Jets Rumors: Aaron Rodgers ‘Fully On Board’ with Jeff Ulbrich Committing to Run Game
Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVOctober 13, 2024
Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Aaron Rodgers reportedly doesn’t mind that the New York Jets may become more committed to the running game under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.
Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported Sunday that Ulbrich, who is taking over for the fired Robert Saleh, plans on focusing more on the rushing attack.
“Aaron Rodgers, he is fully on board with this,” Glazer added.
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While there may have been a time in his career that the 40-year-old quarterback would have taken issue with relying more on the running game instead of the passing one, it may be exactly what the Jets need at this stage.
Unlocking running back Breece Hall could, in turn, open up the play-action passing attack and give Rodgers more time to throw in the pocket. That could lead to more opportunities with No. 1 wideout Garrett Wilson as the Jets look to bounce back from their slow start to the season with a key divisional game against the Buffalo Bills on Monday.
New York decided to fire Saleh after its Week 5 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London and turned to Ulbrich in the interim role.
The defensive coordinator wasted no time making changes and stripped offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of play-calling duties. He instead gave the play-calling responsibilities to passing-game coordinator Todd Downing.
It was a notable development, as Rodgers is close to Hackett and previously worked with him on the Green Bay Packers.
Yet the veteran quarterback is reportedly open to relying more on the run as a way of playing in front of the sticks and controlling the clock.
Despite the drastic changes, the season is far from a loss for the Jets. They are just one game behind the Bills in the AFC East and can move into first place with a head-to-head victory over Josh Allen and Co. on Monday.
