The New York Jets’ disappointing season took another turn as quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ job security came into question following a poor performance in a 26-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. On the eve of his 41st birthday, Rodgers had one of his worst games, throwing a red-zone interception and a game-changing pick-six in the second quarter.
Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich’s response to Rodgers’ play was underwhelming, offering no clear defense or support for the veteran quarterback. Ulbrich declined to give a definitive assessment, opting instead to review the game film, even when asked about the possibility of replacing Rodgers. His ambiguous remarks fueled speculation about the future of Rodgers in the starting role.
Rodgers, who has been instrumental in the Jets’ hopes this season, was noncommittal about the potential benching, noting he would discuss any concerns with Ulbrich if necessary. Despite his struggles, Rodgers expressed confidence in his physical condition, stating he feels “as good as I’ve felt all season.” However, his performance on the field—21 completions out of 39 attempts for 185 yards—has been far from stellar, failing to reach 200 yards for the third consecutive game. He has also struggled in clutch moments, particularly when the Jets had a chance to win in the final minutes but faltered, ending the game with an incomplete pass on their last possession.
One key moment in the game that shifted the momentum was Rodgers’ red-zone interception, which turned into a 92-yard pick-six by former Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams. Rodgers admitted to not seeing Williams, who had dropped into coverage and tipped the ball. The interception reduced the Jets’ lead from 21-7 to 21-13, a crucial swing in a game that they would eventually lose. Rodgers acknowledged that plays like this, particularly in the second quarter, ultimately cost the team the game, highlighting his own missteps but also pointing to other factors that contributed to the defeat.
Despite throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Davante Adams and another to running back Isaiah Davis, Rodgers’ accuracy was a concern, particularly on long throws. He completed only 2 of 14 passes that traveled more than 10 yards in the air. His frustration was evident, but he shifted some of the blame to his teammates, acknowledging that while he made mistakes, others were also responsible for the loss. This comment reflects Rodgers’ careful approach to managing team dynamics, as he understands the importance of maintaining morale in a season marked by failure.
As the Jets continue to spiral to a 3-9 record, with their ninth consecutive losing season all but sealed, the frustration within the team is palpable. Running back Breece Hall, who contributed to the loss with a costly fumble, expressed his personal disappointment, stating that this year has been one of the hardest of his life. Cornerback Sauce Gardner echoed the sentiment, calling the team’s performance “unacceptable.” The Jets’ season is unraveling, and with it, the future of Aaron Rodgers in New York remains uncertain, making the final stretch of the season a critical time for the franchise to decide on its direction.
