Jets' Aaron Rodgers, Garrett Wilson downplay video of animated sideline discussions
Jes quarterback Aaron Rodgers, left, and wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Credit: Ed Murray
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson should produce plenty of highlights that go viral, but video of some animated discussions the two have had during practice this week have gotten a lot of attention.
Rodgers said it’s not what it appears to be. Wilson described it as two “passionate guys” who are “like-minded” working through things and trying to get on the same page. They both said they welcome these conversations and they’re getting better from them.
“It’s truly enlightening for me whenever we have conversations like that, despite how it may look,” Wilson said Wednesday. “I am an emotional, passionate guy so when we lose, I might look a certain way. But in reality, all those conversations, those things are helping me to be better for Aaron because he can make your life real easy.”
The offense struggled the prior two days and Rodgers displayed his frustration toward some teammates. It was mostly directed at the offensive line. Joe Tippmann had several high snaps and Rodgers was tripped once by one of his linemen.
Rodgers and Wilson had their lively discussions off to the side that fans filmed and posted on social media. Wilson said he told Rodgers he was open and that his quarterback told him where he needed him to be on a particular play. At the end of one of the clips, Rodgers and Wilson shake hands.
“G and I got a great relationship,” Rodgers said. “I love those conversations. It’s about the details. It’s about winning. It’s about seeing what he sees. He’s got to get on my page, but I got to get on his page too because he’s got a whole book that I need to understand fully of his skill set and ability and feel and rhythm and all the different things that he does out there.
“Those are good conversations. They might appear to be much more heated than they are. But there’s usually a smile on our face afterward — at least one of us.”
Rodgers and Wilson were clicking Wednesday on a good day for the offense overall. Rodgers completed nine passes, including six red-zone touchdowns. Three went to Wilson.
Rodgers has referred to Wilson as “dynamic” and “special” many times. The Jets hope the two can develop a similar chemistry and connection that Rodgers had with Davante Adams in Green Bay.
The ultra-competitive Wilson has 178 catches for 2,145 yards in his first two NFL seasons. He hasn’t caught any from Rodgers, who tore his left Achilles tendon four snaps into last season.
Wilson said the two are still getting to know each other on the field, and being able to talk and hash things out with Rodgers will improve their chemistry.
“I feel like we have a different connection this year than we had kind of feeling each other out last year,” Wilson said. “We were very complimentary of each other last year. Now it’s like, ‘You’re doing this not well, so let’s fix that so I can get you the ball even quicker, even more.’ That’s where we’re at now. It’s a good spot.
“I feel like the conversations we’re having are special and not conversations you can have with everybody. Truly not. But the way he sees the game, we can have them and it’s special. It’s something I don’t take for granted.”
Injury news
Nickelback Michael Carter II left practice with an ankle injury he suffered early in team periods. Robert Saleh said the Jets are “not concerned” that it will be anything long term.
Allen Lazard didn’t practice with what Saleh described as “camp soreness.”
Rodgers on the preseason
Rodgers said it’s Saleh’s call whether he plays in the preseason. Saleh said Tuesday that Rodgers definitely won’t play the first two but didn’t rule out the preseason finale against the Giants.
“If he decides he wants to me play against the Giants, I’ll strap it up and look forward to it,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers on Tippmann’s snaps
Rodgers conceded he’s gotten on Tippmann for his high snaps, but he thinks the second-year center can handle it. Rodgers said Tippmann still loves him and hugs him before every practice.
“He has the ability to play a long time in this league at center and he’s got a chance to be an All-Pro,” Rodgers said. “If he’s snapping the ball a little wayward from time to time, he can take me jumping his [butt] a little bit and getting on him.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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