New York Jets: Sunday is the chance to see a generational talent

There aren’t a ton of reasons to watch the New York Jets games these days. However, the road team brings one compelling reason to do so.

The New York Jets face the Green Bay Packers this weekend. There are just two games left as the Jets play out the string on yet another lost season. Ho, hum, right fans?

Why watch the games anymore? The season is over. There is even a faction of the fan base that doesn’t want the team to win so their draft pick can improve.

We have talked about why the Jets are still worth watching. We can all agree that paying attention to Sam Darnold‘s growth is something to sit back and enjoy. Seeing our star safety, Jamal Adams, all over the field is also great fun.

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But once in a while, a visiting team comes in that gives you a reason to watch.

Even when this team is outside of the playoffs just like the Jets, they bring with them a player that you never get to see.

As we know that opponent is the Green Bay Packers, and the player I am talking about is Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers has done about as much as any quarterback can do over his 14 year career.

He has thrown for 42,476 yards which plays him 17th on the all time list. Rodgers has thrown 336 touchdowns vs. only 80 interceptions.

Rodgers ranks tenth overall in touchdowns thrown.

He has been the league MVP twice, has been named to the Pro Bowl seven times and twice been selected as a first team All-Pro.

Oh yes, and his career passer rating of 103.8 ranks him first all time.

Add to that the fact that Rodgers makes plays on the run and you have got yourself a generational talent.

He is a Super Bowl champion, and has thrown 36 touchdowns vs. ten interceptions in 17 career playoff games.

What Rodgers does is what we all hope Sam Darnold will do through his career. Rodgers has always made the players around him better.

He is already turning Marquez Valdes-Scantling into a player. This fifth round pick from South Florida has the same number of touchdowns (2) as Randall Cobb and more yardage (463 vs. 356).

Sure the Packers are more adept at the draft than the Jets have been, but Rodgers is able to get the most out of each and every one of his teammates.

THAT is a generational quarterback.

Another example is Jordy Nelson. Yes, he had a coming out party in his final year at Kansas State with 122 reception, but it was Rodgers that brought him up to a star level in the NFL.

We could go on and on.

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Sure, Rodgers has been banged up a bit over the last couple of years. He isn’t what he used to be. He is often much more of a pocket passer than he was in his youth.

But, that “aging” player has still thrown 23 touchdowns vs. only two interceptions. I think Jets fans would sign up for that ratio any season of their lives.

Sunday we see in person what we hope Sam Darnold will become. We don’t get to see him against the Jets much. The older generation vs. the new wave.

I know I can’t wait to watch.

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