Aaron Rodgers laughs off shove on Robert Saleh after guiding Jets to win over Patriots

Aaron Rodgers was forced to answer questions about a clash with New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh after producing a quarterback masterclass to guide his side to a 24-3 win over the New England Patriots.

The narrative following Thursday Night Football should have been about how Rodgers looked close to his best on his return to MetLife Stadium, over 12 months on from the scene of his ruptured Achilles.

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Rodgers threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns as the Patriots were swept aside, yet most of the focus afterwards was on a second quarter incident with Saleh.

After Breece Hall’s one-yard touchdown run had put the Jets 14-0 up, Rodgers made his way to the sideline with Saleh motioning for a hug only for the former Green Bay Packers QB to push him away with a glare.

Rodgers and Saleh are pumped.#TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/b3aSB0VgsM

— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) September 20, 2024

Asked about it afterwards, Rodgers said: “He’s not a big hugger usually, so I didn’t know he was going for the hug. 

“He likes to do the two-hand chest push as well. He talks a lot about two-score leads. So I kind of gave him a push and said, ‘Two-score lead.’”

Vintage Rodgers

The incident overshadowed Rodgers’ on-field display which was his sharpest of the season.

The 40-year-old added: “This was kind of the first step in playing like I know I’m capable of playing.

”I felt like I was myself from five years ago.”

Aaron Rodgers was asked about his exchange with Robert Saleh in the second quarter:

“He talks a lot about two-score leads. So I just kind of gave him a push and said ‘two-score lead.'” pic.twitter.com/aE3MshPGFo

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) September 20, 2024

Saleh hails Rodgers

Saleh was equally impressed, particularly at the way Rodgers operated outside the pocket.

“The cool thing was he showed the mobility that we saw in training camp,” Saleh said. “He may not be what he used to be with his legs, but his arm is still 30 and his mind is still operating at a high level.”