Does this sound familiar?

Last year, there was a lot of talk about Georgia tight end Brock Bowers and several top-rated tackles before the draft. Sure enough, when the Jets traded down to the 11th pick, Bowers was still available. However, they chose Penn State left tackle Olu Fashanu, who was quickly named the backup to Tyron Smith. Yes, backup.

Bowers, selected by the Las Vegas Raiders just two picks later, had a record-breaking rookie season with 112 catches for 1,194 yards. Fashanu replaced the injured Smith midseason and showed steady progress. While no one is calling Fashanu “generational” like they are Bowers, the pick is still valuable because he plays an important position.

Now, the Jets are in a similar situation with another player from Penn State.

Penn State tight end Tyler Warren and Missouri right tackle Armand Membou are both potential top-10 picks, and both could fill needs for the team. The Jets didn’t re-sign tight end Tyler Conklin (to the Los Angeles Chargers) or right tackle Morgan Moses (to the New England Patriots), and they didn’t make any major moves to replace them. Instead, they added Stone Smartt and Chukwuma Okorafor as inexpensive free agents.

In his most recent mock draft, ESPN’s senior draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has Warren going to the Jets.

“I went with Warren because they passed on Bowers last year, and I thought with Justin Fields, that would be somebody who could really create a nightmare for defensive coordinators,” Kiper said. “I thought maybe you could find a right tackle a little later.

“Membou, he’s tempting. I tell you, he’s very tempting because he’s a plug-and-play guy, just like Warren. You can’t take both. You have to pick one. There’s a good chance both will still be available at seven. … Membou or Warren, take your pick. I don’t think anyone could argue with either of those players.”

Warren had 104 catches last season for 1,233 yards (11.9 yards per catch), eight touchdowns, and an impressive 6.7 yards after the catch per reception. While he may not be as much of a game-changer as Bowers, he would still be an improvement.

The Jets’ tight ends averaged a league-low 8.1 yards per catch last season

Warren, standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 256 pounds, is also a reliable blocker, which would be useful for the Jets, who are expected to run the ball more with a dual-threat quarterback like Fields.

Kiper called Warren a “very valuable chess piece.” On the other hand, Membou, who is 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 332 pounds, is a powerful player with 30 career starts. He finished his excellent season with a strong combine showing, including a 4.91-second 40-yard dash. His draft stock is rising, and as Kiper mentioned, “He’s red hot right now.”

You might be asking, “Why choose another offensive lineman?”

Former general manager Joe Douglas heavily invested in the offensive line, using three first-round picks and one second-round pick. However, new coach Aaron Glenn comes from the Detroit Lions, who used strong offensive line play as the key to their turnaround.

There’s no clear starter at right tackle, so Membou, or possibly LSU’s Will Campbell, will be considered. The debate continues: tackle or tight end?

Cornerback covered: Of all the positions the Jets need to fill, the only one that might be more than a one-year solution is cornerback. The $23 million guarantee for Brandon Stephens is effectively a two-year commitment. Fields received a $30 million guarantee, but we know the quarterback salary scale is different from other positions.

In the end, it would be a surprise if the Jets used a high pick on a cornerback. All other positions are still a possibility.

Strange, but true: In the common draft era (since 1967), the Jets have never selected a player with the No. 7 overall pick. They’ve had 26 top-10 picks, but this is the only spot they’ve never chosen from. In fact, it’s the only spot missing in the top 18.

That will change this year… if they keep the pick.

Sauce’s turn? Derek Stingley Jr. of the Houston Texans became the first 2022 first-round pick to get a contract extension—a three-year, $90 million deal that resets the cornerback market. The deal includes $48 million guaranteed at signing and keeps him with the Texans until 2029.

Somewhere, Sauce Gardner is smiling

Gardner, drafted just after Stingley (third and fourth overall) by the Jets, could argue that he deserves to be the next player to get a big deal.

He has earned more accolades than Stingley—2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, two Pro Bowls, and two All-Pro honors, compared to Stingley’s one Pro Bowl and one All-Pro. From an analytics perspective, Stingley has the edge, as he has performed better than Gardner over the last two seasons based on EPA/target (NFL Next Gen Stats). However, Gardner has played in 48 of 51 games, while Stingley has only played in 37. Durability is important.

In the end, both are exceptional cornerbacks. It’s safe to say Gardner is looking for more than $30 million per year and probably wants to get a deal done before the season starts.

He is scheduled to make $5.3 million in 2025 and about $20 million in 2026 (via the fifth-year option). The Jets might try to delay negotiations since his cap charge won’t increase until 2026, but the cost of keeping Sauce is likely to rise if they wait.

Did you know?

Every team still has its first-round pick, which hasn’t happened this close to the draft since 1993, according to ESPN Research. That year, the Kansas City Chiefs traded a first-round pick for Joe Montana just five days before the draft. This year, no team has traded its first-round pick.

In case you’re wondering, the last time the Jets didn’t make a first-round pick was in 2005. On draft day, they traded out of the first round for a deal that brought in veteran tight end Doug Jolley.

It’ll be interesting to see how the team handles Quincy Williams’ contract situation.

The linebacker is entering the final year of a three-year, $18 million deal, which he has outperformed. He was named first-team All-Pro in 2023 and followed that up with another strong season. His $6 million average per year ranks 37th among off-ball linebackers, according to Over The Cap.

The Jets recently gave linebacker Jamien Sherwood a three-year, $45 million contract right before free agency, so it’s natural for Williams to ask, “What about me?” The previous management was open to extending him before the 2025 season, but it’s unclear if the new regime feels the same way.

The Jets will begin their offseason program on April 7. By rule, teams with new coaches are allowed to start two weeks earlier than the rest.

Aaron Rodgers is the only major free agent from the 2024 Jets still searching for a new team. All signs point to the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he spent six hours with them at their facility on Friday. It’s worth mentioning that the Steelers are on the Jets’ home schedule, so a Rodgers return to MetLife Stadium is a real possibility.

You never know who’s watching: Wide receiver Tyler Johnson, who played for the Los Angeles Rams, started last season with five catches for a career-high 79 yards. He made an impression on the opposing defensive coordinator… Glenn, who signed Johnson as a free agent last week.

Warren wore No. 44 at Penn State because of John Riggins, the Hall of Fame running back. As Warren explained at the scouting combine, “I wear 44 because when I was younger my dad put on John Riggins film and said, ‘This is how I want you to run the ball.'”

Few will remember that Riggins played for the Jets for five seasons before going to Washington.

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However, it ended in disappointment less than two years later.

The Jets officially ended any chance of Rodgers returning when new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey issued a joint statement on Thursday. They told Rodgers last week that their plan was to “move in a different direction at quarterback.”

Rodgers will likely be released after June 1 for salary cap reasons, and he could be let go once the new NFL league year starts on March 12.

The four-time MVP has not made up his mind about whether he will keep playing for a 21st season or retire. He has said several times recently that he will take some time to think it over.

While his future is uncertain, one thing is clear: If Rodgers wants to keep playing, it won’t be with the Jets. However, several teams in need of a quarterback might be interested.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans have the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft and could choose a quarterback, like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward. Bringing Rodgers in could help them focus on other needs in the draft. But with a new general manager, Mike Borgonzi, and a young coach, Brian Callahan, the Titans may not want an older quarterback while they might be rebuilding.

Cleveland Browns

Deshaun Watson might miss all of the 2025 season after rupturing his Achilles tendon for the second time in a few months, and his future with the team was already in doubt. The Browns hold the second overall pick, so they could have the chance to draft Sanders or Ward. Even if they do, bringing in Rodgers could give the rookie quarterback a year to sit and learn.

New York Giants

Daniel Jones is gone, and Tommy DeVito is the only quarterback under contract for the Giants next season. New York has the No. 3 pick, so they could choose Sanders or Ward. But coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen have little time to make improvements. They were kept for another season, but co-owner John Mara has made it clear that progress is needed. Bringing in Rodgers could be a last-ditch effort to stabilize things, and Rodgers wouldn’t need to move far since he’s familiar with MetLife Stadium.

Las Vegas Raiders

Rodgers’ friend, Davante Adams, had wanted to leave Las Vegas to reunite with Rodgers in New York. But this is a new regime, with coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek. The Raiders’ possible starters for next season could be Aidan O’Connell or Gardner Minshew, especially with the No. 6 pick, which may rule out picking one of the top quarterbacks. However, the combination of Carroll and minority owner Tom Brady could be appealing to Rodgers, as he would help guide the Raiders while they groom a young QB.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have made the playoffs for the last two seasons and four out of the last five under coach Mike Tomlin but haven’t advanced past the wild-card round. Owner Art Rooney II said it’s unlikely both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will stay, preferring the Steelers to pick one. Rodgers might change things since he could step in as a veteran quarterback for a team looking for its first postseason win since 2016.

San Francisco 49ers

Rodgers grew up in the Bay Area as a 49ers fan and wanted to play for the team when they had the No. 1 pick in 2005. But they chose Alex Smith instead, and Rodgers was drafted 24th by the Packers. Now, with Brock Purdy up for a contract extension, the 49ers could view Rodgers as the missing piece to help them return to the playoffs after missing out this season.

Minnesota Vikings

Could Rodgers follow the same path Brett Favre did when he left Green Bay, played for the Jets, and then moved to Minnesota? Sam Darnold might be a free agent after leading the Vikings to the playoffs, though he could be given the franchise tag.

Jones is still there after leaving the Giants, and J.J. McCarthy is recovering from a knee injury. Rodgers could step into a strong offense with players like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and running back Aaron Jones, his former Packers teammate.

New Orleans Saints

New coach Kellen Moore spoke positively about Derek Carr in his introductory press conference but didn’t say Carr would be the starting quarterback next season. This has led to some speculation that the Saints might move on from Carr, who still has two years left on his contract. Rodgers could take over for Carr, who was the Jets’ backup plan when they tried to get Rodgers in 2023.

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The Jets announced on Thursday that they have informed the 41-year-old quarterback that they are moving forward without him next season.

While Rodgers has not revealed if he plans to play a 21st NFL season, the Jets, now under new general manager Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn, have decided against bringing him back.

In a joint statement, Mougey and Glenn mentioned that they met with Rodgers last week and told him, “that our intention was to move in a different direction at quarterback.”

They added, “It was important to have this discussion now to provide clarity and enable each of us the proper time to plan for our respective futures. We want to thank him for the leadership, passion, and dedication he brought to the organization and wish him success moving forward.”

Rodgers, who has won four MVP awards, is the fifth player in NFL history to throw 500 touchdown passes in the regular season. He still has one year left on his contract, which is worth $37.5 million but is not guaranteed.

The Jets will take a $49 million dead money charge next season unless they designate Rodgers as a post-June 1 cut, which would spread the charge over two years. If they do that, Rodgers would stay on the roster with a $23.5 million salary cap charge until the start of the NFL’s new league year on March 12.

In April 2023, Rodgers was traded to the Jets after spending 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He was brought in to help end the franchise’s long Super Bowl drought, which goes back to the days of Joe Namath and the 1968 season.

At his introductory press conference, Rodgers commented that the team’s only Vince Lombardi Trophy looked “lonely” in the lobby, with hopes that he could change that.

However, the reality of Rodgers’ time with the Jets was less successful. His first season in New York ended just four snaps into his debut due to a torn left Achilles tendon, which ended the Jets’ Super Bowl hopes. He worked his way back to the field this past season and started every game but struggled with consistency as the Jets finished with a 5-12 record.

Rodgers had six wins, including the one where he was injured, in 18 starts with the team.

Jets owner Woody Johnson said in a statement, “I personally want to thank Aaron for his time at the New York Jets. His arrival in 2023 was met with unbridled excitement and I will forever be grateful that he chose to join us to continue his Hall of Fame career.

From Day 1, he embodied all that it meant to be a New York Jet, embraced our fans and immersed himself in our city. That is what I will remember most when I look back at his time here.”

Rodgers’ 28 touchdown passes and 3,897 yards passing both rank third for a single season in franchise history. But he struggled early in his return and faced additional leg injuries, including a hamstring issue. The Jets’ offense with Rodgers was inconsistent, and the defense lost its previous dominance, leading to the firing of general manager Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh midseason.

In his last appearance with the Jets, Rodgers threw four touchdown passes in a victory over Miami on January 5, which was his best performance of the season.

Rodgers’ brief time with the Jets also included some controversy. Last offseason, he missed mandatory minicamp to take a trip to Egypt while recovering from his injury. He was also mentioned by Robert Kennedy Jr. as a potential vice-presidential candidate, although Rodgers focused on football and his comeback, including the Jets trading for his former Packers teammate Davante Adams.

Now, the Jets will be in search of a new quarterback, while Rodgers is considering his future. He said after the season that he planned to take a mental break before deciding whether to continue playing.

Fox Sports reported that Rodgers met with the Jets in New Jersey, where he was informed of the team’s plans.

Veteran Tyrod Taylor remains on the roster, as does Jordan Travis, who spent his rookie season on the non-football injury list, and Adrian Martinez, who was on the practice squad and signed to a reserve-future contract last month.

The Jets may also explore the free-agent market for a quarterback next month and hold the No. 7 overall pick in the upcoming draft.

Rodgers has thrown 503 regular-season touchdown passes, ranking fifth in NFL history behind Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539), and Brett Favre (508). He is seventh in passing yards with 62,952 and led the Packers to their most recent Super Bowl title in the 2010 season. Despite reaching the NFC Championship Game four times since then, he hasn’t played in another Super Bowl.

If Rodgers decides to keep playing, he will likely want to join a team with a chance to contend for another title, giving him one last shot at winning another championship.

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Steve Wilks, who was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, agreed to join the Jets as their defensive coordinator on Wednesday.

These hires complete the coaching staff for new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn. Glenn, who was introduced as the new coach on Monday, worked with Engstrand for the past four years in Detroit. Engstrand, 42, started with the Lions in 2020 as an offensive assistant and stayed on the staff after Dan Campbell became the head coach in 2021.

Engstrand was promoted to tight ends coach and passing game coordinator, where he helped lead one of the top passing offenses in the NFL, as the Lions scored 564 points this season, the most in the league.

Engstrand will now work with the Jets, where he could oversee an offense led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, if Rodgers returns for another season. Rodgers has one year left on his contract but has said he will take time to decide if he wants to keep playing. The Jets and Glenn will have to decide whether they want Rodgers to continue as their starting quarterback.

Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who has had three straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his career, will be a key player for Engstrand, regardless of who plays quarterback. The Jets also have a strong group of running backs, including Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, and Isaiah Davis.

The future of 32-year-old wide receiver Davante Adams is uncertain. He is set to make $35.64 million in each of the next two years, so the Jets might ask him to restructure his contract or release him in the coming months. Adams has also mentioned that Rodgers’ future could affect his own decision.

Engstrand, who played quarterback at Grossmont College and San Diego State, started his coaching career at the University of San Diego in 2005 under Jim Harbaugh. He spent 10 years there in various roles, including assistant head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach. Engstrand then rejoined Harbaugh at Michigan in 2018 as an offensive analyst.

In 2020, Engstrand became the offensive coordinator and running backs coach for the DC Defenders in the XFL before moving to the Lions.

Banjo, who replaces Brant Boyer as the Jets’ special teams coordinator, is a former NFL safety and special teams player. He played 10 seasons in the league, with teams like Jacksonville, Green Bay, New Orleans, and Arizona.

After retiring in 2022, Banjo joined the Denver Broncos as assistant special teams coach, working with special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica and assistant head coach Mike Westhoff, who is known for his expertise in special teams.

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Wilks is the first coordinator hired by new head coach Aaron Glenn, who was officially introduced by the Jets on Monday, alongside new general manager Darren Mougey.

The source requested anonymity because the team has not yet announced the hire. NFL Network was the first to report that Wilks and the Jets had reached an agreement.

Wilks, 55, was not with an NFL team this season and worked as a volunteer adviser for the football team at Charlotte. He was the defensive coordinator for San Francisco in 2023 but was let go after the 49ers lost the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Wilks brings a wealth of experience to Glenn’s staff. Glenn, a first-time head coach, had been a defensive coordinator before but stated on Monday that he will not be calling defensive plays with the Jets. Glenn said his focus will be on all aspects of the team.

“I want to be the best head coach you can find,” Glenn told reporters. “In order for me to do that, I think I need to manage the game.”

Wilks is replacing Jeff Ulbrich as the Jets’ defensive coordinator. He also has experience as a head coach, having led Arizona in 2018, but was fired after the Cardinals finished with a 3-13 record. Wilks was also Carolina’s interim head coach in 2022 after Matt Rhule was fired, finishing with a 6-6 record.

Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Wilks started his coaching career in 1995 at Johnson C. Smith. He later coached at Savannah State, Illinois State, Appalachian State, East Tennessee State, Bowling Green, Notre Dame, and Washington.

Wilks first entered the NFL in 2006 as the defensive backs coach for the Chicago Bears. He also worked with the Chargers and Browns and was Missouri’s defensive coordinator in 2021.

Meanwhile, Glenn, who spent the last four years coaching Detroit’s defense, is in the process of assembling his coaching staff and getting to know New York’s roster, along with Mougey. Many of the previous assistants will not be returning.

Ulbrich, who was the interim head coach for the final 12 games of the season after Robert Saleh was fired, has been hired as Atlanta’s defensive coordinator. Saleh is now the defensive coordinator for San Francisco.

San Francisco has also hired Brant Boyer as its new special teams coordinator. Boyer had been with the Jets in the same role for the past nine seasons. Chris Banjo, who was the assistant special teams coordinator in Denver, is a top candidate to join Glenn’s staff as Boyer’s replacement.

Reports suggest that Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand could join Glenn in New York as the Jets’ offensive coordinator. Additionally, Lions tight ends coach Steve Heiden is expected to be hired as the Jets’ offensive line coach.

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Anderson shared his frustration about how the Texans’ season ended and explained what his team needs to do in 2025 to avoid a similar disappointment, starting with beating the Jets.

Anderson emphasized that the Texans need to win more regular-season games to get a better spot in the playoffs. Specifically, he mentioned that Houston “can’t lose to teams like the Titans and the Jets.”

The Jets Need Wins to Change the Perception

The Texans finished the season with a 10-7 record, leading the AFC South. However, Anderson’s point still stands. Losing to teams like the Jets and Titans hurt their chances of earning a higher seed and possibly having home-field advantage in the playoffs.

Despite the Texans being a much stronger team than the Jets, they’ve had issues with AFC teams like the Jets in recent seasons. Anderson, for example, has yet to beat the Jets. The Jets have faced the Texans in the past two years, winning both games with a combined score of 51-19. This includes a 30-6 win in 2023, with Zach Wilson leading the team, and a 21-13 victory in the current season.

Anderson and the Texans’ defense gave Wilson one of his best NFL games in 2023, as he completed 27 out of 36 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns. In the most recent win, Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdowns for the Jets.

Anderson is right that the Texans should beat teams like the Jets and Titans, who only had eight wins in 2024. However, criticizing a team that has outscored his by 32 points in the last two years might not be the best choice.

In the end, the only way the Jets can stop being the target of such comments is by winning more games. The Jets haven’t won more than seven games in a season since 2015, and they haven’t made the playoffs in 14 years. Until they start winning, they will keep being the team other players mock, even those they’ve beaten. This is the reality for the Jets.

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After serving as the Lions’ defensive coordinator and having a successful run, Glenn is reportedly set to be hired as the new head coach of the New York Jets, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. For many years, the Detroit Lions were considered one of the weaker teams in the NFL.

However, thanks to the efforts of general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions are now seen as one of the most successful teams. This change in Detroit’s fortunes has made Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson highly sought after for head coaching jobs this offseason. There’s now a strong desire to copy the success the Lions have had, after so many years of Detroit being viewed as a struggling team.

Other Changes in Detroit’s Coaching Staff

This week, Johnson was hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. Terrell Williams, the Lions’ defensive line coach, has been hired by the New England Patriots as their new defensive coordinator. Now, it looks like Glenn will be heading to New York to take on the head coach position with the Jets.

