Giants DC happy Jets' Aaron Rodgers will play in preseason finale

New York Giants defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale is just fine with New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers starting Saturday's preseason finale involving the two teams. 

"I get excited every time going against him because he’s a titan of the league and we all know that," Martindale said about Rodgers while speaking with reporters on Wednesday, per Ben Krimmel of SNY. "They’re going against the titan of quarterbacks. It’s gonna be a great experience for some of these younger guys because he’ll evaluate your team as well, the way he plays quarterback." 

Rodgers last appeared in a preseason game with the Green Bay Packers in 2018, but Jets head coach Robert Saleh revealed Tuesday that the 39-year-old will start Saturday's matchup and also play more than one series against the Giants. Later in the day, Rodgers insisted that he "was already leaning toward asking [Saleh] to play" against Big Blue before the coach made his final decision. 

As for the 2023 Giants, their defense features a pair of rookie cornerbacks in first-round draft pick Deonte Banks and sixth-round choice Tre Hawkins III. Martindale indicated both will experience facing Rodgers at MetLife Stadium this weekend. 

"I know if I was a rookie I would be jacked, you know the two corners, to go against Aaron Rodgers because it’s one of the best of the best," Martindale explained. 

Martindale's defense helped the Giants notch a 27-22 win over Rodgers and the Packers in London last October. Saturday won't be the only time Martindale's unit sees Rodgers this year, as the Giants "host" the Jets for a Week 8 showdown on Oct. 29. 

"As players and coaches, just like you saw [last season] in London, it’s fun playing that chess match with him," Martindale added about Rodgers. "There’s so many little things you gotta cover when you’re going against him." 

Everyone involved, including nervous fans, is hoping the "fun" mentioned by Martindale includes players such as Rodgers walking away from Saturday's exhibition game injury-free.