The recent Aaron Rodgers drama can end after this Robert Saleh interview
While talking heads like Shannon Sharpe might doubt Aaron Rodgers’ commitment to the New York Jets, the team’s head coach clearly does not.
In an article from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Jets head coach Robert Saleh spoke about his faith in Aaron Rodgers’ leadership.
Regarding Rodgers, Saleh said the quarterback “had a personal event important to him scheduled ahead of time, had communicated his need to go to the team, and that the team was marking his absence down as ‘unexcused,’ which would subject him to over $100,000 in fine.” He also said the quarterback “is a great teammate” and that the Jets are “appreciative” of him.
“Aaron has been just like he was a year ago. He’s phenomenal. He’s a phenomenal teammate. He’s a phenomenal resource. His leadership, his thoughtfulness, the way he’s taken those young quarterbacks under his wing and the way he’s helped even Tyrod along, he’s phenomenal in that regard. Him being here, and attacking the offseason and doing everything that we’ve asked has been fantastic,” said Saleh.
Outside of Rodgers, Saleh spoke about learning from the experiences of 2023 ahead of the pivotal 2024 season. The head coach said that compared to the 2023 team, the Jets of this year are more focused.
“Last year was different. I’m not to say that one was better than the other, but this is very business-like. I feel like our guys have shown up. They’ve shown up to work. There’s less hoopla around the team. I think our guys are locked in, and they’re focused.”
The head coach also said that the team got “200 more full-speed reps than they did in the same amount of practices last year” during the OTA period, which he attributed to having the same system and an effort “to work the guys a little faster and harder earlier.”
“One, the guys know what to do, so there’s less mistakes. It’s year two in the system. The ball’s getting snapped a heck of a lot faster. But at the same time, we’re trying to push the envelope. We’re trying to find that balance of why we’ve been hurt the last two years, especially along the offensive line. … We’re trying to callous the team a little bit more without recalling the days of the Junction Boys.”
Regarding the adversity he faced, Saleh said he is “better personally and more prepared to lead” the Jets in 2024. He also said he feels the Jets are “going to come out the other end being a lot better.”
At this juncture, the reality of how the Jets’ 2024 will turn out is a mystery. The team could soar to new heights with Aaron Rodgers or crash and burn out spectacularly.
As a result, the only information to go off is New York’s offseason moves and the adjustments Saleh and the organization have put into place. Considering both aspects’ improvement on paper, the Jets are in a great spot to succeed in the regular season.
