Jets Shine in Final Joint Practice Before Season Opener

Rodgers leads Jets' offense to dominate in a crucial practice, hinting at a strong start for the upcoming season.

Florham Park, NJ -- August 21, 2024 -- Jets quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Andrew Peasley during practice. The New York Giants came to the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey to take part in a joint practice with the New York Jets. / Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Yesterday, the New York Jets and the New York Giants clashed in a spirited joint practice at the Jets Training Center in Florham Park. This session, the final significant trial before the Jets regular-season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on September 9, showcased Aaron Rodgers and his first-team squad in peak form. A full house witnessed the Jets' dominance on both sides of the field, with their offense standing out.

Unlike last week's joint session with the Carolina Panthers, the Jets came out firing. Rodgers set the tone early, completing all three passes in the first seven-on-seven period, including an impressive deep shot to Xavier Gipson. This was just the beginning, as Rodgers was on point throughout the day, highlighting a productive outing for the Jets.

ABSURD: #Jets QB Aaron Rodgers THROWS A 50-YARD BOMB IN THE PERFECT SPOT to Garrett Wilson against the #Giants in practice.

🤯

That is not the arm of a 40-year-old quarterback.

(Via @GrandCentralFan)
pic.twitter.com/xaCfM5Fxzv

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) August 21, 2024

A standout moment during the 11-on-11s was Rodgers' beautiful 55-yard pass, landing perfectly in Garrett Wilson's hands after he outran Giants cornerback Nick McCloud for a touchdown. This play showcased Rodgers' arm strength and Wilson's speed and route-running skills, hinting at the deadly combination they could form in the upcoming season. Left tackle Tyron Smith played a crucial role in this success, protecting Rodgers against edge rusher Brian Burns, who had been causing the line a decent amount of trouble during the long-range scoring play.

In the situational periods, Rodgers demonstrated his pinpoint accuracy again, leading the Jets through a six-play, two-minute drill that culminated in a touchdown pass to Allen Lazard. This drive illustrated Rodgers' ability to operate under pressure and dominate play-calling, a testament to his veteran experience.

"It was a great feeling to put that end of practice together," said C Joe Tippmann in a post-practice presser. "You have to give a lot of credit to Aaron. As a veteran, he’s amazing. Once we get into that two-minute drill, he snaps into a different mode, making signals calls, and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Seeing everything come together on offense and finishing with touchdowns was awesome."

Jets fans are eager to see Rodgers' tenacity and precision in Week 1, and this practice is a promising indicator of what’s to come. With the season fast approaching, Rodgers returning to form bodes well for the Jets' success in 2024.