STEPHEN A. Smith handed out a warning to all of his First Take colleagues on Wednesday — and that includes host Molly Qerim. The popular sports debate show — joined by Smith, NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky, personality Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo, and Qerim — had a discussion on what would be a successful 2023 season for Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. The Jets, who went 7-10 last season, acquired the 10-time Pro Bowler Rodgers in an April trade and are seemingly contenders in the AFC. However, Smith, 55, believes despite the greatness of Rodgers, the Jets will be handed pressure to the likes of stars Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Breece Hall, and even now-backup quarterback Zach Wilson. On the other hand, Orlovsky doesn’t believe the Jets have any weaknesses — mainly because of the team’s defense which was ranked No. 4 in the league last season. “This is an offense that’s going to have to score 20 points a game to win 11 or 12 games and that’s going to be easy for them,” Orlovsky said. Stephen A. took issue with Orlovsky’s take as the two personalities went back and forth in the debate. “We do this thing with great athletes (that) all of a sudden they’re gonna stink because they had a rough patch. We did it with (Tiger Woods).” “I’m dead serious,” Stephen A. said. “I’m warning every contributor on this show from this day forward, I’m tired of y’all Dear Abbys running around.” He continued: “We know how great Aaron Rodgers is … we’re just talking about the greatness other people have too and all of these narratives that folks try to come on this show. After his “warning”, Smith would then tell Qerim to “be careful” after she brought up that ESPN’s analytics gives the Jets the fourth-best odds to win the Super Bowl in the AFC conference. On Tuesday, Stephen A. said “I must be doing something right” when NBA analyst JJ Redick tore into his lack of basketball experience during a heated segment. I was an NHL bad boy – but I swapped fighting on ice for different career © 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP
