Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets have one more game left in a season that has been very disappointing.
After the final game, a period of uncertainty will begin for both the quarterback and the team. Rodgers, a four-time MVP, will start the season finale at home on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. This could be his last game for the Jets—and possibly the final game of his career.
Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich confirmed on Monday what he said after the Jets’ 40-14 loss to Buffalo: The 41-year-old Rodgers will be the starting quarterback for the last game. Ulbrich also didn’t expect many other significant personnel changes despite the disappointing loss.
“To go out there and have the results that we did, it’s maddening, it’s frustrating, and there’s definitely an element of some boiling over with some individuals,” Ulbrich said. “Not to say that it’s right, but I do understand it.”
After the game, cornerback Sauce Gardner mentioned that “some people might be checked out,” but added he was “just going off speculation.” Another cornerback, D.J. Reed, said, “It comes down to complementary football, bro,” referring to the struggles of the offense.
Ulbrich reviewed footage of the game and didn’t see any signs that players were not putting in effort during the blowout loss that left the Jets with a 4-12 record and 2-9 under Ulbrich since he took over after Robert Saleh was fired.
“You’re either part of the solution or you’re not,” Ulbrich said.
These are the kinds of discussions the Jets’ next leadership, with a new general manager and head coach, will need to have during the offseason. Rodgers will be a key part of those discussions.
Rodgers showed some positive improvements over the past few weeks as he got healthier, but his progress was halted in the game against the Bills. He completed 12 of 18 passes for 112 yards in one of his worst performances in his 20-year career before being replaced by Tyrod Taylor in the fourth quarter.
Rodgers was sacked four times, setting a new NFL record with 568 career sacks, surpassing Tom Brady. He is still stuck on 499 regular-season touchdown passes, still looking to become the fifth player in NFL history to reach 500.
As for the future, Rodgers still has the option to continue playing beyond this season, retire, or possibly be released by the Jets.
“I’m going to enjoy next week,” Rodgers said after the game, “and then take some mental and physical rest.”
