Retired NFL Superstars Watt and Manning Share 2023 Predictions for Rodgers and the Jets
JJ Watt, not a New York Jets’ fan.
The former All-Pro pass rusher sat down for an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Robin Lundberg and he was asked to tackle the topic of New York Football.
“That’s a great question,” said Watt responding to Lundberg’s question about whether the Jets or the New York Giants will have a better 2023 season. “I mean the Giants had an unbelievable season last year. [Head coach Brian] Daboll obviously did a great job with that team.”
Continuing to ponder aloud, Watt, who played 12 NFL seasons and thrice won the Defensive Player of the Year award, repeated the question, “Who has a better season, the Jets or the Giants?”
Watt suggested that he was putting himself into a no-win situation should he give an answer.
“I know I’m gonna piss off half of New York, which is not what I want,” said Watt, who spent 10 seasons with the Houston Texans before playing his final two years for the Arizona Cardinals.
The former two-time NFL sacks leader (2012, 2015) finally voiced his choice in the Snoopy Bowl debate.
“I’m gonna go with the team that had success last year. I’ll go with the Giants again,” said Watt.
Meanwhile, legendary quarterback Peyton Manning, who won the Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos, shared a positive outlook for Rodgers and the Jets.
Manning, who moved to a new team late in his career like Rodgers, made a special guest appearance on the Pat McAfee Show Tuesday and explained how experience should help the Jets’ new quarterback’s adjustment.
“Somebody like Aaron who has played as long, and has had so many reps, I mean his recall has got to be incredible,” said Manning, who played 17 NFL seasons with the final four coming in Denver. "I'm excited for Aaron and the Jets.”
“Let me tell you why I think it's going to work. The fact that he has the same system that he ran in Green Bay with Hackett calling the plays, he's going to be able to play so much faster,” said Manning.
In addition to the past success Rodgers has enjoyed in Hackett’s scheme, the 39-year old quarterback has two familiar trustworthy receivers who joined him with the Jets as free-agent signings. Allen Lazard led Green Bay in receptions (60) and receiving yards (788) last season with Rodgers taking the snaps at QB. Meanwhile, Randall Cobb totaled 10 seasons as Rodgers’ teammate over two different stints with the Packers.
"Having to learn a new offense in your 18th, 19th year, it's almost impossible, because you have to un-learn your old offense. The fact that Aaron doesn't have to learn a new offense, a new snap count, a new formation, he's going to play fast,” continued Manning. “I see him playing well early next year, and it should be fun to watch.”
After recovering from major neck surgery, Manning helped the Broncos to two Super Bowl appearances in four years. He retired just shy of his 40th birthday, riding into the sunset after Denver’s 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
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