Peyton Manning has blunt take on Aaron Rodgers's Jets debut

Aaron Rodgers will make his long-awaited debut for the New York Jets on Monday night, and while many expect a lights-out performance, Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning believes that early-game jitters might lead to some mistakes from the veteran. 

"I think you'll see some things that emotions will be a part of it," Manning said, appearing on ESPN's "NFL Live" Friday. "It could be an over-throw in the game — expect that, right? That's just normal."

If anyone would know what it's like to start anew after being the longtime face of a franchise, it'd be Manning. Selected first overall in the 1998 NFL Draft, Manning spent the first 13 years of his career with the Indianapolis Colts, walking away as arguably the best QB in the team's history. However, Manning signed with the Denver Broncos in 2012, beginning a new chapter of his career, much like Rodgers.

Aside from the shock of trading in the Colts' traditional blue jersey for Broncos "bright" orange, Manning admitted to feeling the difference once he hit the field at Mile High Stadium for the first time.  

"You are very aware that this is different. This is not the RCA Dome or Lucas Oil Stadium; this is Mile High, and you're playing in a different environment," Manning said. "I think that'll hit Aaron as he's running out."

Rodgers hopes to have similar success in New York as Manning did in Denver. Over four seasons with the Broncos, Manning made the Pro Bowl three times, earned two All-Pro nods and won MVP honors in 2013. Meanwhile, he led the Broncos to a 45-12 record and two Super Bowl appearances, winning the Lombardi Trophy over the Carolina Panthers in 2015. 

There are some differences between Manning's situation and Rodgers'. Manning was 36 when he arrived in Denver, while Rodgers will turn 40 in December. However, Manning had also missed the previous year with a severe neck injury that required surgery. Meanwhile, Rodgers has missed only one start since 2017. 

So far, Rodgers has said all the right things, even striking a friendship with backup Zach Wilson. Whether or not all the goodwill sticks around if Rodgers doesn't play well remains to be seen. With that in mind, outsiders aren't entirely sold on Rodgers and the Jets yet. OddsChecker says the Jets have the seventh-best odds (+1800) to win the Super Bowl, tied with the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens.