The Zach Wilson-led New York Jets have drawn plenty of criticism over the past two weeks from fans and media alike.
But quarterback Aaron Rodgers, recovering from a torn Achilles, doesn’t want his team to turn on each other.
Tuesday, on his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers said he didn’t like what he saw on Sunday during the Jets’ 15-10 loss to the New England Patriots — starting with sideline squabbling.
“I think we need to hold our poise a little better, really just offensively,” Rodgers said. “We need to not have some of those things happening on the sideline, and to be a little better, and to be a little better competitors.”
The Jets acquired four-time NFL Most Valuable Player Rodgers in an offseason trade with the Green Bay Packers, hoping the veteran quarterback would lead the team to the Super Bowl. Instead, he was injured on the Jets’ opening drive of the season, and coach Robert Saleh was forced to turn the offense over to third-year quarterback Wilson.
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Wilson has completed just 52.4 percent of his passes for 467 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions this season. The Jets reportedly were signing veteran Trevor Siemian on Tuesday, pending a physical.
For now, all Rodgers can do is watch, and he wants to see his teammates stick together. The Jets are 1-2 heading into a Week 4 contest against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Michael Carter were among those seen in animated conversations with coaches on Sunday.
“There’s been too many little side conversations and we just need to grow up a little bit on offense and lock in and do our jobs,” the 39-year-old Rodgers said. “Everybody. And not point fingers at each other. That’s everybody.
“Don’t point fingers at the coaching staff. Don’t point fingers at each other. Just get back to work and get the job done.”
Rodgers said it is difficult being away from the team, but he will be back in the locker room when his mobility improves.
“It’s really hard. I miss the guys,” he said. “I miss the leadership opportunity. I miss ballin’, competing. I feel like if I was there some of these things wouldn’t be happening.”
–Field Level Media