ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky had a surprising take on who the NFL’s “most hunted” team is in 2023.
In an appearance on First Take Monday, Orlovsky said he believed that the New York Jets were “by far” the league’s most hunted team, even ahead of the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Between the team’s outspoken coaching staff, its presence on this year’s season of Hard Knocks and of course, the addition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Orlovsky believes teams will be gunning for the Jets all season long.
“There is no question asked that this team is the most targeted football team in all of football, and rightfully so,” Orlovsky said. “This team has got the biggest target on them. That will be everybody’s “Super Bowl” per week to try to knock them off.”
"This is by far the most hunted team in the NFL." 😤 @danorlovsky7 believes the Jets are going to have a massive target on their back this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/cO77CqfobN
— First Take (@FirstTake) August 21, 2023
The take certainly raised some eyebrows, including from Stephen A. Smith across the table, who let out an “oh please” after Orlovsky launched into his answer.
Fans were also unsure what to make of the opinion, given the Jets’ lack of recent success that usually qualifies a team as “hunted."
Agreed 100% https://t.co/s1gmrlzbGL
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) August 21, 2023
How are we the most hunted team we haven’t done anything😭 https://t.co/q5eLxEeniX
— Ken💫 (@MeloEnthusiast7) August 21, 2023
You have to accomplish something to be the HUNTED team in sports. Chiefs, Eagles, teams that have made it deep in the playoffs can be this https://t.co/bV7idi8nju
— CADILLAC DREAMZ (@FLY_LIBRA18) August 21, 2023
We as Jets fans have to embrace it because everybody wants to see us fail (weirdly) at the end of the day. https://t.co/KaE9pgDJDM
— 👑Yoshi Vega (CJ)👑 (@KingYosh_2) August 21, 2023
No team will be scrutinized more than the Jets https://t.co/tOKqRMbylV
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) August 21, 2023
I’ve never seen a team, more hated on, that hasn’t been competitive for a decade. Everyone is praying that it all falls apart and that it doesn’t work. Or that the defense isn’t real. Or that Rodgers is washed. It’s the craziest thing I’ve seen in awhile. But I LOVE IT! 😂🤣 https://t.co/Rm50wk5p1S pic.twitter.com/f53ZGmaGuF
— NY Jets Situation Report (@NYJets_SitRep) August 21, 2023
Even if they aren’t the most hunted, all eyes will certainly be on the Jets early in the 2023 season. They open on Monday Night Football against their AFC East rival Bills, who come in with plenty of hype of their own with Josh Allen under center.