A Rocky Start for Aaron Rodgers and the Jets
The New York Jets' first practice session in pads this season was marred by a series of unfortunate events, leaving veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers visibly frustrated. On Monday, Rodgers, who has looked impressive throughout camp, struggled to find his rhythm amidst a cascade of errors from his teammates, drawing ire and impatience from the four-time MVP.
Two plays into the practice session, the frustration was already evident as Rodgers threw an interception, influenced by a dropped pass from wide receiver Allen Lazard. Lazard, who joined the Jets this offseason, said of Rodgers’ reactions, "Honestly, he expects the same standard that he holds himself to out of everyone else, and today just didn't resemble that at all. I think as an offense we were just a little bit sloppy."
Rodgers, known for his precision and leadership, experienced numerous "sacks" during the practice. The missteps didn't end there. He faced about half-a-dozen off-target shotgun snaps from Joe Tippmann, necessitating multiple athletic jumps to catch errant snaps. Tippmann, a second-round draft pick in 2023, has struggled with his snaps since the beginning of camp, a fact not lost on the Jets' coaching staff. Head Coach Robert Saleh pointed out, "Yeah, he has to work on it. There's clearly something going on."
The rocky practice included a moment where Rodgers was inadvertently stepped on by either Tippmann or offensive lineman John Simpson, further adding to the quarterback's exasperation. Lunging for errant snaps is simply not what Rodgers signed up for when he joined the Jets.
Rodgers' impeccable standard and expectation for accountability are traits the Jets are striving to integrate into their system. "I would say 'demonstrative' is a good word for him," Lazard remarked, acknowledging the high-level play Rodgers demands. "You're talking about one of the best, if not the best quarterback of all time, and his standard and level of play is something a lot of guys haven't seen yet. Even this organization—they haven't really been with him on game day because being with him on the sideline on a Sunday is different."
The team's struggles were particularly concerning given their offensive performance last season, where they scored a league-low 18 touchdowns. Integrating Rodgers successfully is not just beneficial but essential if the Jets aim to improve their offensive output.
Despite the tumultuous practice, some teammates view Rodgers' high expectations as a crucial element for the Jets’ growth. Tight end Tyler Conklin noted, "I think that's the beauty of playing with a great like that. You have someone that's going to, at all times, hold everybody accountable, no matter who you are. I think that's kind of something that not every team has. I think that's really a blessing at the end of the day to have someone that cares that much and has a standard like that."
Rodgers’ commitment to excellence was further evidenced by his attempt to rectify issues on the sidelines, practicing snaps with Tippmann and a coach. However, the ad hoc adjustments were insufficient to mask the day's blunders fully. The usually sharp Rodgers is fresh off Achilles surgery, having missed all but the first four snaps of the 2023 season. Post-recovery, he has generally looked sharp during camp, making Monday's setbacks even more pronounced.
A significant moment of the practice included a heated conversation between Rodgers and wide receiver Garrett Wilson, highlighting the quarterback’s fervent desire for precision and efficacy. Rodgers aims to add another Super Bowl ring to his already storied career, and days like Monday serve to underline the steep path ahead for the Jets.
For the Jets, this practice session is essential not just as a vehicle for building fitness and endurance, but as a critical juncture for integrating Rodgers into their framework. With his high standards seen as both a curse and a blessing, the hope remains that this challenging day will translate into long-term dividends for the team’s performance.
Conklin summarized the sentiment within the team, "That's going to become our standard as a team. But to have a Hall of Famer who has won a Super Bowl—been there, done that—I think that's necessary."