The New York Jets are facing a season full of challenges, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers finds himself at the center of it all. After a disappointing 26-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, questions about Rodgers' status as the starting quarterback have begun to surface.
The team's struggles, compounded by errors on and off the field, have left fans and analysts wondering what’s next for both Rodgers and the Jets.
A Night to Forget for the Jets
The game against the Seahawks started on a high note but quickly turned into a nightmare. The Jets blew early leads of 14-0 and 21-7, unraveling in the fourth quarter with eight penalties that sealed their fate.
Rodgers completed 21 of 39 passes for just 185 yards, failing to surpass 200 yards for the third consecutive game.
Key moments defined the loss, including a costly red zone interception that resulted in a 92-yard pick-six—the longest ever for a defensive lineman in NFL history.
Rodgers also missed a wide-open Garrett Wilson in the end zone, a misstep he later acknowledged as a climactic turning point. Instead of a commanding 28-7 lead, the Jets found themselves clinging to a shrinking advantage, which evaporated under mounting pressure.
Mistakes like these can shift perspectives on a team’s potential, just as outcomes in college football can impact how fans approach the season. FanDuel college football, among other reliable bookmakers, often reflects these changes, with odds and expectations fluctuating based on crucial performances.
In the same way, the Jets' inability to close games has raised doubts about their ability to compete consistently this season.
For the fifth time this year, Rodgers had a chance to orchestrate a game-winning drive but came up short. His final throw, a desperation heave to an empty end zone, symbolized the frustration of a season spiraling out of control. The Jets’ continued struggles leave them searching for answers as the season progresses.
Rodgers' Struggles Under Scrutiny
Rodgers, nearing his 41st birthday, is no stranger to adversity, but his performance this season has been far from his MVP-caliber years.
The veteran quarterback admitted his mistakes but quickly shared responsibility, stating, "There are 11 guys on the field. Sometimes it's my fault, and sometimes the details aren't there in other spots."
Critics have pointed to Rodgers’ declining accuracy and decision-making under pressure. Against the Seahawks, he completed only 2 of 14 passes thrown 10 or more yards downfield.
This inconsistency has raised questions about whether the future Hall of Famer can still lead the Jets or if a change is needed to salvage the remainder of the season.
A Tepid Vote of Confidence
Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich didn't strongly endorse Rodgers after the game, opting for a cautious response. When asked if he was considering a quarterback change, Ulbrich replied, "Not as of today," leaving the door open for speculation.
This isn't the first time Rodgers has faced uncertainty about his starting role. He reflected on a similar situation in 2018, during his time with the Green Bay Packers.
That season ended with a 6-9-1 record, but Rodgers bounced back to win two MVP awards in the following years. Whether he can muster a similar resurgence remains to be seen.
Adding to the uncertainty, sources have suggested that Jets ownership has already discussed benching Rodgers earlier this season. With the team sitting at 3-9 and officially clinching their ninth consecutive losing season, tensions are high within the organization.
A Team Effort—or Lack Thereof
Rodgers isn't the only one under fire. Running back Breece Hall's third-quarter fumble set up a Seattle field goal, a mistake he took full responsibility for after the game. "If I can't take care of the ball, I shouldn't be in the game," Hall admitted, visibly frustrated.
The Jets' defense, which has been a bright spot this season, also faltered against the Seahawks. Despite strong individual performances, the unit struggled to contain Seattle's offense when it mattered most. Cornerback Sauce Gardner didn't hold back in his postgame comments, calling the team’s performance "unacceptable."
These collective failures paint a picture of a team searching for answers in all areas, from execution to leadership.
What's Next for the Jets?
The Jets' remaining schedule offers little reprieve, with matchups against playoff-contending teams on the horizon. If Rodgers remains the starter, he'll need to find a way to elevate his play and rally his teammates.
The team's offensive scheme may also need adjustments to suit Rodgers' strengths better and address glaring weaknesses, such as protection and route precision.
Should the Jets opt for a quarterback change, veteran Tyrod Taylor is the likely candidate. Taylor brings experience and a steady hand, but it's unclear if he can provide the spark needed to turn the season around.
This decision, whether to stick with Rodgers or try something new, could define the Jets' trajectory for the rest of the year—and potentially beyond.
Final Thoughts
The Jets' tough loss to the Seahawks has amplified the spotlight on Aaron Rodgers and the entire team. While the quarterback's struggles are a significant part of the story, they're just one piece of a larger puzzle. Rodgers has faced challenges before and risen to the occasion, but the question remains: Can he do it again, or is it time for the Jets to explore other options? With the franchise desperate for a turnaround, every game from here on out will carry weight, not just for Rodgers but for the future of the organization as a whole.