New York Jets cornerback Michael Carter II broke down the keys to success when playing against Aaron Rodgers
The first week of training camp has come and gone, and New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is already turning heads. From the get-go, the 39-year-old has demonstrated his ability to be a leader both on and off the field. Now, members of the Jets are seeing it firsthand.
Speaking to SNY’s Jeane Coakley, Jets cornerback Michael Carter II was asked what it’s like to go up against the future Hall of Famer. Carter’s answer didn’t disappoint.
Michael Carter II spoke with @JeaneCoakley at training camp about the expectations for the team this year, what it's like to play in front of the fans, and how it feels to get praise from both Aaron Rodgers and Sauce Gardner pic.twitter.com/BKgoOhQdcQ
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) July 22, 2023
“He manipulates the defense with his eyes, it’s crazy,” said the Jets’ third-year cornerback. “You can never trust what he’s looking at. He’s so quick through his progressions. He can get that ball out to anywhere on the field. You have to be dialed in on your details. You have to execute every play. We feel like every time we go against him we have to be one-hundred percent. And even if you’re one-hundred percent he can fit it in the tiniest windows.”
Rodgers’ command at the line of scrimmage has already been showing up on the field. During Sunday’s practice, Rodgers made a call at the line of scrimmage to wide receiver Allen Lazard. That communication led to a huge gain for the offense and a learning experience for the defense.
Rodgers and Lazard already on the same page 😍 #jets pic.twitter.com/Yg2wbzJzX8
— Let's Talk Jets! (@TalkJetsRadio) July 23, 2023
A closer look at the play shows just how tight of a window the throw was.
#Jets QB Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) fired a bullet just past the outstretched fingertips of LB Quincy Williams (@quincywilliams_) & found WR Allen Lazard (@AllenLazard) for the big gain at #JetsCamp! 🎥 @nyjets #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/CIM7cXe26H
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) July 23, 2023
But Rodgers wasn’t done yet.
The highlight of Sunday’s practice came from a highlight-reel grab by last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, Garrett Wilson. With Rodgers scrambling to his right, he finds the Jets’ second-year wide receiver breaking open for a toe-tapping touchdown in the back of the endzone.
#JetsTwitter wanted the video. We got the video.@GarrettWilson_V with the CRAZY TD. pic.twitter.com/qTMQAYDn0z
— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 23, 2023