“J-E-T-S! Jets, Jets, Jets!" Bellows from the stands in MetLife Stadium on a mild fall night. A new era in which has been long overdue for their fans. Shades of green, black, and white flow throughout. Opening night was stormy, yet the fans were in full team galore. In what felt like a movie, a new face ran out the tunnel with the American flag: Aaron Rodgers was the missing quarterback Jets fans have been waiting for. It took a turbulent turn of events and re-directed their highly anticipated flight.
What was supposed to be a season of hope forced the Jets to land early and switch pilots. Aaron went down a few minutes into his debut with a torn Achilles. Fans were jilted, players in disbelief with all the noise surrounding their former number two pick Zach Wilson. A young man whose career has been turbulent since arriving in 2021. All the chips pushed into this season were lost, while the team had to decide.
Let the co-pilot takeover and hopefully he doesn’t cause any failures along the way. Confusion started to creep in as national sports media outlets questioned head coach Robert Saleh’s decision to not bring in a veteran off the couch. It drew ire of Jets fans, which gave them no assurance as if Zach could handle it. More turbulence and sirens wailed as players were in doubt. Could a top seven defense be wasted with poor quarterback play?
Zach Wilson since taking over for the injured Aaron Rodgers has played solid after Week 2. The loud noise was blocked out and he’s been focused on being the best version of himself. He’s shown more maturity, accountability and gaining trust of his teammates. After the loss to Kansas City, Jets fans started to feel Zach Wilson finally turned the corner. A team who rallied around him and Coach Saleh, along with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
After the big win over Philadelphia on Sunday, New York has plenty of rocket fuel to fly anywhere and compete for 60 minutes. Play to their strengths, while the defense continues to create havoc. A positive sign during pregame: Aaron Rodgers out on the field throwing passes with no boot on his lower leg. Jets fans could feel the flight getting smoother knowing their captain could return sooner than later. If the Jets can maintain and stay above the clouds, anything is possible. In a scenario where New York needed to win two of their last three games to seal
a wild card spot, don’t be surprised if Aaron Rodgers suits up and they fly in with momentum.
In the grand scheme of things, I believe New York did right by not bringing in a veteran QB to fill the spot. Much as I’ve been critical of Zach Wilson; along with other writers and podcasters, he’s been on his best behavior. Which is a good sign and positive knowing the team is winning games in the trenches. It won’t be perfect by any means; but the co-pilot Zach Wilson will guide this jet until "The PILOT" returns to claim his seat. For now, everyone is happy in New York.
As the Jets continue this flight, there’s enough rocket fuel to take them anywhere.
Stai tuned…