Glenn’s Reputation as a Coach

Glenn earned his first chance to be an NFL head coach because of the impressive job he did turning around the Lions’ defense, especially after dealing with many injuries during the 2024 season. His players respected him, and this helped raise his profile as a top coaching candidate. In a survey of players conducted during the 2023 season, Glenn was ranked as the best defensive coordinator in the league by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).

Glenn’s Background and Experience

At the start of the offseason, Glenn’s name appeared on the list of every team looking for a new head coach.

“He’s as good of a coach as you’re going to find,” said Dan Campbell, the Lions’ head coach, as quoted by the Detroit Free Press. “He’s an even better human being. If nobody wants him, I’ll take him again, I can tell you that right now. But the thought of going through another cycle and he’s not somebody’s head coach, is ridiculous.”

Glenn’s Playing Career and Coaching Path

Glenn was drafted by the Jets as a first-round pick in 1994. He had a 15-year career as a cornerback in the NFL, playing for five different teams. After retiring from playing, Glenn began his coaching career as the general manager of the Houston Stallions in the Texas Lone Star Football League.

From there, he worked as a scout for the Jets and then became an assistant coach for the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and eventually the defensive coordinator for the Lions.

At 52 years old, it took Glenn many years as both a player and coach to earn the opportunity to run an NFL team. However, there is no doubt he is one of the most in-demand coaches in this hiring cycle.

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Unexpected Playoff Run

At the start of their playoff journey, few expected the Texans to make it past the Wild Card Weekend. However, their impressive 38-10 victory over the Chargers gave fans and players alike hope that they could live up to their expectations. The Texans had a strong showing in their Divisional Round matchup with the Chiefs, even bringing the game within a single point late in the third quarter. Despite falling short, the team found motivation in the loss.

Staying Positive for 2025

Instead of feeling discouraged, the Texans are energized for the future. Edge rusher Will Anderson expressed confidence in the team’s potential, saying, “We’re right there. I don’t care what nobody says. This is a fantastic team. We’ve got our quarterback. We’ve got everything we need. We’ve got to keep stacking and keep persevering. We have a squad. We have a great team. We just gotta keep finding ways.” He emphasized that winning requires finding ways to overcome challenges, just like the top teams in the AFC do.

A Strong Defense

The Texans’ defense became a key factor in their success toward the end of the 2024 season. Their four takeaways against the Chargers were critical in securing the victory. Anderson played a major role in the defense’s success and knows the team’s focus should now be on improving in other areas to achieve their ultimate goal in 2025.

Focus on Regular-Season Wins

Anderson believes that one key to the Texans’ future success is winning regular-season games, especially those against teams like the Titans and Jets, which could cost them valuable home-field advantage.

“We can’t lose to these teams like the Titans and Jets. We’ve got to beat Detroit. We can’t suffer losses. We’ve got to get homefield advantage,” Anderson stated. For the Texans to achieve their top goal of securing a Super Bowl spot, securing home-field advantage during the regular season will be crucial.

Struggles in the Divisional Round

In the past two years, the Texans have finished the regular season with a 10-7 record, winning the AFC South and earning the right to host a Wild Card game. While they have performed well in those games, their success has not carried over into the Divisional Round. Last year, they lost to Baltimore, and this year, they were defeated by the Chiefs.

Despite the disappointing end, the Texans are focused on fixing key issues and improving in 2025. Injuries played a big role in their struggles this season, as the team dealt with significant losses on both offense and defense.

They lost key players such as Stefon Diggs to an ACL tear, Nico Collins to injury (though he returned later), and Tank Dell, who suffered a season-ending injury for the second year in a row. Joe Mixon also missed time with ankle injuries. Additionally, their offensive line was inconsistent throughout the season, which hindered quarterback C.J. Stroud’s ability to lead the team effectively.

The Importance of Health and Depth

While injuries are a part of the game, they are always challenging to overcome. The best teams, however, are those that are able to manage these setbacks by adding quality depth to their roster. This is something the Texans will focus on heading into the 2025 season. Ensuring they have sufficient depth and are able to stay healthier will be a major part of their offseason strategy.

Offensive Line Concerns

One of the most pressing areas for improvement is the offensive line. Stroud was sacked 52 times during the 2024 regular season, and he took eight sacks during the postseason loss to the Chiefs. This performance ties his career high for sacks in a single game, which occurred earlier in the season against the Jets. Improving the offensive line should be a top priority for the Texans as they look to better protect Stroud and give their offense more opportunities to succeed.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The Texans are confident that they are close to reaching their goals, but they understand that the final step can often be the hardest. As they enter the 2025 offseason, Anderson and the rest of the organization are focused on finding a way to clear the final hurdle and push further into the playoffs. With the right improvements, they believe they have the team capable of making a deeper run in the postseason and possibly reaching the Super Bowl in the near future.

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Although the deal isn’t finalized and there are still some details to sort out, Glenn could be named the head coach by the end of the day if everything goes smoothly.

This will be Glenn’s second interview with the Jets, as he previously met with them virtually while the Lions were still in the playoffs. Glenn has received interview requests from six of the seven teams that had head coach openings, and he has second interviews scheduled with both the Jets and the New Orleans Saints. If Tuesday’s interview doesn’t lead to a hiring, Glenn is set to visit New Orleans next.

Glenn has a strong history with the Jets. He was drafted by the team in the first round of the NFL draft and played for them for eight of his 15 seasons, making two Pro Bowl appearances. After his playing career, Glenn began his coaching journey with the Jets in 2012 when they hired him as a scout.

Since then, he has worked with the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and Detroit Lions, where he has been the defensive coordinator for the last four years.

Glenn had also interviewed for head coach positions during last offseason but chose to return to Detroit for the 2024 season. His coaching ability was praised as he helped lead the Lions’ defense through an injury-filled season.

Under his guidance, the defense ranked seventh in scoring, allowed the second-lowest completion percentage in the league (61.1%), and had the lowest passer rating (82.0). They also finished fifth in rushing yards allowed per game (98.4), helping the Lions achieve a 15-2 record and the NFC North title.

If Glenn does become the Jets’ next head coach, either on Tuesday or after further discussions, he will take over a team at a critical point. The Jets need to make important decisions about veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and their younger talent as they look to return to playoff contention.

The Jets are also still in the process of hiring a new general manager, a search that has included 15 interviews so far. Once that decision is made, it will likely set the next steps for the team’s future direction.

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The in-person interview with Saleh took place just one day after the Cowboys held a virtual interview with Kellen Moore, the offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles. Moore had been the Cowboys’ play-caller from 2019 to 2022 and worked closely with franchise quarterback Dak Prescott.

Saleh was fired by the Jets after just five games into his fourth season with the team. He finished with a 20-36 record. Saleh has also interviewed for the defensive coordinator position with the San Francisco 49ers, a role he held before joining the Jets in 2021.

The Cowboys have plans for another interview with a coach with a defensive background: Seattle assistant head coach Leslie Frazier. Frazier, who was the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings for several years, also served as the defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Buffalo Bills after the Vikings let him go following the 2013 season.

Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys parted ways on Monday after five seasons. McCarthy, who was the head coach of the Green Bay Packers before joining Dallas, also interviewed for the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears this week.

Dallas owner and general manager Jerry Jones has had informal talks with Colorado coach Deion Sanders, who played for the Cowboys for five seasons and helped them win their most recent Super Bowl during the 1995 season. Since then, Dallas has not advanced past the divisional round of the playoffs.

Jason Witten, an 11-time Pro Bowl tight end and holder of several Cowboys records, has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for the head coaching position. Since retiring as a player in 2020, Witten has coached at a private high school in the Dallas area.

Another candidate in the mix is Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Glenn, who played defensive back at Texas A&M, spent two seasons with the Cowboys late in his 15-year career. Glenn and Moore will both be focused on their respective divisional playoff games this weekend. The Detroit Lions are hosting Washington on Saturday night, while the Philadelphia Eagles, with Moore as their offensive coordinator, are playing against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

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Ulbrich, who served as the New York Jets’ interim coach for most of last season, will now take over a Falcons defense that faced criticism from first-year head coach Raheem Morris after the team finished 8-9. The previous defensive coordinator, Jimmy Lake, was fired a week ago.

The Falcons’ defense ranked 23rd in total defense and points allowed, and was last in sacks through the first nine games. Although there was a late-season improvement, it wasn’t enough to stop the team from suffering a seventh consecutive losing season.

Ulbrich had his interview with the Falcons on Wednesday, just four days after Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers were let go.

During his time as the Jets’ interim coach, Ulbrich had a 3-9 record after the Jets fired Robert Saleh. He had also interviewed for the Jets’ full-time head coaching position on Monday. Ulbrich had been an assistant with the Falcons from 2015 to 2020.

This hiring marks a reunion with Morris, as Ulbrich had worked with him during his six seasons in Atlanta. Ulbrich was the linebackers coach from 2015 to 2019 and became assistant head coach/linebackers coach in 2020. When Morris was the interim head coach for the last 11 games of 2020, Ulbrich was promoted to interim defensive coordinator.

The Falcons’ announcement came shortly after they confirmed an interview with former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus.

Eberflus was part of the Falcons’ rapid one-week search for a new defensive coordinator, which also included interviews with former San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Pittsburgh Steelers secondary coach Grady Brown, Green Bay passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley, former Cincinnati assistant Lou Anarumo, and Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.

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Flores, who is 43 years old, has been leading Minnesota’s defense for the past two seasons. Before that, he was the senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022. He was Miami’s head coach for three seasons, finishing with a 24-25 record and no playoff appearances before being fired.

In February 2022, Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL, the Dolphins, the Giants, and the Denver Broncos, accusing them of discriminatory hiring practices for leadership positions. Flores, who is Black, has continued his pursuit of a head coach position, but he also enjoys his time with the Vikings. He said it would take the right situation for him and his family to leave.

Flores mentioned he would consider any requests from teams wanting to hire him as a head coach this offseason. The Jets, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars are all expected to interview him for their open positions. He said he’s looking for an environment where there is a good “vibe, energy, and connection,” which would create a winning atmosphere.

New York has already interviewed several other candidates for the head coach position, including Aaron Glenn, Vance Joseph, Mike Locksley, Matt Nagy, Ron Rivera, Darren Rizzi, Rex Ryan, Bobby Slowik, Arthur Smith, Steve Spagnuolo, Jeff Ulbrich, and Mike Vrabel, who has since been hired by New England.

Flores, originally from New York, began his NFL career with New England’s scouting department, where he worked for four years. He joined Bill Belichick’s coaching staff in 2008 as a special teams assistant and took on various roles during his 11 years there, including safeties coach (2012-2015) and linebackers coach (2016-2018) before moving to Miami.

Hafley, from New Jersey, just completed his first season as the Packers’ defensive coordinator, leading a unit that ranked fifth overall. Before joining Green Bay, the 45-year-old Hafley was the head coach at Boston College for four years.

The Eagles went 22-26 under his leadership and earned three bowl game invitations. Hafley had a prior stint as co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Ohio State and also worked as an assistant coach for the NFL teams in Tampa Bay, Cleveland, and San Francisco. His coaching career began in 2001 at Worcester Polytechnic before moving to Albany, Pittsburgh, and Rutgers.

McCown, also 45, spent this season coaching quarterbacks for the Vikings, including Sam Darnold, who had previously been his teammate with the Jets in 2018. McCown also held a similar role with the Carolina Panthers in 2023. As a player, McCown had a lengthy career, starting 76 games over 16 seasons in the NFL. He threw for 17,731 yards, 98 touchdowns, and 82 interceptions in 102 career games.

After starting 13 games for the Jets in 2017, McCown served as a backup and mentor to Darnold during Darnold’s rookie year. The two reunited in Minnesota this past season, where McCown helped Darnold achieve a career-high 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and a 66.2% completion percentage.

The Jets are still in the process of evaluating candidates to find the right fit for their head coach position.

The post The New York Jets have interviewed Vikings’ Flores and McCown, as well as Packers’ Hafley, for their head coach position appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Rodgers shared on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Thursday that his house in Malibu is safe, though it experienced power outages for several days. However, he mentioned that many of his friends, including actor Miles Teller, have lost their homes due to the fires, one of the region’s most destructive natural disasters.

“I’ve been dealing with trying to protect my house out here,” Rodgers said. “My home is fine. I’m not in the areas that have been affected, but it’s been a weird time for so many that live down here. Friends of mine have lost houses. A number of friends in Palisades have lost their homes, a number of friends in Pasadena were affected, friends around Runyon Canyon.

“It’s been a tough time, for sure.”

Rodgers, 41, finished his 20th NFL season after the Jets’ win over Miami on January 5. He held exit meetings the next day with Jets’ owner Woody Johnson, vice chairman Christopher Johnson, team president Hymie Elhai, and interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. Afterward, he flew back to Southern California, where he found the skies darkened by smoke from the fires.

“I got to the house and the wind’s going absolutely nuts,” he recalled. “The gate was flying off the handles, and no power.”

Before leaving, Rodgers had “a lot of nice conversations” with the Jets. The team is currently interviewing candidates for its general manager and head coach positions. Rodgers had previously mentioned that he would take some time after the season to decide whether to continue playing, and would also need to assess whether the Jets’ new management wanted him to return for a 21st season.

Rodgers said he has had “limited communication” with the Jets due to the wildfires, but he made it clear that he’s not close to making a decision on his future.

“I told them I’m going to take some time,” he said. “They haven’t even made a decision on a GM or a coach yet. Once that happens, then that’ll take us to the next step, which will be a conversation, I’m assuming with whoever that individual is. But this is a time when I’m taking time for my body and my mind to clear things.”

Rodgers emphasized that the fires in Southern California will not affect his decision on whether to continue playing football.

“Obviously it’s different because all that’s going on in LA. And again, there’s been incredible, incredible work done by all the firefighters out here. Things are actually looking up, which is great.”

Firefighters are still battling the two largest fires, which have claimed the lives of 25 people and destroyed more than 12,000 homes and buildings.

“A lot of the attention has gone to so many celebrities who lost their homes,” Rodgers said. “There’s some affluent areas in both Palisades and Malibu that got affected. But there’s a lot of other people, just your great average Southern California folks who lost everything as well. And it’s going to be tough to rebuild.”

Rodgers, a four-time MVP and the fifth player in NFL history to throw 500 touchdown passes in the regular season, has one year left on his non-guaranteed contract with the Jets. However, he would be owed a $35 million option bonus before the start of the regular season, and his cap hit would be $23.5 million.

If the Jets release him or he retires, they could absorb a $49 million dead-money charge next year, unless they designate him as a post-June 1 cut and spread that charge over two years.

“I think everybody understands that it’s going to come down to the GM and coach and myself,” Rodgers said. “And whether we all want to do the dance together or if it’s not in the cards.”

Rodgers also reassured that the situation in Southern California would not influence his decision on whether he wants to keep playing.

“Listen, I’ve sat in a hole in the ground in Nowheresville, Oregon, and I’ve sat in numerous ayahuasca ceremony circles,” Rodgers said with a smile, referencing some of his off-season activities. “So, I’ve done a lot of contemplating in my time and I’ve gotten some good perspective adjustments over the years.

“This is nothing that changes my perspective other than it’s heartbreaking.”

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Ulbrich, who has been the team’s defensive coordinator for the past four years, took over as interim coach on October 8 after Robert Saleh was fired. During his time as interim coach, Ulbrich led the team to a 3-9 record.

The 47-year-old Ulbrich is the ninth known person the Jets have interviewed for the head coaching job. Other candidates include Darren Rizzi, Steve Spagnuolo, Mike Locksley, Mike Vrabel, Ron Rivera, Rex Ryan, Matt Nagy, and Aaron Glenn.

The Jets are also holding interviews for their general manager position, having already spoken to 13 people for that role.

After the Jets finished a disappointing 5-12 season, Ulbrich said he expected to meet with owner Woody Johnson and the search committee about the possibility of becoming the full-time head coach.

“It was a great honor,” Ulbrich said about coaching the team. “One of the great honors of my football career.”

While Ulbrich was coaching the final games of the season, the Jets had already started interviewing other candidates. Ulbrich said this didn’t feel awkward because he stayed focused on preparing the team. He also mentioned that he would take time to reflect on his performance as interim coach.

“There’s things that I need to improve on and there’s things that I’ve got to take a critical look at myself and find the spaces where I can improve those,” Ulbrich said. “I’m far from perfect and I’m excited about that opportunity to really, with a fine-tooth comb, evaluate every decision and everything I did in the last whatever it’s been, 10, 11 weeks.”

Even though Ulbrich continued his role as defensive coordinator while serving as interim coach, he stressed the importance of maintaining continuity for the players during the tough situation. However, he said that if he becomes a full-time head coach, he wouldn’t want to continue handling both roles.

“I would much rather have the ability to go from offense to defense to special teams,” he said. “There’s moments, especially on gameday, where I’m busy being a defensive coordinator where my resources might be better equipped at being the head coach, just at certain times within games. And there’s times definitely where being a head coach can get in the way of prepping for defense for me, and vice versa.

“So if I could build it perfect in a vision going forward, I would never — I would not be the coordinator and the head coach.”

Ulbrich played as a linebacker and special teamer for San Francisco for 10 years and was part of Saleh’s original staff in 2021. After his playing career, Ulbrich worked as an assistant with Pete Carroll’s Seahawks and Jim L. Mora’s UCLA team.

In 2015, Dan Quinn hired Ulbrich as the linebackers coach for the Falcons. When Atlanta made a coaching change during the 2020 season, interim coach Raheem Morris promoted Ulbrich to defensive coordinator.

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The former Jets coach, now an ESPN analyst, was responsible for the team’s last playoff appearance at the end of the 2010 season. He met with the team on Tuesday to discuss its open head coaching position.

Ryan had a record of 50-52, with 4-2 in the playoffs, during his six years with the Jets before being fired after the 2014 season. He has been openly campaigning for the position during recent radio and TV appearances, stating on Monday that he believes he’s the best person for the job and expects to be hired.

“Oh, 100%, absolutely, I do,” Ryan said. “The reason I think I’m going to get it is because I’m the best guy for it. It ain’t close.”

Ryan is the third known candidate to interview for the job with owner Woody Johnson and other team executives. The Jets also spoke with former Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel and former Carolina and Washington coach Ron Rivera last week.

Jeff Ulbrich, who became the Jets’ interim coach on Oct. 8 after Robert Saleh was fired, also plans to interview for the full-time position this week. Ulbrich went 3-9 as interim coach.

Ryan mentioned during his radio appearance, “The thing you have to do is, you have to connect with your football team, you have to connect with your fan base. The way they play, that’s the most important thing. It’s not just the X’s and O’s and all that.”

The team is also looking for a new general manager after firing Joe Douglas in November. The Jets have already spoken with former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, former Tennessee GM Jon Robinson, Senior Bowl executive Jim Nagy, and former NFL executive and current ESPN analyst Louis Riddick.

Ryan is an interesting candidate for the Jets’ head coach position due to his past experience with Johnson and the team. He was also one of the most popular figures in the organization, especially during his early years as coach. His bold and outspoken approach at news conferences became highly entertaining.

Ryan also helped the team win games with a defense-focused strategy and a strong running offense that created an image of toughness. However, the Jets couldn’t keep up the early success and missed the playoffs in Ryan’s last four years as head coach.

After being let go by the Jets, Ryan took a job with the Buffalo Bills, a rival in the AFC East. However, he didn’t last through his second season there, getting fired with one game remaining in 2016, leaving him with a 15-16 record. Ryan has not coached since then and has worked as a TV analyst.

One of the first big decisions for the new coach and general manager might be about the future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has said he’s unsure about continuing his NFL career for a 21st season. He mentioned that he’ll take time in the offseason to decide if he’ll keep playing—and if he does, it might not be with the Jets, who could release him.

