Aaron Rodgers Criticizes Jets Running Game Ahead Season Opener

Aaron Rodgers, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has publicly criticized the New York Jets' running game during his two-year tenure with the team, describing it as "abysmal" and schematically flawed. Former NFL lineman Mark Schlereth, a close friend of Rodgers, revealed that Rodgers went on a 25-minute diatribe about the Jets' run game on Schlereth's podcast, emphasizing the dysfunction and poor offensive scheme despite having talented running backs like Breece Hall. The Jets had one of the lowest rushing attempts and yardages in the NFL in recent seasons, underlining Rodgers' criticism. The Week 1 game of the 2025 season will feature the Steelers facing off against the Jets, adding drama as Rodgers faces the team that released him under contentious circumstances. Rodgers has expressed frustration over how the Jets handled his release and has been openly critical of the organization's decisions. Meanwhile, the Jets are aiming to improve their running game and will start quarterback Justin Fields, who was the Steelers' initial choice this offseason, further intensifying the matchup.