It is a must-win game for the Jets tonight, and Aaron Rodgers needs to show up in full form. He is up against the Texans, led by CJ Stroud, who has had a better season than Rodgers in terms of touchdowns and passing yards.
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Additionally, the Jets are 2-6 this season, whereas the Texans are 6-2, showing a clear disparity. Yet, Stephen A. Smith believes that Rodgers will have the last laugh against Stroud on Thursday night.
Appearing on the NFL on ESPN preview, Smith noted the ‘shorthanded’ Stroud, who lost Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs to injuries before the Thursday game. He explained that the Jets have Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson available, leading him to expect Rodgers to ‘show up.’
“He’s (Rodgers) looked decent over the last couple of games. When I’m talking about greatness, can you go out there and do that? I think that with CJ Stroud not having two primary weapons available to him, it shouldn’t be excessive for us to believe that if there was ever a night when Aaron Rodgers could have a better performance than someone like CJ Stroud, it should be tonight.”
Smith concluded his argument by reminding Rodgers that the onus is on him to prove he can still play quarterback in the National Football League. Reacting to Smith’s take, co-analyst Dan Orlovsky wondered whether Rodgers could deliver, stating, “There is only one team in this NFL season that has not scored 25 points: the Jets.”
It is clear that Smith gives the advantage to Rodgers due to the availability of wide receivers. However, Orlovsky argued that Houston’s defense has made many quarterbacks and offenses look bad, including Anthony Richardson, who had a terrible box score in the last game, leading to his benching.
Ultimately, the matchup is between Stroud, showcasing consistent growth in the NFL, and Rodgers, a seasoned veteran, in the NFL since 2005. Thus, the Thursday Night Game promises to be exciting.
