After losing a Monday Night Football showdown to the Buffalo Bills, the New York Jets appeared to be headed for another rough week. However, the morning after the game brought the best news Jets fans have heard all season. New York completed a blockbuster trade for star wide receiver Davante Adams — a move that could instantly change the Jets' chances to contend this year.
At 2-4 and now two games back of the Bills — their only true completion in the AFC East — the Jets at least finally earned a win off the field. Adams brings a newfound sense of hope to a team that's already witnessed its head coach get fired. Most importantly, trading for Adams has injected some new life and confidence into Aaron Rodgers.
"Obviously, I'm really excited," Rodgers said during his weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee Show about reuniting with Adams. He then added: "It's on us now. We're going all-in."
So far through six games, Rodgers has 1,387 yards with nine touchdown passes and five interceptions. The Jets' offense has only scored 20 or more points in a game three times this season.
Garrett Wilson leads all Jets receivers with 41 receptions for 399 yards. That's nice production, but Rodgers and Wilson haven't developed anything close to the kind of chemistry the former four-time NFL MVP once enjoyed with Adams in Green Bay.
While together for eight years with the Packers, Adams caught 669 balls, totaled 8,121 yards and scored 73 touchdowns. There's no denying the duo was once one of the most dangerous quarterback-wide receiver combinations in football.
"He infuses a lot of energy into the team right away," Rodgers also said to McAfee. "He is a proven star player, he's an asset, he's an incredible locker room presence."
Adams provides Rodgers a playmaker he can rely on and has an established chemistry with while also assisting Wilson and the other receivers. Defenses will have to scheme for Adams. Defenses will likely draw up double coverage on Adams, which may allow Wilson to be open more often.
Adams, who eventually soured on his situation with the Raiders and requested to be traded, should be revitalized to be back with Rodgers as well.
And even though Adams is nursing a hamstring injury, the Jets hope they have found their missing piece to unlock their potential, especially on offense.