Ryan said on ESPN New York radio that if he became the Jets’ head coach and Rodgers returned, he would make some changes at the team facility. He mentioned Rodgers missing mandatory minicamp due to a trip to Egypt during his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, which caused him to play only four snaps in 2023.

“Clearly, when you have a guy that doesn’t show up for mandatory minicamp — and, by the way, he’s your quarterback coming off an injury — I think that’s an absolutely ridiculous message you send to the team,” Ryan said. “If he comes back, things would be different.

“If he’s back, it ain’t gonna be the country club, show up whenever the hell you want to show up. That ain’t gonna happen. I’ll just leave it at that.”

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1. Coaching Updates:

The Jets’ offseason will officially start around 7:30 p.m. Sunday when they finish their last game. In a broader sense, the offseason began on November 19 when owner Woody Johnson fired general manager Joe Douglas. With Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh both out, Johnson turned his attention to rebuilding the organization.

So far, the Jets have interviewed four general manager candidates and two head coaching candidates, including former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, who met with team leaders at their facility on Friday. Vrabel is expected to be highly sought after, and teams like the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders could also be interested if they change coaches.

Despite having a roster that’s capable of competing in 2025, it might be a good idea for the Jets to hire someone with previous head coaching experience. Doing so would help avoid some of the typical challenges that come with coaching in New York. As a result, candidates like Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, and Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury are likely to get some attention.

Former Commanders and Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera met with the team on Thursday, and former Jets coach Rex Ryan is scheduled to interview on Tuesday. There have also been rumors about Jon Gruden returning to the NFL, but he’s not expected to be a candidate for the Jets.

Another possible option is Mike McCarthy, whose contract with the Dallas Cowboys is set to expire. If McCarthy becomes available, he may be interested in the Jets, partly because of his history working with Aaron Rodgers. They won a Super Bowl together with the Green Bay Packers. McCarthy has a proven record and knows how to handle the pressure that comes with coaching in New York.

Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich (who has a 2-9 record) said on Friday that he expects to be interviewed for the job next week.

Based on discussions with people close to the coaching search, it seems that while the Jets are considering hiring an experienced coach, they are open to other possibilities.

They are also taking a similar approach with their search for a general manager, not necessarily sticking to the usual order of hiring a GM first. The process will be flexible, and with someone like Vrabel, the Jets could offer him some influence over the GM decision.

It might seem unusual that the Jets are interviewing coaching candidates before hiring a GM, but they are doing both searches at the same time. If they wait too long to hire a coach, their top candidates may be hired by other teams, as two other teams are already looking for coaches, with more teams likely to join.

If the Jets decide to hire a first-time head coach, some candidates to watch include Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen, and Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Other names could come up, but Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is popular around the league, doesn’t seem to be attracting interest from the Jets.

Both the GM and coaching searches will depend on finding the right staff. If the Jets go with a first-time coach, they will need to surround that person with an experienced team, especially a skilled offensive coordinator if they hire a defensive-minded coach.

2. Draft Possibilities:

While it’s very unlikely, the Jets could move up to the No. 3 spot in the upcoming draft. Right now, they are in the No. 7 spot, but by the time they play against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at 4:25 p.m., they will know exactly where they stand.

The six teams ahead of them will have finished their games by then. One of those teams, the Cleveland Browns (with a 3-14 record), lost on Saturday, which guarantees they will pick ahead of the Jets (who are 4-12).

If teams like the Patriots (3-13), Titans (3-13), New York Giants (3-13), Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12), and Panthers (4-12) win their games, the Jets have a good chance of moving up to the No. 3 pick, thanks to the strength-of-schedule tiebreaker, especially if they lose their final game.

The Patriots, Titans, and Giants are playing against playoff teams that may rest their starters, which could increase the chances of a Jets move up the draft board. However, the Jets are unlikely to move into the No. 1 or No. 2 spots, as the Patriots will probably win any tiebreaker based on strength of schedule.

A top-three draft pick is crucial for the Jets because it would give them a shot at selecting one of the top-rated quarterbacks, such as Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) or Cam Ward (Miami), or wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter (Colorado), who is considered by many to be the top prospect.

Heading into Week 18, the Jets have a 28.7% chance of landing a top-five pick, according to ESPN Analytics.

Here’s a look at what’s happening with the Jets:

3. Departures:

There will be a lot of changes to the roster, which often happens when a new leadership group takes charge. Some players who might be released or traded include Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver Davante Adams, and wide receiver Garrett Wilson. The key free agents the Jets will have to deal with are cornerback D.J. Reed, tight end Tyler Conklin, and linebacker Jamien Sherwood.

4. Costly Trade:

The Jets go into the offseason with eight draft picks, including one in each of the first four rounds. They could have had two picks in the third round, but they traded one to the Raiders in the deal for Davante Adams. This pick is conditional, meaning it could turn into a second-round pick, but only if Adams makes the first- or second-team All-Pro list, which is very unlikely.

Was the trade worth it? Yes, but only if the Jets decide to keep Adams. If they do, they would need to renegotiate the two years and $72 million left on his contract, which isn’t guaranteed. If Adams leaves, the Jets will have traded away a valuable draft pick for just 11 games of play.

The Jets also acquired another third-round pick from the Lions last April in a draft-day trade.

5. $863,000 per Tackle:

Haason Reddick is on track to earn a playing-time incentive, meaning a bonus of $791,628 (about the same as one game check). To qualify, he needs to play 40% of the defensive snaps, and he’s already played 55%.

However, with just half a sack, Reddick won’t come close to the eight-sack threshold needed for a sack bonus. He is set to become the first edge rusher since 2022 to play a full season with fewer than one sack (based on 200 or more pass rush attempts, according to Next Gen Stats).

Reddick has only 11 tackles and two quarterback hits, which is similar to Takk McKinley, who played just seven games before being released.

Counting his salary and bonus, Reddick will earn $9.5 million for playing 10 games. He was supposed to make $14.5 million, but after fines and losing money from his holdout, his pay will be lower. Reddick will be a free agent.

6. More Incentives:

Injured left tackle Tyron Smith, who has been out since Week 10, is expected to earn a $3.75 million bonus based on his playing time, which is about 59% of the offensive snaps. This would bring his total earnings for the season to over $10 million. Smith will also be a free agent.

Here’s an update on what’s going on with the Jets:

7. Jermaine Update:

Defensive end Jermaine Johnson is back with the team after recovering from a torn right Achilles in Los Angeles, where Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed his surgery. ElAttrache is the same doctor who operated on Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles. Johnson is moving around pretty well and says he’ll be ready for next season, starting with OTA practices in the spring.

“I already am [pumped],” Johnson told ESPN. “That first joint practice, they’re about to get it.”

Johnson, who was having a strong season before his injury in Week 2, said it was tough for him to be away from the team during the hardest part of his rehab.

“I would’ve been worse if I was here because the guys had to see me like that, not being able to walk,” Johnson said. “I wouldn’t say my spirits were ever awful, but they’re used to seeing how I am healthy and helping the guys. I just didn’t want them to see me like that. And I wanted to at least get back functioning before I showed my face again.”

8. Next Season:

A quick look at the Jets’ non-divisional schedule for the 2025 season, which will include teams from the AFC North and NFC South:

Home games: Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, Panthers, AFC West third- or fourth-place team, and NFC East third- or fourth-place team.

Away games: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, AFC South third- or fourth-place team.

9. How Many Kickers Does It Take to …?

The Jets will use their fifth kicker of the season on Sunday, which sets a new franchise record and leads the league in 2024. Greg Joseph will replace Greg Zuerlein, who hurt his back during pregame warmups last week and went back to injured reserve.

The Jets have already used five different kickers: Zuerlein, Riley Patterson, Spencer Shrader, Anders Carlson, and now Joseph. Before this year, the last time the Jets used four kickers in a season was in 1979.

Zuerlein, who had been on injured reserve for seven games due to a knee injury, was having his best week of practice according to special teams coordinator Brant Boyer. But then his back tightened up about an hour before the game. Boyer’s reaction?

“Oh, my hell,” he said.

It’s been that kind of year for the Jets.

10. The Last Word:

“I would be fine sleeping in my bed 20 years from now with 499, but 500 definitely looks better on paper.” — Rodgers on his pursuit of 500 career touchdown passes.

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Each player received a customized suit, cologne, and sunglasses from designer Tom Ford, a Louis Vuitton passport holder, and a Bose portable speaker. Additionally, there was a bottle of Devils River bourbon placed in each player’s locker.

“Santa Rodgers is the best gift giver on the team,” said center Joe Tippmann.

Rodgers has contributed a lot to the Jets in his two seasons with the team. He’s brought attention to the team with the show “Hard Knocks” in 2023, made a voluntary $34 million pay cut to help with salary cap flexibility, and had the most publicized Achilles surgery and recovery since Kobe Bryant.

There have also been many off-the-field stories, including rumors about him running for vice president and an unapproved trip to Egypt. But, despite all of this, the one thing the Jets have lacked is wins.

Rodgers, 41, will play against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in what could be his final game with the Jets and possibly his last game as an NFL player. His record as the Jets’ starting quarterback stands at 5-12, which is a .294 winning percentage. This is worse than his predecessor, Zach Wilson, whose record was 12-21 with a .363 winning percentage.

The simple truth is that the Jets have performed worse with Rodgers than without him, which seemed impossible on April 26, 2023, when he was introduced to the team. At that time, he promised to bring another Super Bowl trophy to the Jets, which would have added to their only Super Bowl III trophy.

“Obviously, I don’t think this season will be talked about in a well-liked manner,” said cornerback D.J. Reed.

In Rodgers’ entire football career, which includes four MVP awards and a Super Bowl win with the Green Bay Packers, this marks the first time he hasn’t helped a team make it to the playoffs at least once during his time with them.

Interestingly, despite the team’s struggles, Rodgers is about to finish one of the best statistical passing seasons in Jets history.

Rodgers was sitting on his stool in the locker room, signing items for fans. The room was mostly empty, and the players there were much younger than him. To them, he was like the quarterback they controlled in their Madden video game. With his older face and graying beard, he looked out of place.

It was mid-November. The season wasn’t going well, and Rodgers’ left leg was bothering him from injuries to his hamstring and knee. He was wearing a jacket with a fur collar, making it seem like he was about to leave, but he kept sitting and signing items for fans, including a Wisconsin license plate.

A reminder of past success.

“People will remember his two different legacies,” said former Packers fullback John Kuhn, who played with Rodgers for nine years, including their Super Bowl win in the 2010 season.

“They’ll remember Aaron Rodgers — incredible talent, incredible competitor, the sometimes polarizing figure of the NFL. And they’ll remember the not-so-fond years in New York, where one was wasted on a turf injury and one was wasted by a dysfunctional organization.”

Rodgers’ place in football history is secure. In addition to his MVP awards and Super Bowl ring, he also won a Super Bowl MVP and ranks in the top 10 in nearly every major passing stat. Simply put, he’s on track to be a first-ballot entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Two difficult seasons with the Jets shouldn’t erase his legacy. Still, some images are hard to forget. Joe Namath, who is closely linked with the Jets, is still remembered by older fans and purists for his time with the Los Angeles Rams in 1977, even though that was a tough final season for him.

“A very difficult transition,” Namath once said, regretting the move.

Will Rodgers’ time with the Jets hurt his legacy?

Jets QBs: Brett Favre vs. Aaron Rodgers

“To me, it’s just a small mark,” said a former NFC general manager. “In time, it will be forgotten. It’s the Jets. Favre played there. Did that hurt his legacy?”

Former Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick added, “His legacy won’t be affected by his time with the Jets. He’s one of the greatest quarterbacks of our time.”

Even though Rodgers struggled with injuries, he is still known as one of the best pure passers ever, and his stats prove it. His touchdown-to-interception ratio is the best in NFL history – more than four touchdowns for every interception (499 touchdowns to 115 interceptions).

With 62,678 yards, he needs just 115 more to pass Matt Ryan and move into seventh place on the all-time passing yards list.

“I mean, my God, he’s done everything, he’s won everything,” said former Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason. “His stats are incredible. Those two years with the Jets – if it even was two years – will be a sad chapter in his career because of the injury. It’s too bad he couldn’t do what Manning and Brady did and go to another team to win a Super Bowl.”

Ah, yes, the injury – one of the worst moments in the 65-year history of the Jets. Rodgers tore his left Achilles tendon on just the fourth play of the 2023 season. Rodgers often talks about how the universe speaks to him. In this case, it was sending a loud warning. He was never the same after September 11, 2023.

Despite everything, Rodgers made a quick recovery, but the injury affected his ability to move around. Instead of escaping the pocket to make plays, something that used to be one of his strengths, he was often trapped, like a magician who can’t get out of a trick.

The problem got worse after he hurt his hamstring in October, and some of his teammates started to wonder if he should even be playing. But Rodgers pushed through, refusing to let the injury stop him.

“To see that guy out there, dragging his leg around and pushing forward, it gave me hope,” said offensive tackle Morgan Moses. “You can’t question his love of the game.”

Maybe his teammates were inspired, but the Jets didn’t play better. As the losses kept piling up, the criticism of Rodgers grew louder. Even with a late-season surge, he ranked 25th out of 33 starting quarterbacks in Total QBR (48.3), continuing the mediocre performance he had in his last season with Green Bay (2022).

The Achilles surgery and the months of rehab took a toll on him, both physically and mentally.

“Really, since September 11 last year, it feels like I’ve been rehabbing,” he said, admitting he was disappointed with how he played.

Rodgers had boldly said before the season that people would lose their jobs if he didn’t perform well. Unfortunately, that prediction came true. Coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas were fired during the season, and the Jets never recovered.

Rodgers took the changes hard. He had supported their return at the end of the previous season, and now his foundation – the one he had built – was being torn apart by the impatient team owner, Woody Johnson.

Rodgers’ close friend, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, was demoted despite Rodgers trying to protect him. Because of that, Rodgers’ influence in the organization started to fade.

“He doesn’t have a pot to piss in,” said one person close to the situation.

From the time the Jets started pursuing Rodgers until their honeymoon phase, the team worked hard to make him feel at home. They hired his favorite coach, Nathaniel Hackett, brought in two of his former receivers from Green Bay (Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb), and allowed him to install his preferred offensive system.

The goal was to help Rodgers adjust to his later years in football and, ideally, end the Jets’ 14-year playoff drought, the longest in major American sports.

“When he walked into that building, everybody looked at him like he was the god that was going to fix everything,” said Boomer Esiason.

However, as a player in his 40s, coming off a major injury, Rodgers hasn’t been able to perform at his usual high level. He can show flashes of his old self for a quarter or half of a game, but not for a full game. There have been times, like in the loss to the Buffalo Bills where he threw two interceptions, when Rodgers looked outmatched.

In a game where the Jets were down 33-0 in the fourth quarter and on the verge of falling to a 4-12 record, Rodgers suggested to interim coach Jeff Ulbrich that Tyrod Taylor should take his place. Rodgers spent nearly the entire fourth quarter on the bench, often sitting by himself. He looked like Joe Namath did in his final season with the Los Angeles Rams.

The Jets had hoped that Rodgers would be the leader, using his experience to help win the strategic battles of each game, cover up team weaknesses, and bring out the best in the younger players.

But they didn’t expect the defense to underperform. The defense had given up fourth-quarter leads in six losses, and early in the season, kicker Greg Zuerlein’s missed kicks contributed to three losses.

Of course, most of the blame has fallen on Rodgers, partly because of his polarizing public persona. He hasn’t been able to perform in crucial moments, failing to complete four potential game-winning drives in the final minutes.

But can he really be blamed for the 131 penalties the Jets have committed, the most in the league? Or for the poor game management?

Rodgers’ leadership has often been questioned. None of his teammates have said anything negative about him publicly, perhaps out of fear of losing his trust. When asked about him, players only offer positive comments.

“I feel like he’s a guy that’s definitely misunderstood,” said Reed, adding that it’s a privilege to play with someone of Rodgers’ level.

“People have their ups and downs and things to say about him,” Moses said. “But the only thing I can talk about is how I see him every day in this workplace — dealing with injuries, dealing with the uncertainty of coaching changes and just being a staple in the locker room.”

Behind closed doors, some teammates have noticed his body language when a player makes a mistake or misses an assignment. It happened during the game on Sunday when Rodgers threw his arms up after a bad pass to tight end Kenny Yeboah, a ball thrown at his feet. One player said, “It’s like, ‘Come on, man, we’re all in this together.'”

Rodgers’ relationship with wide receiver Garrett Wilson has also raised some concerns. This started in training camp with arguments on the field.

While they tried to explain these as just competitive moments, the tension between them has continued. In recent weeks, Wilson has been frustrated with Rodgers, especially as Rodgers has leaned on his old friend Davante Adams as his main receiver. Wilson denied the rumors of a rift between them, saying there’s “no truth” to it.

Rodgers also made waves when he criticized former teammate Mike Williams. After a Week 6 loss to the Bills, Rodgers called out Williams for running the wrong route on a critical interception late in the game.

The play, which became known as the “red line” issue, led to Rodgers explaining in detail that Williams had been supposed to run a vertical route marked by a red line, but instead, he ran an in-breaking route. This play marked the end of Williams’ brief time with the Jets.

The day after that incident, the Jets traded for Adams, and Williams was sent to the Pittsburgh Steelers a few weeks later.

“The Mike Williams red line saga was a tough look on his leadership,” said Ryan Fitzpatrick. “He will take the blame in press conferences, but a lot of times it feels empty to me because of his field body language and eye rolls during the game.”

Fitzpatrick, who retired after the 2021 season and analyzed Rodgers as a Prime Video analyst, came to this conclusion:

“I’m sure most of his teammates really like being around him and gravitate to his energy,” Fitzpatrick said. “I know for a fact he treats people the right way in the building, which is great to hear, but he has become such a polarizing figure — because you’re either with him or you aren’t.”

Fitzpatrick added, “If you’re not [with him], then you’re stupid [in Rodgers’ eyes] — a weird, childish stance that I have to imagine alienates a lot of people once you stop having daily interactions with him.”

Despite some uneven performances, Rodgers will still finish among the Jets’ top performers for a single season in a few categories. He’s currently ranked fifth in Total QBR (48.3), sixth in passing yards (3,623), and ninth in touchdown passes (24).

With a good game on Sunday, he could finish in the top five in all three categories. If he has an outstanding game, he could even challenge Joe Namath’s Jets record of 4,007 passing yards from 1967, becoming only the second Jets quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards. Rodgers needs 385 more yards to break Namath’s record.

However, there’s a catch: The Jets’ quarterback history isn’t very impressive. In fact, you’d have to go all the way back to 1972 to find the last Jets quarterback (Namath) who received an MVP vote.

“A lot of his season has been plagued by injury,” said Adams about Rodgers. “I don’t want to say ‘plagued,’ but that’s been something he’s fought through. Obviously, he hasn’t been able to put his best product out there.

“He’s been one of the best quarterbacks to ever play this game, and, no matter what happens from this moment on, you can’t take that away from him. Being 40 years old and playing at the level expected, that’s not easy to do. But he’s done a hell of a job statistically, trying to bounce back.”

Rodgers is feeling healthier than he did earlier in the season, and over the past four weeks, he’s thrown for the seventh-most passing yards in the league (996). This has sparked some discussions about him possibly returning in 2025.

A lot of that decision will depend on the new general manager and coach, as well as Rodgers himself, who has said he’s undecided about playing next year. His uncertain relationship with owner Woody Johnson may make things more complicated.

It seems that Johnson is ready to move on, according to people familiar with his thinking. One person even said they’d be “shocked” if Johnson allows Rodgers to return.

Rodgers has talked about the possibility of being released, almost as if he’s challenging the team to do it. He recently made a comment about Johnson’s teenage son being involved in the football side of things, which probably didn’t go over well with the owner.

Rodgers has said he plans to take some time during the offseason before deciding whether to retire or not. Clearly, he wants to have control over his own future.

