Aaron Rodgers is leading the Jets like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, claims HC Robert Saleh
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be returning this season from a torn Achilles injury that occurred during the Jets' first drive of the 2023 NFL season. Returning from his setback in 2024, Rodgers has a lot of pressure on his shoulders.
Nevertheless, New York's coaching staff, including coach Robert Saleh, as well as the players, have full faith in their QB1.
Saleh has been impressed with Rodgers this offseason and has even compared him to the likes of quarterback greats Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. He said his standards and expectations out of the team are very high and that when he feels things are efficient, he voices his opinion like a true leader at the position.
"I've heard stories of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady -- not to compare them -- but it's the same thing," Saleh said. "The expectation and the standard is high. As a quarterback, he's trying to operate at a certain level of efficiency, which means people around him need to be efficient at the same level.
"When he's not feeling that as a group's leader and voice, he voices his opinion."
Rodgers will face the pressure of returning from a gruesome Achilles tear at the age of 40, the expectations of leading the Jets to the playoffs, and making a Super Bowl run as he's towards the end of his career.
What are the New York Jets' plans with Aaron Rodgers this preseason?
There seems to be some debate on whether or not New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers will play in the preseason. Coach Robert Saleh told reporters on Tuesday that Rodgers would unlikely play in the offseason as he is recovering from his Achilles injury.
The following day, Rodgers said it was news to him when asked if he was sitting out the preparatory matchups.
Rodgers was also asked this week by the media where he stood on playing in the preseason. He said the decision is up to Saleh, but he'll be ready to play if his name is called.
"That's Robert's decision," Rodgers said. "I've never told him, 'I don't want to play in the preseason...' if he decides he wants me to play against the Giants I'll strap it up and I'll look forward to that."
Aaron Rodgers then told reporters that he has no restrictions due to the injury.
The Jets open their preseason this Saturday as they take on the Washington Commanders at noon. On the other side, Washington announced this morning that rookie second-overall pick Jayden Daniels will likely play.
The question is, will Aaron Rodgers suit up?