Aaron Rodgers was speculated to be the lacking piece to the puzzle. The all-in gambit by the Jets to observe within the footsteps of Tom Brady in Tampa and Matthew Stafford on the Rams to carry the Jets out of mediocrity to carry a Tremendous Bowl ring to the Jets.
We’re now 5 weeks in and it’s abundantly clear that not solely is that this plan failing, however that Rodgers simply doesn’t have it anymore. Sunday in London was the right encapsulation of this workforce’s issues, and all of it felt so acquainted. The Vikings weren’t notably dynamic on offense, the Jets had simply executed sufficient defensively to win the sport — which included holding Justin Jefferson to below 100 yards receiving, stopping Jordan Addison from making huge performs, and protecting Sam Darnold from being snug within the pocket, holding him to below 50 p.c completion.
Cease me in case you’ve heard this earlier than: The Jets misplaced due to horrible quarterback play.
Granted, we’re speaking about solely a six level loss to a 5-0 workforce, however these are exactly the sorts of video games Rodgers was introduced in to win. The Jets entered this season desirous to play with the massive boys of the NFL, however now at 2-3 they’re again to the identical previous disappointing group set to underachieve due to quarterback play.
Rodgers was totally misplaced towards the Vikings. His 54 makes an attempt for 244 yards represented a yards-per-attempt of 4.5, the fifth lowest of his profession. His three interceptions was tied for the worst recreation of his profession. Rodgers’ passer ranking of 54.9 was the eighth lowest since getting into the league.
It’s not simply that Rodgers was dangerous, however when he wasn’t lacking vast open passes or routine screens he was making a few of the most boneheaded throws we’ve ever seen from him at quarterback.
The primary decide was only a sensible scheme by Brian Flores and wonderful execution from Andrew Van Ginkel. The second was completely horrific, with Rodgers crusing a ball that needed to be positioned completely — however even then he had no enterprise attempting to string this ball into Cowl-2.
The third decide, which ensured the Vikings gained, didn’t make sense both. At no level throughout this play does Mike Williams have a step on Stephon Gilmore. In reality, when Rodgers decides to throw, Gilmore is closing in on Williams’ hip and can have him in his pocket downfield. The end result from right here was fairly tutorial.
These aren’t the throws you count on Aaron Rodgers to make, they’re throws you’d admonish Zach Wilson for making. In reality, if we have a look at the primary fives video games of Rodgers’ 2024 season, Wilson’s first 5 video games as a starter in 2023, and Brett Favre’s first 5 video games within the 2008 failed Jets’ experiment, effectively…
Aaron Rodgers (2024): 111-for-182, 1,093 yards, 7 TD, 4 INT — 81.6 passer ranking
Zach Wilson (2023): 91-for-149, 911 yards, 4 TD, 4 INT — 76.22 passer ranking
Brett Favre (2008): 112-for-157, 1,124 yards, 13 TD, 6 INT — 103.04 passer ranking
The reality is that Aaron Rodgers is quite a bit nearer to Zach Wilson than he’s to Brett Favre when the Jets tried this all-in method the final time. Additionally they completed that season 9-7 and missed the playoffs.
There’s nothing left to say about this workforce. Rodgers bought his wishlist of gamers. The Jets aren’t excellent, however they actually have sufficient expertise to win. Nevertheless, they’ll’t overcome mediocrity at quarterback. The brand new Jets are a complete lot just like the previous Jets, with much more cash being wasted on growing older gamers and a bleak future with out a lot hope.
The all-in gambit in failing, and with video games within the subsequent month towards the Payments, Steelers, and Texans, there’s an excellent likelihood that is solely going to worsen.
Winner: Caleb Williams
Hanging factors on the Carolina Panthers is form of like dunking on a toddler at a daycare, nevertheless it’s necessary for younger quarterbacks to show they’ll benefit from conditions the place they’ve an apparent edge and exploit them.
The Bears’ offensive line has been a difficulty all season, however the Panthers’ cross rush is even worse — particularly with out Derrick Brown and Jadaveon Clowney, each of whom have been misplaced to damage. This set the desk for Williams to shine, and boy did he ever.
This was a key recreation in exhibiting why the Bears have been prepared to commerce away Justin Fields and roll the cube on a QB they perceived to have extra upside. Williams was capable of create out of construction, make huge performs to D.J. Moore, and scramble successfully when the necessity arose.
Most necessary he was in complete command of the offense and appeared like a veteran below middle. It’s only a matter of time earlier than he’s taking on this whole group and actually making his mark.
Loser: The Payments’ late-game clock administration
There are plenty of causes the Payments misplaced on Sunday, however the largest of which got here from the teaching employees. To arrange what went improper we have to have a look at the drive which began with 32 second left on the clock.
Buffalo was backed up on their very own three yard line. At this level the sport was tied 20-20. There have been two paths to victory: Put collectively a drive that bought the Payments into subject purpose vary, or kill the clock figuring out they have been backed up and play for additional time.
Sooner or later the choice moved away from each these apparent outcomes and changed into Josh Allen attempting to throw three passes in a row, which each didn’t transfer the ball downfield, not did it pressure the Texans to burn day trip within the hopes of preserving sufficient clock to attain if the ball bought again to them.
The three passes took all of the stress off Houston, permitting them a cushion. It was desperation soccer when there was no want for desperation. These weren’t dialed up as easy chain-moving throws both, however daggers to win instantly. It didn’t work, and with all their time outs it allowed the Texans to be snug, achieve a number of yards, and win on the kick.
After the sport Sean McDermott knew it was on him.
No excuse for resolution making like that.
Winner: Jamar Jackson
There’s nothing extra enjoyable in soccer that when Jackson transcends and hits that gear the place he’s floating above every little thing. That’s what it took to propel the Ravens to a second half comeback towards the Bengals.
The entire stat line for Jackson is on a complete different stage in comparison with something we’ve seen in 2024:
26-for-42, 348 yards, 4 TD — 12 carries, 55 yards
With over 400 yards of non-public offense, and mistake-free soccer it was only a stunning recreation that established why Jackson is a perennial MVP candidate. This may very well be the Ravens 12 months, for actual this time. There’s simply one thing totally different, and if they’ll land yet another playmaker (cough, cough Davante Adams) it might put them excessive.
Loser: Sleep
If you begin Sunday with a recreation in London and shut with a delayed Sunday Night time Soccer recreation that doesn’t finish till virtually 1 a.m. it’s brutal for anybody hoping to get an honest night time’s sleep.
On the plus facet we didn’t see Cowboys vs. Steelers go to additional time, I suppose.