“Whether he wants to play another year or not, he’s a Hall of Famer and an MVP, and you can’t take that away from him,” said Moses. “One thing about record books and stats and stuff like that: You can try to strip a guy of his records, but you can’t strip the guy of the hardware. And he’s got a lot of it.”

Rodgers has called these past two years “the best two years of my life,” in a spiritual sense, meaning he has formed new friendships and gained a new appreciation for the game. He wishes there had been more victories, and so does the fan base. Sadly, the universe, which is often unkind to the Jets, hasn’t been generous this time.

The post The debate rages on in New York: Will Aaron Rodgers’ legacy be damaged by the Jets’ tough season? appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Hill’s remarks come after a subpar season by his own lofty standards. He posted career lows with 959 receiving yards and six touchdowns, a sharp drop from back-to-back seasons with at least 1,700 yards. His performance against the Jets was similarly quiet, with just two catches for 20 yards. Despite this, Hill shared a message of appreciation for Dolphins fans on social media, thanking them for their support and the opportunities they had given him and his family.

Head coach Mike McDaniel addressed Hill’s absence in the final quarter of the game, noting it was not injury-related but declining to speculate further. McDaniel emphasized the emotional weight of the season-ending loss and refrained from making immediate judgments on Hill’s comments. He acknowledged the need for clarity in future discussions, leaving questions about Hill’s future role on the team unanswered.

The loss to the Jets highlighted the team’s overall struggles this season, as their playoff hopes were dashed not only by their own defeat but also by a decisive Denver Broncos win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Players, including veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell, admitted they were aware of the Broncos’ score during their game, which may have added to the emotional toll as they played out the final moments of a lost season.

Despite the setbacks, the Dolphins’ leadership signaled confidence in their current direction. McDaniel, who signed an extension before the season, and general manager Chris Grier received public endorsements from team owner Stephen Ross. In a statement, Ross emphasized the value of stability and reaffirmed his support for both men heading into the 2025 season.

As the Dolphins enter the offseason, uncertainty looms over Hill’s potential departure and the team’s ability to regroup after a disappointing year. With expectations high and key decisions ahead, the franchise must navigate player retention, performance issues, and leadership dynamics to ensure a stronger campaign in 2025.

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The players and staff took turns speaking, but for 11 sessions, Aaron Rodgers didn’t participate.

This wasn’t because Ulbrich didn’t want him to or because Rodgers thought he was too important. It was by choice.

“I’d asked him earlier in the season if he was thinking about letting me do it at the end,” Rodgers said Sunday night. “I just kind of wanted to talk to the guys about what the last two years have meant to me.”

Rodgers wanted one last, uninterrupted opportunity to speak to his teammates and coaches and to thank them. The 40-year-old understands that after Sunday night, he may not play another game for the Jets.

In the locker room, players felt a mix of joy and relief but couldn’t ignore the uncertainty about their quarterback’s future. This team is used to change. After losing head coach Robert Saleh on Oct. 8 and general manager Joe Douglas on Nov. 19, they know no one’s future with the team is certain.

The uncertainty extends to Rodgers, whose four-touchdown performance on Sunday was rare during a 5-12 season. Beating the Miami Dolphins 32-20 weeks after playoff hopes were lost didn’t erase a disappointing year.

Still, the Jets took a moment to appreciate the relationships that mattered more than the results, reflecting on what worked before focusing on what didn’t.

Rodgers led the charge with his Saturday night speech and his 274-yard performance in the season finale.

“There’s been a lot of special things that happened,” Rodgers said. “I would have had a big hole inside me that only these two years could have filled.”

Now, the question is, how will he fill his next two years?

A framework for considering Rodgers’ future

Two main questions will determine Rodgers’ future in the NFL, and their combination takes him into unknown territory.

The first question: Will the Jets want to bring back a quarterback who couldn’t consistently deliver strong performances, both personally and as a team, this season?

Rodgers admitted that he achieved his goal of playing all 17 games, but he didn’t meet some of his other goals. The Jets will have to consider how much injuries during the season affected his performance and how much his age is catching up with him.

A general manager and coach who didn’t sign Rodgers will see that he completed 63% of his passes, throwing for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while the Jets lost several games they led in the fourth quarter.

They’ll wonder: In 2025, will he play like the quarterback who threw four touchdowns in the season finale after bouncing back from an early interception? Or will he resemble the player with a 90.5 QB rating, whose mobility was inconsistent and chemistry with receivers shaky?

The decision likely won’t be up to Ulbrich, but he shared his thoughts.

“He wanted to play 17 games after an Achilles injury at 40-plus years old — that was a major part of his drive this year,” Ulbrich said. “Finally getting an opportunity to get healthy towards the end, we got to see that he can still play this game at a very, very high level. Whether he plays or not after this will be completely up to him because I’m sure he’ll have an opportunity.”

This leads to the second question: Does Rodgers want to keep playing?

The assumption is that Rodgers is capable. His teammates and coaches believe he can still perform at a high level.

Even so, the four-time MVP has said he needs some time away from the game before making his decision. He wants to think clearly, not in the heat of the moment. He plans to meet with team owners Woody and Christopher Johnson soon and will consider their views as part of his decision.

“Either way, I won’t be upset or offended,” Rodgers said. “Whatever they decide to do, if they want to move on — if I still want to play. And if not, I’ll let them know at some point.”

Teammates think Rodgers can still perform well in 2025. Tight end Tyler Conklin said Rodgers has “unlimited gas in the tank.”

“As a competitor and the person he is, it’s probably gonna be hard for him to not want to keep playing, but we’ll see what happens,” Conklin said. “It’ll be interesting.”

Rodgers’ uncertainty with the Jets is different from his exit from the Packers.

When Rodgers reached a turning point in his career before, he felt he had two choices: either play for an NFL team other than the Green Bay Packers or retire.

In 2022, Rodgers wasn’t sure which path to follow. He was certain that his time in Green Bay was over, and after 18 years, he felt drained.

“I needed to figure out whether I still had a desire to play and whether I could get the love for the game back,” Rodgers said. “I have tremendous love for the game [now] so I can’t say it feels anything like that. This feels much different.

“Just need to get away, and then also see what they’re into, what they’re thinking.”

Rodgers seemed to be open to the idea of playing again. He was excited when describing his first touchdown of the game as “an old-school red-zone touchdown like we did for so long in Green Bay.” This suggests that his talent is still a force to be reckoned with.

Instead of ruling out possibilities, Rodgers considered what he would do if the Jets decided to move on while he still had the urge to play.

“Would I be willing to play for another team?” Rodgers said. “The answer is yes.”

His speech on Saturday hinted at why. While Rodgers is close to reaching major milestones, like becoming the fifth player in NFL history to throw 500 touchdowns, with 503 touchdowns now in sight, surpassing Brett Favre’s 508 and Peyton Manning’s 539 is a possibility. Another Super Bowl title would always be tempting.

However, Rodgers didn’t focus on winning or records during his speech. He talked about relationships—the connections that he knows won’t be replicated when he retires.

That’s why Rodgers walked off Lambeau Field with his close friend Randall Cobb after his final game with the Packers two years ago. And this time, after Cobb retired, Davante Adams, Rodgers’ best friend still playing, escorted him off the field. Cobb flew in for what could be the last chapter of Rodgers’ Jets career.

This appreciation for relationships in the NFL will likely play a part in Rodgers’ decision, alongside his desire to show his doubters that he can still play at a high level in his 40s. He also wants to prove to himself that his strong four-touchdown performance in the season finale isn’t just a fluke.

“I think the big thing that he always said from the get-go, and he talked to us last night [about was] however long you play this game or whatever situation you’re in, if you don’t leave with relationships, then you’re missing out on something, because this game is about relationships,” said Tyler Conklin.

“It’s about bonds and it’s about friendships and going to war together and going through hard stuff together and helping feed each other’s families.

“I don’t want to speak for him, but that’s the thing that he prioritizes over everything, right? It’s his relationships and the relationships he’s built. I think that’s special.

“Especially with everything he’s done in his career, to prioritize relationships over everything he’s done is pretty cool. It says a lot about him.”

The post New York Jets face tough decisions on their quarterback for the offseason appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Gardner has been dealing with this injury since Week 13 and missed the Jets’ previous game against the Dolphins. He played last week at Buffalo but didn’t return after leaving in the first half.

Gardner, who was an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection in both of his first two seasons, ended his third year with one interception, a sack, nine passes defensed, and 49 tackles.

The Jets (4-12) will finish their season on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, while the Dolphins (8-8) must win and have Denver lose to Kansas City in order to make the playoffs for the third year in a row.

Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich mentioned that tight end Tyler Conklin (calf), defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (hamstring), right tackle Morgan Moses (knee), and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) will all be game-time decisions. All four were listed as questionable, but Conklin and Vera-Tucker participated in practice, while Williams and Moses did not.

Defensive tackle Leki Fotu is doubtful to play due to a knee injury.

With safety Chuck Clark going on injured reserve this week because of a torn pectoral muscle, Ulbrich said Ashtyn Davis would start in his place alongside Tony Adams.

Sherwood’s Honor
Linebacker Jamien Sherwood, who started as a backup at the start of the season, was voted the Jets’ MVP by his teammates.

“We had a lot of adversity this season, and obviously it didn’t go the way we wanted,” he said after the team’s final practice. “But to be recognized by my teammates, peers, future Hall of Famers, Pro Bowlers, All-Pro players, this means a lot to me.”

“I feel like not only my on-the-field play was able to help me win this award, but just the way I am amongst the locker room, amongst my teammates, always trying to find some type of energy, some type of enthusiasm to boost everybody up.”

The 2021 fifth-round draft pick out of Auburn was a converted safety who started seven games at linebacker in his first three NFL seasons. After C.J. Mosley got injured this season, Sherwood became a full-time starter.

He leads the Jets with 148 tackles, including a career-high 18 in their most recent game against Miami.

“You would be hard-pressed to find a harder worker, not only in this building, but any building in the NFL,” Ulbrich said.

Sherwood will be a free agent this offseason.

“I’m just so excited for the future now for him,” Ulbrich said. “Because it’s really planted seeds across the league as a guy that everybody’s going to want on their team, and he’s going to get rewarded for it. And he deserves every penny he’s going to get.”

The post Jets’ cornerback Sauce Gardner will miss the game against the Dolphins, Linebacker Jamien Sherwood has been named team MVP appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Vrabel is the second known candidate the Jets have spoken with for the position. They also interviewed former Washington and Carolina head coach Ron Rivera on Thursday.

Vrabel is expected to be a popular candidate in this hiring cycle. The Jets had the opportunity to meet with him early, as New Orleans and Chicago also fired their coaches during the season and will likely be looking for replacements too.

Vrabel, 49, worked as a consultant with Cleveland this season, but his contract expired earlier this week, allowing him to interview with other teams.

Vrabel was an All-Pro linebacker who helped New England win three Super Bowls. He coached the Titans for six seasons, posting a 56-48 record, including a 2-3 playoff record. He was let go by Tennessee after a 6-11 finish last season.

The Jets fired coach Robert Saleh on Oct. 8 after the team started 2-3 and replaced him with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on an interim basis. Ulbrich’s record stands at 2-9 heading into the season finale against Miami on Sunday.

Ulbrich expressed interest in interviewing for the head coaching position, saying he looks forward to the opportunity but is focused on finishing the season strong for the players.

Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood, voted team MVP by his teammates, believes Ulbrich “most definitely” deserves a chance at the full-time head coaching role.

Sherwood explained that Ulbrich was put in a tough position after taking over midway through the season, but he feels Ulbrich has done well given the situation.

The Jets also fired general manager Joe Douglas six weeks after Saleh’s departure, and they are now searching for a new GM. The Jets have already interviewed several GM candidates, including Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy, former Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, former Titans GM Jon Robinson, and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick.

Riddick recently interviewed with the Jets for the GM position on Thursday. He joined ESPN in 2013 and serves as an NFL and college football analyst. He also interviewed with Detroit and Houston for their GM jobs in 2020.

Jets owner Woody Johnson hired The 33rd Team, a media, analytics, and consulting group founded by former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, to help with both the GM and head coaching searches. Tannenbaum and former Dolphins and Vikings GM Rick Spielman are assisting in identifying candidates and coordinating interviews.

Vrabel played 14 seasons in the NFL, including time with Pittsburgh, New England (where he won three Super Bowls), and Kansas City. He had 57 career sacks, 11 interceptions, and 19 forced fumbles. He was named an All-Pro in 2007.

After retiring, Vrabel served as an assistant coach at Ohio State, then joined Bill O’Brien’s staff with the Houston Texans in 2014. Vrabel was the linebackers coach for three seasons before becoming defensive coordinator in 2017. He became the Titans’ head coach in 2018.

Vrabel led the Titans to the 2019 AFC Championship game, where they lost to Kansas City. The Titans made three consecutive playoff appearances under Vrabel, and he was named AP NFL Coach of the Year in 2021. However, Tennessee missed the playoffs in the next two years, finishing 13-21, leading to Vrabel’s firing after the 2023 season.

Rivera, who coached Washington from 2020 to 2023, had a 26-40-1 record. He led the team to the playoffs in 2020, his first season, but was fired after a 4-13 record in 2023.

Rivera is the only coach in NFL history to lead teams with losing records to the playoffs more than once, doing so with Carolina (7-8-1) in 2014 and Washington (7-9) in 2020. He also led the Panthers to the postseason four times during his tenure in Carolina, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2015, when the team went 15-1 before losing to Denver in the title game.

Rivera has a career record of 105-108-2, including 3-5 in the playoffs. He previously worked as an assistant coach for the Chargers and Bears before becoming head coach. Rivera played nine seasons as a linebacker for Chicago, part of the team that won the 1985 Super Bowl behind its strong “46” defense.

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Tagovailoa is still recovering from a right hip injury he suffered against Houston on December 15 and aggravated in a game against San Francisco the following week.

McDaniel said that based on how the week went, it’s unlikely Tagovailoa will be able to play. “I see it as unlikely that Tua will see any action,” McDaniel said. He added that Huntley took more practice reps than Tagovailoa during the week.

Tagovailoa expressed his frustration on Friday, saying it’s tough for any competitor to sit out when the season is on the line. However, he trusts Huntley to take the lead.

“It’s tough for any competitor to have to sit out when the season’s on the line and you know you can do more. But that just tells you how much trust and respect we have for Snoop,” Tagovailoa said.

Huntley had an impressive performance last week, completing 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards, with one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown against Cleveland.

While Tagovailoa has made some progress with the injury, McDaniel mentioned that it hadn’t healed as quickly as the team hoped. He had not been cleared to play last week and it was deemed unsafe for him to take the field.

When asked about the risk of further damage, Tagovailoa said he wasn’t sure if it could get worse but noted the doctors advised against playing to avoid further harm. “I don’t know if anything could be worse than what it is right now,” Tagovailoa said, “but — I don’t know.

This is just what the doctors are telling me is right for myself, and things of that nature. But I want to be out there. That’s for sure. But it’s just a risk for myself to be out there.”

McDaniel explained that Tagovailoa’s injury is different from something like a bruise, which is more about pain tolerance. He said it’s more of a muscle issue and that Tagovailoa’s bone is intact.

McDaniel clarified that surgery wouldn’t solve the problem. He stated that the solution is to stop aggravating the injury and focus on regaining strength and stability. “It’s not a surgical solution,” McDaniel said. “It is a ‘stop aggravating this by pushing through’ and try to regain some security and strength.”

Tagovailoa will end the regular season with 11 starts, his fewest since his rookie year, when he started 9 games. He threw for 2,867 yards, completing 72.9% of his passes, with 19 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.

Since entering the NFL in 2020, Tagovailoa has only played one full season, which was in 2023. In that season, he led the NFL in passing yards with 29 touchdowns and earned a four-year, $212 million contract extension in the offseason.

Earlier this season, Tagovailoa missed four games due to a concussion sustained in a scramble against Buffalo in Week 2. He had two concussions in 2022, one of which caused him to briefly lose consciousness, resulting in four missed games and a playoff game. In 2021, he fractured several ribs against Buffalo in Week 2 and missed the next three games.

Tagovailoa said that during the offseason, he will focus on ways to better protect himself to stay available for more games. “Obviously the concussions have been a thing,” he said, “and then off that, other injuries that have stacked up with the concussions to where I’m missing games.

It’s frustrating. That’s the frustrating part. That’s something to take into consideration for myself, for the team and just moving forward to stay available for more than one season. That’s for sure.”

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When asked on Wednesday if he’s thought about the possibility that Sunday’s season finale against Miami could be his last game, Rodgers responded, “Yeah, of course.” However, the 41-year-old quarterback stressed that he’s not ready to make a decision about his future yet.

“I just need a break mentally to kind of refresh and put my feet in the sand,” he said. “And see where I’m at after that.”

Despite not making a firm decision, Rodgers seemed to suggest that he may not return to the Jets even if he does want to keep playing.

“I mean, gratitude, honestly,” Rodgers said, referring to his time with New York. He repeated this sentiment throughout his 10-minute conversation with reporters. “It’s been the best two years of my life.”

Rodgers described his time with the Jets as a “perspective adjustment,” particularly during his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon that kept him to just four snaps in his highly anticipated debut for the Jets last season.

He mentioned that the experience helped him fall back in love with football after his long time in Green Bay and that he values the relationships he’s built with teammates, coaches, and others in the Jets organization.

“Obviously wish things would have gone better on the field,” he said. “But nothing but gratitude for this time in my life.”

Rodgers joined the Jets in April 2023 through a trade from the Packers, sparking hopes for a Super Bowl run. But those hopes quickly faded after his injury last season, and the team has faced other setbacks this year, turning it into one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.

The Jets are 4-12, have fired coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas, and Rodgers has only shown glimpses of his former MVP-level play. He has also admitted that the team might release him after this season.

“I think there’s going to be change here and if I’m a part of the change, then I just want to make sure everybody knows that I have nothing but gratitude for my time here,” Rodgers said. “It’s been a great experience all around, and again, I’m disappointed about the performance of both myself and as a team, but really thankful for the opportunity.

“If I feel good coming back and they want to make another run at this, that’d be fantastic. But I’m not naive to the situation we’re in.”

Rodgers’ future with the Packers was also uncertain after the 2022 season, and at that point, he was leaning toward retirement. He took a darkness retreat in Oregon, spending four days in isolation, and came out refreshed and ready to play, deciding to join the Jets.

Rodgers plans to take time to think things through during the offseason.

“Probably darkness again,” Rodgers joked about his plans, then smiled and added, “No, I think I’m done with that. I won’t be doing any darkness retreats this offseason.”

He will need to decide whether he wants to endure the physical and mental challenges of another season. Rodgers doesn’t think he’ll drag out the decision into the offseason.

“March is free agency,” he said. “I don’t think we’re even going to get that far just because there’s going to be a regime change here, at least with the GM. And then whatever they end up doing, I’m sure I’ll either get a call or have a conversation, and go from there.”

Rodgers still has one year left on his contract with a $2.5 million non-guaranteed base salary. He would also be due a $35 million option bonus before the season begins and would count $23.5 million against the salary cap. The new management team will need to take this into account when making decisions.

If Rodgers is cut or retires, the Jets could face a $49 million dead money charge next year, unless they designate him as a June 1 cut, which would allow them to spread the charge over two years.

But that’s all something for the future.

For now, Rodgers is focused on the present, and the one thing he knows for sure is that he will play for the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

“This game has given me a lot,” Rodgers said. “I’ve given a lot back to it and I’m thankful for it. I’m not thinking (and) I won’t be thinking about that come game day. I’ll just be enjoying this. I’m trying to stay in the moment, but of course it’s been a long career.

“I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to be a part of, what I’ve been able to accomplish, and also looking forward to a nice mental and physical rest.”

The post Rodgers calls his time with the Jets the “best 2 years of my life” but says he needs a mental break appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Despite a solid 25-save performance from Juuse Saros, the Predators couldn’t break through Winnipeg’s defense. The loss extended Nashville’s recent struggles, marking their second consecutive defeat after a promising 3-0-1 stretch. The Jets, meanwhile, capitalized on their power plays and suffocating defense to secure their fourth straight win.

