Rodgers: Jets' greatest check is dealing with success

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — These are heady occasions for the New York Jets, who’re profitable video games and having fun with multiple-touchdown performances by their traditionally moribund offense.

The following step, in response to quarterback Aaron Rodgers, is proving they’ll deal with prosperity.

Addressing the potential challenge Wednesday, Rodgers referenced a quote from his first Green Bay Packers coach, Mike McCarthy, who informed the staff in 2006, “Our greatest battle goes to be dealing with success.”

“There’s quite a bit to that,” Rodgers mentioned. “It is simpler if you sort of get kicked within the tooth to return collectively. It is us in opposition to the world. It is us in opposition to the large, unhealthy media, who’s saying how unhealthy we’re. We will sort of come collectively. However can you continue to come collectively and have the identical method when everyone’s beginning to sing your praises slightly bit? I feel that is the mark of a terrific staff.”

The Jets (2-1), winners of two straight, will discover out extra about themselves Sunday in opposition to the Denver Broncos (1-2) at MetLife Stadium. The Jets, a 7.5-point favourite, have closed as a seven-point favourite solely twice prior to now 9 seasons.

Led by Rodgers, who seems totally recovered from final season’s torn Achilles, the offense has scored three touchdowns in every of the primary three video games. That may not appear outrageous, but it surely’s extremely uncommon for the Jets. The final time they did that to begin a season was 1989. It’s a must to go all the best way again to 1996 to search out the final time they did it in 4 straight video games. Sarcastically, that was the worst season in franchise historical past because the Jets completed 1-15.

Making an attempt to develop a profitable tradition, Rodgers has confused to teammates the significance of sustaining a relentless focus from week to week. The important thing, he mentioned, is “constant messaging from the highest, after which the leaders within the locker room exemplifying these messages.”

“Video games are sometimes gained and misplaced within the Monday-to-Saturday of a traditional week, as a result of that is if you handle your physique, get your relaxation, eat proper, put together the appropriate manner, have the appropriate conversations,” Rodgers mentioned. “Then Sunday is simply the finality of the six days of preparation.”

The Jets have not responded properly in recent times to early success. In 2022 and 2023, they began 6-3 and 4-3, respectively, however stumbled to 7-10 finishes. These collapses occurred with Zach Wilson at quarterback; he is now the Broncos’ third-stringer after being traded within the offseason. The Jets count on completely different outcomes with a four-time MVP in cost.

Rodgers may have one key lineup change on Sunday, as rookie Olu Fashanu will make his beginning debut instead of proper deal with Morgan Moses (sprained knee). Moses, anticipated to overlook two to 4 weeks, will not be positioned on injured reserve, in response to coach Robert Saleh.

Fashanu, drafted eleventh total, is a pure left deal with however noticed some motion at proper deal with within the preseason. His first task: preserve his future Corridor of Fame quarterback upright. The Broncos have already got 11 sacks, tied for fifth.

“It is positively an enormous accountability, defending somebody like Aaron, simply the best way he is capable of instill confidence within the offense,” Fashanu mentioned. “Clearly, I really feel quite a lot of accountability, however he is the kind of man that actually will get you riled up and able to go.”