Aaron Rodgers is doing Aaron Rodgers-like things at Jets training camp
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers during training camp. Credit: Corey Sipkin
Aaron Rodgers went over to the defense during a recent practice and gave everyone a preview of what this season could be like for the Jets’ offense.
“He’s coming to the side like, ‘Hey, watch this,’ ” linebacker Quincy Williams said. “Then he’ll roll out, throw the ball all the way across the field, not even looking. It’s one of those things, we were like, ‘Dang, he still got some tricks up his sleeve.’ ”
This is extremely encouraging for Rodgers and the Jets, and not just because he’s the oldest player in the NFL. The 40-year-old Rodgers is returning from an Achilles tendon tear suffered in Week 1 last year and has shown no signs of that affecting or limiting him in practice.
Rodgers had more than 800 reps over the 18 training camp practices and joint practices he participated in, and one thing stood out.
“His mobility,” coach Robert Saleh said Friday. “His mobility is plenty. Plenty.”
Rodgers made some magnificent throws and made them look so easy, which was never a concern. Saleh said earlier this week that Rodgers’ “arm is still 30.” His ability to move around the pocket, roll out and make off-schedule throws was impressive and on display throughout camp, and even more so in the latter stages of it.
It’s evident that Rodgers, entering his 20th NFL season, has gotten stronger and is feeling more like his old self.
“I feel like I’ve done different things throughout camp as far as roll-outs and pulling up, getting out of the pocket and making plays, throwing back across my body, pump faking, actually extending plays and getting some yards,” he said. “So I feel like I’ve done a lot.”
It’s no surprise that Rodgers will not play in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Saleh has decided not to play any starters, and likely many second-team players, in hopes of keeping them healthy for the Sept. 9 opener in San Francisco.
The Jets still have at least six practices and some walk-throughs to get ready for Week 1 and for Rodgers to continue to get more comfortable making plays on the move after a major injury.
“You can tell that he’s gaining more and more confidence in it because he’s not afraid to run and leave the pocket,” Saleh said. “He’s been doing it on routes on air. During individual and group install, he manufactures off-schedule plays just to make sure that one, guys are on their Ps and Qs, and for him, that he’s getting his work in.
“The mobility is there. He’s got plenty of mobility to make off-schedule.”
The way Rodgers can extend plays could lead to some big gains for Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams and Allen Lazard — a former Packer who knows Rodgers’ tendencies better than anyone else — as well as running back Breece Hall and tight end Tyler Conklin.
Last week, Wilson talked about how particular Rodgers is about details, wanting his receivers to get to a certain spot, and the ball will be there. Wilson also said Rodgers will find you if you change your route because of the way the defense is playing.
Wilson could feast on those situations with his quickness and how easily he creates separation.
The Rodgers-Wilson connection is something that has stood out in camp. They hooked up for touchdowns in the joint practices with the Panthers and Giants. Rodgers delivered a sublime pass to Wilson for a 55-yard touchdown against the Giants on Wednesday.
“That combination right there, those two,” Conklin said, “I feel like that’s my whole Twitter feed every day at this point.”
The Jets can only hope that continues all season long.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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