Well, the Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson beef is squashed. Not that there really was anything to squash, but we finally heard from Wilson and Rodgers on the “heated” conversations on the sidelines , and just like I said, they both look at it as trying to make the other better.
But that doesn’t mean all is well at Jets training camp. There may be a power struggle brewing between head coach Robert Saleh and his star quarterback.
Earlier this offseason, Aaron Rodgers missed mandatory minicamp because of a previously planned trip to Egypt he informed the Jets about prior to the practice schedule being decided. At the time, I wrote that it was Saleh’s wording in how he handled Rodgers’ absence that was concerning, a sentiment Rodgers apparently shared , rather than the fact that Aaron missed two practices.
Now it seems, the two are not sharing important information with each other, like when Rodgers would see the field in a game. Earlier this week, Saleh said Rodgers wouldn’t play in the preseason.
While a 40-year-old quarterback who has won multiple MVPs and coming off a major injury not playing in the preseason is hardly big news, the fact that the QB heard the news from the media rather than the coach is a little concerning.
This is the second time this offseason that I have thought Saleh has mishandled his future Hall of Fame quarterback and while I don’t believe what some are saying – that it is a power struggle, because that implies malicious intent. My explanation for Saleh’s mishandling of the situation is far simpler: he’s too nice.
Robert Saleh has not learned one of the most important lessons for surviving in New York sports – lie. Or at least don’t give the whole truth. Saleh is such a nice guy that he hasn’t figured out how to skirt around some of the tougher issues when faced with the vaunted New York media. He is asked a question, and he answers it entirely and honestly. Refreshing for those in the media who are tired of “coach speak”, but foolish, nonetheless. It's what has him on the hot seat this season.
Saleh didn’t need to answer the question if Rodgers’ absence was excused or not, he simply could have said “we knew Aaron wouldn’t be here” and moved on. If the media presses or doesn’t like it? Tough, “next question”. And if he hasn’t spoken to Rodgers about playing or not in the preseason, when he is asked about it, he could have said “we haven’t made those decisions yet”. Give him a chance to give Rodgers the heads up.
Being in the New York market you have very few options. One – have everything go perfectly all the time (I wish). Two – be open and honest and constantly deal with drama. Three – use coach-speak and lies to cover yours and your player’s butts. Saleh continues to go with option two and it doesn’t seem to be working.
Might be time to try a different tactic.
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