The latest episode of Hard Knocks taught us one important new thing about Aaron Rodgers: he likes to pick up the grass before practice and games for a competitive advantage. (That is, aside from how hard his play fakes are to spot.)
On the one hand, the New York Jets quarterback explained that this old grass-grabbing habit helps his hand dexterity with the ball. Conversely, it also helps Rodgers assess the wind and how he might aim deeper passes downfield. And honestly, Rodgers’ explanation makes perfect sense. It’s kind of cool he’s found this gamesmanship tradition for himself over the years of his long career.
There’s just one problem: He might not be able to do it at the Jets’ home games. That’s because, per ESPN, MetLife Stadium installed new field turf earlier this year. It’s described as “improved synthetic turf” called FieldTurf Core. More importantly, it eliminates the Jets (and Giants’) old grass that apparently had trouble holding up in the Northeastern climate.
While a grass/turf hybrid might come down the line, this throws a wrench in Rodgers’ pre-game ritual for the time being. Even if he could pick up the turf — I don’t know how he would — it’s assuredly not going to give him the same assessments as grass. And so, just like that, Rodgers probably already has to adjust how he prepares for games with Gang Green.
