On Monday, the New York Jets took the field for their first padded practice of the season, and it proved to be a rocky session, particularly for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Joining the Jets this offseason, Rodgers has been seen as the savior for a team that managed to score a league-low 18 touchdowns last season. However, his introduction to padded practice was anything but smooth.
Aaron Rodgers' Frustration
Rodgers, who missed all but the first four snaps of the 2023 season due to Achilles surgery, struggled visibly during the practice. Just two plays into the session, he threw an interception, which was largely attributed to a dropped pass by wide receiver Allen Lazard. Lazard, who also joined the Jets this offseason, commented on the mishap. “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 practice did not improve from there for Rodgers. A series of blunders from his teammates compounded his struggles, making it difficult for him to find his rhythm. He faced continuous pressure resulting in numerous "sacks" and had to contend with about half-a-dozen off-target shotgun snaps from Joe Tippmann. The force of the inaccurate snaps even required Rodgers to jump for the ball repeatedly. At one point, either Tippmann or offensive lineman John Simpson stepped on Rodgers, adding further frustration to his already exasperating day.
Integration Challenges
Tippmann, a second-round draft pick in 2023, has faced issues with his snaps since the start of the camp. After Monday's practice, Tippmann was seen practicing his snaps with Rodgers and a coach on the sideline. "Yeah, he has to work on it. There's clearly something going on," said Head Coach Robert Saleh, reflecting on Tippmann's struggles.
Rodgers also had a heated conversation with wide receiver Garrett Wilson on the sideline during the practice session, further highlighting the tension. Despite the chaos, Rodgers has looked sharp in camp prior to Monday's practice, indicating that this rocky day might just be a part of the growing pains associated with integrating a new quarterback into a new system.
The High Standards of a Hall of Famer
One of the most significant takeaways from Monday's practice was Rodgers' high expectations and how they contrast with the current performance level of the Jets' offense. “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 highlighted.
Tight end Tyler Conklin echoed similar sentiments about Rodgers' influence. "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 also noted how Rodgers’ presence is setting a new benchmark for 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," Conklin said.
Looking Ahead
Monday's practice, while tumultuous, serves as a reminder of the adjustments the Jets need to make to help Rodgers succeed and elevate their overall performance. For Rodgers, who aims to add another Super Bowl ring to his illustrious career, this integration period is crucial. Despite the setbacks, the high standards enforced by a quarterback of Rodgers' caliber can ultimately be the catalyst for transforming the Jets into a competitive force this season.