This ranking is most likely based on Aaron Rodgers’ “60,000 pass yards and 475 touchdown passes.” Besides this, there seems to be no reason to put the New York Jets’ quarterback on the number 8 rank, according to many analysts.

ESPN recently ranked the top quarterbacks of the league on Monday, July 15, 2024. The list kept Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen in the top three. But what caught NFL analysts’ attention was Rodgers’s entry in the QB list, and that too, on number 8 before Jared Goff, despite his zero stats in 2023.

Aaron Rodgers is not at his peak?

“All that glitters is not gold!” This statement might come true if the Jets quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, fails to prove his worth in 2024, as the hype around him is much higher than previous seasons. And while reportedly sensing a low result by Rodgers in this upcoming battle, the analysts of First Things First, Nick Wright, Chris Broussard and Kevin Wildes, reacted to the quarterback’s number 8 ranking. Nick highlighted Rodgers’ declining performance in 2022, marking it as his “worst” season since becoming a starter, with career lows in key stats like yards per game (217.4) and passer rating (91.1). Wright also noted that despite previous comebacks, Rodgers is now 40 and recovering from a serious Achilles injury, making it unlikely for him to improve.

The 39-year-old analyst also questioned why anyone would expect a 40-year-old man to perform better with the Jets’ coaching staff, especially after a below average season and an Achilles injury. Wright argued that Rodgers’ performance in crucial games, including a key Sunday night football game, showed he was no longer at his peak. He expressed, “…that player is now all of a sudden great. He once was great….and what happened in the meantime, he tore his Achilles tendon. How that guy is considered by….a lot of these guys a top five quarterback is wish cast.”

In short, the analysts believe that Rodgers needs to improve himself again before being considered great – especially under the team’s current offense coaching squad – who failed to bring much greater impact even while handling Zach Wilson. Broussard also mentioned that even if Rodgers isn’t a top 10 quarterback, he just needs to be better than the Jets’ previous QBs to improve the team’s performance.

And with the Jets’ training camp scheduled to begin from July 24, Rodgers is expected to enhance his football skills for a fruitful result. Meanwhile, he is back from his “controversial” summer vacation.

Aaron Rodgers finally addressed why he was absent!

Aaron Rodgers explained his absence from the team’s mandatory minicamp earlier this summer. The four-time NFL MVP spoke to NBC Sports during the American Century Classic, and said that he “Had a beautiful trip to Egypt. This is like the last marker. Summer’s over on Sunday.” Rodgers decision to skip the mandatory training has earlier raised questions about his commitment to the team, especially after his abrupt season ending in the debut game with the Jets.

Despite the controversy, Rodgers reassured fans about his comeback and physical condition. He expressed, “My Achilles feels good, you know, I felt really good at the end of last year. Then you know, there’s always that kind of plateau part. It’s just about getting back into it. I felt good.” So, this means Rodgers is ready for a much-awaited comeback. But is the team ready?

Rodgers also gave an answer about the same. In another interview, A-Rod said, “I love it. We are must-watch TV. And that’s pretty obvious. Everybody knows that. Whether you love me or hate me, people wanna see me play. They enjoy watching me play. And we are a team to watch this year.”

So, now as Rodgers prepares for his comeback, he’s set to make history by being the oldest non-kicker or punter to return to play after such a long absence since Steve Deberg in 1970.