The New York Jets delivered one of their most dominant performances in years, crushing the New England Patriots 27-3. But while fans were celebrating the historic win at MetLife Stadium, an awkward moment between star quarterback Aaron Rodgers and head coach Robert Saleh left many scratching their heads.
The victory marked the Jets’ first blowout win over the Patriots since 1998-before the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era even began. It was also the Jets’ first two-game winning streak against their AFC East rivals in decades.
Yet just as the team seemed poised to take full advantage of the post-Brady and Belichick power vacuum, tension appeared to rise between two of its biggest leaders.
Rodgers and Saleh: Trouble brewing?
Aaron Rodgers has a reputation for being fiery and temperamental, both on and off the field. That competitive edge was on display Thursday night when Saleh attempted to congratulate him with a hug after a successful second-quarter drive that put the Jets up 14-0.
But instead of embracing his coach, Rodgers extended his hands to push Saleh away, muttering something under his breath that left fans buzzing with speculation.
Within minutes, footage of the exchange went viral, and internet sleuths went to work, trying to lip-read what Rodgers had said to his coach during the uncomfortable encounter.
Rodgers clears the air (Sort of)
At the post-game press conference, Rodgers addressed the situation, claiming that what he said was simply “Two-score lead,” referring to the growing gap on the scoreboard.
The explanation didn’t sit well with some fans, as Rodgers’ body language seemed to tell a different story. But the veteran quarterback went on to clarify the awkwardness, saying it all stemmed from a misunderstanding about Saleh’s typical non-hugging behavior.
“He’s not a big hugger usually. So, I didn’t know he was going for a hug. He likes to do the two-hand chest push as well. He talks a lot about two-score leads. So, I just kind of gave him a push and said, ‘Two-score lead.’ That’s what happened,” Rodgers said.
Saleh echoed Rodgers’ version of events, but doubts remain. Given Rodgers’ history of creating locker room drama, the exchange has sparked concern among fans and analysts alike. Whether the tension was real or just a misunderstanding, all eyes will be on the duo when the Jets face the Denver Broncos on September 29.