In Florida, the Panthers defeated the New York Rangers 5-3, with Jesper Boqvist leading the charge with two goals. Eetu Luostarinen, Mackie Samoskevich, and Aleksander Barkov also contributed to the Panthers’ offensive outburst. Sergei Bobrovsky was solid in net, stopping 33 shots to give Florida a much-needed victory after being shut out in their previous two games. This win helped the Panthers break their offensive slump and maintain their position in the Eastern Conference.

The Rangers, who have been struggling, saw Filip Chytil, Ryan Lindgren, and Chris Kreider find the net. Kreider’s goal was especially notable, as it ended a frustrating 0-for-25 power-play drought. Igor Shesterkin made 21 saves in the loss, and the Rangers’ woes continued, as they have now lost seven of their past eight games, leaving them with a challenging road ahead.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken defeated the Utah Hockey Club 5-2, thanks to a strong performance from Jaden Schwartz, who registered a goal and two assists. Yanni Gourde, Andre Burakovsky, Matty Beniers, and Jared McCann also scored for Seattle, helping the team recover from a five-game losing streak. Philipp Grubauer made 28 saves to preserve the win. Utah, led by Logan Cooley and Alexander Kerfoot’s goals, continued their skid, dropping their fourth straight game despite Karel Vejmelka’s 28-save effort.

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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.”

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Critics argued that Epenesa’s actions were unavoidable, as gravity naturally causes a defender’s body to follow through during a sack. The NFL rule protecting quarterbacks when a defender’s full body weight lands on them is intended to prevent injuries but often leaves defenders with little to no alternative. This call, many said, exemplifies the rule’s overreach, penalizing players for routine football mechanics.

The reaction online was immediate and widespread, with many expressing outrage at what they considered an egregious mistake. Fans, analysts, and former players mocked the call, some joking that Epenesa should have defied gravity, while others labeled it the worst roughing the passer penalty in NFL history. Even Aaron Rodgers appeared to sympathize with Epenesa, seemingly acknowledging the questionable nature of the ruling.

Broadcast teams and analysts like Troy Aikman remained composed while addressing the issue, though the consensus among experts was clear: the rule needs reevaluation. It’s designed to protect quarterbacks, but its implementation often disrupts the flow and fairness of the game, particularly in situations like this where the defender has limited options.

The play underscored the broader issue of inconsistency in officiating and the need for the NFL to refine its rulebook. While player safety is crucial, many argue that rules like this unfairly penalize defenders and alter game dynamics. The Epenesa-Rodgers incident has added fuel to ongoing discussions about how to balance safety with preserving the essence of the sport.

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Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich announced on Friday that Zuerlein is returning after missing seven games due to a knee injury in his left, non-kicking leg. Before the injury, Zuerlein had struggled, and since then, the Jets have had issues at the kicker position, with Riley Patterson, Spencer Shrader, and Anders Carlson filling in.

“He came back, looked healthy, kicked the ball well this week,” Ulbrich said about Zuerlein. “So, he’ll be our guy going forward here.”

Zuerlein is officially listed as questionable but fully participated in the last two practices.

Wide receiver Davante Adams is also listed as questionable but is likely to play after taking part in limited practice on Friday due to a hip injury that kept him out on Thursday.

Adams, who joined the Jets from Las Vegas in October, has caught 56 passes for 719 yards and six touchdowns on 94 targets in nine games with the Jets. He is 72 yards away from his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season and his sixth in total.

“I think at this point, it would be a crying shame to not be able to get that,” he said.

Adams and Aaron Rodgers are tied with Miami’s Dan Marino and Mark Clayton for the third-most touchdown connections (82), including playoffs, by a quarterback-wide receiver duo.

Rodgers needs one more touchdown pass to become the fifth player in NFL history to reach 500 in the regular season, and Adams said he would “love” to catch that milestone pass.

“I got 200, I got 400,” he said, referring to Rodgers’ previous touchdown passes while they were teammates in Green Bay. “So it would be dope to get 500 as well. I think his 200th was my first, so we got some special connections in the past, so it’d be great.”

Adams mentioned he was injured early in the game against the Rams but still caught seven passes for 68 yards and a touchdown. He remains hopeful about playing against Buffalo.

“We’re still working on it,” Adams said. “We’re treating it, trying to get it right so we can hopefully be there and ready by game time.”

Cornerback Sauce Gardner is also questionable with a hamstring injury that kept him out in the second half of New York’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Zuerlein, who re-signed with the Jets last offseason on a two-year deal, made just nine of 15 field goals and missed one extra point in the first eight games this year. He had been one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers in the previous two seasons with the Jets.

Patterson kicked in one game after Zuerlein was placed on IR. Shrader also kicked in one game before he was signed off the practice squad by Kansas City. Carlson had been the kicker for the last five games but missed a field goal and an extra point against the Rams. The Jets also signed Greg Joseph to the practice squad to create competition.

Ulbrich said earlier in the week that Zuerlein would be considered after his long absence.

“I think sometimes that can be powerful, an opportunity just to take a deep breath, get his body healthy again and get a restart,” Ulbrich said. “So I’m excited for him to do his thing these last two games and really demonstrate to everybody who he is as a kicker.”

Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams could return after missing last week due to a hamstring injury. He was listed as questionable and was limited in practice all week.

Also questionable but expected to play are right tackle Morgan Moses (knee), safety Tony Adams (ankle), cornerback Michael Carter II (back), defensive end Haason Reddick (neck), and defensive lineman Braiden McGregor (ankle).

Defensive tackle Leki Fotu was ruled out with a knee injury.

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“That’s an amazing stat. Aaron’s one of, if not the best ever to throw a football,” Allen said after Bills practice on Thursday.

“He’s been an idol of mine since I was a kid, looking up to him and wanting to be in a position like him,” Allen added as the Bills prepare to face the Jets on Sunday. “Could I imagine 500 touchdowns? Sure. But again, I think Aaron is in his 20th year, that’s a lot of football. He’s seen a lot and has always adjusted his game.”

Allen, with 193 passing touchdowns after his seventh season, still has a long way to go to match Rodgers, who is set to become the fifth player to reach 500.

The question no one, possibly even Rodgers himself, knows is how many more touchdowns and seasons the 41-year-old will play.

Allen and the Bills (12-3) are one win away from securing the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs.

Meanwhile, Rodgers and the Jets (4-11) are facing uncertainty after a disappointing season that didn’t meet expectations.

A change in leadership seems likely after the midseason firings of coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas. Rodgers isn’t even sure if he will return, even if the Jets want him back.

“I’m still going to need some time mentally to step away from it and see how I feel if I want to come back for a 21st season,” Rodgers said.

The Jets are 2-8 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, and they are set to finish with six or fewer wins for the eighth time during a 14-season playoff drought, which is the longest active streak in the major North American sports leagues.

Despite the rough season, Rodgers cares about the Jets not giving up.

“If I see somebody not doing things the right way, I’ll speak up,” Rodgers said. “But the good thing is, everyone’s watching. This is an audition for all of us.”

In Buffalo, the Bills are working to strengthen an injury-hit defense that has allowed 1,357 yards, 86 first downs, and opponents to convert 24 of 40 third downs in winning two of their last three games. Cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee) and linebacker Matt Milano (groin) are close to returning.

Allen’s challenge is facing a Jets defense that has limited him to an average of 215 passing yards, seven touchdowns, six interceptions, and 16 sacks over their past five meetings (3-2).

“Why they’ve given me problems is I don’t think I’ve protected the ball well against them in the past,” Allen said. “I need to be smarter with the ball, making good decisions and knowing where it’s going.”

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The Jaguars’ opening 13-play, 70-yard drive showcased balanced execution on offense and set the stage for a competitive game. Quarterback Mac Jones performed admirably, throwing for over 200 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. The team’s rushing attack, which had been a weak point, finally gained traction, achieving over 130 yards on the ground. This was only the second time this season the Jaguars surpassed the 130-yard rushing mark and the first time they crossed 100 yards domestically since Week 4.

Despite their offensive resurgence, the Jaguars’ defense faltered in crucial moments. Late in the game, Aaron Rodgers connected with Davante Adams for a 71-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion to give the Jets a narrow lead. Although the Jaguars managed to tie the game with a 43-yard field goal, their defense could not contain the Jets on the next drive. A 41-yard catch by Adams helped the Jets secure a decisive 70-yard touchdown in under a minute.

Jacksonville had a final chance to respond but failed to score on their last possession. The team’s inability to deliver in high-pressure situations highlighted recurring issues with defensive execution and clutch offensive plays. Frustration among fans was evident, with calls for strategic changes and better management to address the team’s struggles. The Jaguars’ performance, though valiant, underscored the gap in consistency and defensive reliability.

Looking ahead, the Jaguars face the Las Vegas Raiders next week, another struggling team. While the Jaguars showed flashes of improvement, their inability to close out games remains a significant hurdle. With the season nearing its end, Jacksonville will need to focus on addressing their defensive lapses and leveraging the progress made in their offensive game.

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During the Monday, Dec. 23 episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers revealed that he is now dating a woman named Brittani.

While discussing his holiday shopping routine on the show, Rodgers casually mentioned his new relationship.

He explained that he has shifted from shopping at malls for Christmas presents to ordering them online. However, he admitted to some holiday stress when a package for Brittani was delayed.

“There was one package left for my girlfriend Brittani that hadn’t showed up yet,” he said. “I was waiting on this to show up, and it showed up today.”

This revelation caught the host, McAfee, off guard, as it was the first public mention of Rodgers’ new girlfriend. AJ Hawk, McAfee’s cohost and Rodgers’ former teammate with the Green Bay Packers, jokingly asked, “Spears?”

Rodgers quickly clarified, saying, “Not Brittany Spears, no, this is Brittani with an ‘i.’” He went on to explain that his new partner doesn’t watch The Pat McAfee Show and doesn’t have social media.

When McAfee and others on the show teased Rodgers about being “in love,” a smiling Rodgers responded, “It’s a good feeling, boys. It is.”

Rodgers, who typically keeps his personal relationships private, has had his share of high-profile romances.

Most recently, he was linked to Mallory Edens, a model and the daughter of Wes Edens, one of the owners of the Milwaukee Bucks. A source told in January 2023 that they were “more than friends, but it’s casual.”

Before Mallory, Rodgers was engaged to actress Shailene Woodley, best known for her role in Big Little Lies. The couple called off their engagement in February 2022 and fully ended their relationship by April of that year.

Rodgers has recently opened up about his past relationships in his 2024 Netflix docuseries, Aaron Rodgers: Enigma, admitting that he “didn’t do myself any favors with some of the girls I dated.”

He also spoke about how fame affected his life, saying, “I definitely hated it at first — like, really despised it. I enjoyed my private life. I enjoyed being able to go places. But from Super Bowl MVP, MVP, State Farm commercials, that got a little bit more difficult.”

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In the Jets’ 19-9 defeat, Rodgers threw for 256 yards and one touchdown. With New York officially out of playoff contention, Rodgers was asked about maintaining a positive mindset as the season winds down.

“I think we’re kinda past the ‘keeping it positive’ thing,” Rodgers said, via SNY. “I think it’s just about perspective. Perspective informs your truth, and your truth makes your reality.

“So, the reality of the situation is what it is, but your perspective is what you can change every single day. What you’re focusing on is the most important thing now. It’s not about changing the reality of the situation—being 4-11, out of the playoffs, and heading into an uncertain offseason.”

Rodgers also discussed what the upcoming two weeks mean for the team’s future.

“You gotta figure out what it means to be a professional,” Rodgers said. “That’s a crucial part of building culture. These last two weeks give us a chance to see who’s fully committed moving forward and who’s ready to check out.

It’s just part of the game. I’ve been on teams out of playoff contention before, and it’s always interesting to observe the practice and preparation habits.

“Hopefully, we’ll do the right thing, and it will matter because everyone’s watching. This league is a ‘who-you-know’ business.

The next couple of weeks will bring some intriguing conversations, but for now, we need to focus on the relationships we have with each other and finish this season like professionals.”

The Jets have undergone significant changes this season, including the dismissal of their head coach and general manager, as well as a blockbuster trade for Davante Adams.

More changes could be on the horizon, as wide receiver Garrett Wilson has remained noncommittal about his future with the franchise. New York is now 4-11 on the season.

The post Aaron Rodgers Reacts To The Jets Loss Against Rams As Season Comes To End appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

The Miami Dolphins faced a critical turning point in their season during their Sunday matchup against the New York Jets. Trailing 23-15 at the start of the fourth quarter, the team recognized the stakes: a loss would likely eliminate their playoff hopes. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill emphasized the team’s collective determination, highlighting how players stepped up and executed flawlessly when it mattered most. The Dolphins managed to tie the game with a touchdown by Hill and a successful two-point conversion by Jaylen Waddle, ultimately prevailing 32-26 in overtime to keep their playoff aspirations alive.

Statistically, the odds were stacked against the Dolphins entering the game, with only an 8.8% chance of making the playoffs. A loss would have diminished those odds to just 2.3%. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa played a pivotal role, completing 33 of 47 passes for 331 yards and two touchdowns, marking his third consecutive 300-yard passing game. He also threw the game-winning touchdown to tight end Jonnu Smith in overtime. Tagovailoa credited the team’s synchronized effort during critical moments, ensuring everyone executed their roles under immense pressure.

The Dolphins’ comeback was bolstered by rookie Malik Washington, who redeemed himself with a crucial 45-yard kickoff return late in the fourth quarter. This set up a game-tying field goal by Jason Sanders to force overtime. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel praised Washington’s resilience, highlighting how he overcame adversity from a previous game. McDaniel also attributed the team’s perseverance to a mid-week meeting focused on fostering resilience, which defensive tackle Zach Sieler acknowledged as a turning point despite initial skepticism.

Coach McDaniel underscored the significance of the team’s unity and their ability to bounce back from mistakes in all three phases of the game. While players like Jonnu Smith and Malik Washington made standout contributions, McDaniel emphasized that the team’s collective mindset and preparation throughout the week were key to their success. The Dolphins now face the challenge of maintaining their focus and energy as they head into the final stretch of the season.

With a 6-7 record, the Dolphins remain two games behind the Denver Broncos for the AFC’s final playoff spot. They also need to overcome the Indianapolis Colts, who hold a tiebreaker advantage. McDaniel stressed the importance of focusing solely on their next opponent, the Houston Texans, rather than speculating about playoff scenarios. He vowed to channel all efforts into preparing for Houston, determined to build on the momentum from their dramatic victory against the Jets.

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Williams, a two-time Pro Bowl selection with six sacks this season, was injured during the Jets’ 32-25 win at Jacksonville last Sunday. New York listed him as questionable for the game in their final injury report on Friday.

“We’re going to push it with Quinnen,” said interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. “We think he’s got a chance.”

During practice on Friday, Williams worked with the trainers in the rehabilitation area. Normally, players who don’t practice at all during the final session before a game don’t play, but Ulbrich said that this situation is different for Williams.

“If there’s a guy that can play without practicing, it’s him,” Ulbrich said, adding that the nature of Williams’ position is a factor.

“They just don’t open their stride up as much as other athletes on the field, so if there is a place that you can get away with having a hamstring (injury), that’s it,” Ulbrich said. “Saying that, at the same time, the extent of the injury — we’ve just got to make sure he can protect himself and play the best version of football for himself.”

Ulbrich added, “So, next couple days, we’ll collect that information and make a decision that’s best for him and for us.”

While Williams’ status remains unclear, nickel cornerback Michael Carter II has been ruled out due to a back injury.

“Yeah, it’s frustrating on so many counts, not just for him, but for us,” Ulbrich said. “He’s a guy that we count on. He unlocks our defense in a lot of ways because he’s the facilitator at the second level that really connects the safeties and the corners with the linebackers in the front.”

Carter will likely be replaced by Isaiah Oliver, who will join cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed — who will play after missing last week with a groin injury — to help defend Rams star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.

Right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle), running back Braelon Allen (back), and defensive tackle Leki Fotu (knee) were all listed as questionable but fully practiced on Friday.

Fotu, who has missed the last seven games, had his 21-day practice window opened earlier this week and could be activated from injured reserve to play Sunday. This would be his second stint this season after missing the first five games with a hamstring injury.

“He does have a chance, especially with the Quinnen injury,” Ulbrich said. “Had a good week of practice.”

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The results have mostly favored Rodgers, who has won 13 of their 17 matchups, all while playing for the Green Bay Packers. But this upcoming game is different—both teams and cities have changed, along with the circumstances.

Stafford, who spent many years with the Detroit Lions and is now in his fourth season with the Rams, will face Rodgers, now in his second year with the New York Jets, on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

“It’s always a good battle,” Stafford said. “A ton of respect for him. (A) great player in this league, an all-time great, has unbelievable talent and has accomplished a bunch. It’s always a challenge going against him.”

The last time they met, Rodgers’ Packers defeated Stafford and the Rams 36-28 at Lambeau Field. Rodgers won his fourth NFL MVP award that season, while Stafford led the Rams to their second Super Bowl win in his first year with the team.

This time, Stafford aims to guide the Rams (8-6) to their fourth consecutive win and keep them in the lead in the NFC West. Meanwhile, Rodgers and the Jets (4-10) are wrapping up a tough season.

“It’s two greats and two guys that I look at as Hall of Famers,” Rams coach Sean McVay said.

Stafford has played a big role in the Rams’ recent success. He hasn’t turned the ball over in their last five games, marking his longest streak in 16 years in the NFL. The 36-year-old is also among the league’s leaders with 3,463 passing yards.

“Matt’s one of my all-time favorite competitors to go against,” Rodgers said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday. “Just a lot of fun battles over the years, just a lot of respect for him. He plays the game the way I totally respect. He’s as tough as they come. He’s savvy, he’s smart, he’s gritty, he’s competitive.”

Rodgers, at 41, had to deal with leg injuries earlier in the season, after playing only four snaps last year due to a torn Achilles tendon. However, he has recently performed well, passing for 628 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions in his last two games. Rodgers is also just two touchdown passes away from reaching 500 for his career.

“He’s a hell of a player and does a great job,” Stafford said. “He’s still doing a really good job for them. He played fantastic in the last couple of weeks. He looks to be healthy, moving around and doing his thing.”

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Rodgers stated his intention to potentially return in 2025 but left open the possibility that circumstances could change. While he prefers to play for the Jets if he decides to continue his career, he emphasized that it depends on whether the team wants him back. This decision is not entirely in his control, especially as a new general manager might have different plans for the franchise. Rodgers’ comments reflect the complicated nature of his situation: his loyalty to the Jets contrasts with the reality of a franchise approaching a major rebuild after a dismal 3-8 record.

Adding to the uncertainty are Rodgers’ physical issues, including his Achilles injury and lingering hamstring, knee, and ankle problems, which have limited his ability to perform to his Hall of Fame standards. Although there were rumors that he could be placed on injured reserve and might have played his last snap for the Jets, both Rodgers and Ulbrich quickly denied this. Ulbrich maintained that as long as Rodgers is healthy, he plans to play him, and Rodgers himself confirmed his preference to remain on the field.

Rodgers also acknowledged the complexities surrounding his future with a potential new regime. If the Jets bring in a new coaching staff or front office, it could affect his standing with the team and his desire to play. He emphasized that staff decisions, schemes, and the overall direction of the franchise will factor heavily into his choice to return in 2025. Rodgers appears to be positioning himself carefully, weighing his loyalty to the Jets against his need for organizational stability and alignment.

For Rodgers, this represents the most uncertain moment of his illustrious 20-year career. Known for his desire to control narratives, this lack of clarity seems unsettling for him. Still, Rodgers insisted on staying in the moment, focusing on the remainder of this season while leaving the future to unfold on its own. His willingness to adapt will be critical as the Jets navigate their inevitable rebuild and determine whether Rodgers is part of their long-term plans.

