The New York Jets may be out of playoff contention, but wide receiver Davante Adams still has a major individual milestone in his sights as the team heads to Buffalo for a Week 17 clash with the Bills. Adams, who has been Aaron Rodgers’ favorite target since the two reunited via trade earlier this season, is aiming to be on the receiving end of a historic feat: Rodgers’ 500th career touchdown pass.
“Obviously, I’d love to,” Adams said after Friday’s practice when asked about potentially snagging the milestone reception. “I got 200, I got 400, so it would be dope to get 500 as well.”
Rodgers On The Cusp Of History
The 41-year-old Rodgers, whose future with the Jets beyond this season remains uncertain, needs just one more touchdown toss to become only the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach the 500 TD mark. He would join the likes of:
- Tom Brady (649)
- Drew Brees (571)
- Peyton Manning (539)
- Brett Favre (508)
While the rainy, windy conditions expected at Highmark Stadium on Sunday could make the passing game a challenge, Rodgers will no doubt be looking Adams’ way early and often in pursuit of the record-breaking score.
Adams Eyeing 1,000 Yards
For his part, Adams has extra incentive to haul in as many catches as possible over the final two weeks. Despite missing several games due to injury, the elite wideout has racked up 928 receiving yards on the season and has his sights set on extending his streak of 1,000-yard campaigns to five.
“It would be a crying shame not to be able to get (1,000 yards),” Adams stated emphatically.
Since being acquired from the Raiders in October, Adams has quickly reestablished himself as Rodgers’ go-to guy, amassing 719 yards and six touchdowns in just nine games as a Jet. The duo’s chemistry, built over many prolific seasons together in Green Bay, has been on full display and provides a glimmer of hope for Jets fans amidst a disappointing finish to a once-promising year.
Rodgers Chasing Namath’s Mark
With the Jets eliminated from postseason contention, much of the focus has shifted to Rodgers’ individual accomplishments. In addition to approaching 500 touchdown passes, the future Hall of Famer needs just 497 yards over the final two games to surpass a Jets legend:
Joe Namath’s single-season franchise record of 4,007 passing yards, set way back in 1967 when the NFL played only 14-game seasons.
Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich spoke glowingly of Rodgers and what it would mean to see him achieve these milestones in a Jets uniform:
“It’s been one of my great honors in my life — not just football and this profession — to be around him, to learn from him, to grow from him. It’s going to be so special to see that 500th ball caught.”
– Jeff Ulbrich, Jets interim head coach
Other Jets Notes
In other Jets news, the team announced veteran kicker Greg Zuerlein will be activated from injured reserve and replace struggling youngster Anders Carlson on Sunday. New York has cycled through four kickers already this season as they attempt to find stability at the position.
While postseason play is out of reach, the Jets still have plenty to motivate them over the final two weeks, from Adams’ quest for 1,000 yards to Rodgers’ march toward Namath’s longstanding club record. But above all, the chance to play a role in NFL history by helping Rodgers achieve the 500 touchdown milestone is something the entire team, especially Adams, is rallying around entering the home stretch.
