The New York Jets knew when they acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers this spring that things would look very different offensively when he hit the field. After the first practice, it quickly became apparent how much better this unit can be.
Rodgers participated briefly during offseason training before suffering a minor calf injury. After being fully cleared for training camp, the four-time NFL MVP demonstrated his skills for fans and teammates in the first padded practice of training camp.
- Aaron Rodgers career stats: 103.6 QB rating, 59,055 pass yards, 475 passing touchdowns
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After years of young quarterbacks like Zach Wilson, Sam Darnold and Christian Hackenberg struggling in practices, the Jets’ offense looked vastly different with Rodgers. Even when facing one of the best NFL defenses, the Jets’ offense kept moving the ball effectively.
Describing what he witnessed at Jets’ practice, Robby Sabo of Jets X-Factor noted that Rodgers delivered a dominant performance with details on his splash plays and even simple throws.
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Recapping the Jets’ practice, beat writer Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic described what he saw from Rodgers as the offense excelled in the red zone.
“Rodgers, though, saved his best work for the red zone, which was a real problem area for the Jets offense in 2022. To open his first red zone drive, Rodgers hit wide receiver Allen Lazard on a short pass. On the second play, Rodgers threaded the needle to a tightly covered Conklin, who impressively caught it over the head of his defender for a touchdown. The next play was even better: Cornerback D.J. Reed slightly misjudged Davis’ route, and that gave Rodgers a window — a tiny one, but a window nonetheless — to laser it into Davis, who dove and caught the ball in the end zone.”
New York Jets reporter Zack Rosenblatt on Aaron Rodgers during practice
The fast start is a positive sign, especially given Rodgers’ reputation. With the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers could get off to slow starts in training camp. The high interception totals and early mistakes were a part of his process, using training camp to learn what receivers he can trust and what can and won’t work.
Fortunately for the Jets, Rodgers already knows Nathaniel Hackett’s offense and he has excellent chemistry with Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard. If the future Hall of Fame quarterback is already demonstrating strong rapport with Corey Davis and Garrett Wilson, it bodes very well for New York’s offense this fall.
