Aaron Rodgers might have a promising career as a cattle rancher, considering how expertly he handles digging through the, um, unpleasantness.

Seeking comfort in his typical environment, Rodgers appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday to counter the allegation that he played a part in Robert Saleh’s termination or had prior knowledge of the shocking decision so soon into the season. Rodgers was flabbergasted that anyone would think he had the clout to do so or would betray Saleh, especially given the close bond he has developed with the New York Jets coach and his family.

Indeed, that’s quite a leap in logic.

Rodgers appears oblivious to the fact that others remember as clearly as he does. Since his controversial remark about being “immunized” against COVID-19, much of what he says is viewed with skepticism, particularly if it serves his own interests. There’s plenty of documentation regarding his fidelity, and anyone who caught his digs at Jimmy Kimmel and Travis Kelce last season understands how low he can go when he feels slighted.

And let’s avoid even touching on family matters.

The Jets are having a rough season, more so because they were seen as a likely contender for the playoffs, possibly even the Super Bowl. However, the defense, which is Saleh’s specialty, is not the root of the Jets’ issues. They are currently second in the NFL for fewest yards allowed per game and tied for fifth in points conceded.

The offense, however, is in disarray, with Rodgers contributing heavily to the problem. He’s currently completing only 61% of his passes, which would rank as his second-lowest percentage as a starter, and has nearly as many interceptions (four) as he has touchdowns (seven). Following his Achilles tear, his mobility remains compromised, as evidenced by the 13 sacks he has taken.

“Changes were necessary regardless of what happened to Robert. We haven’t been playing consistently well on offense,” Rodgers remarked. “As we know, insanity is repeating the same action and expecting different outcomes. After a few games where I clearly didn’t perform well, you’ve got to make some adjustments.”

Yet, it was Saleh who paid the price instead of offensive coordinator and play-caller Nathaniel Hackett—who is a long-time friend of Rodgers dating back to their time in Green Bay.

“I’ve heard a lot of rumors going around. But at this point, (interim coach Jeff Ulbrich) and I have had a couple of discussions, and I’m fully supportive of whatever direction he takes the offense,” Rodgers stated.

“I want to act in the best interest of the team, and we’re backing coach Ulbrich. Whatever he believes is the right course of action is what we will follow,” he continued.

However, Ulbrich, like Saleh, comes from a defensive background. Changes to the offense will be limited, even if Hackett loses the duties of calling plays. This is a direct outcome of Johnson giving Rodgers a significant amount of power when he was trying to lure the illustrious quarterback to New York.

The Jets hired Hackett and several of Rodgers’ former teammates from Green Bay, designing the offense around Rodgers—though ideally, a more agile and accurate version. They even played into Rodgers’ insistence he could recover from his Achilles injury last season, retaining him on the roster even when it was clear he had minimal chance of playing.

There was little chance for the head of the Jets and Saleh to coexist when the situation was favorable, and none when things took a downturn. At least one had to go, and Johnson was aware that keeping his unpredictable quarterback satisfied was essential for any hope of salvaging the season.

“I take offense to those claims because they’re completely untrue,” Rodgers stated. “It’s fascinating how much influence people think I possess. I truly don’t.”

Sure. And Johnson just “happened” to reach out to Rodgers on Monday night for a casual check-in before deciding to fire Saleh the next day. This is, was, and will continue to be Rodgers’ team as long as he’s in New York. Ulbrich, and even Hackett, would be wise to keep that in mind.

Rodgers is a skilled orator, and his serious demeanor regarding the harsh realities of the NFL and its impact on Saleh’s family could sway anyone who isn’t well-informed. The problem is, we’re all aware. Rodgers prioritizes himself, and Saleh isn’t the first—and certainly won’t be the last—to discover this truth the hard way.