There are some high expectations for Aaron Rodgers heading into the 2023 season. He is being looked at as a savior of types for the New York Jets, who sought a quarterback upgrade this offseason and got one in the form of a future Hall of Famer.
After spending 18 years with the Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers is embarking on a new challenge. He is reportedly very happy about being with the Jets and we could see him return to form after a down 2022 season. Injuries certainly played a part, as he dealt with numerous ailments.
But, heading into 2023 with the Jets, all of the vibes are positive for Aaron Rodgers. He is committed and ready to help get the team back on track. What can we expect to see from him this season? Here are three early bold predictions for Aaron Rodgers in 2023.
3. Spreads The Wealth
One of the issues that Aaron Rodgers ran into with the Packers in recent seasons was a lack of weapons offensively. That will not be a problem with the Jets, who have the deepest wide receiver group in the NFL.
Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson is atop the depth chart with free agent signing, and Aaron Rodgers’ No. 1 target last season in Green Bay, Allen Lazard. His long-time teammate Randall Cobb was also signed, along with Mecole Hardman. Corey Davis and Denzel Mims remain on the roster, for now, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if some more changes were made.
Regardless, this is a deep, talented group of pass catchers and the ball will be spread around. At least five players are going to catch at least 50 passes from Aaron Rodgers this season
2. Surpasses 4,000-Yard Mark
Last season the Packers’ passing offense was lacking much punch. There is only so much the quarterback can do without some help around him. Last season Aaron Rodgers was relying on players who either hadn’t had prominent roles in the NFL yet or were rookies. This season, the supporting cast is a lot more experienced.
That should lead to more production as the trust in his supporting cast will be higher. With the ball getting slung around to so many targets, some big yardage totals are going to follow.
Aaron Rodgers will surpass the 4,000-yard mark for the 11th time in his career. Last season he threw for only 3,695 in 17 games, which came out to 217.4 yards per game, the lowest total of his career. That number will sit closer to 240 to surpass the 4,000-yard plateau.
1. Jets Snap Playoff Drought
There is one reason that Aaron Rodgers was brought to the Jets this offseason; to turn them into contenders. Reaching the heights many are projecting them to obtain won’t be easy, as turning into a Super Bowl contender overnight is no small task. However, with him under the center, the team will be much improved.
Had New York received average-level quarterback production during the 2022 season they very likely would have made the playoffs. They started the season 7-4 and were in great shape before the bottom fell out and they lost the last six games of the season.
With Aaron Rodgers in town, that kind of late-season skid will hopefully be avoided. He will help the Jets snap their 12-year playoff drought, which is currently the longest among the four major sports leagues in North America. The Jets will win at least nine games and be playing on Super Wild Card Weekend.
More must-reads: