You would think that facing one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in practice every day would be a big help for any defensive player.
But Jets defensive end Carl Lawson hasn’t seen the benefit of lining up opposite Aaron Rogers so far during training camp.
In fact, Lawson said on Tuesday that the play moves so fast that sometimes he can barely get out of his space.
“Sometimes I don’t even think I got better on the play because the ball gets out so fast,” the edge rusher said following the Jets’ first padded practice. “Sometimes, I’m not even getting better, because I’m not even getting out of my space by the time the ball is out. It might be a detriment to me to practice against him if you want the truth.”
Tuesday was Gang Green’s fifth practice since training camp opened with all eyes on the franchise after acquiring Rogers from the Packers in a trade during the offseason.
Rodgers has been praised for his ability to integrate into the organization since arriving in New York.
“It’ll get you better because you get the best of the best,” Lawson added. “I’m just giving you my real answer. Sometimes, it’s not fun. I want to rush the passer, but the ball is out before I can even get a step in the ground. It’s good for the defense, but for me, I want to work my move, but the ball is out.”
It’s understandable why Lawson wants to get as much work in as possible going into the final year of a three-year contract he signed with the Jets.
This will be his second full season since returning from a ruptured Achilles that cost him the 2021 season, which was supposed to be his first on the field for New York.
The defensive end is coming off a season in which he recorded the most sacks of his career (7.0) since his rookie season and recorded 33 tackles, along with nine tackles for losses.
Now the Jets will be facing greater expectations after the defense took a big step last season and with Rodgers running the offense.
However, Lawson said on Tuesday that he hadn’t heard much of the noise since he’s been so focused on getting better.
“It’s kind of crazy. This whole offseason, everyone’s talking about Aaron Rodgers, and the Jets media, and I’ve just been working, like, ‘Oh, it’s cool, we got Rodgers,’” Lawson said. “Everyone’s been talking about this media hype and I haven’t really seen it because I don’t get on the media stuff. To me, it’s just kind of like another day.”
Additional reporting by Zach Braziller