The New York Jets seem to have the potential to do something special this season, but as usual, there is a bit of drama surrounding them and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
It was announced days ago that Rodgers will not play in any preseason games leading up to the 2024 regular season, even though he has barely gotten any live reps with their offense due to his Achilles injury last season.
Rodgers’ response to that revelation led former Jets head coach Eric Mangini to accuse him of going out of his way to embarrass head coach Robert Saleh and the team’s other coaches, per “First Things First.”
“I don’t know why he has to go out of his way to embarrass Saleh,” Mangini said. “You’re going out of your way to embarrass the head coach. … It’s a deliberate attempt to embarrass ’em, and for what gain? You don’t want distractions, stop creating distractions. You don’t know if you’re gonna play, go ask somebody.”
“I don’t know why Rodgers has to go out of his way to embarrass Saleh. … You don’t want distractions, stop creating them. You don’t know if you’re going to play, go ask somebody.”
— Coach Mangini sounds off on Rodgers saying not playing this preseason was, ‘News to me’ 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/4ygpfWKwTs
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) August 1, 2024
Though Rodgers’ talent and resume are undeniable, he has made himself into a polarizing figure over the past couple of years, and some have accused him of carrying himself as if he’s above others.
Several weeks ago, he didn’t report to New York’s mandatory minicamp, and the critics went after him for apparently feeling like it didn’t matter.
However, If Rodgers does fully get with the program, the Jets should have one of the most talented teams in the AFC, at least on paper.
They have two very capable wide receivers in Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams, a young emerging running back in Breece Hall, and a defense that is loaded with studs.
How far the Jets go this season will largely fall on the shoulders of Rodgers, and not only will he need to be on his best behavior off the field, but he will also need to be able to play at a high level on it.
