A Rocky Start for the New York Jets in Padded Practice
Monday's practice session marked a significant milestone for the New York Jets as they donned pads for the first time this season. However, the day was anything but smooth for the team, particularly for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who found himself visibly frustrated and out of rhythm amidst a series of mishaps from his teammates.
The chaotic scene was set just two plays into the practice when Rodgers threw an interception, influenced by a dropped pass from wide receiver Allen Lazard. Lazard, who joined the Jets this offseason, had his first test of chemistry with Rodgers, and the outcome was far from ideal. "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 explained.
Aside from the interception, Rodgers experienced a multitude of other setbacks. The practice witnessed numerous "sacks," and issues with snapping the ball emerged as a prominent disturbance. Center Joe Tippmann, a second-round draft pick in 2023, struggled with off-target shotgun snaps. "Yeah, he has to work on it. There's clearly something going on," Head Coach Robert Saleh acknowledged.
These inaccurate snaps forced Rodgers to repeatedly jump for the ball, a scenario that left the renowned quarterback visibly irritated. Compounding the difficulties, Rodgers was stepped on by either Tippmann or offensive lineman John Simpson during the session. Such blunders disrupted the flow of the practice and underscored the challenges ahead as the Jets aim to integrate Rodgers into their system.
For Rodgers, this practice contrasted sharply with his otherwise sharp performances in camp prior to Monday. Having missed nearly the entire 2023 season due to Achilles surgery, the four-time MVP is eager to lead the Jets to success and potentially add another Super Bowl ring to his illustrious career. His impatience was evident in a heated sideline conversation with wide receiver Garrett Wilson, further highlighting his high standards and expectations.
The Jets' offensive woes extend beyond just a single practice session. Last season, they scored a league-low 18 touchdowns, a statistic that the team is desperate to improve upon. The integration of Rodgers is seen as a crucial step towards elevating their performance. Tight end Tyler Conklin emphasized, "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."
Indeed, the presence of a player of Rodgers' caliber brings a different dynamic to the team. Many in the organization have yet to experience his leadership on game day. As Lazard put it, "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."
Despite the difficulties faced on Monday, there are indications that the team is committed to addressing and resolving these issues. Tippmann was observed practicing his snaps with Rodgers and a coach on the sideline, an effort to refine the vital aspects of their game. "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 noted.
As the Jets continue their preseason preparations, the day's rocky practice session serves as a stark reminder of the work ahead. Rodgers' pursuit of perfection and his unwavering standards might just be the catalyst the Jets need to transform their offensive capabilities. The upcoming weeks will be critical in forging the cohesiveness required to turn individual talent into collective success.