Robert Saleh, players OK with Aaron Rodgers calling out Jets - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets coach Robert Saleh and key veteran leaders had no problem with injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers — in absentia — calling out the team for its sideline squabbles. They agreed with his take.

«He's right, man, you can't blow up and show our frustration on the sideline — especially on the sideline,» cornerback D.J. Reed said Wednesday.

Rodgers, rehabbing his torn Achilles in California, said Tuesday on the «Pat McAfee Show» that the Jets «need to grow up a little bit» and «hold our poise a little bit better.» He said the team — losers of two straight — must do a better job of handling negativity.

Saleh said he had no issue with the long-distance commentary.

«He's as much of a coach as he is a player, and he's been around youth and he's been around adversity, and he's seen it all,» he said. «So for him to recognize that and talk through it, I think he's not wrong in that when you have frustration, it's easy to look for answers when sometimes the most important answer is inward.

»As it pertains to what he said, he's not wrong," Saleh added. «But at the same time, it's just a bunch of young guys showing a little frustration, but they'll be all right.»

During the Jets' 15-10 loss to the New England Patriots, running back Michael Carter and wide receiver Garrett Wilson were engaged in animated discussions with assistant coaches. They were caught on camera, fueling the perception of dysfunction. Both players downplayed the incidents, chalking them up to heat-of-the-moment emotions. Center Connor McGovern didn't mind Rodgers' comments.

«Yeah, he's trying to be encouraging,» McGovern said. «We shouldn't be having scuffles on the sideline, whether it's positive or negative. It brings the wrong