Aaron Rodgers will meet the Miami Dolphins this Sunday for the first time as the New York Jets quarterback, more than a year after his trade from Green Bay. Rodgers, who missed nearly all of last season due to an Achilles injury, is eager to prove himself, despite recent struggles.
Tua Tagovailoa excited to face Rodgers
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa expressed admiration for Rodgers ahead of the matchup. “I’m excited to see him go out there and have fun with his guys and play,” Tagovailoa said. “We’re going to come out there and compete as well and just admire good football if he goes out there and does his thing.”
Rookie linebacker Chop Robinson, who grew up watching Rodgers, said the veteran QB “still looks like Aaron Rodgers out there,” adding to the Dolphins’ anticipation.
Jets’ confidence in Rodgers remains strong
Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich reaffirmed faith in Rodgers, despite his career-low 6.3 yards-per-pass average this season. “We all know what he’s capable of. I really believe we’re going to get the best version of him this Sunday,” Ulbrich said.
Rodgers himself dismissed the notion that he needs to prove his value, saying, “I love football. I don’t need a lot of motivation from the outside world. I wake up, I love what I’m doing, and I want to go out and compete.”
Special teams shine for the Jets
Last week, the Jets’ special teams unit made NFL history, achieving a kickoff return touchdown, recovering two kickoff fumbles, and blocking an extra point—all in the first half against Seattle. Kene Nwangwu, promoted from the practice squad, starred with a 99-yard kickoff return TD and a forced fumble, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Promising performances from young players
Jets rookie left tackle Olu Fashanu has been a bright spot this season. In his second start, Fashanu allowed no pressures on 42 pass-blocking snaps, solidifying his reputation as a cornerstone for the team’s future.
“He’s a baller,” said left guard John Simpson. “He learns real quick and is going to be a great player in this league.”
Bradley Chubb’s potential return
Dolphins pass rusher Bradley Chubb practiced this week for the first time since tearing his ACL last season. Listed as questionable, Chubb’s return could bolster Miami’s defense. Before his injury, he had 11 sacks, six forced fumbles, and 73 tackles, making him one of the league’s top pass rushers.
Rodgers seeks to break 300-yard drought
Despite a storied career, Rodgers hasn’t thrown for 300 yards in 34 regular-season games, dating back to December 2021. “Would love to get rid of that one,” Rodgers admitted. “But there’s a lot of stats I’ve been on the right side of. That one is not one of my favorites.”
The Dolphins, currently 5-7, are prepared to face a player Tagovailoa calls “greatness,” while the 3-9 Jets hope for a strong finish to their season under Rodgers’ leadership.
