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Aaron Rodgers is nearing the end of his playing days. Still, like a true Artist, he revealed nimbleness and craftsmanship against all expectations during the Thursday night face-off against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
He showed how his age does not limit his capabilities, as he stepped outside the pocket and completed all six pass attempts. The aging quarterback even ran the ball himself, which was very effective. He ran the ball five times for 18 yards, including the first down gained on the opening series courtesy of a significant five-yard run.
In the progression of this game, it was evident that Rogers had gained some form of physical fitness with age that enabled him to enhance gameplay within the Jets' line-up.
Saleh Praises Rodgers
Jets head coach Robert Saleh had no problem issuing a candid assessment of where the team stood.
Given Saleh's comments to Pro Football Talk, it is worth reflecting on how accurately Saleh described those fans' Most Valuable Player performance. "The great thing was he exhibited the movement skills we had seen during training camp.
I said he may not be what he used to be, but there is still a lot in those legs, that arm is still 30, and that brain is still functioning, and I was impressed today,” he noted. It was not only about mobility for Rodgers.
He was also highly effective in passing the ball, registering 27 completions on 35 attempts and 281 passing yards. In the tactical plan, he won hops with two touchdowns and made his tactical play without an interception. This game was meant to showcase the reasons the Jets decided to bring Rodgers back in the previous off-season.
They were hoping that he would inject some much-needed life into the team. The Thursday night results assured the fans and the team that the beleaguered star quarterback still had some big performances left, and many were glad.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Rodgers and the Jets can sustain this high level of performance.
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