Jets' Saleh, players OK with Rodgers calling out team amid struggles
The New York Jets don't have any issues with injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers calling out the team for its recent sideline incidents.
"We shouldn't be having scuffles on the sideline, whether it's positive or negative. It brings the wrong energy," center Connor McGovern said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. "If it comes off in that kind of demeanor, it can cause panic, and you just don't need that around."
Multiple Jets players have expressed their frustrations as the offense has struggled with Zach Wilson as the team's starting quarterback. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson was visibly frustrated on the sideline on multiple occasions during New York's 15-10 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 3. Running back Michael Carter was also shown yelling at Jets running backs coach Taylor Embree during Sunday's game.
New York entered the 2023 season with Super Bowl aspirations after trading for Rodgers, but he went down with an Achilles injury in Week 1. However, Rodgers, still addressed the sideline incidents Tuesday, saying, "We need to hold our poise a little better." The 39-year-old added that the Jets "need to grow up," per Cimini.
"He's right, man, you can't blow up and show our frustration on the sideline," Jets cornerback D.J. Reed said.
"He's as much of a coach as he is a player, and he's been around youth and he's been around adversity, and he's seen it all," head coach Robert Saleh said of Rodgers' remarks. "So for him to recognize that and talk through it, I think he's not wrong in that when you have frustration, it's easy to look for answers when sometimes the most important answer is inward."
Saleh continues to support Wilson, who's received a lot of criticism after completing just 52% of his passes while tossing two touchdowns to four interceptions in three appearances this season. New York signed veteran Trevor Siemian to the practice squad Tuesday, adding to a quarterback depth chart that also features Tim Boyle.
Rodgers recently said he isn't ready to rule out a potential return in the playoffs, but the Jets don't expect the four-time NFL MVP to play again this season.