in at least 65% of the Jets’ offensive plays, this pick would have become a first-round selection. If there’s any small consolation for the Jets, this is it.
Here comes Chris Jones again
The Chiefs can finally rely on their top tackle Chris Jones, who is undoubtedly one of the three best players on the team. After a long strike, Jones signed a one-year contract that could pay him up to $25 million with performance bonuses. The fact is that he and the team were never able to agree on a long-term pact and he could very well leave next winter. The Chiefs are playing with fire.
Fire Duo
The Dolphins made everyone’s eyes wide open with their 36:34 win over the Chargers. Their attack was vicious. Tua Tagovailoa amassed 466 yards through the air, the fourth-best performance by a quarterback in opening game history. For his part, Tyreek Hill accumulated 215 yards, the third-highest total for a receiver.