NFL news: Aaron Rodgers is not only an all-time great quarterback. His leadership on and off the field is also something that makes him an elite talisman for his squad — something that he hopes to bring to the New York Jest in his first season with his new team.
For his part, Jet head coach Robert Saleh is very much looking to capitalizing on this aspect of Rodgers’ game.
NFL News: Robert Saleh Lauds Aaron Rodgers’ Coaching Prowess
As Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post wrote in a recent article, “Rodgers is as close to coach as there is without actually being on the staff.” Saleh seems to take no issue with this notion. In fact, the Jets shot-caller firmly believes that this is something that will work in his team’s favor:
“As a coach, sometimes we bring in guys who we are familiar with to help, [because] they know our messaging, they know our scheme,’’ Saleh said Monday. “It’s no different for a player, no different for a quarterback. Speaking from my shoes as a coach and what we look for, I would imagine it helps [Rodgers] a lot.”
NFL News: Robert Saleh Expects Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb to Play Key Role for Aaron Rodgers’ Transition
Along with Aaron Rodgers, the Jets also recruited Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard to New York this offseason. Of course, they will be two of A-Rod’s most important targets on the field, but at the same time, both wide receivers are also expected to serve as translators of sorts for Rodgers:
“Sometimes when something new is being presented, it can sound like a foreign language, so having another voice who knows from a receiver standpoint [helps]. You teach something, but receivers might be receiving that thing a little bit differently, so a guy like Randall and Allen could say, ‘Hey, this is what he means’ in receiver language and they’re like, ‘Oh, OK.’
“It’s player-to-player conversation and those moments are very powerful, sometimes more powerful than coaching.’’
Both Cobb and Lazard will attest to the fact that while he may be one of the greatest quarterbacks to pick up a football, Rodgers also isn’t the easiest teammate to play with. This is something his new Jets teammates will need to learn on and off the field, and Cobb and Lazard will play a key role in the transition for both ends.
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