Aaron Rodgers: Jets Are 'Playing with Too Much Anger,' Not Enough Enjoyment
October 22, 2024
Amid a four-game losing streak, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers believes the team's mindset is at the heart of the problem.
Rodgers said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday that he feels the Jets are "playing with too much anger and not enough enjoyment" amid their continued struggles, per ESPN's Rich Cimini.
Rodgers went on to accept responsibility for trying to change the team's attitude going forward.
"The power of belief is a snowball that can start in an avalanche, and I think that's what we need," Rodgers said. "It starts with me. I've got to bring the right energy every single day, and especially on game day. I feel like we've been loose, we've been having good practices, but for whatever reason there's been a bit of tightness on game day, and I think that's got to start with me. ... I need to be a great leader."
The Jets fell to 2-5 with a 37-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. New York held a 15-6 lead before collapsing, part of which could have been attributed to an interception Rodgers threw before halftime that shifted the momentum in Pittsburgh's favor.
"We just need to have a little more fun, smile more to enjoy each other," he said. "It's fun when you win, of course, but I think there are ways of taking some of the pressure off, and it's got to start with me this week with my energy and my approach. I was disappointed not just about the [interception], but a couple other [throws] I wish I could've had back. But we just have to respond to adversity a little bit better, and it starts with me, and I've got to lead the way with that."
Rodgers added that he wants to shift the mindset of being a defensively-led football team after ranking in the top five in yards allowed over the last two years. New York's defense has not been the same this year, and the four-time MVP believes it's time for the offense to lead the way.
"I think we need to just adjust that mindset," he said. "Instead of like, 'Hey, let's go play,' it's, 'Hey, let's win the game on offense.' And I know it seems like a little thing or trivial, but mindset is everything."
