On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers will open their season on the road against the New York Jets. Hopefully, after that, the Jets will be finished talking about Aaron Rodgers, because they haven’t stopped yet since New York made the decision to release him.
The latest example of that comes in an ESPN article by Jets reporter Rich Cimini, titled, “Jets' Justin Fields brings different dynamic than Aaron Rodgers.” The entire piece is about what people currently in New York’s building see as the differences between Fields, a former Steelers quarterback, and Rodgers.
While Cimini explains, “This isn't meant to be a shot at Rodgers,” it’s hard to interpret it as anything but when the piece essentially paints Fields as the ideal leader at the quarterback position, and depicts Rodgers as an energy-draining presence that negatively affected the team’s dynamic.
"Previously, it felt like 52 players and Rodgers. This isn't meant to be a shot at Rodgers, who current and former Jets say was generally well-liked in the locker room, but there's no denying that he altered the team dynamic because of his stature and desire to be in the spotlight."Rich Cimini (ESPN)
Jets players acknowledge the differences between Justin Fields and Aaron Rodgers
In Cimini’s defense, and in defense of the players quoted in the article, the piece is supposed to highlight how Fields has stepped in as a leader for New York. There were even positive quotes about Rodgers in the piece from his former teammates. However, the appreciation of Fields’ identity was explicated through the lens of his not being Rodgers. That juxtaposition didn’t do Rodgers or Fields any favors.
Ultimately, it’s time for everyone to move on. Rodgers’ chapter with the Jets didn’t go that great, and he had his moment of publicly airing out the franchise for the way they decided to end things. However, he has since turned his attention to his new era, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jets should do the same and focus on their new era.
Any lingering feelings that either side has should be handled on the field on Sunday.