Aaron Rodgers is putting Jets’ offseason drama away with impressive start

It was a really long offseason for the New York Jets. The offensive line was torn down and rebuilt. Aaron Rodgers was hailed as a savior of the franchise and then crucified for missing mini camp. The defense was improved with the addition of Pro Bowler Haason Reddick only for him not to show up. […]

Mike Antoniou
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Jets QB Aaron Rodgers calls a play at the line during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium.
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It was a really long offseason for the New York Jets. The offensive line was torn down and rebuilt. Aaron Rodgers was hailed as a savior of the franchise and then crucified for missing mini camp. The defense was improved with the addition of Pro Bowler Haason Reddick only for him not to show up. Articles were published about how bad of an atmosphere the Jets had by anonymous sources. Robert Saleh got into a heated argument with Jets owner Woody Johnson according to a reporter that wasn’t even there.

Some had the Jets going 17-0 with Aaron Rodgers taking over New York like a conquering hero, while others had him painted as a maniacal villain set on the demise of the Jets leading them to a 1-16 season.

But here the Jets sit at 2-1 after an impressive victory on Thursday Night football against the New England Patriots in the home opener and suddenly all of those off season storylines seem like a distant past.

Aaron Rodgers looked like his vintage self on Thursday Night and the Jets finally had an offense that could keep up with their previously stellar defense. With that success comes the ability to silence critics and doubters.

On the Pat McAfee Show this week, Rodgers was asked about the report from an anonymous agent saying the Jets culture was horrendous. Rodgers (and McAfee) put that to rest.

Rodgers' answer to the questions on the culture in the organization are not things we haven't heard before.  The real difference this year is the play on the field has been able to back it up.

Rodgers has been really good so far in three games and it has completely changed the dynamic of the team. Last year, the Jets ranked dead last in third down conversion, completing only 25.96% of their third downs. The next lowest team (Patriots) was almost a full 5% better.

This year, Rodgers and the Jets have the best third down conversion rate through three games, converting 21 or 37 opportunities, a 56.76% clip. Rodgers has picked up 15 of those 21 conversions through the air. If the Jets can continue to keep this pace on third downs, it will keep opposing defenses on the field and wear them down.

What is even more scary for opposing defenses is that Rodgers and star wide receiver Garrett Wilson have yet to really get going.  Both guys will tell you that they aren't connecting like they thought they would be to this point.  Rodgers knows how important Wilson is to the offense, and the problem is so do the defenses they play.

Rodgers was asked about trying to get Wilson the ball early, and he preached patience on his part and Wilson's part.

If the Jets can continue to build momentum on the previous two wins when the host the Denver Broncos on Sunday, the Jets might be able to silence a few more critics.  While Rodgers is certainly saying all of the right things, the best way to silence the doubters and critics is with the way he played on Thursday.

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