The training camp of the New York Jets is encountering major difficulties, as internal conflicts arise while high hopes are held for the upcoming season. Lately, reports of a potential conflict between quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Garrett Wilson have been the focus of attention. Yet, both players immediately minimized the incident, disregarding it as inconsequential. However, underlying problems appear to be developing within the team.
The battle for dominance between Robert Saleh and Aaron Rodgers
There is a significant tension between Rodgers and Jets head coach Robert Saleh. At a press briefing on July 31, Saleh suggested that Rodgers may not be involved in the preseason matches. This statement sharply differed from Rodgers’ viewpoint, exposing a disconnect between the coach and his star quarterback. NFL experts Colin Cowherd and Dianna Russini talked about the effects of this power structure on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd.”
Following the incident in Egypt, I learned that Robert Saleh informed Aaron Rodgers that his comment was ‘unexcused’ to assert his authority over the team. Well, you just had him run the team for the last year. You can’t all of a sudden just take it back. I was told that they had a good conversation, they fixed it, everything was good,” Russini remarked.
A competitive edge for the jets
Russini highlighted that Rodgers‘ involvement in tense conversations could be beneficial for the Jets. With his competitive spirit and vast expertise, he is primed to guide the team to the playoffs if he remains in good health. Having Rodgers around is crucial for the growth of his fellow players and, importantly, for Saleh’s job stability.
“I don’t sense that there are issues in the building in terms of that relationship. I think Aaron Rodgers knows what Robert Saleh is. I think Robert Saleh knows what Aaron Rodgers is, and he needs Aaron Rodgers to play the absolute best he possibly can this year in order to help Robert Saleh keep his job,” Russini added.
The miscommunication between Rodgers and Saleh became evident during the recent Jets press conference.
The Aaron Rodgers-Robert Saleh Blues
A notable issue arose when Rodgers missed a training camp session, with his absence labeled as ‘unexcused’ by Saleh. Sources indicate that this was a deliberate decision by Saleh to assert his authority over the team. More recently, Saleh implied that Rodgers might not take any preseason snaps, a statement that came as a surprise to the quarterback.
Returning to the present, Saleh’s comments about Rodgers’ preseason involvement sparked further controversy. In a presser, Saleh stated, “We haven’t really talked about it. My instinct right now as I stand here is, we’ll see.” He added, “My instinct is no, but I want to leave it open that the third game is where we’ll decide. He definitely won’t play the first two but the discussion on the third one, we just haven’t quite had yet.”
Looking ahead: Will Rodgers play in the preseason?
The Jets are set to face the Washington Commanders in about a week. The uncertainty surrounding Rodgers’ participation in preseason games has raised eyebrows, especially given that his Achilles injury has fully healed, with no restrictions on his play.
Addressing Saleh’s comments, the four-time MVP said, “That’s Robert’s decision. I’ve never told him, ‘I don’t want to play in the preseason.’”
As of now, nothing is confirmed, and the possibility of Rodgers playing against Jayden Daniels’ Commanders remains open. Fans and analysts alike can only speculate and hope for a resolution that benefits the team.
