New York could put 'same old Jets' refrain to rest with win over Packers at Lambeau Field
If Zach Wilson and the Jets beat the Aaron Rodgers-fueled Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field, they probably could end the "same old Jets" talk for good.
The signs the franchise is turning around are already here. With a 3-2 record, the Jets are off to their best start since 2015. The short-lived success of that year was built with an unsustainable model: aging players on big contracts.
For the 2022 season, GM Joe Douglas has crafted a roster full of young players who are performing at high levels and should continue to do so.
On Sunday, the Packers are an overwhelming favorite among NFL analysts. Vegas has the Pack as more than a touchdown favorite, but New York matches up well against the Packers.
Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur -- brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur -- will look to take advantage of Green Bay's 21st-ranked rushing defense by pounding the rock. In last week's win against Miami, they scored five rushing TDs for the first time since 1993.
Rookie running back Breece Hall had 197 yards of total offense, including a 79-yard reception in which he showcased his speedy, hard-to-tackle running style.
Against Rodgers, the Jets have the corners to match up against beleagured Green Bay skill-position players. Rookie Sauce Gardner has played like a veteran since Week 1. Rodgers' favorite target, Randall Cobb, leads the team with 249 yards receiving, a figure that would make him the third-most productive Jet receiver.
Arguments can be made the that the Jets have not taken the next step yet. They were blown out in both of their losses, and two of their three wins required (arguably) fluky fourth-quarter comebacks against teams with losing records and QBs who aren't stars (Jacoby Brissett, Kenny Pickett and Skylar Thompson).
Head coach Robert Saleh said the Jets had a roster "worse than an expansion team" when Douglas took over in 2019. A win over future Hall of Famer Rodgers and the Packers at Lambeau would dramatically change perceptions of the Jets -- probably for good.
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