Aaron Rodgers believes that the key to the New York Jets playing with more freedom and less tension lies in accepting the worst-case scenario. As the Jets struggle with a disappointing 2-5 record, Rodgers has noticed that the pressure to turn their season around is sucking the fun and enjoyment out of their performance on the field.
In an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, Rodgers shared his philosophy for coping with the mounting stress. “I think you have to get yourself to a point — whether you are 2-5 or 5-2 or wherever you are in between — ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ and take your mind to that spot and deal with it,” Rodgers explained.
He emphasized the importance of confronting both the worst and best possible outcomes and moving forward. “But deal with it and then move on and play free.”
For Rodgers, this mindset shift is crucial in allowing the Jets to loosen up and perform without the weight of expectations dragging them down. “The worst that can happen (is) we don’t turn this around, things go south, and a lot of us are in a different stratosphere,” Rodgers continued. “Deal with that. OK, cool. Are you going to be OK after that? Yeah. What’s the best that can happen? We embrace the energy that’s shifted in two weeks, we play free, we do the little things… and we go on a run and do something magical.”
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Rodgers emphasized personal accountability, frequently saying “it starts with me.” He acknowledged that he needs to bring a different energy to the team, especially as the Jets look to course-correct after a rough start to the season.
Last week’s trade for his longtime teammate Davante Adams was a step toward bolstering the offense, while Monday’s addition of pass-rusher Haason Reddick, who ended his season-long holdout, was intended to strengthen the defense.
For Rodgers, part of that energy shift involves dialing down the anger and frustration that has seeped into the Jets’ locker room. “Personally, and as a team, we’re playing with too much anger, not enough enjoyment,” Rodgers admitted.
He acknowledged that winning makes the game more fun, but believes there are ways to take some of the pressure off, even during a losing stretch. “It’s fun when you win, of course. But there are ways of taking some of the pressure off. And it’s got to start with me this week. We’ve got to respond to adversity a little bit better.”
The Jets are coming off a crushing 37-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where they allowed 31 unanswered points, and now face a pivotal Week 8 matchup against the New England Patriots on the road. Rodgers knows that the team’s response to this adversity will be key in determining whether they can salvage their season.
With an infusion of new talent and Rodgers’ call to embrace the highs and lows, the Jets are hoping to find a spark that will turn their fortunes around.
Rodgers’ message to the team is clear: confront the worst-case scenario, accept it, and then let go of the fear, allowing them to play with the freedom necessary to rediscover their winning form.
If they can do that, Rodgers believes the Jets still have a shot at making something special happen this season.
