The New York Jets faithful received exciting news on Friday as interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich confirmed newly acquired wide receiver Davante Adams will have a full workload in his debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. The blockbuster trade for the All-Pro wideout injected a much-needed boost of optimism into a Jets team currently riding a three-game losing streak.
Adams, who missed his final three games with the Las Vegas Raiders due to a hamstring injury, appears to have found the fountain of youth upon arriving in the Garden State. “We didn’t know what to expect with him coming here,” Ulbrich admitted. “Obviously he’d been listed on the injury report with the hamstring, so we had to make an assessment once he got here, and he’s looked fantastic.”
Rodgers’ New Weapon
The arrival of Adams reunites him with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with whom he formed one of the most prolific quarterback-receiver duos in NFL history during their time together in Green Bay. The chemistry between the two was evident from the first practice snap, prompting Ulbrich to gush, “His relationship with Aaron is just obviously next-level. So I’m excited to get him going.”
For Rodgers, the addition of Adams provides a much-needed security blanket as he continues to build rapport with the rest of the Jets’ receiving corps. Second-year standout Garrett Wilson, the NFL’s most targeted receiver through six weeks, welcomes the arrival of the four-time Pro Bowler. “It’s a great opportunity for me to learn a lot,” Wilson told ESPN, “and hopefully we can get this thing rolling and start winning games, ultimately.”
“He’s 31 or 32, whatever his age is, but you would never know. He looks just as explosive and fast, and [we’re] so excited to get him integrated into this offense.”
– Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich on Davante Adams
Williams’ Role in Question
While Adams’ debut has Jets fans buzzing, it raises questions about the role of Mike Williams moving forward. The former Chargers wideout missed practice Wednesday and Thursday for personal reasons, fueling speculation about his future with the team. Williams, who was called out by Rodgers for running the wrong route on a game-clinching interception against the Bills, is now the subject of trade rumors as the November 1 deadline approaches.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Williams remains focused on the present. “I’m where my feet at,” he said Friday. “That’s the main thing for me. I came here for a reason. I’m here. I’m excited for this weekend … and to play on Sunday.”
A New Era for Gang Green?
The arrival of Adams, coupled with the steady development of Wilson and the veteran presence of Allen Lazard, gives the Jets a formidable receiving corps on paper. If the pieces can jell quickly, it could be the spark that reignites a once-promising season for Gang Green.
Sunday night’s clash with the Steelers represents a pivotal moment for the Jets as they look to reestablish themselves as contenders in the hotly contested AFC East. With Adams set to make his much-anticipated debut, all eyes will be on MetLife Stadium as the Jets aim to prove their blockbuster trade was a season-altering move.
