Aaron Rodgers was warned. In April, the New York Jets quarterback was advised by coach Robert Saleh to anticipate a “robust” coaching camp.
With just a few days remaining, Rodgers referred to as this one of the crucial taxing camps he has skilled in a few years — and he sort of likes it.
“I’d say the camp is way more durable this 12 months and possibly the toughest within the final seven or eight of my profession,” Rodgers advised reporters Tuesday after follow.
By Saleh’s rely, the Jets have taken 300 extra follow reps than that they had at this level final 12 months, Rodgers mentioned. It is noteworthy as a result of it reveals the group is not involved about Rodgers’ age (he turns 41 in December) or his restoration from Achilles surgical procedure final Sept. 13.
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Saleh, underneath strain to win after an 18-33 file in his first three seasons, has preached a businesslike strategy this summer season, in response to gamers. The Jets have the NFL’s longest playoff drought (13 years), and there is a “now or by no means” really feel across the franchise.
On Wednesday, Saleh proclaimed Rodgers prepared for the common season — a sign that he most likely will not play his quarterback within the remaining preseason recreation.
“I felt like he was the place we would have liked him when he first walked in,” Saleh mentioned. “His arm is 30. You guys see him day by day. His arm remains to be 30. … He is nonetheless received loads of mobility. I believe he is completely prepared.”
As Rodgers famous, there are “a variety of totally different faculties of thought” on how laborious to work a crew in coaching camp. The four-time MVP, for one, mentioned he likes the way in which Saleh is attacking the season.
“A few of the older gamers are having fun with the — to steal a training phrase — the ‘callus’ a part of coaching camp, the place you are grinding,” Rodgers mentioned. “Some folks imagine that, though it places extra pressure on you in coaching camp, it really will get you extra able to play when the season begins.
“And a few folks imagine the alternative. You understand how it goes: No matter groups are having success, folks sort of have a look at their schedule and go, ‘Let’s try this.'”
Paradoxically, given all that, Rodgers received the time without work Tuesday — a veteran’s relaxation day, Saleh referred to as it. He expects a heavy workload Wednesday once they host the New York Giants for a joint follow, so Saleh used Tuesday as a lightweight day for his starters. Center linebacker C.J. Mosley additionally rested.
The Jets (2-0) shut the preseason Saturday night time in opposition to the Giants, then open the season on the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night time Soccer.” Rodgers did not play within the first two preseason video games, and it would not sound as if he’ll play in opposition to the Giants. Saleh hasn’t revealed his plans, though he hinted early in camp that his “intuition” is to sit down Rodgers.
Rodgers mentioned he has no choice. The additional work in camp, he mentioned, has ready him for the season, though he acknowledged that he nonetheless hasn’t taken a success.
“I be ok with the place I’m with my physique and what I’ve put collectively,” he mentioned. “I really feel like I’ve performed various things all through camp so far as the rollouts, roll out and pulling up, getting out of the pocket and making performs, going again throughout my physique, pump-faking and lengthening performs and getting some yards. I really feel like I’ve performed quite a bit.”
Rodgers performed two collection within the 2023 preseason finale, when he was new to the crew and the Jets have been putting in a brand new offense. A 12 months later, he feels much less urgency to have a remaining gown rehearsal.
Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett mentioned Rodgers is “a bit bit older, so he has misplaced a bit little bit of the pace he used to have.” On the identical time, he praised the star quarterback for his conditioning and the dedication he confirmed throughout his Achilles restoration.
“I give a lot credit score to Aaron, the issues that he has put himself by to have the ability to get again to the place he’s at proper now,” Hackett mentioned.
