Broad receiver Allen Lazard first performed alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers with the Inexperienced Bay Packers from 2018-22 and anticipated to take action once more with the New York Jets final season earlier than Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles 4 offensive snaps into New York’s Week 1 sport.
Lazard just lately spoke with Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Submit about how Rodgers seemed this summer time coming off such a critical damage on the age of 40.
“He’s someplace in between superb and glorious,” Lazard mentioned about Rodgers. “Perhaps magnificent.”
Rodgers won MVP within the 2020 and 2021 campaigns however wasn’t the identical dominant drive after he suffered a broken thumb on his throwing hand in Week 5 of the 2022 season. He later dealt with a rib damage following successful he took in Week 12 of that very same marketing campaign, and he was slowed by some calf issues throughout his first offseason as a member of the Jets.
By all accounts, Rodgers impressed onlookers and teammates all through coaching camp this summer time earlier than head coach Robert Saleh determined to maintain the long run Hall of Famer sidelined for all of New York’s three preseason video games.
“He’s pretty much as good as he’s ever been, actually,” Lazard mentioned about Rodgers. “I don’t wish to hype him up an excessive amount of or something, however … “
Lazard did not want to complete his level, because it’s no secret the Jets are a win-now crew with Rodgers within the twilight of his profession. As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Jets because the betting favorites at +165 odds to say the AFC East division title this season.
It is unknown if Gang Inexperienced merely ending the longest active playoff drought among the many 4 main North American sports activities leagues can be sufficient for Saleh and basic supervisor Joe Douglas to carry onto their jobs.
In the meantime, a lot has been made about how Lazard and New York’s offense struggled final season with out Rodgers. Particularly, Lazard tallied simply 23 receptions for 311 yards and one landing over 14 video games.
“It was a troublesome yr,” Lazard acknowledged. “It was powerful simply from the truth that up till final yr, I labored my complete profession to get that stability and safety. I got here to a brand new metropolis with new adventures, sort of feeling like I’m lastly obtained to this verify in my life…after which clearly the season is what the season was.”
If New York’s 2024 season mirrors its 2023 marketing campaign, Lazard could possibly be amongst present members of the group proven the door in early 2025.
