Aaron Rodgers calls out Mel Kiper Jr. after Jets win over Patriots

New York Jets (2-1) quarterback Aaron Rodgers took a shot at ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. following New York’s 24-3 Week 3 victory over the New England Patriots (1-2) on Thursday Night Football.

Throughout the night, Rodgers’ connection with star wideout Garrett Wilson was just a tick off. He was asked about that during his postgame press conference, and cited the amount of Cover 2 defenses have been playing against the Jets’ offense in the first three games of the season.

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Aaron Rodgers on his connection with Garrett Wilson:

"The entire focus of all three defenses we've played have been taking Garrett away. It's been Mel Kiper's worst nightmare. Been a lot of cover 2" 😭 pic.twitter.com/kTFnwE1cuq

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) September 20, 2024

“The entire focus of all three defenses we’ve played have been taking Garrett away,” Rodgers said. “It’s been Mel Kiper’s worst nightmare, been a lot of Cover 2.”

Earlier in the day, Kiper appeared on “Get Up” and called for the use of two-high safeties to be outlawed from the NFL.

“I was at games where I’m thinking, hey, two-high? They’re out in outer space, I couldn’t even find them,” Kiper said. “They’re playing with nine guys. Where are the other two? They’re playing so far back they’re out of the damn play. I’m telling you, we’ve got to change this thing. You can warn them, ‘Guys, you’ve got to get up a little bit. You’re too far back.’ Competition committee, somebody’s got to figure out what that depth is. But it’s too far back right now. The NFL is being ruined by these two-high safeties.”

Mel Kiper Jr. panned for NFL Cover 2 defense take

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The Cover 2 defense is nothing new, as it was first introduced by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Bud Carson in the 1970s. Monte Kiffin, then defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, created a variation of Cover 2 called Tampa 2 in 1996, which dominated the league throughout the rest of the decade and into the 2000s.

Defenses are showing Cover 2 and Cover 4 looks at a 28% clip this season. Cover 3 is the most common coverage called at 30.4%, per Brett Kollmann of “The Film Room.”

Many throughout the NFL community panned Kiper for his take.

“Mel Kiper just said 2 high safeties should be outlawed,” former NFL head coach Jay Gruden wrote on X. “He does know you can still play cover 2 with corners playing deep half, maybe a corner and nickel playing deep half? Stick to the draft Mel!”