Jets coach Robert Saleh blames the press for controversies about team relations, Aaron Rodgers' cadence

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Robert Saleh and some Jets were in a defensive mood, and this was before they ever took the field.

Saleh was curt and terse with some responses during his Wednesday news conference. He refused to get into Garrett Wilson sounding frustrated during a Tuesday radio interview. Saleh also blamed the media for the controversy involving Aaron Rodgers’ cadence.

“There’s no cadence issue,” Saleh said. “There never was a cadence issue. It was created.”

Saleh and the Jets seem to be feeling some heat after their sloppy 10-9 loss to the Broncos last week. After the Jets committed five false start penalties, Saleh wondered if they were “good enough or ready to handle the cadence.”

That led to speculation that the Jets would dial back Rodgers’ cadence and fueled further speculation that the coach and quarterback aren’t on good terms. Rodgers said they have “a great relationship” and “a good friendship” Tuesday on “The Pat McAfee Show.” Saleh said the same Wednesday.

“Aaron and I are fantastic,” Saleh said. “Love the guy.”

It was only a week ago, Rodgers was saying the Jets have to learn to handle success after being touted as Super Bowl contenders following a win over New England. Now, they have an us-against-the media mentality.

The Jets (2-2) desperately need a win this Sunday when they face the undefeated Vikings in London. They’ll have to do it with Rodgers less than 100% healthy.

Rodgers has swelling in his knee from the beating he took against Denver. He wasn’t on the field for the start of practice. Rodgers eventually emerged and jogged to practice. He was listed as limited on the injury report.

“We’re not concerned,” Saleh said. “With the spirit of the rule, if he’s getting treatment on something he’s got to be on the injury report.”

Wilson’s mental state became a topic after he went on ESPN Radio’s “Bart and Hahn” on Tuesday and said the Jets don’t mix it up offensively. Wilson also expressed similar frustration with the Jets offense last year under coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Wilson also mentioned his route tree is different this year.

The third-year receiver is off to a slow start with just 20 catches for 191 yards and one touchdown. He and Rodgers clearly are not clicking yet.

When asked about Wilson’s remarks, Saleh said, “I’m not going to address it.”

Allen Lazard, Rodgers’ former teammate in Green Bay, leads the Jets with three touchdown catches. He said building chemistry takes time, and that the media is overblowing Wilson and Rodgers not being on the same page.

“That’s the way that you guys may interpret it being four games into the season and being antsy for results and having high expectations and stuff like that,” Lazard said. “I think if we were to ask ourselves two months ago, if we were 2-2 going into the second quarter of the season, I think we’d be pretty content with that, knowing there’s a lot of football and a lot of potential for this team especially offense to reach and everything.”

Lazard said the Jets offense haven’t found their identity yet and admonished reporters again.

“It’s a long season,” Lazard said. “We’re only four games into it. You guys can panic, you guys can twist people’s comments and make them bigger than what they really are and everything. The bond in this locker room, the bond that we have as a team and this organization is a lot stronger than whatever words or headlines you guys are going to make out of it.

Two minute drill

C.J. Mosley (toe) was limited, which is progress. He didn’t practice the past two weeks and missed both games. … The Jets opened the 21-day window for defensive tackle Leki Fotu to be activated from injured reserve. Fotu practiced fully.

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.