The New York Jets ' rocky season took another dramatic turn as Tom Brady voiced his opinion on Aaron Rodgers ' influence in the team's locker room. Amid a series of disappointing performances, including their recent loss to the Steelers, the Jets stand at a 2-5 record, struggling to gain momentum despite significant roster changes, including the acquisition of star wide receiver Davante Adams . Brady, speaking on the Let’s Go Podcast, accused Rodgers of being part of the problem, suggesting the quarterback’s handling of relationships and public criticism might be undermining the team's cohesion.
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The conversation was almost centered on leadership but engaged Brady in reflection on his own experience as well as whispering a little shade at Rodgers. “I always tried to lead with just communication and developing a relationship with the players that I was playing with just so they knew if I did say something critical. I did it because I was trying to help the team improve, and maybe it wasn’t even publicly, locker room or field something like that.” Brady explained. He highlighted the importance of keeping criticism within the team, rather than airing grievances publicly, a move that Rodgers made in the aftermath of the Jets’ close 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Rodgers had publicly criticized teammate Mike Williams for a misstep during a critical play, leading to a flurry of commentary from former players and analysts. Rodgers explained that the play involved two vertical routes and a miscommunication that resulted in a missed opportunity. "I’m throwing a no-look to the red line... and when I just peek my eyes back there, he’s running an in-breaker," Rodgers explained, emphasizing that Williams should have stuck to the red line.
He wasn't alone in his criticism. Former Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick also weighed in on the situation during The Pat McAfee Show. Rodgers should have taken all of it upon himself publicly and then taken it behind closed doors with Mike Williams or the entire offense, Fitzpatrick said. “Why can’t he shoulder all the blame in the media and then get behind closed doors with Mike Williams or the whole offense?"
As news of the incident threatened to snowball into controversy, Williams kept on handling criticism professionally. He accepted his mistake, adding, "I just have to be on the red line." And even as he kept his cool, the talk of trades increased, as rumors mounted that Williams-the player who is earning $10 million this season-is leaving the game after this fiasco.
Mike Williams Future: Steelers in the Hunt
Following the fallout, it has been reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in acquiring Williams. After failing to secure 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk in the offseason, the Steelers are still looking to bolster their receiving corps. Although George Pickens has had a strong season, Pittsburgh lacks depth at the position, making Williams a potential target.
There is also the issue of Williams, who this season was to have been a key member for the Jets coming into 2023-24, competing with Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard. There is a trade deadline that comes around on November 5, and an NFL team must finalize its decisions on those players they would like to get rid of. Given fading playoff hopes and a tinderbox in the locker room, the Jets may be in line for yet another massive overhaul.
Meanwhile, Rodgers has been trying to clear the air saying that his comments were not a personal attack on Williams but rather criticism of how the play was executed. "I have a lot of love and respect for Mike," Rodgers said on The Pat McAfee Show. Only time will tell whether this clarification is enough to resolve the situation.
As the season crawls along, at times it seems to drag even, the Jets once full of great hopes face the tough decisions. Will Aaron Rodgers give it enough leadership to turn things around, or will more players like Mike Williams begin seeking greener pastures?
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The conversation was almost centered on leadership but engaged Brady in reflection on his own experience as well as whispering a little shade at Rodgers. “I always tried to lead with just communication and developing a relationship with the players that I was playing with just so they knew if I did say something critical. I did it because I was trying to help the team improve, and maybe it wasn’t even publicly, locker room or field something like that.” Brady explained. He highlighted the importance of keeping criticism within the team, rather than airing grievances publicly, a move that Rodgers made in the aftermath of the Jets’ close 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Rodgers had publicly criticized teammate Mike Williams for a misstep during a critical play, leading to a flurry of commentary from former players and analysts. Rodgers explained that the play involved two vertical routes and a miscommunication that resulted in a missed opportunity. "I’m throwing a no-look to the red line... and when I just peek my eyes back there, he’s running an in-breaker," Rodgers explained, emphasizing that Williams should have stuck to the red line.
He wasn't alone in his criticism. Former Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick also weighed in on the situation during The Pat McAfee Show. Rodgers should have taken all of it upon himself publicly and then taken it behind closed doors with Mike Williams or the entire offense, Fitzpatrick said. “Why can’t he shoulder all the blame in the media and then get behind closed doors with Mike Williams or the whole offense?"
As news of the incident threatened to snowball into controversy, Williams kept on handling criticism professionally. He accepted his mistake, adding, "I just have to be on the red line." And even as he kept his cool, the talk of trades increased, as rumors mounted that Williams-the player who is earning $10 million this season-is leaving the game after this fiasco.
Mike Williams Future: Steelers in the Hunt
Following the fallout, it has been reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in acquiring Williams. After failing to secure 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk in the offseason, the Steelers are still looking to bolster their receiving corps. Although George Pickens has had a strong season, Pittsburgh lacks depth at the position, making Williams a potential target.
There is also the issue of Williams, who this season was to have been a key member for the Jets coming into 2023-24, competing with Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard. There is a trade deadline that comes around on November 5, and an NFL team must finalize its decisions on those players they would like to get rid of. Given fading playoff hopes and a tinderbox in the locker room, the Jets may be in line for yet another massive overhaul.
Meanwhile, Rodgers has been trying to clear the air saying that his comments were not a personal attack on Williams but rather criticism of how the play was executed. "I have a lot of love and respect for Mike," Rodgers said on The Pat McAfee Show. Only time will tell whether this clarification is enough to resolve the situation.
As the season crawls along, at times it seems to drag even, the Jets once full of great hopes face the tough decisions. Will Aaron Rodgers give it enough leadership to turn things around, or will more players like Mike Williams begin seeking greener pastures?
Also read - Why Dwight Freeney Thinks This Player Deserves the MVP Over Patrick Mahomes
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