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The Jets players had an exciting surprise on Sunday in the locker room, as they prepared to face the Colts: defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers, who is suffering from a serious, undeclared illness, was presented at MetLife Stadium to greet the team and watch the game.
Rodgers' players said his unexpected presence gave the Jets, who defeated the Colts 42-34, an emotional boost, thanks in large part to four takeaways (three interceptions and one fumble), which earned them 20 points. The Jets scored four takeaways, including pick-six of cornerback Morris Claiborne.
As usual, Rodgers was perched in a cabin above the ground watching the game. But he just watched and did not coach, as head coach Todd Bowles handled the defensive game by calling for the second week in a row. Rodgers was not present during the home win against Denver last week.
So, could Rodgers return to a more involved base for next Sunday's home game against the Vikings?
"I hope to know something [Monday] afternoon after [doctor] appointments, "said coach Todd Bowles, who described Rodgers' presence at Sunday's match as" a big boost "for Rodgers and the Jets.
Claiborne had a shock of energy after seeing Rodgers before the game.
"Just seeing him walk is a blessing," said Claiborne. "When he came in, you could feel the positive vibrations that were being transmitted to him – I was just trying to feed myself with those vibrations when I saw him and take him to the field with me. "
Rodgers was walking before the game and chatting with his players. Linebacker Jordan Jenkins had no idea that Rodgers could attend the match, but he immediately recognized Rodgers' voice when he had heard it.
"It has given me more excitement about this game," Jenkins said. "That gave me extra motivation to win today."
Rodgers was his typical character while talking to Jenkins before the game.
Studs, misfires from Colts-Jets
"He talked about the loss of Georgia," said Jenkins, who played for Georgia, who lost to LSU on Saturday. "I'm glad he came up with that – it's the most Kacy thing to say, so I know he's in good health."
After the game, Rodgers broke the group of victorious teams in the locker room:
Special Distribution of Coach Rodgers! pic.twitter.com/5Eeeuw3vcp
– New York Jets (@nyjets) October 14, 2018
Darryl Slater can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @DarrylSlater. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.
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