The post Rodgers Stays Noncommittal on Jets Future as Chaos, Injuries, and Rebuild Plans Cloud Outlook appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

The Jets’ defense struggled without star cornerback Sauce Gardner, as Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa took full advantage of the mismatch. Early in the game, Tagovailoa connected with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on key throws, quickly exposing New York’s secondary. A pass interference call on D.J. Reed extended the Dolphins’ opening drive, setting up De’Von Achane for a two-yard rushing touchdown and an early lead.

Despite their defensive woes, the Jets’ offense showed significant improvement. Aaron Rodgers delivered his best performance in years, throwing for over 300 yards for the first time since 2021. New York’s opening drive was promising, with rookie backs Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis stepping up in Breece Hall’s absence. However, the Jets’ red-zone struggles resurfaced as they settled for a field goal rather than a touchdown. Miami added another field goal before the Jets finally found the end zone when Davis rushed in from 17 yards out, giving New York a brief 10-9 lead.

Both offenses moved the ball with ease throughout the first half, as neither defense could consistently make stops. Miami regained the lead with two field goals before halftime, including a 57-yarder from Jason Sanders. Rodgers and the Jets’ offense remained aggressive, with Rodgers finding Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson for big plays. However, New York’s inability to capitalize in the red zone haunted them again, forcing another field goal to make it a narrow 15-13 Dolphins lead at the break.

The second half opened with the Jets regaining momentum. Rodgers connected with Wilson on a deep pass to set up Adams for a short touchdown, reclaiming the lead at 20-15. The Jets’ defense finally managed to slow Miami on their next possession, forcing a punt and giving New York a chance to extend their advantage. Rodgers and the offense moved the ball well but once again faltered in the red zone, settling for another field goal to make it 23-15.

As the fourth quarter began, the Jets held the lead and seemed poised to take control. However, their offense stalled at a critical moment when Rodgers was sacked on third down, leading to the team’s first punt of the game. Miami capitalized, with Tagovailoa driving the Dolphins downfield and converting a two-point play after a touchdown to tie the game at 23-23. The Jets’ poor clock management on their next drive left Miami with enough time to respond. Although Rodgers put the team in position for a go-ahead field goal, a costly sack and questionable play-calling prevented the Jets from draining the clock. Sanders’ ensuing kick tied the game, sending it to overtime.

In overtime, the Dolphins took control. Tagovailoa found tight end Jonnu Smith—who had no catches in regulation—for three crucial receptions, including the game-winning touchdown. The Jets’ defense had no answer as Miami marched effortlessly down the field to seal the victory. Rodgers and the offense, who had played well all day, never got a chance to respond, as Miami ended the game on their opening drive of overtime.

The loss was a microcosm of the Jets’ season: missed opportunities, poor late-game execution, and questionable coaching decisions. Rodgers and the offense showed flashes of what they could be, as Wilson and Adams dominated Miami’s secondary. However, repeated red-zone failures and bad clock management ultimately doomed the Jets. Defensively, while they struggled early, they did enough late to give New York a chance to win.

With this defeat, the Jets were officially eliminated from playoff contention, extending their NFL-worst postseason drought to 14 seasons. While Rodgers’ strong performance gave fans a glimpse of the offense’s potential, it also underscored how much better the team could have been with improved coaching and decision-making. Moving forward, the organization must address its leadership and ensure that the next head coach and general manager are capable of unlocking the team’s potential and breaking this endless cycle of disappointment.

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Adams caught nine passes from Rodgers for 198 yards and two touchdowns—all in the second half—and the Jets came back to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars 32-25, ending a four-game losing streak on Sunday.

Adams grabbed a 71-yard touchdown pass with 3:24 remaining and a 41-yarder that set up Breece Hall’s 1-yard touchdown run with 1:05 to go. In between, he made a spectacular catch along the sideline for a first down.

It was a typical performance from Adams, who became the 12th player in NFL history to record 100 receiving touchdowns. It was also a typical performance from Rodgers, who threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns as the Jets (4-10) scored over 30 points for the first time this season. The 41-year-old quarterback also led the Jets with 45 yards rushing.

“Historic, magical,” said Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. “To get his 100th TD… I feel honored to have seen it and to have been here for it. It was an amazing moment for those two guys. Obviously, a lot of ball between them and a lot of touchdowns. So, for them to get that was special.”

Many would not be surprised to see the Jets bring back Rodgers and Adams next season, even though the former Green Bay teammates are set to count nearly $52 million against the Jets’ salary cap in 2025.

After all, they showed their potential together against the Jaguars.

“Oh yeah, today was one of those days in the second half,” Adams said. “Definitely felt very, very similar to the way we used to get it rolling.”

Adams’ 100th touchdown came on a 1-yard fade route in the third quarter. His 101st touchdown was even more impressive. He sprinted down the middle of the field, running past linebacker Devin Lloyd and noticing no safety help from Darnell Savage until it was too late.

Adams was wide open in the flat for the 41-yard gain and was tackled at the 1-yard line. The Jets should have probably taken a knee from there, made Jacksonville use its remaining timeouts, and then kicked a short field goal to win. However, Hall’s touchdown run gave the Jaguars (3-11) a chance to make a late comeback.

“I wanted to be aggressive, and I wanted the points,” Ulbrich said. “I wanted to put the nail in the coffin at the end.”

Mac Jones drove the Jaguars into Jets territory before throwing his second interception of the day. Sauce Gardner’s first pick of the season basically sealed the game.

Jones completed 31 of 46 passes for 294 yards, with two touchdowns to rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and two interceptions. Thomas had 10 catches for 105 yards. Tight end Brenton Strange caught 11 passes for 73 yards.

Jones seemed to be on his way to improving to 6-0 as a starter against the Jets, and the Jaguars looked like they might win back-to-back games for the first time in 13 months. But Rodgers and Adams had other plans.

The duo has now connected for 81 touchdowns, including playoffs, making them the fourth most successful quarterback-receiver pairing in NFL history. They are just one touchdown behind Dan Marino and Mark Clayton of Miami.

“Aaron is a great quarterback. He’s a Hall of Fame quarterback,” said Jaguars coach Doug Pederson. “They made plays that we didn’t make, and that part’s unfortunate. It comes down to just a couple plays in your season or your game or whatever could be a little bit different.”

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Hall has been dealing with a hyperextension and an injured MCL in his left knee, which kept him out of the game last Sunday at Miami. However, he participated fully in practice on Friday after sitting out on Wednesday and Thursday. Hall is listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report.

“He looks good right now,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said. “So it’s promising.”

Hall leads the Jets with 692 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He also has 401 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 46 catches. With Hall out last weekend, two rookies helped fill the gap. Braelon Allen rushed for 43 yards on 11 carries, and Isaiah Davis gained 40 yards on 10 carries, scoring his first rushing touchdown.

“We’re hopeful and we’ll see how it goes,” Ulbrich said of Hall.

The Jets will welcome star cornerback Sauce Gardner back after he missed a game due to a hamstring injury. However, it looks like cornerback D.J. Reed will be out because of a groin injury. Reed is listed as doubtful after missing practice on Thursday and Friday.

“It’s been something that’s kind of lingered here and there,” Ulbrich said. “It’s gotten aggravated and then it went away, and then it got aggravated again. So, it’s just dealing with that.”

With backup Brandin Echols out due to a shoulder injury, veteran Isaiah Oliver or rookie Qwan’tez Stiggers could start alongside Gardner if Reed can’t play. Kendall Sheffield might also be called up from the practice squad for the second consecutive game.

Ulbrich also said kick returner Kene Nwangwu will be placed on injured reserve after breaking his hand last weekend against Miami. This injury came a week after Nwangwu was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week following his 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a forced fumble in a loss to Seattle.

“To put him out there with a broken hand, just thought it’d be counterproductive for him and for us as a team, so it unfortunately cuts the season short and what a bright light he was,” Ulbrich said. “What an amazing future I think he has in this league. With saying that, he’s already been a really good player for quite a while, so (it’s) unfortunate, but he’ll be back.”

Offensive lineman Xavier Newman (groin) is doubtful, while right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) and right tackle Morgan Moses (wrist) are questionable.

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Despite Rodgers’ lofty goals, achieving them has proven difficult. In 2023, a devastating torn Achilles during the first game of the season sidelined him after just four snaps. Although he returned later in the year, the Jets’ playoff hopes were dashed when they were eliminated from contention following a 32-26 overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins. This defeat ensured that the Jets would miss the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season, extending the longest active postseason drought in the NFL.

The Jets’ 14-year absence from the playoffs highlights the ongoing struggles of the franchise. Their last postseason appearance came in 2010 when they reached the AFC Championship Game, but since then, they have failed to break through. The loss to the Dolphins further underscored the team’s inability to secure a playoff berth, despite the addition of a star quarterback like Rodgers.

The Jets are not alone in enduring prolonged playoff droughts. Other major sports teams in the U.S. also face similar struggles. The Buffalo Sabres in the NHL have gone 13 seasons without making the playoffs, the Los Angeles Angels in MLB have missed out for 10 years, and the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA have not appeared in the postseason for eight years. These teams, like the Jets, continue to search for success while grappling with extended postseason dry spells.

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Charles, who was in his third season with the Jets, got injured while covering a punt in the fourth quarter of New York’s 32-26 overtime loss to Miami.

He had been making a name for himself as one of the best special teams players in the league, even being triple-teamed on one play against Seattle two weeks ago. Charles also blocked a punt earlier this season.

“In a very tough, challenging year in a lot of ways, an absolute bright spot for this team,” said interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. “I really believe had he finished the season playing the way he was playing, he would’ve been a shoo-in for (the) Pro Bowl as far as the special teams player is concerned, the core player.”

To fill Charles’ spot, the Jets signed defensive back Jaylin Simpson from the Indianapolis practice squad to the active roster.

Cornerback Sauce Gardner, who missed the game against the Dolphins due to a hamstring injury, is on track to return on Sunday against Jacksonville. The two-time All-Pro selection participated fully in practice on Wednesday and later confirmed that he would play.

The status of running back Breece Hall is still unclear because of an MCL injury and hyperextension in his left knee, which kept him out of the Miami game. He did not practice on Wednesday.

“He’s struggling a bit, so we’ll see how he goes this week,” Ulbrich said, adding that Hall had been “playing with a little bit of pain and fighting his way through” it the past few weeks.

“It’s a thing that it’s maybe not improving as much as he’d like at this point,” Ulbrich added.

Rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis did well in filling in for Hall against the Dolphins. Allen rushed for 43 yards on 11 carries, and Davis gained 40 yards on 10 attempts and scored his first rushing touchdown.

Ulbrich said the Jets were still getting information on the injured hand of kick returner Kene Nwangwu, who missed the game after being hurt on Sunday. This injury came just a week after he was named the AFC special teams player of the week for his 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Seahawks.

Right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker is dealing with an ankle injury, but Ulbrich said the Jets are “hopeful” he will be able to play. Edge rusher Haason Reddick has an illness and did not practice.

Right tackle Morgan Moses (wrist), offensive lineman Xavier Newman (groin), and cornerbacks D.J. Reed (groin) and Brandin Echols (shoulder) were limited in practice.

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Wide receiver Garrett Wilson suggested last Sunday that a “gene” could explain the Jets’ struggles to win, after the team dropped to 3-10 following a loss to Miami.

On Wednesday, Aaron Rodgers offered another possible reason. “I mean, it might be something like that,” the quarterback said about Wilson’s idea. “It might be some sort of curse we’ve got to snap as well.”

For years, frustrated Jets fans have joked that something negative has been working against the franchise since Joe Namath’s Super Bowl win in January 1969. That remains the only time the team has appeared in the NFL’s biggest game.

Rodgers has been to the Super Bowl once — and won — with Green Bay. The 41-year-old quarterback joined the Jets hoping to lead them back to the Super Bowl.

He even mentioned how lonely the team’s only Lombardi Trophy looked during his first press conference in New York 20 months ago.

Instead, Rodgers’ first season with the Jets ended early due to a torn Achilles tendon just four plays into the game, sparking the “curse” talk again among disappointed Jets fans.

With last Sunday’s loss, New York extended its playoff drought to 14 years, the longest active streak in the major North American sports leagues. The team will be looking for a new general manager and coach after this season, and Rodgers’ future in New York is uncertain.

“Whatever the case, this team, this organization is going to figure out how to get over the hump at some point,” Rodgers said. “The culture is built by the players. There’s a framework set down by the organization, by the upper-ups, by the staff. But in the end, it’s the players that make it come to life.”

“And at some point, everybody’s going to have to figure out what that special sauce is to turn those games that should be wins into wins.”

The Jets have led in the fourth quarter of five games this season but lost every one of them, including the past three. This led Wilson to propose the “gene” theory.

“I’m not exactly sure what he was talking about there,” Rodgers said with a smile. “I don’t know what the proper nomenclature is for the situation where we’ve lost some leads or haven’t been able to take the lead late in the game, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. We haven’t been great in situational football.”

“A lot of those games come down to the plays in the first and second, even third quarter, where if you make the play, the game is not in that situation. But in those situations, we haven’t been very good on offense or defense or even (special) teams.”

Rodgers explained that establishing a winning culture requires a “conscious effort” and includes leadership, practice habits, and setting standards both inside and outside the locker room.

Rodgers said this year’s Jets are “on the edge” of achieving that.

“We just haven’t quite figured out how to get that special sauce worked out, mixed up,” he said. “It’s close and a lot of great guys are in the locker room. There’s some good mix of veterans and young guys, but we just haven’t quite put it all together.”

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“Just know we were getting after everyone inside the huddle,” Tagovailoa said. “To make sure you’re blocking the way you need to block, you’re running the routes the way you need to be — you need to be in the right spots.”

Whatever was said helped keep Miami’s slim playoff hopes alive. The Dolphins (6-7) overcame 8- and 3-point deficits in the fourth quarter, as well as one of Aaron Rodgers’ best performances in years, to defeat the Jets 32-26.

Tagovailoa sealed the win with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jonnu Smith in overtime, helping the Dolphins spoil Rodgers’ first 300-yard passing game in almost three years. Miami also extended their streak of winning against the Jets in Miami to nine games.

After Jason Sanders tied the game with a 42-yard field goal with 7 seconds left in regulation, Tagovailoa quickly led the Dolphins down the field.

This came after Anders Carlson gave the struggling Jets (3-10) the lead with a 42-yard field goal with 52 seconds remaining. Malik Washington made an important play with a 45-yard kickoff return to the Dolphins’ 46-yard line, setting up Sanders’ game-tying field goal.

“It was one of those moments where you make a split-second decision and just take it and see what happens next,” said Washington, the rookie. “And be a football player.”

Tagovailoa completed 33 of 47 passes for 331 yards and two touchdowns. He had just one incompletion on Miami’s eight-play, 70-yard scoring drive, which ended with Smith’s fourth touchdown of the season. Smith had not caught a pass until then, but he grabbed three passes for 44 yards during the winning drive.

“A win means a lot,” Tagovailoa said. “It means a lot because we have no room for error to lose another game.”

Rodgers was 27 of 39 for 339 yards, ending a 34-game streak without a 300-yard passing performance dating back to Dec. 12, 2021, when he was with Green Bay. He also threw a touchdown pass to Davante Adams.

But Rodgers had to watch from the sideline during overtime as the Jets never got the ball after blowing a second straight second-half lead.

“A lot of different ways we’ve lost these games,” Rodgers said. “Everybody has some skin on that, but we had opportunities on offense. Whatever happens on defense doesn’t matter. We got to get to 30 (points). We didn’t do it.”

Rodgers and Adams connected for a 3-yard touchdown in the third quarter, marking their 79th touchdown together in the regular season and playoffs. This set a new record for the fourth-most touchdowns by a quarterback-receiver duo in NFL history, passing Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown of Pittsburgh. Adams finished the game with nine catches for 109 yards.

Down 8 at the start of the fourth quarter, Tagovailoa found Tyreek Hill for a 4-yard touchdown. Jaylen Waddle caught the two-point conversion to tie the game at 23. Hill caught 10 passes for 115 yards, and Waddle had 99 yards on nine catches.

The Jets had taken a 20-15 lead in the third quarter, with Adams’ touchdown set up by a 42-yard pickup by Garrett Wilson, who beat cornerback Jalen Ramsey on a double move. Carlson’s 40-yard field goal later stretched New York’s lead to 8 after the Dolphins failed to score in the third quarter.

“Actually, when we were down 23-15, when we were trotting back on the field, everybody knew what was at stake at that moment,” Hill said. “We know if we lose, it’s over. Our season is over.”

The game featured a matchup between the Jets’ No. 2-ranked pass defense and Tagovailoa, the NFL’s most accurate passer, as well as Miami’s No. 9-ranked pass defense against the four-time MVP Rodgers, who has had a difficult season.

Both quarterbacks played well, and the teams were evenly matched at first, with each scoring on their first three possessions. Miami’s first punt came in the second half, and the Jets scored on their first five possessions.

Tagovailoa had just three incompletions in the first half and was perfect on Miami’s final drive of the second quarter, moving the Dolphins into field goal range in 45 seconds. Sanders made a 57-yard field goal to tie his career-best.

Sanders also made field goals of 39 and 24 yards, while De’Von Achane had a 2-yard touchdown run on Miami’s opening drive.

Rodgers moved the Jets inside Miami’s 20-yard line three times in the first half. Isaiah Davis ran for a 17-yard score, and Carlson made field goals of 28 and 30 yards.

Wilson caught seven passes for 114 yards.

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With this loss, their playoff chances are officially gone.

The Jets blew a fourth-quarter lead for the fifth time, losing 32-26 in overtime to the Miami Dolphins, which extended their playoff drought to 14 consecutive years—the longest active streak in the NFL.

“Obviously, you work as hard as we do, it’s supposed to lead to wins and it could be demoralizing a little bit,” said wide receiver Davante Adams. “But I try to remind everybody to keep going, regardless of the circumstances or the record. We’re playing for our pride at this point.”

Even Aaron Rodgers’ first 300-yard passing game since December 2021, and Anders Carlson’s 42-yard field goal to put the Jets (3-10) ahead 26-23 with 52 seconds left, weren’t enough to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Malik Washington returned Carlson’s kickoff 45 yards to the Miami 46. With no timeouts left, the Dolphins moved to the Jets’ 34-yard line, where Jason Sanders made his fourth field goal, a 52-yarder, with 12 seconds left in regulation.

Rodgers and the Jets never had the ball in overtime. After winning the coin toss, the Dolphins, led by Tua Tagovailoa, drove 70 yards for a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jonnu Smith, sealing the win.

“We have to find a way to finish, give our best when our best is required,” said Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, whose record dropped to 1-7 since taking over for the fired Robert Saleh. “And not getting that accomplished, I’ve got to look at myself first.”

Before the late collapse, the Jets scored on their first five drives. Adams had seven catches for 114 yards, and Garrett Wilson finished with 109 yards on nine catches. But three of those drives ended in field goals, allowing the Dolphins to stay within reach.

“We had some good stretches,” Rodgers said after completing 27 of 39 passes for 339 yards and a 3-yard touchdown to Adams in the third quarter. “Got to be better in the red zone. We had a couple negative yards plays and false starts that hurt us. But I felt like we moved the ball pretty efficiently.”

When Rodgers joined the Jets before the 2023 season, there were high hopes that the four-time MVP would help end the playoff drought.

However, Rodgers tore his left Achilles tendon just four snaps into his Jets debut.

The Jets started the season with fresh Super Bowl dreams and a 2-1 record. But they have since lost nine of their last ten games, and Rodgers’ performances have not matched his 18-year run with Green Bay.

“The expectations were high. We didn’t reach them, they weren’t close,” Rodgers said. “We just didn’t figure out how to win enough games. I didn’t play good enough in some crunch times, and that’s why we’re sitting here with the record we got.”

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Loggains, 44, takes over after Shawn Clark was fired on Monday following the Mountaineers’ 5-6 season, their first losing record since 2013.

