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I don’t listen to a lot of sports talk radio, and generally don’t quote sports talk hosts about the Jets, but this gentleman made such a good point, that I want to give him credit, and write about his theory today.
I read about a rant WFAN’s Sal Licata went on the other day, it really resonated.
The point of his rant was the Jets need to listen to Aaron Rodgers.
“He’s the only guy in the building I trust,” Sal said.
Licata went on to say: “The New York Jets are Aaron Rodgers. While you have him, use him.”
For the most part, I agree with this.
I’m not going to the degree to say he’s “the only guy in the building I trust,” but to me, he’s the messianic figure who can lead them out of the abyss, on and off the field.
I still think Joe Douglas is a good talent evaluator, but not sure he can fix the culture, because things are going on beyond his control. After so many years in Baltimore with Ozzie Newsome, Douglas knows what a great culture looks like, but there are people with more power than him who are entrenched, so what do you want him to do? Tell people with more power than him to stop tweeting?
Rodgers is the guy who can let some of these people know, that things need to change. He’s beyond reproach, and doesn’t care whose feathers he ruffles. And he already fired a shot across the bow the day after the season ended.
“The bull—t that has nothing to do with winning needs to get out of the building,” Rodgers said. “That will be the focus moving forward.”
Dianna Russini’s story, penned with Jets beatwriter Zack Rosenblatt, with 30 sources painted, an ugly picture of the Jets culture.
But instead of people attacking her for the story, they should view the story as an early 2024 Christmas gift. Honestly, she did them a huge favor, and said as much in an interview a recent interview:
“I think Jets fans are in denial,” Russini told Barstool Sports. “They want to call people liars because they don’t want to believe that it’s that bad, that the culture is that awful. So don’t blame the team, blame the reports that uncovered all of this.”
Great point. Now, I do think a lot of fans get that the team needs a cultural reboot, but here overarching point makes sense. Don’t kill the messenger.
Licata said the Jets should listen to Rodgers on player moves.
“Let Aaron Rodgers bring in who he wants, or at least his suggestions,” Licata said. “That is the best recipe for success for the Jets moving forward.
“While he’s here, wouldn’t you want him to be as comfortable as possible. Your whole thing is built around Aaron Rodgers. Let him bring in the guys that he wants.”
Too much has been made about Rodgers’ “wish list” last year.
People are killing Rodgers for the Hackett hire, but remember, when Rodgers is under center, he’s essentially the OC. Hackett sends in a concept they worked on, and Rodgers goes to the line and often audibles based on what he sees.
So the hire was fine as long as Rodgers is healthy. If Rodgers gets hurt again this year, perhaps the Jets should turn to passing game coordinator Todd Downing to call plays. Kind of like certain catchers work with certain pitchers.
Bill Parcells always used to say, “Don’t judge the decision by the result.”
There was nothing wrong with signing Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb. I was there for every training camp practices. Rodgers looked great with those guys.
Once one-read QBs Wilson and Boyle took over, those two receivers fell off the map. Lazard had some drops, but so did Garrett Wilson. Lazard’s drops are getting blown way out of proportion by people with an agenda.
Billy Turner wasn’t a bad signing. The problem was the coaches didn’t make him put on weight when he arrived. He can play, but he was too light. He looked like a tight end. Details.
So if I’m the Jets, I don’t listen to Rodgers less as some have suggested, I’d listen to him more, especially when it comes to fixing the culture, which he said needs to be “fine-tuned.”
Hat-tip to Licata for pointing this out.
March 7, 2024
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