Aaron Rodgers has not had the greatest start to the 2024 NFL season as he would have expected. The New York Jets are 2-6, and the quarterback is still finding his footing, coming off an Achilles injury.
Along the way, Rodgers has taken quite a few hits and has been a little “banged up.” However, to combat these injuries, the 40-year-old quarterback is seeking help from one of his Jets teammates.
Fans Chirp As Aaron Rodgers Leans on Thomas Morstead for Special Formula
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Rodgers said he felt good heading into the Thursday night game against the Houston Texans despite being on a short week. Rodgers further explained that Jets punter Thomas Morstead introduced him to a new drink, which he has incorporated into his recovery regimen.
“T-Mo gave me a little ‘fountain of youth’ that he said he’s been taking for a while,” Rodgers told reporters Tuesday. “All legal, of course. … He’s been taking cayenne pepper and water. So he gave me some before the game. I felt pretty good. I’ve been kind of gassing him up that [his suggestion is why] I’ve been feeling so good. I’m not sure how much that’s playing a factor.”
This caught the attention of fans on social media, and they had plenty of jokes.
“That s**t ain’t working for him,” wrote one fan, highlighting his struggles.
“Is this how the jets start winning football games,” trolled another fan.
“This dude is old. He can’t escape old age,” another fan commented.
It doesn’t help him not throw interceptions
— HawkTua (@akfinfan) October 29, 2024
Well he needs to stop cause he's sucked.
— The Brohioan (@TheBrohioan) October 29, 2024
Can he start playing like his knee isn’t still bothering him?
— Marcus (@_Ohmie) October 29, 2024
At the halfway point in the season, Rodgers has already been dealing with hamstring, knee, and ankle injuries. He has not looked remotely close to his prime self, except for the Week 3 game against the New England Patriots. Rodgers has been struggling, and he admitted he wasn’t feeling great in the 25–22 Week 8 loss to the Patriots.
“My schedule is basically I’m here when I’m here, and I’m doing rehab,” Rodgers said. “And I go home and do more rehab. I’m kind of taking care of myself non-stop. … I expect to do a lot more this week. I’ll be under center and hopefully be back to my faster-than-Godchaux speed.”
Rodgers Preaches Calmness to Jets Fans After 2-6 Start
The Jets entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations, and at the halfway point of the season, they’re looking at an impossible task. According to ESPN, the Jets have a 12% chance to make the playoffs, let alone a Super Bowl appearance.
Both Rodgers and the team have struggled to get going. But the four-time MVP wants the Jets’ fan base to remain optimistic despite the team’s 2-6 start.
“Smile, show up, trust, believe, root us on as hard as you can,” Rodgers said. “We need that noise. We’re trying to rectify this as quickly as possible. I know it’s been frustrating for everybody, but there’s still a lot of season left.”
That will be tough for the Jets fans because of the output on the field. The team ranks 34th in yards per game (310.6) and 25th in points per game ((18.8). Rodgers has thrown for 1,896 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions so far. He has a 20-year career-low passer rating of 85.1 and total touchdowns after eight games.
“The way the season is and we are a couple of plays from 4-4, a couple more from 5-3, and a couple more from 6-2,” Rodgers said. “The reality is we are 2-6. Backs are against the wall and we gotta make some plays and win some games.”
Only three teams in the NFL’s history (Bengals in 1970, Commanders in 2020, Jaguars in 2022) have made the trip to the postseason after starting 2-6 since 1966. Rodgers and the Jets have a humongous task at hand. Every game from now on will be crucial in deciding their fate for the 2024 playoffs, which already looks bleak.