Before coming to South Carolina, Loggains was an assistant at Arkansas for two seasons, his alma mater. He also spent 16 years in the NFL, working as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for teams like Tennessee, Cleveland, Chicago, Miami, and the New York Jets.

“He brings experience as a leader and play-caller at the highest levels of professional and college football,” Gillin said. “He is a great recruiter and believes strongly in building relationships. He is aligned with our core values of academic integrity, competitive excellence, social responsibility and world-class experience. This is a great day for App State.”

At South Carolina, Loggains helped lead an offense that featured LaNorris Sellers, one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, and running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders. These players helped the team achieve the third-best rushing offense in the Southeastern Conference.

Loggains also spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons as the tight ends coach at Arkansas and worked with NFL quarterbacks like Sam Darnold, Jay Cutler, Mitchell Trubisky, Brian Hoyer, and Vince Young.

Under Clark, App State finished 40-24, but the team did not reach a bowl game in two of the past three seasons. The Mountaineers, who were expected to win the Sun Belt Conference’s East Division this season, ended up tied for fifth with a 3-5 record in league play.

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Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said on Friday that both players are likely to miss the game, “barring something magical happening the next couple of days.” Neither Gardner nor Hall practiced during the week.

Gardner injured his hamstring late in the Jets’ loss to Seattle last Sunday. Hall had a knee injury last week, but played through it and gained 60 yards on 12 carries. However, this week, he experienced more problems with his knee, including what Ulbrich described as “a little bit of an MCL, a little bit of a hyperextension.”

Ulbrich also announced that linebacker C.J. Mosley will be placed on injured reserve, ending his attempt to return from a herniated disk in his neck, which has kept him out of the last five games. He had returned to practice last week and had a full practice on Wednesday. However, he had a setback and didn’t practice on Thursday or Friday.

“It was a hard decision for him, but it’s the best decision for him and our organization,” Ulbrich said.

This could mark the end of Mosley’s six-year stint with the Jets, as he still has one year left on his contract, which includes $4.25 million in guarantees but would count $12.8 million on the salary cap next season.

Wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) and offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer (finger) are expected to be activated from injured reserve and will be available for the game, as both fully participated in practice this week.

With Gardner out, Brandin Echols is likely to start opposite D.J. Reed at cornerback. Ulbrich had already expressed doubts about Gardner’s ability to play due to the injury, especially against the Dolphins’ fast wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

“It’s huge,” Ulbrich said of not having Gardner. “It’s tough. But we’re fortunate to have Brandin Echols, who’s played a lot of football and has played well against the Dolphins.”

Echols has faced Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa several times and has had success, intercepting him twice and returning both for touchdowns.

“Would you like Sauce? There’s no doubt,” Ulbrich said. “But having Echols is a very good backup in this situation.”

Hall, who leads the Jets with 692 rushing yards and four touchdowns, along with 46 catches for 401 yards and two touchdowns, is dealing with another injury to his left knee—the same knee where he tore his ACL two years ago.

“Just not feeling quite right,” Ulbrich said of Hall’s knee.

With Hall out, rookies Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, and Kene Nwangwu are expected to step up. Allen, a fourth-round pick, has 240 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Davis, a fifth-round pick, has 22 rushing yards and a touchdown catch from last week.

Nwangwu, mostly a special teams player, was named AFC special teams player of the week after returning a kickoff for a touchdown last Sunday.

“We are fortunate in that way, too, from the running back depth, minus Breece, who’s in my opinion one of the best backs in this league,” Ulbrich said. “We still have one of the best running back rooms in the NFL without him.”

Offensive lineman Xavier Newman was added to the injury report on Friday with a groin injury and is listed as questionable for the game. Other players listed as questionable include left tackle Olu Fashanu (toe), right tackle Morgan Moses (knee/shoulder), right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, and cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers (illness). Ulbrich said they were all expected to play.

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However, after missing most of last season due to a torn left Achilles tendon, Rodgers still hasn’t faced the Miami Dolphins with his current team.

That will change this Sunday when the Jets play the Dolphins for the first time this season. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said this game feels like it’s been a long time coming.

“I’m excited to see him go out there and have fun with his guys and play,” Tagovailoa said. “Hopefully they don’t do too good against our guys, but we’re going to come out there and we’re going to compete as well and just admire good football if he goes out there and does his thing.”

Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said earlier this week that the team is sticking with Rodgers as the starter, even though the 41-year-old has had struggles. Rodgers called the idea that he needed to prove his value in the last five games of the season “ridiculous.”

“I love football,” Rodgers said. “I don’t need a lot of motivation from the outside world or inspiration. I wake up, I love what I’m doing, I’m grateful to still be playing and I want to go out and compete and light up the defense every day.”

The Dolphins (5-7) are preparing to see the best of the four-time NFL MVP, despite Rodgers’ recent struggles, which have not affected his legacy, according to Tagovailoa.

“Whether he looks like the same way he did in years past or not, you’re just going up against greatness regardless,” Tagovailoa said.

Dolphins rookie linebacker Chop Robinson said he was only a year old when Rodgers started his first NFL season.

“To me, he still looks like Aaron Rodgers out there,” Robinson said, adding that he’s excited to face the player he grew up watching.

Rodgers has thrown for 2,627 yards and 19 touchdowns with eight interceptions, but his 6.3 yards per pass attempt is the lowest of his career as a starter.

He was 21 of 39 for 185 yards with two touchdowns against Seattle last week, but also threw an interception that was returned 92 yards for a touchdown and could not lead the Jets (3-9) in a late comeback — something he has done many times in his career.

“We have tremendous faith in Aaron, we really do,” Ulbrich said. “His struggles partly have been from an injury standpoint, not being fully healthy. But beyond that, I know he hasn’t played to the standard he’d like to play to. But we all know what he’s capable of. We all have great belief in him. I really believe we’re going to get the best version of him this Sunday, I do.”

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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.

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Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich shared on Wednesday that Gardner is still undergoing tests on his leg after leaving last Sunday’s loss to Seattle late due to the injury.

Ulbrich didn’t sound hopeful about Gardner being ready to play, especially against the fast Dolphins wide receivers, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Gardner missed practice on Wednesday.

“They’re still assessing the degree of which, beyond what the MRI told us,” Ulbrich said about Gardner’s hamstring. “He plays the position and we’re playing an opponent that you cannot play with a poor hamstring, in my opinion. So, we’ll see how it goes. If he’s feeling good and he’s ready to rock and roll, then we’ll let him play. If not, this is not a game we want him at half-speed.”

Gardner, an All-Pro in each of his first two seasons, has had an up-and-down third season but was playing well against the Seahawks before the injury. He had a season-high two passes defensed, but has yet to get an interception this year.

Other players who did not practice on Wednesday include running back Breece Hall (knee), right tackle Morgan Moses (shoulder), and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle).

Hall was questionable before the Seahawks game but played and ran for 60 yards on 12 carries. Ulbrich said Hall didn’t seem worse off after the game and will be monitored through the week.

“We’re hopeful, he’s hopeful,” Ulbrich said. “He thinks he’s going to play. We’ll see how the week goes. Last week, we didn’t know and he got out there Friday and looked fantastic, so I’m hopeful we’ll have the same scenario.”

Linebacker C.J. Mosley, who has missed the last five games with a herniated disk in his neck, will continue to increase his practice work after returning to full pads last week. He participated fully in practice on Wednesday.

“He felt good, not great, so we’re going to give him another week to really take an assessment of where he’s at,” Ulbrich said.

The Jets also opened the 21-day practice windows for wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) and offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer (hand), who are both on injured reserve, but Ulbrich said both might have a chance to play on Sunday at Miami. Both players fully participated in practice.

Rookie left tackle Olu Fashanu, who is starting in place of the injured Tyron Smith, was limited due to a toe issue.

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The New York Jets quarterback doesn’t feel the need to use the final games of the season to prove his worth to the team or show that he should return next year. He thinks it’s “ridiculous” to think that way.

“If they want me to stay, fantastic,” Rodgers said Wednesday. “If it takes these five games, maybe they don’t know what I bring to the table.

“But that being said I’d love to play really friggin’ well the last five games.”

Rodgers, who turned 41 on Monday, has faced challenges with both his performance and injuries while the Jets have started the season with a 3-9 record.

He has struggled with leg injuries, including a sprained ankle, a sore knee, and a tweaked hamstring, throughout the season. However, after the bye week, he felt healthier than he had in weeks. Despite that, he was inconsistent in a 26-21 loss to Seattle and couldn’t lead the Jets to a winning drive on their final possession.

Some people thought the Jets might bench Rodgers in favor of Tyrod Taylor to try to boost the offense. But instead, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Rodgers would remain the starting quarterback as long as he’s healthy. Rodgers also said during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday that his goal is to finish the season playing on the field, even though the team has a poor record.

“That’s what you do when you’re a professional and the most important ability you can have is availability, which I wasn’t available last year,” Rodgers said Wednesday, referring to his torn Achilles tendon injury just four snaps into his Jets debut. “So I’d love to play the games and I love playing football. I’m hyper-competitive and I love to be out there with the guys.”

He didn’t use his injuries as an excuse for his subpar performance this season, saying he feels healthy enough to play when he’s on the field. Though Rodgers has thrown for 2,627 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, his 6.3 yards-per-pass attempt is the lowest of his career as a starter.

Rodgers had mentioned a few weeks ago that he would like to play next year but recently said he wasn’t sure. He said his health would be a big factor in his decision. If he chooses to play in 2025, the Jets would be his first choice.

There’s uncertainty about whether the Jets will want him back next season as they look to rebuild with a new general manager and coach after the firings of Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh. Rodgers said some people have told him they hope he’ll return, but “not the people who are making those decisions.”

That comment got a few laughs, but Rodgers said there would be discussions at some point to figure out his next move.

“I just redid my house here in Jersey,” Rodgers said. “My goal was to play a few more years here, but we’ll see. I’d like to be healthy, I’d like to end on my feet and then I’d like to play well and I’d like to feel like I’m wanted back. If not, again, I will not be offended. I won’t be upset. I’ll be so thankful, either way whatever happens here.

“But I’ve got to be healthy mentally, physically, and then there’s got to be interest on both sides. And if that’s not the case, then I’ll look at other options. But first, I’ll think about whether I’d actually want to play or not, but it usually takes a good month to get away from it, which I’ll do the first month and then we’ll see what happens.”

During his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers spoke about the Detroit Lions, who were 3-13-1 in Dan Campbell’s first year as coach in 2021, but are now tied with Kansas City for the best record in the NFL at 11-1. He pointed to the Lions’ success as an example of a team that benefited from patient and supportive ownership.

After practice Wednesday, Rodgers was asked about his comments and whether he thinks the Jets have been similarly supportive.

“Is that a rhetorical question?” he responded before explaining he was just giving an example. He also mentioned seeing both support and lack of it during his 18 years in Green Bay.

When asked if he felt there was support from Jets ownership, Rodgers said: “I’d have to look. I don’t follow a lot of stuff. I’d have to ask you guys: Has there been a lot of public, supportive comments?”

A reporter mentioned the Jets’ coach and GM firings.

“Yeah,” Rodgers said, “so there’s your answer.”

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“I remember running with it and I thought I was running fast,” Williams said, smiling. “All my teammates were hyping me up, saying I was moving. Once I crossed the 50, I was actually looking to pitch it to somebody. I saw the whole cavalry running down the field.”

He ended up lying on his back in the end zone, exhausted after his long run.

“I literally just laid down,” Williams said. “I was exhausted.”

Williams’ performance made history. According to the NFL, he became the first player since 1982 to record multiple sacks (two), an interception-return touchdown, and a blocked kick in a single game. His interception return was also the longest ever by a defensive lineman, according to ESPN Research.

“He’s just playing at an all-time elite level,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. “He’s playing out of his mind right now.”

Zach Charbonnet helped the Seahawks secure the win with an 8-yard touchdown run with 5:31 left in the game. The Seahawks (7-5) won their third straight game. Geno Smith threw a touchdown pass to AJ Barner. The team had a rough start but finished strong and now holds first place in the NFC West, with Arizona losing to Minnesota.

The Jets (3-9) led for most of the game and seemed energized after their bye week. However, they were shut out in the second half.

“Plays at the end of the second quarter cost us this game,” Rodgers said. “Then comes the fourth quarter — it’s execution, it’s strain, it’s the little things, it’s accuracy. And we just have a lot to go around, myself included, first and foremost.”

Charbonnet’s touchdown came on a drive helped by four penalties on the Jets. The Jets finished the game with 12 penalties, and cornerback D.J. Reed criticized the referees after the game.

“Y’all should be ashamed of y’all selves!” Reed posted on X, including an expletive.

On fourth-and-6, the Jets were penalized for having too many players on the field. Then, when punter Michael Dickson had back problems, the Seahawks kept their offense on the field. On the next play, the Jets were penalized again for pass interference.

On another fourth-and-1, it looked like Charbonnet was stopped, but the Jets were called for a horse-collar tackle. Later, Will McDonald lined up in the neutral zone, and Charbonnet scored on the next play to give Seattle a 26-21 lead.

The Jets had a chance to mount a comeback, but Williams, a former first-round pick of the Jets in 2015, sacked Rodgers on third down. Rodgers’ final throw, a desperation attempt from the Seahawks’ 34-yard line, sailed far past Garrett Wilson and ended the game.

It was a wild first half with plenty of drama. Kene Nwangwu of the Jets had a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, while the Seahawks had three fumbled kickoffs, two of which were recovered by the Jets.

“What a crazy game,” Macdonald said. “I think that’s the first time it happened in the NFL, that whole series of events in the first half. Our guys were resilient, and we didn’t bat an eye. We stayed the course.”

Geno Smith finished the game 20 of 31 for 206 yards and one touchdown in his first game against the Jets at MetLife Stadium.

“I’m not going to make it about myself,” Smith said. “I really did enjoy my time in New York. We’re on a mission right now. The Jets were the next opponent.”

Rodgers threw for 185 yards and two touchdown passes to Davante Adams and Isaiah Davis, but he also threw the interception returned for a touchdown. The Jets have now lost three games in a row and eight of their last nine. They’re 1-6 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.

The Jets took a 6-0 lead late in the first quarter on Adams’ 8-yard touchdown catch. Williams blocked the extra point. On the ensuing kickoff, Dee Williams fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Nwangwu. Four plays later, Davis caught a 4-yard touchdown pass, and Breece Hall ran in a two-point conversion.

Barner’s 12-yard touchdown catch cut the Seahawks’ deficit to 14-7 early in the second quarter.

Nwangwu then took a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, giving the Jets a 21-7 lead. The Seahawks responded when Laviska Shenault fumbled a kickoff and Carlson recovered for the Jets. The Jets were driving deep in Seahawks territory when Rodgers’ throw for Wilson was intercepted by Leonard Williams.

“I know we threw some great blocks, but I don’t think anybody would have caught him anyways,” safety Julian Love said. “That’s the Big Cat.”

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But instead of taking advantage of an opportunity, they made a mistake that changed the momentum.

“It’s disappointing,” Rodgers said after the Jets lost 26-21 to Seattle on Sunday. “I mean, what else can you say?”

Kene Nwangwu’s 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown put the Jets ahead 21-7 in the second quarter. Then, kicker Anders Carlson recovered a fumble from Laviska Shenault on the next play, and Rodgers got back to work.

But the drive ended when Rodgers missed a wide-open Garrett Wilson, who would have had a touchdown. On the very next play, Rodgers threw to Wilson again, but defensive end Leonard Williams intercepted the pass and ran 92 yards for a touchdown.

“We’ve had a lot of chances in these situations,” Rodgers said. “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. Make that play, (it’s) 28-7. Different ballgame.”

Zach Charbonnet’s 8-yard touchdown with 5:31 left gave Seattle the lead for the first time. However, Rodgers and the Jets (3-9) had one more chance to win, something Rodgers often did during his long years in Green Bay.

Rodgers was sacked by Williams on third down, and his desperate throw to Wilson from the Seahawks’ 34-yard line fell incomplete in the end zone, sealing another tough loss. The Jets are now 0-5 in games where they had a chance to win on their final possession.

“We have to figure that out,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said. “We have to figure that out quickly. It’s never on one person, it isn’t. It’s on the entire collective group, from players to coaches to every single human being out there on offense. We have to be better in those moments.”

The Jets, who fired general manager Joe Douglas last week, have lost three straight games and eight of their last nine. Under Ulbrich, they have a 1-6 record.

“We started by playing really good complementary football in all three phases,” Ulbrich said. “We didn’t end the first half the way that we needed to and should have. The second half was definitely not clean football at all by all three phases. Can’t win like that.”

Rodgers, who will turn 41 on Monday, finished the game with 21 completions on 39 attempts for 185 yards and touchdown passes to Davante Adams and Isaiah Davis. However, the Jets were scoreless in the second half.

“There were a lot of things,” Rodgers said when asked about the difference in the game. “But I think the two-play stretch where I missed Garrett open to go up 28-7 and threw a pick-6 that kind of changed the momentum of the game.”

Now, there are questions about whether New York should bench Rodgers and start Tyrod Taylor to try to turn things around—a possibility Ulbrich hasn’t considered.

“Not as of today,” Ulbrich said.

But with each loss, including the latest one that makes it nine straight losing seasons, the future of Rodgers with the team is being questioned. Rodgers is still under contract for next season, but the deal doesn’t have guaranteed money, which could give the Jets a chance to part ways with the four-time MVP. Rodgers was brought to New York to end the team’s playoff drought, which is now about to hit 14 seasons.

During the bye-week break, there were reports that owner Woody Johnson suggested sitting Rodgers after Week 4. Rodgers says he’s healthier now than he has been all season, and his ability to scramble on Sunday backed that up.

But even Williams pointed out that Rodgers’ age might have played a role in the pick-6.

“I think he’s an older guy — he doesn’t want to take big hits like that anymore,” Williams said. “When he feels a guy coming full speed at him, he’s going to chuck it and duck.”

Now, Rodgers is dealing with questions about whether he might be benched — either by Ulbrich or Johnson — and whether he will finish the season on the field.

“Yeah, I don’t know,” Rodgers said when asked if he has thought about that. “We’ll figure that out when we have those conversations.”

Rodgers emphasized that he wants to keep playing as long as he’s healthy, but he didn’t want to speculate on what he would do if the Jets decided to make a change at quarterback.

“It’s a hypothetical, you know?” Rodgers said. “I’ll tell you after the fact if that happens.”

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However, his time with the Jets ended in disappointment due to inconsistency, struggles, and a highly publicized locker room fight that hurt his career with the team.

On Sunday, Smith will face the franchise that drafted him in 2013 with the 39th overall pick, the New York Jets, for the second time as the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks (6-5). This will be his first time playing against the Jets at MetLife Stadium, his first NFL home.

“It’s the biggest game of the year because it’s the next game,” Smith said, who previously beat the Jets in Seattle in 2022. “But obviously because I was drafted there, it’s going to be a narrative that’s built.”

Smith, who also won against the Giants last year at MetLife Stadium, played for the Jets for parts of four seasons. He started in his first two years, showing flashes of the talent that made him a star in college.

However, his career took a hit when linebacker IK Enemkpali broke his jaw in a fight during training camp in 2015. Ryan Fitzpatrick took over as the starter, and Smith started just one more game for the Jets. He finished his time with the Jets with 28 touchdown passes and 36 interceptions in 33 games, including 30 starts.

“I’ve always had tremendous love and respect for that organization,” said Smith, now 34. “Obviously, the team that drafted me, gave me a chance out of the gate. A lot of great people there. Some people that I was there with, a lot of those people are now gone.

“So as far as the whole revenge thing, that’s not on my mind.”

After his time with the Jets, Smith played for the Giants for one year and the Chargers for another. In 2019, he joined the Seahawks, initially as a backup to Russell Wilson. He filled in as the starter for three games in 2021. After Wilson was traded to Denver in the 2022 offseason, Smith won the starting job over Drew Lock.

And he thrived.

