On Monday, the New York Jets’ practice took place under the watchful eyes of fans and analysts, marking the team’s first session in pads this season. The anticipation was high, especially with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers at the helm. However, the day turned rocky as Rodgers showcased visible frustration and impatience, reflecting an imperfect and challenging practice session.
Rocky Beginnings
The practice commenced with Rodgers struggling to establish his rhythm. Just two plays into the session, Rodgers threw an interception, a mishap influenced by a dropped pass from wide receiver Allen Lazard, who recently joined the Jets this offseason. "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," Lazard remarked, acknowledging the high standards Rodgers sets and the day's shortcomings.
Bumps in the Road
Throughout the practice, Rodgers faced numerous challenges. He experienced multiple "sacks" and contended with approximately half-a-dozen off-target shotgun snaps from Joe Tippmann, a second-round draft pick in 2023. These inaccurate snaps forced Rodgers to jump for the ball consistently, hampering his performance and further testing his patience. Adding to the list of woes, Rodgers was inadvertently stepped on by either Tippmann or offensive lineman John Simpson.
Head Coach Robert Saleh noted the ongoing struggles with Tippmann's snaps, stating, "Yeah, he has to work on it. There's clearly something going on." Tippmann, who has been grappling with his snaps since the start of camp, practiced with Rodgers and a coach on the sideline to rectify these issues.
Leadership and Accountability
Despite the difficult practice, Rodgers' presence and leadership were unmistakable. His visible frustration and vocal demeanor underscored his commitment to excellence and holding his teammates accountable. The sight of Rodgers in deep conversation with wide receiver Garrett Wilson on the sideline was a testament to his hands-on approach in fostering a high standard. Allen Lazard, reflecting on Rodgers' leadership, commented, "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."
Tight end Tyler Conklin echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the benefits of playing alongside a quarterback of Rodgers' caliber. "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."
Looking Forward
The rocky practice, though imperfect, serves a crucial role in the Jets' preparation for the upcoming season. Rodgers, who missed all but the first four snaps of the 2023 season due to Achilles surgery, had displayed a sharp performance in camp prior to this session. The day's events, while challenging, are part and parcel of integrating Rodgers into the Jets' system and elevate their performance after a disappointing last season where the team scored a league-low 18 touchdowns.
Tyler Conklin summed up the significance of having Rodgers as a teammate, stating, "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." With Rodgers’ leadership and the team’s collective ambition, the Jets are aiming to transcend past struggles and set a new benchmark for success.
Monday’s practice may have been a bumpy one for the New York Jets, but it serves as a crucial reminder of the rigors and expectations that come with aiming for excellence, especially under the guidance of someone like Aaron Rodgers. As the team continues to iron out these issues, the glimpses of promise and determination could well be the foundation for a strong season ahead.