Al Michaels labels ‘polarizing’ Aaron Rodgers ‘very smart’ and ‘convincing’ after Jets win

While they made their share of mistakes, the New York Jets got the result they needed in Week 9’s Thursday Night Football game against the Houston Texans. Behind three Aaron Rodgers touchdown passes, the Jets came away with a 21-13 victory.

Listening to the commentary of Michaels and his partner, Kirk Herbstreit — particularly in the first half — one would be forgiven for thinking the Jets were down several scores. But the reality was, as sloppy and at some times embarrassing as the first half was, the New York trailed only 7-0 at halftime. To be fair to Michaels and Herbstreit, they were far from the only critics of the Jets. Tony Gonzalez had some choice words for the team at halftime and even Gang Green’s fans showed — and voiced — their frustrations.

But thanks in no small part to a stifling defense — as well as a highlight reel catch from Garrett Wilson, the Jets mounted a comeback in the second half. After New York recovered an onside kick, Rodgers led the New York offense out for one final offensive play — a kneel-down in victory formation to end the game. As the teams were shaking hands on the field, Michaels offered a final commentary on Rodgers.”

“Yup, we talked to him this week,” Michaels said. “I mean, Aaron is very smart. Obviously, whatever you think of him, he’s a polarizing figure. We know that. But he’s a very well-read guy, very smart and is very convincing. We are sitting there going, ‘Wait a second, they can’t run the table.’ And then he makes you think they can.”

“Aaron is very smart…He’s a polarizing figure…But he’s a very well read guy, very smart and is very convincing. We are sitting there going, ‘Wait a second, they can’t run the table. And then he makes you think they can.”

Al Michaels on Aaron Rodgers after the Jets win. pic.twitter.com/jcoH0wYkGC

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 1, 2024

“Yeah,” Herbstreit said. “By the time we’re done, we’re like, ‘Eh, he makes a good point. They got a shot. If they can win Thursday, who knows?”

“And off you go into the wild blue yonder. So, who knows?”

In terms of whether the Jets can run the table, the remaining schedule is their ally. At 3-6, making the playoff likely depends on losing no more than one more remaining game. But heading into Week 9 only one of their remaining opponents, the Buffalo Bills, has a winning record. There’s a lot of work to be done but it’s not impossible.

Regarding the rest of the comments about Rodgers, we’ll leave those to the individuals to judge.