A Rocky Start for Rodgers at Jets' Padded Practice
Monday's practice saw the New York Jets don pads for the first time this season, and it was anything but smooth sailing. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, known for his unflappable demeanor, exhibited visible signs of frustration and impatience, a rarity for the seasoned player. The issues began early and persisted throughout the session, sowing seeds of concern among spectators and teammates alike.
Rodgers, struggling to find his rhythm, faced a litany of mishaps. Just two plays into practice, the star quarterback threw an interception, a result of a dropped pass by wide receiver Allen Lazard. Lazard, who joined the Jets this offseason, reflected on the team's performance, stating, "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."
The struggles didn't end there. Rodgers experienced numerous "sacks" and had to deal with about half-a-dozen off-target shotgun snaps from Joe Tippmann, a second-round draft pick in 2023. The inaccurate snaps forced Rodgers to repeatedly jump for the ball, significantly disrupting the flow of the practice. The already tense atmosphere was further strained when Rodgers was stepped on by either Tippmann or offensive lineman John Simpson.
Head Coach Robert Saleh acknowledged Tippmann's ongoing issues, stating, "Yeah, he has to work on it. There's clearly something going on." Tippmann, aware of the stakes, dedicated time to practicing snaps with Rodgers and a coach on the sideline, hoping to alleviate these blunders.
As frustrations mounted, Rodgers was seen having a heated conversation with wide receiver Garrett Wilson. The intensity of the practice was perhaps best summarized by Tyler Conklin, who highlighted the unique accountability Rodgers brings to the team. "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."
It's worth noting that Rodgers missed all but the first four snaps of the 2023 season due to an Achilles surgery, which makes his return and reintegration into the team all the more critical. Prior to Monday's practice, he had looked sharp in camp, adding to the day's frustrations when things didn't go as planned. The Jets, who scored a league-low 18 touchdowns last season, are counting on Rodgers to elevate their offensive performance and bring a much-needed spark to the team.
While the day's practice raised concerns, it also underscored the high standards Rodgers brings to the Jets. Allen Lazard noted, "I would say 'demonstrative' is a good word for him. 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."
Rodgers' quest to add another Super Bowl ring to his career is a driving force behind his high expectations. As Tyler Conklin put it, "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."
The tumultuous practice session is part of the growing pains associated with integrating a new quarterback, especially one of Rodgers' caliber, into the team. As the Jets work to iron out these kinks, the hope is that they will emerge a stronger, more cohesive unit ready to face the challenges of the upcoming season.
Despite the rocky start, the Jets remain optimistic about the impact Rodgers will have. His experience, skill, and unwavering demand for excellence are precisely what the team needs to turn their fortunes around. The journey to success is rarely smooth, but with Rodgers at the helm, the New York Jets are poised to navigate the bumps along the way.