Few teams have three first-team All-Pros on their defense heading into the 2025 season.
The New York Jets are one of them.
As talented a unit as they are, Gang Green’s defense knows they have their work cut out for them to open the 2025 season. Aaron Rodgers is returning to MetLife Stadium alongside wide receiver DK Metcalf, a deep tight end room, and an offensive line filled with young talent.
As a former head coach and defensive coordinator for multiple NFC teams, Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks understands the pressure on his shoulders.
And he seems more than ready to let his unit loose.
Jets prepare for familiar face
Since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers have struggled to field a competent and consistent offense. They have tried multiple quarterbacks, such as Kenny Pickett or Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson, but nothing has really clicked. It’s why the team went out of its way to sign Rodgers.
To Wilks, though, what makes Pittsburgh’s offense dangerous is its preparation.
“They are well coached,” Wilks said before practice on Thursday. “Our guys are excited for this week, and I know we’ll be ready to play.”
The Steelers look much different than past years on offense, and it’s not just because of Rodgers. George Pickens was shipped to Dallas, and Najee Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. DK Metcalf and rookie running back Kaleb Johnson are expected to replace the veterans.
Stopping Pittsburgh’s offense begins with Rodgers, though.
READ MORE: Aaron Glenn has shut down Rodgers twice... This is how he did itThe future Hall-of-Famer threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns during his lone full season as the Jets’ starting quarterback. After recovering from a torn Achilles in 2023, Rodgers had an underwhelming season, ranking 29th out of 36 quarterbacks in QBR (44.7).
Still, Wilks won’t hear any talks of Rodgers potentially being past his prime.
“I keep saying it over and over again, I see a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” Wilks said. “There’s nothing we can throw at him that he hasn’t seen. When you bring him pressure, he already knows where he’s going with the ball. So, we got to do a great job. There’s nothing we can throw at Aaron that he hasn’t seen before.
“Going to do a great job surveying the field and see exactly what we’re in defensively to get his guys in the right position to be successful.”
The Jets know what they are up against on Sunday. Rodgers may be 41 years old, but he is motivated to go out and show he still can play at an MVP level.
New York seems more than prepared to stop him, though.