As the New York Jets hit the practice field in full pads for the first time this season on Monday, it turned out to be an unexpectedly rocky session. This practice, critical for integrating veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers into the team's system, showcased both challenges and tensions.
A Day of Frustration
Aaron Rodgers, known for his elite skill set and high standards, could not hide his frustration. The veteran quarterback struggled to find his rhythm amidst a series of blunders from his teammates. Within just two plays of the practice, Rodgers threw an interception—an error influenced by a dropped pass from wide receiver Allen Lazard, who joined the Jets this offseason. It was only a harbinger of further difficulties.
Rodgers' day continued to go downhill as he experienced numerous "sacks" and had to deal with about half-a-dozen off-target shotgun snaps from Joe Tippmann. The inaccurate snaps frequently forced Rodgers to jump for the ball, disrupting the flow of play. At one point, Rodgers was even stepped on by either Tippmann or offensive lineman John Simpson, adding to the mounting frustrations. These issues were particularly glaring as Rodgers had missed all but the first four snaps of the 2023 season due to an Achilles surgery and had otherwise looked sharp in camp prior to this practice.
High Expectations Meet Harsh Realities
Allen Lazard described the day poignantly: "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." His comments encapsulate the high expectations Rodgers brings to the team. Rodgers' intensity and dissatisfaction were palpable throughout the session. At one point, he was seen having a heated conversation with wide receiver Garrett Wilson on the sideline, underlining the pressure for immediate improvement.
Head Coach Robert Saleh echoed Lazard’s sentiments but focused on Tippmann's struggles: "Yeah, he has to work on it. There's clearly something going on." Tippmann, a second-round draft pick in 2023, has struggled with his snaps since the start of camp. In an attempt to rectify these issues, Tippmann was seen on the sidelines practicing his snaps with Rodgers and a coach.
The Rodgers Standard
The narrative around Rodgers isn’t just about his skill; it's also about his high standards and the way he holds everyone accountable. Allen Lazard further elaborated on this point: "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."
This level of accountability is seen by many within the organization as a necessary shift. Tyler Conklin, another key target for Rodgers, added, "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."
A Work in Progress
There is no denying the magnitude of integrating a Hall of Fame quarterback into a team that scored a league-low 18 touchdowns last season. The practice session served as a stark reminder of the road ahead. Tyler Conklin summed up this sentiment: "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."
As the Jets look to ascend from last season's offensive struggles, the presence of Aaron Rodgers aims to elevate the standard and performance of the entire team. Monday's practice may have been rough, but it’s these growing pains that could ultimately fortify the Jets as they aim for greater success this season. Rodgers' determination to add another Super Bowl ring to his illustrious career will inevitably be a driving force for the team moving forward.