More recently, the team traded for six-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams, another old friend who's still skilled, but past his prime. This was after firing head coach Robert Saleh and demoting Hackett, moves that clubs typically make once they're out of playoff contention. The Jets, though, hoped that these moves would create a spark.

Aaron Rodgers, his face wrinkled and his beard a nearly even mix of gray and brown, sat in front of his locker and stared into the distance. His hand bleeding, his hamstring barking, his knee aching,