Rodgers ‘intention’ to be a Jet heightens Pats’ plight
Team could sink to bottom of AFC East
Aaron Rodgers said he intends to be a New York Jet. As in, a twice-a-year problem for the Patriots.
As in, kiss those automatic two wins a year goodbye.
Since that cat has been out of the bag for quite some time, the news Rodgers provided on “The Pat Mcafee Show” Wednesday wasn’t necessarily a surprise.
But technically, it’s not done. There are still details to be worked out. There’s no official trade just yet.
But the Packers want him gone, he wants out of Green Bay, and the Jets are desperate to get him. So barring another team swooping in at the last second, it’s basically done.
Cutting to the chase, this would be — on paper at least — a game-changing move for the Jets. And by extension, a notso-great development for the Patriots.
The perennial AFC East cellar-dwelling Jets, who are convinced they are a quarterback away from being a legitimate contender, are on the precipice of landing one of the best.
In theory, Rodgers, a Super Bowl winner and one of the most naturally gifted passers in the league, would put them over the top given the cast he now has surrounding him. Along with the cast Rodgers is hoping to bring with him.
The addition of Rodgers would make the Jets a threat to dethrone the Bills atop the division.
The move would also have the Patriots, who finished in third place last season with an 8-9 record, swapping roles with the Jets.
The Patriots would sink to being the worst team in the AFC East. And it wouldn’t be up for debate.
Rodgers would provide that kind of boost to Robert Saleh’s team, even at age 39.
Of course, it’s important to mention he’s coming off one of his worst seasons as a pro.
And, with every talk show appearance, Rodgers continues to reinforce the notion that he’s a know-it-all, and a drama queen.
As it is, the Jets are going through hoops, and embarrassingly so, to try to satisfy his every whim and need. On Tuesday,
they reportedly signed wide receiver Allen Lazard, who was one of Rodgers’ favorite targets in Green Bay the past five years.
If and when the deal is finally consummated, the Jets better hope Rodgers doesn’t completely destroy all the good vibes the Jets had in their locker room last season given the infusion of so many good young players.
They also better hope he doesn’t become known as this year’s version of Russell Wilson.
That said, if the Jets ultimately get a motivated Rodgers, one who simply does his job and buries the diva act, that spells trouble for the Patriots, who won’t get to beat up on their perennial punching
said Hastings, in his 13th season at the helm. “We’ve been doing a good job holding our opponents to under 40 points throughout the tournament. That give us a chance to win on any given night.”
It was a winning formula complimented by the great leadership of quad-captains O’meara, Mizzoni, Barbella and Victoria Mccoy. The quartet played a key role in Littleton’s 61 victories over their talented tenure, culminating
with an era-high 18 this season.
“All four have been critical to our success,” said Hastings. “They all lead in different ways, but consistently put the team first. You can’t win without great leadership, and we’ve been fortunate to get it.”
Against Wahconah, O’meara netted 12 points, Kate Allen scored seven and Mccoy added six points.
Hastings also credits the tireless work of his coaching staff of Stephen Gentile, Stephanie Gentile and Hannah Gouldrup for their assistance.
“My coaching staff has
been instrumental to the team’s success,” said Hastings. “We wouldn’t be here without their efforts and dedication.”
For Hastings and his staff, dealing with a different opponent on a moment’s notice has been tricky, but only added to the tourney excitement.
“It’s a challenge to adjust matchups on the fly during tournament play, but that’s obviously a good problem to have,” said Hastings. “Our game plan doesn’t change much. We’ll play man-toman defense and try to hold their top couple of players in check.”