Jets coach Robert Saleh gives team a week off
It’s been a long time since the Jets had this much optimism going into a season. Sure, there were rookie QB’s that were drafted high that fans had stellar hopes for and new coaches that needed to make their presence known, but the idea of a team actually being able to compete for a championship? […]
It’s been a long time since the Jets had this much optimism going into a season. Sure, there were rookie QB’s that were drafted high that fans had stellar hopes for and new coaches that needed to make their presence known, but the idea of a team actually being able to compete for a championship? That has been a feeling that has been missing around 1 Jets Drive for a long time.
Now, Aaron Rodgers is in the fold. The Jets have some stability in the coaching staff with Robert Saleh returning for his third year and a veteran offensive play caller on the staff. The defense looks as good as it has since the Rex Ryan days.
Things are going well during the OTA’s for Gang Green. So well in fact that Robert Saleh decided to cancel mandatory minicamp next week.
The move is a little bit of a surprise, but Saleh believes that he has seen enough from his team at OTA’s that the minicamp would be more hurtful than helpful. The Jets report to training camp earlier than most teams this season because of their participation in the Hall of Fame game August 3rd against the Cleveland Browns.
Saleh doesn’t want to tax his players any more than he has to. It’s a bold strategy but one that should pay off. Let’s be honest, Aaron Rodgers does not want to participate in voluntary OTA’s and minicamps. He didn’t want to do it with the Green Bay Packers, and he certainly doesn’t want to do it with the Jets.
With all eyes on him this offseason and his determination to prove to the fans, players, coaches and media that he is a “good guy” he showed up and was front and center for the cameras throwing beautiful passes like the one below to CJ Uzomah that Robert Saleh called “a dirty throw”.
Rodgers is at the point of his career where mandatory minicamps are more of a nuisance than a benefit. Rodgers knows the offensive system. He has a relationship with a few of his wide receivers already, and frankly a little rest never hurt a 39-year-old.
So, Robert Saleh gave his team a break. More importantly, he gave his quarterback a break. Another week to be with their families before the grueling and (hopefully) long season kicks off in a few weeks.
Saleh is a player’s coach. He understands the importance of making sure the team not only works hard but is able to reset the body and the mind. Giving his guys an extra week off in the season will go a long way to keeping his team happy as the dog days of summer approach in August.
With the players off the field, the focus can now turn back to the front office and GM Joe Douglas to get to work on an extension for star DT Quinnen Williams. Saleh seemed confident in his press conference saying “It’s going to get done. He’ll be here for camp.”
Time to get to work Joe, there is no extra week off for you.
Featured Image via Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
