Tensions Between Aaron Rodgers and Jets Coach?
Aaron Rodgers, quarterback of the New York Jets, denied on Friday that there are conflicts with the team's head coach, Robert Saleh, ahead of their matchup against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday in London.
"I think there’s some outside force trying to drive a wedge between Robert and me, but there’s nothing like that. We are very good friends," said the four-time MVP during a press conference ahead of Week 5 of the NFL, set to take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Rodgers and Saleh's relationship has come under scrutiny since the quarterback was fined for not attending the mandatory summer camp due to being on vacation in Egypt.
Tension heightened during the Week 3 game when the Jets defeated the New England Patriots. Controversy arose after Rodgers connected on his second touchdown pass of that game; as he approached the sideline, Saleh attempted to hug him, but the quarterback abruptly pulled away to avoid the embrace.
Additionally, Saleh's press conference after the Jets' Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos raised eyebrows. He criticized the offensive line for committing five false starts, hinting that Rodgers might consider moderating the "complicated" cadence he uses to confuse opposing defenses, which had negatively impacted the team in that game.
Rodgers downplayed the situation, saying, "Maybe it didn’t reflect his feelings. The cadence has been a weapon for us, although I think he had a chance to address all that on Monday." He insisted on his good relationship with Saleh, stating, "We get along very well. We spend time almost every day in his office talking about things, the team's energy and focus, and what we need to do, how I can help him, and how he can help me. We have a great relationship," he concluded.