Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn’t letting past controversies distract him as he gears up for New York’s eagerly anticipated showdown against the Denver Broncos in East Rutherford, New Jersey, this Sunday afternoon.
The game carries added intrigue thanks to the history between Nathaniel Hackett and the Broncos. Hackett, now the Jets’ offensive coordinator, was dismissed during the 2022 season after leading Denver to a disappointing 4-11 record.
Following his departure, Jerry Rosburg stepped in as interim head coach to complete the season before Sean Payton assumed the full-time role in January 2023. Payton didn’t hold back during the summer, telling USA Today Sports that Hackett’s tenure was “one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history.”
Payton quickly issued an apology, and Rodgers is choosing to move forward. “It’s a little old,” Rodgers remarked about Payton’s comments. “We’ve all said things we’d like to take back. I’m sure some things have been said and taken out of context from time to time, but I honestly haven’t thought about it.”
Hackett had his moment of retribution when the Jets triumphed over the Broncos 31-21 in Week 5 last season. This year, his offense demonstrated excellence on September 19, orchestrating a 24-3 victory over the Patriots in their final game. Aaron Rodgers was in spectacular form against New England, completing 27 of 35 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns, boosting New York’s record to 2-1.
Receivers Allen Lazard and Garrett Wilson were the beneficiaries of Rodgers’ scoring passes. Wilson, New York’s primary wide receiver, has yet to surpass 60 yards in any of his three games this season, setting up an exciting matchup against cornerback Pat Surtain II.
“We’d like to get the ball to Wilson early, but it’s just a process. He has to be patient, and we have to be patient,” Rodgers stated. “We can’t force it. Pat is a phenomenal player, but Garrett is also a phenomenal player. So it’s going to be a good matchup between those two guys.”
The Broncos are riding high and looking to maintain their momentum. “You have to keep a routine as much as possible,” emphasized Denver quarterback Bo Nix. “Do the same things that have been done.”
Nix, the No. 12 overall pick in this year’s draft, recorded 216 yards on 25-of-36 passing, along with 47 rushing yards and a touchdown against Tampa Bay to secure his first career win. Yet, the young quarterback has faced challenges, with four interceptions and no touchdown passes so far this season.
Adding to Denver’s challenges, safety JL Skinner missed practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury, while tight end Nate Adkins (shoulder) and receiver Josh Reynolds (Achilles) were limited.
For the Jets, offensive tackle Morgan Moses was sidelined with a knee issue, and linebacker CJ Mosley (hip) also missed Wednesday’s practice.
Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling encounter as these NFL powerhouses collide!
