NFL Network Reporter Poses 'Aaron's Acclimation' Question
Judy Battista raised the $100 million question on every New York Jets fan's mind.
In "2023 NFL season: 10 fascinating storylines to follow at mandatory minicamps," the NFL Network reporter led off with Aaron Rodgers.
"The biggest question for the New York Jets: How fast can Aaron Rodgers, the offense and new faces get on the same page?" wrote Battista.
In terms of "Aaron's Acclimation," Jets' brass has never seemed too concerned about the possibility of a bumpy transition back into offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's scheme.
"If there’s a great rapport with the coordinator, there’s really no urgency," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh while the Rodgers trade rumors were swirling in late March. "If he understands the system, if the quarterback knows it, it’s just a matter of just refining skills and doing all that stuff, so there’s no hurry on that right now."
The absence of urgency also stems from the continuity Rodgers has with receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, who both signed free-agent deals with Gang Green this offseason.
"Remember Hackett was with Randall too, so he’s a guy who’s got a lot of experience in the system. He’s a guy that they’re very comfortable and familiar with," said Saleh.
The pass-catchers' value to the equation extends beyond their past on-field experience with Rodgers. Their knowledge of Hackett's system gives them the ability to tutor Jets' holdovers like Garrett Wilson, accelerating the adjustment period that comes with a new quarterback.
"He’s [Cobb] a guy who, again, to go back to the question I just answered, flag bearers, like the guys who are going to plant the flag and be able to echo the messaging, they already know what it is," said Saleh.
Then, there's the refreshing fact that Rodgers appears be all in on the voluntary offseason workout program, using the time to familiarize himself with the new surroundings and personnel at his disposal.
"It’s been awesome. It’s been a lot of fun," said Rodgers after a May 23 practice during Phase 3 OTAs. "Haven’t been to OTAs in the last couple of years, so it’s been nice to be out here, be in the meetings, speak up about certain things, adjustments in the offense and additional coaching points."
Rodgers's presence has resonated with Wilson, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
"Just the little nuances to the offense that Coach Hack [Hackett] likes to do and that ARod [Rodgers] likes to do that I'm trying to catch onto," said Wilson in early May. "I'm really excited, just being around these last three weeks. We're learning a lot."
From "10 fascinating storylines to follow at mandatory minicamps":
1) Aaron's acclimation. The biggest question for the New York Jets: How fast can Aaron Rodgers, the offense and new faces get on the same page? Rodgers, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb have the advantage of familiarity with one another, but there are still questions about other facets of the offense. How will Hackett, who did not call plays for Rodgers in Green Bay, bounce back from a rough one-year head-coaching stint in Denver? What iteration of the offensive line will the Jets use? And, most critically, how is Rodgers' rapport with Garrett Wilson, the Jets' No. 1 receiver?
— Judy Battista
Saleh updated the acclimation process progress prior to a recent OTAs practice.
"So, there’s new faces. Getting those guys to get in the same lane if you will and march to the same beat, it’s going to take time, but with the amount of work that we’re putting in, we’re confident that we’re going to get going," said the third-year head coach.
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