Did The Jets Get A "Discounted" Aaron Rodgers?

Vendors Russell Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Did the Jets Get A 'Discounted' Aaron Rodgers?

Patrick : Fellas, former N.Y.. Jets Hall of Famer QB Joe Namath–yes–offered up his retired No. 12 to incoming QB Aaron Rodgers, traded to the Jets from Green Bay. Rodgers has worn No. 12 throughout his pro career, but he will wear No. 8, his college jersey at Cal, with the Jets.

Russ: And what’s wild is Joe Namath led the N.Y. Jets to a championship way back in 1969 for its only Super Bowl win.

John: Over 50 years ago!

Patrick : The now-former Green Bay Packer quarterback has picked it up and laid it back down out on the East Coast. He’s even flipped leagues. From the National Football Conference—the NFC—to the American Football Conference—the AFC.

Russ: Yes, it has to be this season. While the dang near eternal Tom Brady was able to keep it going well into his 40s, not many quarterbacks in this league—starters with legitimate playing time—will be able to scoot on over that 40-year-old line. Aaron Rodgers is 39-years-old.

John: I believe the Jets got the better end of the deal. They drafted defensive end Will McDonald IV at #15—one of the picks the Jets received with Aaron Rodgers—while the Packers selected a de -

fensive end as well, Lukas Van Ness. Will McDonald IV, last year at Iowa State, had 27 tackles, 5 assists, and 24 stops, while Van Ness had only 15 tackles, 11 assists, and 18 stops.

Donald: How do you think the Packers will do in the upcoming season?

John: They didn’t do enough in this draft to address the team’s needs. They got some defensive support, but I don’t believe they did enough to protect the new starting quarterback in Green Bay, Jordan Love. That’s one thing the Jets did do: selected a couple of offensive linemen: a center at #42, and an offensive tackle at #120.

Russ: The Jets did well to add a couple of offensive-line pieces, considering Rodgers' age. But let me say to Aaron Rodgers: “Good luck playing for the Jets. I’m glad you’re gone from our division, and we’ll now

really get to know how good you are when you have to play the Buffalo Bills twice this year!”

Patrick : The AFC East is much tougher than our Bears-inhabited NFC North, so while Rodgers could do well this upcoming season with that top-notch supporting cast in New York, we— the Bears—could at least beat Green Bay.

Donald: That ain’t no good! I’m not trying to win because there’s no opponent. I want to win because I physically beat someone. Out-thought someone. Not have someone have to forfeit or something.

Patrick : Good point. Plus, we ain’t guaranteed to beat them even without Rodgers. Shoot, I’ll root for them as I always do, but hopefully, that “thing” the Packers have on us is gone with Rodgers.

Russ: I believe Green Bay made out like fat cats with

this one. The Jets picked up a 39-year-old quarterback in the hopes that he could give them a few good seasons. Just not a bet I want.

John: Listen, even if Aaron ends up with the same record as last year’s record with Green Bay—8-9—he’s so much more likely to not even come close to the playoffs in the Jets division than in the Packers' and Bears' one.

Patrick : All right. So, what y’all say? Thumbs up? Down?

John: Thumbs up for the Jets.

Donald: With you.

Russ: Thumbs down for me. Rodgers is too old.

Patrick : Good stuff, fellas. Thumbs up, for me, to the Jets: I believe Aaron’s got a little bit left in the tank.

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