Jets Rogers finds 'fountain of youth' in new drink

FLORHAM PARK, NJ — New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers believes he's discovered “a little fountain of youth,” and it's nothing to sneeze at. Or maybe it is.

Rodgers said he was drinking pepper and water, suggested by teammate Thomas Morstead. Rodgers, who has dealt with hamstring, knee and ankle injuries throughout the season, said he started drinking it before the Jets' Week 8 game and continued this week in preparation for Thursday night's game against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium.

It's a short week, which means most players are struggling with body aches, but Rodgers, 40, says he feels great.

Rogers said he wasn't sure if it was because of his new elixir, but he made it part of his rehabilitation regimen. According to various medical journals, pepper and water may have several health benefits, including pain relief.

“I'm constantly taking care of myself,” Rogers said, adding that he receives treatment at the facility and later at home.

His age and reduced mobility were questioned by Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, who told reporters after New England's 25-22 win on Sunday: “Hall of Fame quarterback. Hate to see him go out like that … He definitely won't” look the same. … S—, I can catch him running.

Rogers said he was not aware of the comments.

“He's probably right,” Rogers said. “Yes, I was sore, but today I feel better.”

Some of that heals pretty quickly.

“T-Mo gave me a little fountain of youth,” he said of Morstead. “He said he's been taking it for a while — all legal, of course. … [Maybe] So I feel a little better.”

The Jets (2-6), who have lost five straight, need an improved Rodgers to salvage the second half of their season. In a postgame speech to the team Sunday, he expressed a sense of urgency with a “cool head,” safety Isaiah Oliver said, adding, “He's still been able to express that things need to get better and things need to change, and that we have to do it together.

The four-time MVP admitted he hasn't been playing up to his expectations, but he was optimistic Thursday night. He said Godchaux probably got the wrong impression of him because he doesn't have to escape the pocket as often, making it look like his mobility is compromised.

“That was probably part of it, but I hope to be able to do a lot more this week,” Rogers said. “I'll stay under center and, hopefully, come back faster than my godchox.”

Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich acknowledged that Rodgers hasn't been 100% this season, but added that Monday's postgame checkup “was a good evaluation of him. So, from that standpoint, we're very fortunate.”

Asked if he would consider resting the future Hall of Famer for a week or two, Ulbricht said, “Not at this point.”

This was not a vintage Rodgers season. He ranks 23rd in total QBR (50.4), well below his career average (67.2). With seven interceptions, he is on pace for a career high.

“Yeah, not as good as I expected,” he said of his season. “I have to play better.

“I've just got to be more efficient, not turn the ball over so many times. The interceptions can be confusing at times, but I've definitely had my share of bad throws.”

Rodgers claims his surgically repaired Achilles is not a factor at all, but he has missed some practice time due to injuries to his other feet.

Mobility was “one of Rodgers' superpowers,” according to Ulbrich, who said they emphasized this week “really being in rhythm and listening to your feet, and trusting your eyes and letting it rip. So the emphasis is on the right things — Those are — and I'm excited to see some growth in that way.”

Rodgers had his best game of the season on Thursday night, a Week 3 win over the Patriots in which he passed for 281 yards and two touchdowns. The short week didn't bother him at all.

“I don't know what it is about these Thursdays,” he said, “but I got into the game with no problems and I feel a lot better.”