Rocky Start in Pads for New York Jets
On Monday, the New York Jets faced an early-season reality check in a tumultuous practice session. This day marked their first in pads, a pivotal moment meant to gauge how well they've integrated new star quarterback Aaron Rodgers into their offensive system. However, what unfolded was far from the polished performance they'd hoped for.
Aaron Rodgers, a seasoned veteran with high standards, visibly struggled and displayed his frustration on multiple occasions. His irritation was evident as early as two plays into practice when he threw an interception, a mistake heavily influenced by a dropped pass from newcomer Allen Lazard. Lazard, who joined the Jets this offseason, acknowledged the team’s failings. "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 admitted.
The challenges didn't stop there. Rodgers endured a series of mishaps, including several "sacks" and approximately half-a-dozen off-target snaps from Joe Tippmann, a second-round draft pick in 2023. The inaccurate snaps forced Rodgers to repeatedly jump for the ball, hampering his ability to find a rhythm. At one point, Rodgers was even stepped on by either Tippmann or offensive lineman John Simpson, adding to the day’s woes.
Ironically, Tippmann’s struggles were no surprise. Head Coach Robert Saleh openly addressed the center’s ongoing issues, saying, "Yeah, he has to work on it. There's clearly something going on." Tippmann spent additional time on the sideline practicing his snaps with Rodgers and a coach, an effort to rectify the glaring problem.
Despite the rocky performance, not all players viewed Rodgers' visible anger as a negative. Tight end Tyler Conklin expressed appreciation for the quarterback’s high expectations. "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."
Conklin further emphasized the importance of Rodgers’ leadership. "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." This sentiment echoes the team’s aspirations for the 2023 season, especially after scoring a league-low 18 touchdowns last year.
Yet, Monday's practice underscores the complex nature of integrating a high-caliber player like Rodgers into a system still finding its footing. Known for his sharpness and precision, Rodgers had looked impressive in camp until Monday. This added layer of difficulty becomes more pronounced as he aims to claim another Super Bowl ring in what many speculate could be the twilight of his illustrious career.
A heated conversation between Rodgers and wide receiver Garrett Wilson on the sideline epitomized the day’s frustrations. As the Jets strive to elevate their performance and meet Rodgers' expectations, such moments highlight the growing pains that come with transformation. "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," Lazard said.
The session may have been rocky, but the Jets remain optimistic that such trials will ultimately fortify their cohesion and performance. Rodgers’ presence has undeniably raised the bar, and while Monday's practice may have exposed some fissures, it also illuminated the path forward. The onus now lies with the team to harmonize Rodgers’ exacting standards with their collective execution.
As the season progresses, the real test will be whether the Jets can iron out these early kinks and rise to the occasion. For a team that has long yearned for both leadership and results, Rodgers brings the kind of pedigree that could finally change their trajectory. However, the road to that ideal is paved with hard lessons and the kind of accountability Rodgers demonstrated on Monday.