Bring on Aaron Rodgers, New-Look Jets: Patriots Defense Prepared to 'Thrive'

New England Patriots defenders say they are excited about facing four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets twice this year.

Opportunity doesn't always knock ... sometimes it bursts in.

That's how members of the New England Patriots' defense are viewing the New York Jets' recent high-profile acquisition, as their AFC East rivals brought in four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to combat their long-standing issues at quarterback. New York's offensive struggles are perhaps best personified by the 14-game losing streak attached to their yearly pair of matchups with the Patriots, who have also won each of the last 12 at Gillette Stadium.

Even if Rodgers, soon to be 40, isn't at the height of his powers, there's no doubt that he at least makes the Patriots' job in continuing their monopoly on the rivalry at least a tad more difficult. New England defenders, set to play their first season without the reliable coverage of Devin McCourty for the first time in over a decade, are aware of the challenge ahead and are embracing it with open arms.

"You’re always excited to see the different moves teams make,” linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley told NESN. “(It) just adds competition around the league. I thrive off competition in general. So, especially in our division, seeing the different moves teams make always gets you excited about what’s to come.

“I’m always eager to get out there and see what the next team has and what they’re cooking up, so we have the opportunity to stop it.”

Bentley, said to be on pace for bigger responsibilities this season, declared that the Patriots "have no choice" but to be prepared for Rodgers' arrival. He did, however, predict that New England's developing group can have a little fun with it along the way.

"He’s definitely going to add some things to the Jets as far as their offense is concerned," Bentley said. "Hands down, it’s going to be a hell of an opportunity for us to go against him twice a year. But if you ask us, we’re excited about the opportunity."

Cornerback Jonathan Jones has concurred with Bentley, comparing the upcoming meetings with Rodgers to daily practices with Tom Brady, a de facto privilege he got to experience in each of his first four NFL seasons.

"We accept that challenge with A-Rod joining the East, I think it’s going to be an exciting year," Jones said in another report from NESN. "I like to play against some of the best competition. Being in New England, practicing against Tom every day, games were usually easy because you practice all week against one of the best. Having great competition in your division, it makes you better. It’s going to make a lot of your games outside the division a little bit easier.” 

Rodgers made three starts against the Patriots during his 18-year career in Green Bay, including a 251-yard, two-touchdown outing last October in a 27-24 win. The dates for the latest edition of the Patriots-Jets rivalry will be unveiled later this week when the NFL attaches times and dates to its 2023-24 regular season schedule.

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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