In a surprising turn of events, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has come to the defense of his offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett, after Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton criticized Hackett's coaching abilities.

Rodgers, known for his close bond with Hackett from their time together in Green Bay, expressed his disappointment with Payton's comments during an interview with NFL Network. The star quarterback did not hold back, stating, "It made me feel bad that someone who's accomplished a lot in the league is that insecure that they have to take another man down. I thought it was way out of line, inappropriate, and I think he needs to keep my coaches' names out of his mouth."

Payton, who is entering his first season as the Broncos head coach, had not minced his words when he called Hackett's tenure with the team "one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL." He also took a swipe at the Jets, accusing them of caring more about publicity than winning, particularly referencing their appearance on the HBO series "Hard Knocks."

Rodgers, however, had nothing but praise for Hackett, calling him his favorite coach he's ever had in the NFL. He commended Hackett's approach to the game, his ability to make it fun, and his outstanding leadership qualities.

While the Jets have been the subject of increased attention since acquiring Rodgers, they are no strangers to criticism. Head coach Robert Saleh responded to Payton's comments by saying, "He's been in the league a while [and] he can say whatever the hell he wants." Saleh also expressed his belief that the team's success and attention have attracted haters but emphasized that they will continue to rise above the negativity.

Despite the controversy, the Jets remain focused on their upcoming season. With the addition of Rodgers, widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and the potential signing of running back Dalvin Cook, the team is determined to prove their doubters wrong.

The highly-anticipated matchup between the Jets and Broncos is set to take place on October 8th in Denver. Given the recent exchange between the two teams, it is sure to be a game that fans are eagerly looking forward to.