A New England Patriots player took a jab at Aaron Rodgers’ athleticism following Sunday’s game, and the veteran quarterback’s response might surprise you.
After the Patriots’ 25-22 victory over the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Patriots defensive lineman Davon Godchaux shared some critical remarks about Rodgers.
Godchaux commented that Rodgers “didn’t look mobile at all” during the game, suggesting that he himself might even be faster than the once-elusive quarterback, who built much of his reputation on his ability to extend plays with his legs.
On Tuesday, Rodgers was asked about Godchaux’s comments during an interview. The four-time NFL MVP seemed unfazed, admitting that Godchaux was probably correct. “He’s probably right. Yeah, I was hurting, but I feel better today,” Rodgers said, via ESPN’s Rich Cimini. Rodgers has been nursing several injuries this season, and it appeared that they might have contributed to his limited mobility against New England.
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Rodgers, who turns 40 later this year, has been dealing with multiple physical setbacks, including lingering issues from a torn Achilles suffered last year. Despite the injuries and his age, Rodgers has consistently found ways to adapt his game.
Against the Patriots, though, he acknowledged that he wasn’t forced to move outside the pocket as much as he typically would.
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“That was probably part of it, but I expect to be able to do a lot more this week,” Rodgers added optimistically. “I’ll be under center and, hopefully, back to my faster-than-Godchaux speed.” The comment drew some laughter, as Rodgers leaned into the competitive banter while still acknowledging his physical limitations.
Despite the mobility issues, Rodgers delivered a solid performance on Sunday, completing 17 of 28 passes for 233 yards, throwing for two touchdowns without any interceptions. It was a notable improvement compared to his previous three games, during which he threw a total of six interceptions.
However, the Jets ultimately fell short, marking their fifth consecutive loss and continuing a frustrating skid for the team.
As the Jets prepare for a quick turnaround with a home game against the Houston Texans on Thursday night, Rodgers remains hopeful about his physical condition.
He expressed confidence that he’s feeling much better heading into the upcoming contest, which could be crucial for a team desperate to turn their season around.
Whether Rodgers will show more mobility remains to be seen, but his competitive spirit and desire to improve suggest he’s ready to prove the doubters wrong once again.
