The Jets' Rodgers touts cayenne pepper and water as part of the regimen

FLORHAM PARK, NJ – New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he thinks he's discovered a “little fountain of youth” and that's nothing to scoff at. Or maybe that's it.

Rodgers said he drinks cayenne pepper and water, which his teammate Thomas Morstead recommended. Rodgers, who has battled hamstring, knee and ankle injuries throughout the season, said he began drinking alcohol before the Jets' Week 8 game and did so this week in preparation for Thursday night against Houston Texans continued at MetLife Stadium.

It's a short week, meaning most players are dealing with sore bodies, but Rodgers, 40, said it feels great.

Rodgers said he's not sure if it's all because of his new elixir, but he's made it part of his rehab plan. According to various medical journals, cayenne pepper and water may have several health benefits, including pain relief.

“I take care of myself non-stop,” Rodgers said, adding that he was receiving treatment at the facility and later at home.

His age and limited mobility caught the eye of Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, who told reporters after New England's 25-22 win on Sunday: “Hall of Fame quarterback. I hate to see him go out like that. …He definitely doesn't look the same. … S—, I could run him over and catch him. He doesn't look mobile at all.

Rodgers said he was unaware of the comments.

“He’s probably right,” Rodgers said. “Yes, it hurt, but I feel better today.”

That's a pretty quick cure.

“T-Mo gave me a little fountain of youth,” he said of Morstead. “He said he’d been taking it for a while – all legally, of course. … (Maybe) that’s why I feel a little better.”

The Jets (2-6), who have lost five straight, need an improved Rodgers to salvage the second half of the season. In a speech to the team Sunday after the game, he expressed a sense of urgency with a “cool head,” safety Isaiah Oliver said, adding, “He was still able to express that things are getting better and changing.” “We have to do it together.” We have to do it together. We don't have time to point fingers.

The four-time MVP acknowledged he didn't live up to his expectations, but expressed optimism about Thursday night. Godchaux probably had the wrong impression of him, Rodgers said, because he didn't have to escape from the pocket as often, making it seem like his mobility was compromised.

“That was probably part of it, but I expect to be able to do a lot more this week,” Rodgers said. “I will be in the middle and hopefully get back to my speed, which is faster than Godchaux.”

Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich acknowledged that Rodgers hasn't been 100 percent this season, but added that Monday's follow-up exam “was one of his better assessments.” So from that point of view we are very happy.”

Asked if he would consider giving the future Hall of Famer a week or two of rest, Ulbrich replied: “Not at this point.”

This wasn't a classic Rodgers season. He ranks 23rd in QBR (50.4), well below his career average (67.2). He is on pace to set a career high with seven interceptions.

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

“I just have to be more efficient and not turn the ball over too often. The interception can be misleading at times, but I’ve definitely had some bad throws.”

Rodgers said his surgically repaired Achilles tendon played no role at all, but he had to miss some training sessions due to his other leg injuries.

According to Ulbrich, agility used to be one of Rodgers' “superpowers.” This week the focus was on “really getting into the rhythm, listening to your feet, trusting your eyes and letting it rip. So that's exactly right. “Things are emphasized – they are – and I'm happy to see some growth in that way.”

Rodgers played his best game of the season on a Thursday night, a Week 3 win over the Patriots in which he rushed 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 made it to the game without any problems and I’m feeling a lot better.”