According to a report from ESPN, the New York Jets have been chosen by the NFL and NFL Films to be featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks leading up to the 2023 season. This will be the second time the Jets have been selected for the show, with the first time being in 2010 when Rex Ryan was the head coach.
The Jets have been a favorite to be chosen for Hard Knocks since they traded for quarterback Aaron Rodgers in April. With only three other eligible teams – the New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders, and Chicago Bears – the Jets emerged as the prime candidate.
Last season, the Jets showed improvement and were in playoff contention until Week 17. However, their second-year quarterback Zach Wilson struggled, leading to being benched twice during the season. The offense also struggled to move the ball effectively.
Nevertheless, the Jets have a strong defense that ranked fourth in yards allowed per game in 2022. They have made it clear that they are in win-now mode by trading for Aaron Rodgers. In exchange for the star quarterback, the Jets sent the Green Bay Packers multiple draft picks, including their 13th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Rodgers, who is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the league, expressed his excitement about joining the Jets at his introductory press conference. He mentioned his belief in the team, head coach Robert Saleh, and general manager Joe Douglas. Rodgers sees this as a new adventure and is ready to make his Jets debut on Monday Night Football in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.
The decision to feature the Jets on Hard Knocks is expected to generate a lot of attention and give fans an inside look at the team’s preparation and dynamics leading up to the 2023 season. The show has been known to provide an in-depth and behind-the-scenes perspective on the featured team, making it a must-watch for football enthusiasts.
As the face of the NFL leading up to the upcoming season, the Jets will have the opportunity to showcase their talent, build chemistry, and prove that they are serious contenders in the league. With Aaron Rodgers leading the way, the Jets are aiming for success and hoping to make a deep playoff run.
Overall, being chosen for Hard Knocks is a significant honor for the New York Jets and will undoubtedly bring heightened attention and excitement to the franchise as they embark on the 2023 season with high hopes and aspirations.