Cover 3: Your Weekly Insight Delivered Every Wednesday

Cover 3 is a digital newsletter that covers 3 different stories around football every week. From the locker room to the front office, we’ve got you covered.

Each Wednesday, an email will land in your inbox from me, Jordan Palmer.

Our goal is not only to give you the stories you won’t get anywhere else - but another perspective that can help you build your relationship to the game, your family, and all the people you enjoy spending time with.

Aaron Rodgers Already Throwing Passes, R-E-L-A-Xing In Cincy, And Unlocking Your Future Value As A Running Back

In today’s email:

Aaron Rodgers was the talk of football all off-season. Nobody could’ve predicted that Week 1 injury. But was he already throwing passed the other day!?

Speaking of Aaron, we pull an old quote of his to riff on the Bengals right now: “We’re going to be fine.”

Lastly, we dive into the ever-changing dynamic of RBs in today’s game and how they can unlock their future value.

Was Aaron Rodgers Throwing Passes the Other Day?

Man, this off-season was wild! Aaron Rodgers’ jump from Green Bay to the Jets? Talk about shaking things up. And honestly, this move wasn’t just about the football. Remember that phase when Aaron was contemplating hanging up his cleats, taking those introspective cave retreats? Rumors of Ayahuasca? Then, there’s his weekly Pat McAfee Show appearances. It felt like the Rodgers’ saga was all we talked about.

The Spotlight In NY

And, then the New York Jets! Not just any team, but a team under the spotlight in one of the largest sports markets. Throw in a Hard Knocks feature, a sprinkle of exciting young wide receivers, and the reunion with his buddies Lizzard and Cobb. The stage was set for some fireworks. But who could've seen that home opener against the Bills coming? Four plays in and Rodgers goes down. That story felt too big even for Hollywood.

The Comeback Of Our Era

Now, the rumor mills are churning again. Word on the street? Rodgers might make a comeback, and not just any return, but a record-smashing, defying-all-odds type of return. Most pundits chuckle at the idea, almost dismissively so. But I've got some insider whispers and believe me, Rodgers is not just sitting around. He's approaching his rehab in some next-level, mind-bending ways. Techniques and strategies so new, so out of the box, that even the most seasoned trainers might struggle to wrap their heads around it. And here's the kicker - just a month post-injury, while most of us would still be reeling from the shock, Rodgers is out there, on the field, throwing passes. It’s more than impressive; it’s downright jaw-dropping.

The Jets are on a well-deserved bye week, and they're not just chilling. They’re fresh off a morale-boosting victory against the NFC champs, the Eagles. Their defense, with a newfound swagger, has stood tall against some of the game's elite quarterbacks, putting the brakes on stars like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. It's a vibe of quiet confidence building up in that locker room. And amidst this momentum, all eyes are inevitably drifting back to Rodgers. If he pulls off this comeback, considering his whirlwind off-season, we're looking at what might just etch itself as the defining football story of our era. Knowing Aaron, and the magic he's capable of, I say strap in, folks. This narrative is about to hit a crescendo and trust me, you don’t want to miss what's next.

R-E-L-A-X in Cincy

Alright, Cincinnati. If there's ever been a moment to harken back to the words Aaron Rodgers gave the Cheesehead nation in 2014, it's right now. A straightforward message consisting of five simple letters: R-E-L-A-X.

"We’re going to be fine."

Rewind To 2014

The Packers were stung early, dropping 2 of their initial 3 clashes. And it wasn't just any loss - a sharp 19-7 defeat at the hands of the Lions was a sore point. But what followed? A spectacular 9 out of 10 game-winning stretch. Unfortunately, that momentum halted in a heart-stopping NFC Championship encounter, where Russell Wilson led Seattle in a display that'll be replayed for years to come.

Cincinnati In 2023

Switching gears to the present - Cincinnati's tale this year has been eerily reminiscent of the 2014 Packers. Starting 1-3, and believe me, it wasn't just a gentle stumble. Joe Burrow, whom I've seen shred defenses, endured statistically three of his career's most challenging games. But context is crucial here. Joe battled a calf injury, Tee Higgins was sidelined with his injury, and they introduced a fresh face on the O-line. The Bengals set a clear mission pre-bye week - to turn the ship around. Their present stance at 3-3, with three substantial wins under the belt, speaks volumes. Let's not forget that exhilarating triumph over Seattle last Sunday.

A Loaded Locker Room

Now, when I examine this Cincinnati ensemble, I see more than just a star quarterback with Super Bowl experience and a colossal paycheck. This is a team brimming with leaders, and I'm not just spotlighting the QB room. We're talking dynamic wide receivers, relentless defensive ends, and a linebacker crew that sets the tone.

This Bengals squad embodies composure. When the winds blew against them, they anchored down. Remember the media frenzy around Ja'Marr Chase's "I'm always open" statement? Lesser teams would have crumbled under such scrutiny. Not Cincy. They rallied, unshaken by external noise, focused solely on the path ahead.

With Joe Burrow healing up and the Bengals rallying from their last two fixtures, the horizon looks bright. Mark my words: November and December are going to be explosive. As they gear up for the challenges ahead, I'm putting my money on Cincy to replicate the 2014 Packers' trajectory - a shaky start, but a powerhouse finish.

WR, TE, or PC? Unlocking Your Future Value

Football is in a state of flux. Dive deep into the NFL and college football scenes, and you'll see a trend emerging that's reshaping many careers. Young running backs and tight ends, if you're plotting your trajectory in this game, it might be time to rethink. To my quarterbacks seeking ways to level up their squad, pay attention. And lastly to the parents watching their kids strive to separate themselves from the competition, this will give you some insight into how the game will continue to shift as they get older.

Look At Jonathon Taylor, Saquon Barkley, & Jimmy Graham

There's a distinct shift in how teams value their star running backs in the NFL. Consider Jonathan Taylor's journey. Unquestionably among the top-tier of backs—exceptional as a pass catcher, sturdy in protections, sharp-witted, and durable. But even he had his challenges, sat out the first four games of the season. The outcome? A hard-earned 3-year extension, that didn’t come without drama or compromise.

And then you've got talents like Saquon Barkley, operating on just a year's contract. It's clear: the days of long-term security for even the elite backs seem to be dwindling. The league is watching and adapting.

Then shift your gaze to tight ends. Remember when Jimmy Graham, during his contract talks, set a new benchmark? He wanted to be compared to wide receivers, pointing to his game-changing contributions and role that often kept his hand out of the ground. Now, players like Travis Kelce are making similar arguments with their gameplay.

The Next Generation Of Players

The move - start mastering the wide receiver position. Young, promising running backs, invest time in wide receiver camps. Step in with the mindset: "I'm here to be the best receiver." Those RB specialties—speed, evasion, agility—they're not the prime focus in typical training settings.

Hone in on catching. Master the technique of hands-first receiving, ensuring contested catches become your forte. Dive into the nuances of route running, understanding the diverse playbooks and strategies.

To wrap it up, football's future is about versatility. Embrace the broader skillset. Dive into understanding positions like Z, X, Y, H, and more. With dedication and the right physical attributes, you can transform from just a player to an on-field phenomenon. Remember, it's not just the position you play; it's the mastery and impact you bring to the game. Embrace the change and become the next big thing in football.