After a hard-fought battle that culminated in a thrilling 25-22 victory for the New England Patriots, veteran defensive tackle Davon Godchaux offered a candid perspective on the physical state of Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In what can only be described as a moment of brotherhood tinged with competitive spirit, Godchaux didn’t pull any punches, saying, “It’s a Hall of Fame quarterback, man. It’s tough to see him struggle like this. . . . He definitely don’t look the same. Honestly, I could probably run him down. He looks like he’s lost some of that mobility.”
Rodgers, who has faced a tumultuous start to the season, got wind of Godchaux’s remarks and chose not to dispute them. "He’s probably right," the four-time MVP remarked light-heartedly during a press conference Tuesday. “Yeah, I was hurting, but I feel better today.”
Injury Woes and Comeback Hopes
It’s been a rocky road for Rodgers since he suffered an Achilles tear just four plays into the 2022 season. However, he reassured fans that knee, hamstring, and ankle troubles this season have not been caused by that previous injury. This week, he appears on the practice report with lingering knee and hamstring issues but was estimated as a full participant in Tuesday’s drills.
“I’m taking care of myself non-stop,” Rodgers declared with determination, adding, “I expect to do a lot more this week. I’ll be under center and, hopefully, back to my faster-than-Godchaux speed.”
Assessing the Season so Far
Despite that optimism, the numbers tell a tale of their own. Rodgers currently boasts 12 touchdowns alongside 7 interceptions, with a passer rating of 85.1—which sits at a modest 20th in the NFL, trailing behind even a couple of rookie signal-callers. “Yeah, not as good as I would’ve hoped,” he said, his honest assessment reflecting the weight he feels on his shoulders. “I’ve got to play better. I just have to be more efficient and avoid turning the ball over too many times. Interceptions can be misleading at times, but I’ve definitely had my share of poor throws.”
As the season unfolds, the spotlight remains on Rodgers, not just as a quarterback but as a symbol of resilience and competitiveness. Can he reclaim his elite form? Only time will tell, but for now, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching how the drama in New York further unfolds.
