Rich CiminiESPN Staff Writer September 27, 2023, 5:49 PM ET3 minutes read
Saleh has no problem with criticism from Rodgers
Robert Saleh talks about Aaron Rodgers criticizing the team for not gelling on the sideline.
FLORHAM PARK, NJ – New York Jets coach Robert Saleh and key veteran leaders had no problem with injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers – in his absence – confronting the team about his sideline arguments. They agreed with his opinion.
“He’s right, man, you can’t get on the air and show our frustration on the sideline – especially on the sideline,” cornerback DJ Reed said Wednesday.
Rodgers, who is rehabilitating a torn Achilles tendon in California, said Tuesday on “The Pat McAfee Show” that the Jets need to “grow up a little bit” and “maintain our poise a little better.” He said the team – which has been losers twice in a row – needs to do a better job of dealing with negativity.
Saleh said he had no problem with the comment from afar.
“He’s both a coach and a player, and he’s experienced youth and experienced adversity and he’s experienced it all,” Saleh said. “For him to recognize that and talk about it, I think he’s not wrong when you’re frustrated and it’s easy to look for answers when sometimes the most important answer is within.”
“He’s not wrong about what he said,” he added. “But at the same time, it’s just a few young guys showing a little frustration, but they’ll be fine.”
During the Jets’ 15-10 loss to the New England Patriots, running back Michael Carter and wide receiver Garrett Wilson had animated conversations with assistant coaches. They were caught on camera, reinforcing the impression of dysfunction. Both players downplayed the incidents, citing them as heated emotions. Center Connor McGovern didn’t object to Rodgers’ comments.
“Yeah, he’s trying to be encouraging,” McGovern said. “We shouldn’t have scuffles on the sidelines, whether positive or negative. This brings the wrong energy. When it comes across in this type of behavior it can cause panic and you just don’t need that.”
Rodgers became the team’s leader as soon as he arrived from the Green Bay Packers in April. His injury in Week 1 took him away from the team, but he still wants to stick around, even if he’s 2,800 miles away. He is a member of the Jets’ leadership committee, which is made up of key veterans, and contributes weekly to the panel’s group text with words of encouragement and motivation, according to players.
But it’s an unusual dynamic to have an injured player outside the building and on such a high-profile platform to share his thoughts about the team on a weekly basis. Saleh doesn’t see this as an unhealthy situation.
“No, that won’t be a problem,” he said. “I don’t think it should be like that. He’s part of this team and he has thoughts, and I think he does a really good job of articulating those thoughts in a respectful way.”
Reed said she appreciates Rodgers’ leadership whether he is in attendance or on the other side of the country.
“Oh, sure,” Reed said. “Aaron, he definitely made an impression in that locker room. We have the utmost respect for Aaron and everything he says. Everyone listens.”