New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh shared a light moment with reporters as he addressed the upcoming season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. Reflecting on last year’s challenges, Saleh was asked if he expected a sense of relief when Aaron Rodgers and the offense reached the fifth snap of the game.
“Probably,” Saleh responded with a smile. “Nah, we’re fine.”
Saleh attempted to downplay his comment with a lighthearted remark about “lightning,” but stopped short of completing the thought, perhaps to avoid tempting fate.
The Jets are hoping for a better outcome this year, particularly for Rodgers, who suffered a torn left Achilles tendon on the fourth snap of his debut last season. The 40-year-old quarterback is preparing to take the field in San Francisco, where he grew up, and just days before the one-year anniversary of his injury.
Rodgers expressed readiness for the game, noting, “Part of the turning the page was last year coming back to practice.” He added that OTAs and training camp have helped him feel prepared.
“I might have a little smirk” when he takes his fifth snap, Rodgers said, acknowledging that the “Monday Night Football” cameras would likely capture the moment. He reflected on his past year, which included both difficulties and successes, and spoke about the importance of perspective and gratitude before the game.
Rodgers has shown promising signs throughout the summer, delivering passes with confidence and displaying physical readiness. Saleh commented, “He’s not a 40-year-old quarterback. I think he’s going to be just fine.”
The success of the Jets this season hinges on Rodgers’ performance, and he maintains high expectations for himself. “I expect greatness. And because I’ve done it before. So, that’s the kind of standard I hold myself to,” Rodgers stated.
Rodgers remains focused on the goal of reaching the Super Bowl, which will be held in New Orleans in February. He recalled advice from former Packers coach Mike McCarthy about managing success and the importance of maintaining perspective throughout the season.
McCarthy’s insight, “You just can’t ride the highs too high and then the whole world’s crashing down after a tough game,” remains relevant for Rodgers. He emphasized the need for consistency, regardless of the outcome of Monday’s game, and stressed the importance of trusting the process.
“Regardless what happens on Monday, we win, the headlines are going to be, you know, we’re going to the Super Bowl. We lose, same old Jets,” Rodgers said. He urged focusing on the program’s quality rather than external opinions and remaining professional and competitive throughout the season.
In related news, edge rusher Haason Reddick remains a holdout as he seeks a new contract. Saleh did not rule out the possibility of Reddick playing in the opener, noting, “It’s feasible,” and mentioned that the 49ers recently welcomed back WR Brandon Aiyuk and LT Trent Williams after their own holdouts. Saleh expressed confidence in veteran players preparing themselves adequately for the game.
