Aaron Rodgers calls Jets’ camp one of most taxing in many years

Aaron Rodgers was warned. In April, the New York Jets quarterback was instructed by coach Robert Saleh to count on a “robust” coaching camp.

With only some days remaining, Rodgers known as this some of the taxing camps he has skilled in a few years — and he type of likes it.

“I’d say the camp is far more durable this 12 months and possibly the toughest within the final seven or eight of my profession,” Rodgers instructed reporters Tuesday after apply.

By Saleh’s depend, the Jets have taken 300 extra apply reps than that they had at this level final 12 months, Rodgers stated. It is noteworthy as a result of it exhibits the group is not involved about Rodgers’ age (he turns 41 in December) or his restoration from Achilles surgical procedure final Sept. 13.

Saleh, below strain to win after an 18-33 file in his first three seasons, has preached a businesslike method this summer season, based on gamers. The Jets have the NFL’s longest playoff drought (13 years), and there is a “now or by no means” really feel across the franchise.

On Wednesday, Saleh proclaimed Rodgers prepared for the common season — a sign that he most likely will not play his quarterback within the remaining preseason sport.

“I felt like he was the place we would have liked him when he first walked in,” Saleh stated. “His arm is 30. You guys see him every single day. His arm continues to be 30. … He is nonetheless acquired loads of mobility. I feel he is completely prepared.”

As Rodgers famous, there are “a number of completely different faculties of thought” on how laborious to work a crew in coaching camp. The four-time MVP, for one, stated he likes the best way Saleh is attacking the season.

“A few of the older gamers are having fun with the — to steal a training phrase — the ‘callus’ a part of coaching camp, the place you are grinding,” Rodgers stated. “Some individuals consider that, though it places extra pressure on you in coaching camp, it truly will get you extra able to play when the season begins.

“And a few individuals consider the alternative. You understand how it goes: No matter groups are having success, individuals type of have a look at their schedule and go, ‘Let’s try this.'”

Mockingly, given all that, Rodgers acquired the break day Tuesday — a veteran’s relaxation day, Saleh known as it. He expects a heavy workload Wednesday once they host the New York Giants for a joint apply, so Saleh used Tuesday as a light-weight day for his starters. Center linebacker C.J. Mosley additionally rested.

The Jets (2-0) shut the preseason Saturday evening towards the Giants, then open the season on the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Evening Soccer.” Rodgers did not play within the first two preseason video games, and it would not sound as if he’ll play towards the Giants. Saleh hasn’t revealed his plans, though he hinted early in camp that his “intuition” is to take a seat Rodgers.

Rodgers stated he has no desire. The additional work in camp, he stated, has ready him for the season, though he acknowledged that he nonetheless hasn’t taken successful.

“I be ok with the place I’m with my physique and what I’ve put collectively,” he stated. “I really feel like I’ve completed various things all through camp so far as the rollouts, roll out and pulling up, getting out of the pocket and making performs, going again throughout my physique, pump-faking and increasing performs and getting some yards. I really feel like I’ve completed quite a bit.”

Rodgers performed two sequence within the 2023 preseason finale, when he was new to the crew and the Jets have been putting in a brand new offense. A 12 months later, he feels much less urgency to have a remaining gown rehearsal.

Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett stated Rodgers is “a bit bit older, so he has misplaced a bit little bit of the pace he used to have.” On the similar time, he praised the star quarterback for his conditioning and the willpower he confirmed throughout his Achilles restoration.

“I give a lot credit score to Aaron, the issues that he has put himself by means of to have the ability to get again to the place he’s at proper now,” Hackett stated.