Jets’ Offensive Woes Continue as Rodgers Faces Uncertain Future
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Jets’ season has gone from bad to worse, and now even the unthinkable is being discussed: Aaron Rodgers’ job security. Yes, you read that right. The future Hall of Famer, one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history, is facing questions about his role as the Jets’ starter after a dismal performance in a 26-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Rodgers, who turned 41 just a day after the game, delivered one of his worst outings of the season. The performance included a red-zone interception and a game-changing pick-6 in the second quarter. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich didn’t exactly give Rodgers a vote of confidence in his post-game comments, opting instead for a cautious, “I need to watch the film” response when asked to evaluate the quarterback’s play.
When pressed on whether a quarterback change was being considered, Ulbrich’s response was far from reassuring. “Not as of today,” he said, leaving the door slightly ajar for speculation. For a player of Rodgers’ caliber, this kind of uncertainty is almost unheard of.
Could Rodgers Be Benched?
While it would be shocking to see Rodgers replaced by veteran backup Tyrod Taylor, the Jets’ season has been anything but predictable. Owner Woody Johnson reportedly floated the idea of benching Rodgers earlier in the season when the team was 2-2. Now, with the Jets sitting at 3-9 and officially clinching their ninth consecutive losing season, anything seems possible.
Rodgers himself didn’t dismiss the possibility outright. “Yeah, I don’t know. We’ll figure that out when we have those conversations,” he said. He added that he would discuss the matter with Ulbrich if it came to that. However, Rodgers made it clear that he still wants to play, stating, “I feel as good as I’ve felt all season” physically.
For context, the only other time Rodgers faced the possibility of being benched was back in 2018 during a rough 6-9-1 season with the Green Bay Packers. That year ended with the firing of head coach Mike McCarthy, but Rodgers rebounded in spectacular fashion, winning back-to-back MVP awards in 2020 and 2021. Unfortunately for Jets fans, those glory days seem like a distant memory now.
Another Rough Outing for Rodgers
Rodgers’ stat line against the Seahawks was underwhelming: 21-for-39 for 185 yards. It marked the third straight game—and the fifth time this season—that he failed to reach the 200-yard mark. The Jets squandered early leads of 14-0 and 21-7, ultimately unraveling with eight penalties in the fourth quarter.
For the fifth time this season, Rodgers had a chance to lead a game-winning drive in the final moments. And for the fifth time, he came up short. The Jets reached the Seattle 29-yard line at the two-minute warning, but the drive stalled and ended with a desperate, aimless heave into the end zone.
“It’s disappointing. What else can you say?” Rodgers said after the game. “We’ve had a lot of chances in these situations. A lot of these games come down to one play, whether you make it or miss it. Sometimes that play happens in the second quarter. If I make that play, (it’s) 28-7—a different ballgame.”
The Turning Point
Rodgers was referring to a missed opportunity in the second quarter. On a second down from the Seattle 9-yard line, wide receiver Garrett Wilson was wide open in the end zone, but Rodgers overthrew him. On the very next play, Rodgers threw his first red-zone interception of the season—a pass tipped and intercepted by former Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams, who returned it 92 yards for a touchdown. The play was historic, marking the longest pick-6 by a defensive lineman in NFL history.
Instead of taking a commanding 28-7 lead, the Jets saw their advantage shrink to 21-13 after the Williams touchdown and a missed PAT. “Those plays in the second quarter cost us the game,” Rodgers admitted.
Spreading the Blame
While Rodgers took some responsibility for the loss, he also pointed to issues elsewhere on the team. “Well, there are 11 guys on the field,” he said. “Sometimes it’s my fault. Definitely multiple times today. And then the details aren’t there in some other spots, too.”
Running back Breece Hall also shouldered some of the blame after fumbling in the third quarter, a turnover that led to a Seattle field goal. “I feel like this year has probably been the most trying year of my life,” Hall said. “If I can’t take care of the ball, I shouldn’t be in the game. So I have to be better, and I felt like today I lost us the game.”
What’s Next for the Jets?
With the Jets spiraling toward one of the worst seasons in franchise history, frustration is boiling over. Star cornerback Sauce Gardner summed it up bluntly: “It’s unacceptable, man. It’s unacceptable.”
As the Jets limp toward the finish line of another lost season, the big question remains: Will Aaron Rodgers still be under center when they take the field next week? For now, the answer is “not as of today.”
Originally Written by: Rich Cimini
