From MVP to VP?: Robert F. Kennedy wants New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers as his running mate on an independent presidential ticket, according to The New York Times. The Jets turned their franchise upside down for Rodgers and made him the quasi-general manager. He rubberstamped the hiring of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who makes passing a kidney stone look easier than passing the football, and the additions of receivers Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and tackle Billy Turner. They all stunk. And that’s being polite.
How long before Rodgers recommends Joe Rogan as surgeon general to RFK Jr.?
After playing four snaps and teasing a medical miracle comeback from Achilles surgery, Rodgers explained in January that “anything in this (Jets) building that we’re doing that has nothing to do with winning needs to be assessed. The (bleep) that has nothing to do with winning has to get out of the building.”
Does that include Rodgers? Since he said that he has been engulfed in multiple controversies involving late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, COVID-19 and conspiracy theories. Knowing Rodgers, he believes he could purse a political office and lead the Jets simultaneously because of his brilliance.
All I can say is this. Russell Wilson represents the worst trade in Broncos history. And I’d take Let’s Ride over Let’s Run (for office) every day of the week.
Speaking of quarterbacks, the Falcons look like a contender after signing Kirk Cousins. The big winner? Atlanta-area Kohls.
Buffs in bracket: No longer is the CU Buffs men’s hoops team on the NCAA bubble. They are firmly in after beating Utah on Friday. The Buffs found a path in when they stopped taking the Family Truckster on road trips. …
Nod to Nique: There a number of reasons CSU’s men will go dancing, but don’t discount Nique Clifford, who has been more versatile than a pair of khakis for the Rams. …
Texas two-step: Talked to Air Force star safety Trey Taylor this week and asked him how he became a great pass defender at the Academy where they run more than Forrest Gump. “Texas high school football,” said Taylor, who was a prep teammate of Broncos receiver Marvin Mims Jr. …
Houston no longer has a problem: The Texans have become a destination location, and I won’t be surprised if they reach the AFC Championship Game after adding edge rusher Danielle Hunter. …
QB thoughts: It took less time for Kevin Costner to build his Field of Dreams than it has for the Bears to trade Justin Fields. He is staring at a backup role this season. … That 2021 class remains a vivid reminder of the inexact science of finding a franchise quarterback. … And no member of the 2022 class is starting, including Kenny Pickett, who was shipped to the Eagles on Friday. …
My two-week views on leaving TV to return to The Denver Post: I might not wear makeup again unless I go as KISS bassist Gene Simmons for Halloween.
Mail time
The questions this week centered on the Broncos’ pursuit of a bridge quarterback. There were several and the selected inquiries captured the sentiment of those loyal readers who reached out:
Why would we have wanted Sam Howell? He is just over 6 feet tall, has very small hands, and threw as many interceptions as touchdowns.
— Greg Berman, via X/Twitter
I am really struggling to figure out why everyone wants to trade for a QB? We have Jarrett Stidham and we can draft a rookie?
— Stew Wands, via X/Twitter
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Do you think a Zach Wilson trade is more in the Sam Howell or Mac Jones direction?
— Patrick Dawson, via X/Twitter
Based on my emails and social media responses, Broncos’ fans feel ill about the bridge quarterback search. The Vikings paid Sam Darnold $10 million. Denver had interest but not at that price. Drew Lock was never coming back. Jameis Winston wasn’t an option.
As for Howell, I pushed for him because finding a good, young quarterback remains difficult, so why not take a flier on someone younger than Bo Nix? I understand his picks and sacks bring back memories of Russell Wilson, but could he bounce back with guardrails provided by coach Sean Payton? I believe so. I only liked him for a fifth- or sixth-round pick. Washington landed third- and fifth-rounders by sending Seattle fourth- and sixth-round selections. That made no sense for the rebuilding Broncos.
So, who’s left? Well, it’s time to shop off the clearance rack. Zach Wilson, 24, falls into Howell category as potential reclamation project for one season. And he should only net a fifth- or sixth-rounder given how the Jets have made it clear they have no use for him. Is that worth a pull of the slot machine arm? I don’t think so. Rather just go with Jarrett Stidham. But I will say this, if the Broncos acquire him, they must demand he wear No. 3 so fans can get some return of investment on those Wilson jerseys.
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