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Jets' Aaron Rodgers: 'My Body Is in a Good Spot,' Had to Overcome 'Hurdles' Mentally

Doric SamSeptember 24, 2024

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets celebrates during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Cooper Neill/Getty Images

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers put on a vintage performance in Thursday night's win over the New England Patriots, showing the continued improvements in his recovery from the torn Achilles that cost him virtually the entire 2023 season.

During an appearance on Tuesday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers said he believes he will continue getting back to his old self as he gets more comfortable each week.

"I think the progression for me physically is just gonna continue because the more comfortable I feel on the field, the more I'm able to do some of the stuff I was doing when I was a younger player, because my body is in a good spot, it was just mentally getting over those hurdles and doing some things I've done before," Rodgers said.

Pat McAfee @PatMcAfeeShow

"Thursday was a good game for our offense and we did some good things..<br><br>I think the progression for me physically is gonna continue because my body is in a good spot"<a href="https://twitter.com/AaronRodgers12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AaronRodgers12</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMSLive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMSLive</a> <a href="https://t.co/jGtc4uQnDy">pic.twitter.com/jGtc4uQnDy</a>

The 40-year-old showed more mobility in Thursday's game than he did in New York's first two games. He was able to evade pressure multiple times and complete throws down the field on his way to a 281-yard, two-touchdown outing that helped lead the Jets to a 24-3 win. He said the game reminded him of his prime when he played for the Green Bay Packers.

"I extended some plays, I threw the ball on the run, I ran for a couple first downs, stuff that I've done over the years and maybe didn't do as much my last year in Green Bay," Rodgers said. "But the work that I put in the offseason put me in a position [where] I feel like once the confidence came around with my Achilles, I could do some of the things I was used to doing in the mid-2010s."

Rodgers will be trying to lead the Jets to their third straight win when they return to action on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.