Aaron Rodgers is familiar with intense NFL rivalries, having been part of one during his 18 years with the Green Bay Packers. Now the quarterback for the New York Jets (1-1), Rodgers is set to experience the Jets’ rivalry with the New England Patriots (1-1) in their home opener on Thursday night.
However, the four-time NFL MVP isn’t focused on adding to the rivalry’s history; instead, he aims for a win in the Jets’ third game in just 11 days.
“I think you need more than a couple games to put a stamp on a rivalry,” Rodgers said, noting he missed both games last season due to a torn Achilles tendon.
“I’m excited to play in it. I played in arguably the best rivalry in football — the Bears and Packers. It’s the oldest, and I was part of turning that around.
When I started, we were behind in the all-time series. By the time I finished, we were ahead and the Packers had beaten them 10 straight. That was fun.
“These two games will be great against the Patriots, but I don’t feel like there’s going to be a ‘stamp.’”
The rivalry between the Jets and Patriots, with New England leading 74-55-1, has lost some of its intensity.
Bill Belichick is no longer in New England, and Tom Brady hasn’t been around for a few years. Plus, the Jets finally ended a 15-game losing streak against the Patriots in last season’s finale, which was Belichick’s last game as coach.
“Yeah,” Jets coach Robert Saleh laughed when asked if he was glad to stop discussing the losing streak. “But no, it’s good. It’s a new regime, so it’s a whole new setup.”
