Giants Defense Welcomes Challenge of Playing vs. Aaron Rodgers

By now, it's well known that the New York Jets, who face the New York Giants in this weekend's preseason finale, plan to start veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the game in what would be the future Hall of Famer's first preseason action since his days with the Packers in 2018.

"I get excited every time I am going against him because he is a titan of the league," said defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. "You see the energy he brought to the city. I want him to have a bunch of success except when we are playing against each other, and he knows that."

Last year, Martindale's defense got to match wits with the 39-year-old quarterback who was with the Green Bay Packers at the time. In that 27-22 Giants victory played in London, the defense held the quarterback to 25 of 39 for 222 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions for a 96.3 NFL rating. The Giants also sacked Rodgers twice and forced a fumble.

The circumstances will be a little different for both sides on Saturday. For one, Rodgers is unlikely to play the entire game. And the Giants, who played their starters last week against the Panthers, will probably not play many, if any, of their starters in the preseason finale.

SEE ALSO: Tommy Sweeney Stable After Leaving Field Due to Medical Event

As far as Martindale is concerned, he's going to roll with whatever personnel he's given and try, as he's always done, whether it's preseason or regular season, to get players in the right position to be successful.

"You know they are going against a titan of quarterbacks," he said of Rodgers. "It’s going to be a great experience for some of these younger guys because he’ll evaluate your team for you as well with the way he plays quarterback.

"There are so many little things that you have to cover when you are going against him," he said. "I know if I was a rookie, I would be jacked to go against Aaron Rodgers because it’s one of the best."

Regardless of the game's outcome, Martindale is feeling pretty good about what he has on defense.

"I like the players, the people. You know what I mean? The players themselves," he said. "I know you hear the word selfless, but it truly is a selfless group who cares about our success, and that is cool in today’s day and age of the NFL.

"Like you got (cornerback) Adoree’ (Jackson), who is helping those young corners out. He’s a stud who wants them to be great, and I just love the people here."

Get the latest breaking news and analysis on the New York Giants
Follow and like us on Facebook
Submit your questions for our mailbag
Check out the Giants Country YouTube Channel.
Subscribe and like the LockedOn Giants YouTube Channel
Connect with us via text alerts! Free 14-Day Trial!