Smith won the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year in his first season with the Seahawks, earned a three-year contract, and made the Pro Bowl in both of the last two years. He has thrown 62 touchdown passes over the past three seasons, becoming one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. While his 12 interceptions this year lead the league, his performance has earned him great respect.

“Yeah, tremendous respect for Geno and what he’s done because that’s not the typical story in this league,” said Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. “Guys, when they fail or face real adversity and they don’t get it done at their initial stop, a lot of times that’s it and their career’s over with and they don’t become the players that they should’ve or could’ve become.

“He’s a guy that’s, absolutely, he’s started over in Seattle and he’s revived his career in so many ways and it’s really cool to see. A testament to the resolve that he has.”

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Hall fully participated in practice on Friday and was listed as questionable for the game. However, both Hall and interim coach Jeff Ulbrich didn’t seem too worried about him potentially missing the game.

“Trending in the right direction, so we’re hopeful he’ll play,” Ulbrich said. “He looked good, he looked really good, so the information we need is tomorrow — how he’s going to feel after today? — but he looked good today.”

Hall hurt his knee during the Jets’ 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on November 17 but managed to finish the game. He felt some soreness afterward, so the team decided to be cautious, keeping him out of practice on Wednesday and limiting his snaps on Thursday.

“I feel fine,” said Hall, who has rushed for 632 yards and four touchdowns. “I practiced today and everything and it felt good, not sore or nothing. So I’ll be good.”

Linebacker C.J. Mosley may miss another week due to a herniated disc in his neck, which has kept him out for the last four games.

Mosley, injured during pregame warmups on October 27, practiced fully on Wednesday and Thursday but was limited on Friday after a collision with running back Braelon Allen during a play.

“I definitely felt it,” Mosley said. “It’s still there a little bit, but just being smart about it. So, I’m definitely not game ready yet, but it was good just to be out there and feel the contact, just to see where my neck and shoulders were. But it’s still a little sensitive, though.”

Left tackle Tyron Smith will miss his second straight game due to a neck injury and may be placed on injured reserve. He has been going back and forth between the facility and getting tests on his neck.

Safety Chuck Clark was added to the injury report on Friday after apparently injuring his shin in practice. He was listed as questionable, along with offensive linemen Jake Hanson (hamstring) and Xavier Newman (concussion).

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The star quarterback, who will turn 41 next Monday, denied a recent report that claimed he wanted to play next year, but not with the Jets.

“I came here to win here, so I’m not jumping off ship,” Rodgers said Tuesday during his regular appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “I don’t even know if I want to play yet, but New York would be my first option.”

A report from The Athletic last week stated that Rodgers had already decided to play next season, but he wanted to play for another team. The Jets have had a tough season with a 3-8 record, and their owner, Woody Johnson, fired coach Robert Saleh last month and replaced him with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Johnson also dismissed general manager Joe Douglas last Tuesday.

Rodgers had recently told reporters “I think so, yeah,” when asked about playing next season, but that was before the latest changes in the front office.

“As far as my future goes, I haven’t told anybody in my life that I want to play in 2025 and not on the Jets,” Rodgers said. “That’s 100% false. I actually said the opposite. I said I’m going to wait and see what happens at the end of the season, if they want me back and what happens to ‘Brick’ and what happens with the offensive staff and obviously the GM at the time. They just fired Joe.”

“There are a lot of things out of my control when it comes to that. But I’ve really enjoyed my time in New York. Obviously, we haven’t had the success we all wanted to have.”

Rodgers has been dealing with several injuries to his left leg, including a sore knee, sprained ankle, and a tight hamstring. These injuries will also play a big role in his decision about whether to keep playing.

“When you’re 40 going on 41, you’re obviously at the end of your career,” Rodgers said. “Obviously, if it’s New York, they have to want me to be here. And then the new GM, new staff, all have to want me to be with the Jets. And then body-wise, I’ve got to see how I’m feeling and if I want to sign up to go back to the grind and all that.”

Rodgers said he feels good after the Jets’ bye week, which he spent partly in Berkeley, California, attending the 20-year reunion of the 2004 Cal Bears team before their game against Stanford last Saturday.

Ulbrich confirmed on Monday that Rodgers will “absolutely” be the starter for Sunday’s home game against Seattle.

NFL Network reported on Sunday that Rodgers, who missed almost all of last season due to a torn Achilles tendon, has refused medical scans on his injured leg so he can continue playing. The Athletic also reported that the Jets might release Rodgers or place him on injured reserve in the coming weeks.

“Well, I feel great right now,” Rodgers said. “I had the week off. I felt really good last week that last game we played against the Colts. I felt as good as I’ve felt in a long time. I will not willingly go on IR without an injury.”

“When it comes to scans, first of all, I’ve played 20 years and I know my body better than anybody.”

Rodgers also said he has “a great relationship” with the Jets’ athletic trainers and doctors, and they have been helping him with his injuries.

“There was no mandate ever that you’ve got to get this scan, and then I was like, I ain’t getting this (expletive) scan,” Rodgers said.

The Athletic also reported last week that Johnson discussed the idea of having Rodgers sit out after the Jets’ loss to Denver in Week 4. This, along with other reports, suggested some tension between the team’s owner and Rodgers.

“I’ve got a lot of love and appreciation and gratitude for all the Johnsons,” Rodgers said, adding that he recently had dinner with Woody Johnson’s brother Christopher.

Rodgers’ contract for next year includes non-guaranteed money, and he would count $23.5 million against the salary cap. If the Jets decide to cut Rodgers before June 1, they would take a $49 million dead-money hit; if the release happens after June 1, that amount would be reduced to $14 million for 2024 and $35 million in 2026.

This financial aspect will also play a role in the decision by Johnson and the Jets, along with Rodgers, in the coming weeks.

“I’ve made some great friendships on the team,” Rodgers said. “I’ve enjoyed living in (New) Jersey. I’ve enjoyed time in the city. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the fans.”

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Rodgers, who will turn 41 next Monday, has struggled with injuries to his left leg during the Jets’ 3-8 start, including a sore knee, a sprained ankle, and a troublesome hamstring. Ulbrich said on Monday that Rodgers returned from the team’s bye week ready to play.

“All I can say, and you’d have to ask Aaron if he’s fully healthy, but he’s better off today than he’s been as of late,” Ulbrich said. “So he’s definitely feeling healthier than he has probably for the past month. A healthy Aaron Rodgers is the Aaron Rodgers we all love. So, I’m excited about what that looks like.”

NFL Network reported on Sunday that Rodgers, who missed most of last season due to a torn left Achilles tendon, has declined to have medical scans on his injured leg in order to keep playing. Ulbrich said he wasn’t informed about this decision.

Rodgers suffered a “significant” hamstring injury against Denver in Week 4, and a sprained left ankle against Minnesota in London the following week. The four-time MVP has had trouble moving like he used to, especially when extending plays or making things happen on the run.

Rodgers said before New York’s 28-27 loss to Indianapolis that it was the healthiest he had felt in some time, but he still struggled during the game, finishing with 184 yards on 22 of 29 passes after a slow start.

There has been discussion about whether Rodgers should sit out due to his injuries and recent performance, with some wondering if Tyrod Taylor should play instead. However, when asked if there has been any talk of shutting Rodgers down, Ulbrich answered firmly: “There has not.”

When asked again about whether Rodgers will start against the Seahawks, Ulbrich said, “Absolutely.” He added that he didn’t feel the need to discuss the outside reports with Rodgers, stating that they are on the same page.

Last week, Ulbrich said that he and his staff would analyze how the team can improve after a tough stretch of losing seven out of eight games. He decided not to make any changes to the coaching staff or personnel, unless injuries occur. Ulbrich mentioned that while the team needs to improve in some areas, they also identified things they can build on.

Jets owner Woody Johnson fired general manager Joe Douglas last Tuesday and coach Robert Saleh earlier. On Monday, the team announced they would work with The 33rd Team, a football media and analytics group, to help find a new general manager and coach.

Ulbrich stated that the changes in the organization aren’t affecting him or his staff. He remains focused on finishing the season strong. “My singular focus is just finishing the season off the right way, playing a brand of football we’re all proud of, myself included. And that starts with Seattle,” he said.

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During the game, the Jets accumulated 12 penalties for a total of 74 yards, solidifying their position as the most penalized team in the NFL. Despite another loss, head coach Robert Saleh appeared unfazed when a reporter commented on his demeanor, prompting Saleh to suggest throwing the podium on the floor humorously.

Since Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, the Jets have struggled offensively, while the Browns have found success following the season-ending injury to Deshaun Watson. Joe Flacco, who joined the Browns last month, boasts a 4-1 record as Cleveland’s starting quarterback. In the Thursday night game, Flacco threw for an impressive 294 yards in the first half, concluding the match with 309 passing yards, three touchdown passes, and an interception.

Reflecting on his performance, Flacco expressed gratitude for the moment, stating, “You don’t know how many of these moments you’re going to get. I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life.” Flacco, who spent the last three years of his career with the Jets and went 1-8 as a starter, has revitalized his game in Cleveland, consistently surpassing 300 passing yards in four of his five starts.

Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley acknowledged Flacco’s resurgence, commenting, “Everybody always joked, even in Baltimore, was he elite? He’s showing it.” Mosley expressed happiness for Flacco’s success despite the Jets’ desire for a win. With one game left in their schedule, the Browns remain in contention for the top spot in the AFC.

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Reflecting on his time with the Jets, where he spent parts of three seasons, Flacco stated, “I enjoyed my time while I was there, and it is what it is. I’m happy to be where I am, that’s for sure.” Having started the last four games for the Browns, winning three, Flacco’s impressive performance has contributed to Cleveland’s current standing at the 5th seed in the playoff picture, boasting a better than 99% chance of making the postseason according to ESPN’s Football Power Index.

In the past four weeks, Flacco has outpaced all other NFL quarterbacks in passing yards with 1,307. Additionally, he has thrown 10 touchdown passes, a feat shared with Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams and Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers, marking the highest in the league during that period.

Flacco remained unsigned this season until Deshaun Watson, the starting quarterback for Cleveland, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Following a workout on November 17, Flacco was signed to the Browns’ practice squad just three days later.

Recalling his contributions to the Jets last season, Flacco started four games, including a remarkable 31-30 victory in Week 2 in Cleveland. In that game, he threw four touchdown passes, orchestrating a stunning comeback with two crucial throws in the final two minutes, an experience he deemed the “craziest finish” of his career. However, despite this success, Flacco did not throw another touchdown until joining the Browns this season, as the Jets opted for Zach Wilson, the 2021 No. 2 draft pick, at quarterback.

Maintaining a diplomatic stance, Flacco remarked, “There are 32 teams in the NFL. They’re just another one. I got a lot of guys over there I really respect, and I had an awesome few years in that locker room. So a lot of respect for those guys.”

In a recent development, the Browns placed rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson on injured reserve due to a hip injury, paving the way for PJ Walker, who started two games earlier this season, to assume the role of Cleveland’s backup quarterback.

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The game showcased a dismal performance by the Jets, with cornerback D.J. Reed characterizing it as a “good, old ass whooping.” The team was outplayed, being outgained 290-103, and wide receiver Allen Lazard bluntly admitted, “They out-schemed us, and they out-efforted us.”

Quarterback Zach Wilson faced a particularly challenging day, enduring four sacks on 15 dropbacks and leaving the game with a concussion in the second quarter. Trevor Siemian stepped in as the fourth different starter for the Jets, raising the possibility of him continuing in that role if Wilson remains in concussion protocol for the next game against the Washington Commanders.

With a record of 5-9, the Jets secured their eighth consecutive losing season, currently the longest slump in the NFL. The defeat also seems to eliminate any hope of a miraculous return by Aaron Rodgers, who could be medically cleared but has emphasized the importance of playoff implications for his decision to play.

In a span of three hours, the Jets witnessed one quarterback sidelined with a concussion and dashed the comeback hopes of another. Coach Robert Saleh, whose record dropped to 16-32, declined to speculate on Rodgers’ potential return this season.

The season, which began with Super Bowl aspirations, took a drastic turn on the fourth play when Rodgers suffered a left Achilles rupture. Despite the initial optimism, the Jets couldn’t sustain their competitiveness, leaving Rodgers with no opportunity for a heroic comeback.

Cornerback Sauce Gardner acknowledged the team’s missed opportunity to potentially bring Rodgers back and expressed disappointment in falling short of winning games.

The Jets’ struggles were evident from the start, being outgained 197-4 in the first half. Wilson’s early strip sack set the tone for a challenging game, and the Dolphins capitalized on the turnover to secure an early touchdown.

Saleh attributed the offensive woes to the line, emphasizing the need for improvement. The Jets’ offensive line, facing its 11th different combination, allowed six sacks and 14 quarterback hits. Left tackle Mekhi Becton admitted to communication issues and self-inflicted mistakes.

The team’s top playmaker, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, had a limited impact, with only three catches for 29 yards. Frustrations were evident on the sideline, but Wilson took responsibility for improving his performance and finding ways to contribute to victories.

As the second half unfolded, the Jets appeared drained and lacked energy, contributing to a lackluster performance. Reed observed a decline in momentum and emotion among the players, reflecting the team’s overall disappointment in the game.

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Following a two-game stint on the bench, Wilson re-entered the lineup, orchestrating a 30-6 victory against the Houston Texans amid a rain-soaked MetLife Stadium, breaking the Jets’ five-game losing streak. Coach Robert Saleh praised Wilson’s incredible display, noting career-highs in passer rating (117.9%) and completion percentage (75%), with 301 passing yards and two touchdowns.

This marked Wilson’s third 300-yard passing day in 32 starts but, notably, his first secured in a victory. Saleh hailed it as the quarterback’s best career game, emphasizing his resilience, which resonated with teammates who witnessed a determined and unburdened Wilson. Frustrated by perceived mistreatment from the organization, Wilson pledged to play with a chip on his shoulder for the team, a commitment that reverberated positively in the locker room.

Teammates described Wilson’s carefree approach, with cornerback D.J. Reed noting Wilson’s declaration to play for the team, stating, “What’s the worst that can happen, I get benched again?” Wilson’s carefree attitude manifested on the field, earning praise for his Aaron Rodgers-esque second-half performance under challenging conditions.

In the latter half of the game, Wilson initially restricted to 92 passing yards in the first half, demonstrated a remarkable turnaround, completing 18 of 21 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s decision to open up the game plan allowed Wilson to lead touchdown drives on the first two possessions of the second half, breaking the Jets’ offensive touchdown drought.

Before this victory, the Jets had gone eight games without scoring more than one offensive touchdown. Wilson’s resurgence surprised both the team and himself, particularly given his struggles in the previous nine starts.

Wilson acknowledged the newfound flow in his game and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play freely, a rarity in his career with the Jets. The quarterback completed 27 of 36 passes with no interceptions, with his only blemish being a lost fumble on a scramble.

Having been replaced by Rodgers in the offseason and then reinstated due to Rodgers’ injury, Wilson faced adversity, including a mid-season benching. However, on Sunday, he played with purpose, taking more risks than usual and showcasing resilience and confidence. His daring plays, such as a third-and-12 conversion, highlighted his let-it-rip mentality, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike.

In the aftermath of the game, Wilson’s teammates commended his outstanding performance, emphasizing his fearless approach and ability to connect with key playmakers. The coaching staff’s decision to trust Wilson with a more aggressive game plan contributed to his success, and the quarterback’s ability to rise above the pressure and constraints showcased his phenomenal talent. Wide receiver Randall Cobb summed up the sentiment, stating, “He just went out and played his brand of ball without feeling constrained. The pressure he’s faced over the past two or three years — he just went out there and put it aside and played phenomenal tonight.”

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Expressing his anticipation for the upcoming games, Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, conveyed professional excitement, emphasizing that he was looking forward to making the most of his final five games with the Jets.

Addressing recent reports, Wilson denied claims made by The Athletic on Monday, which suggested he was hesitant to reclaim the starting role. He vehemently stated that such assertions were “absolutely not” true, emphasizing that he had never conveyed any reluctance to play to his teammates.

Despite not discussing the issue in the team meeting, Wilson reportedly clarified his intentions with some players individually. Tight end Tyler Conklin shared that Wilson had assured them of his eagerness to be back on the field.

The decision to reinstate Wilson came after two subpar starts by Tim Boyle, who was released abruptly on Tuesday. Coach Robert Saleh, choosing Wilson over the alternative Trevor Siemian, emphasized that Wilson provided the best chance for victory. Siemian will be the No. 2 quarterback, while newly signed Brett Rypien serves as the emergency quarterback.

When questioned about Wilson’s status for the rest of the season, Saleh responded optimistically, saying, “God willing.”

While Saleh had reportedly been leaning toward Wilson on Monday, the announcement was delayed due to the aftermath of The Athletic report. Saleh, who met privately with Wilson on Monday, asserted that the quarterback was eager to be back in the lineup, repeatedly emphasizing Wilson’s desire for the ball.

Saleh dismissed concerns about potential negative fallout in the locker room, stating confidently that Wilson and the team were in a positive place and ready to focus on playing football.

The Jets find themselves in a challenging quarterback situation after Aaron Rodgers suffered a left Achilles tendon injury early in the season. With slim playoff chances, Rodgers has not ruled out a return, but the team faces uncertainties. Wilson, who inherited the backup role at the season’s start, struggled in relief of Rodgers, and the team has faced ongoing challenges.

Despite a difficult season, Wilson remains determined and views the adversity as a source of strength. He acknowledges the frustration but emphasizes the need to improve his performance. Signed through 2024, Wilson may be exploring options in the offseason, which could contribute to concerns about his health and playing in the remaining games.

In addressing the media, Wilson emphasized his commitment to the team and his improved relationship with teammates. He acknowledged the chip on his shoulder, expressing the collective need for the team and offense to prove themselves in the upcoming games.

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In an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday, Rodgers emphasized that the issue lies within the organization itself. He stressed the need to address and resolve the source of these leaks privately, stating that such behavior has no place in a winning culture, citing multiple instances of leaks occurring.

Rodgers was reacting to a report from The Athletic, citing unidentified sources claiming that Wilson, who was benched two weeks ago, is hesitant to return to play due to concerns about potential injury risks. The struggling Jets, currently on a five-game losing streak with a 4-8 record, are set to make another quarterback change this week, with coach Robert Saleh expected to announce the decision on Wednesday.

While Saleh was reportedly leaning towards starting Wilson on Monday, other options like Trevor Siemian and Brett Rypien, recently signed from the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad, are under consideration. Notably, Tim Boyle, who started the past two games, was abruptly waived on Tuesday.

Rodgers questioned the motive behind tarnishing someone’s character within the team and labeled it as “unacceptable” at its core. He expressed concern about the negative impact such leaks could have on the team’s winning culture and called for immediate action to address the issue.

In what appears to be a move for damage control, Wilson visited Saleh’s office on Monday and expressed his desire to start against the Houston Texans on Sunday, as confirmed by Saleh. Despite this, Saleh deferred the quarterback decision until Wednesday.

Sources speculate that Wilson may have sought advice from a teammate regarding the risk-reward of playing a late-season game with no playoff implications, leading to the leaked information about his reservations. Saleh drew an analogy to college players weighing the pros and cons of skipping bowl games to protect their NFL draft value, considering Wilson may be seeking a new team in 2024.

Rodgers, while expressing his admiration for Wilson as an “amazing young man,” urged Wilson to address the team to clarify the situation. He emphasized that the report implies Wilson is quitting the team, which he believes is not the case.

Although Rodgers did not personally speak to Wilson on Monday to resolve the situation, he emphasized their daily communication. Rodgers, who returned to the team full-time as he continues rehab for his surgically repaired Achilles, expressed disappointment that internal conversations are being leaked and stressed the importance of maintaining trust within the locker room.

Reflecting on the team’s progress since his arrival in April, Rodgers acknowledged positive strides in the team’s culture but highlighted the need to address current challenges. He called for unity and emphasized the opportunity for the team to overcome adversity. As the Jets navigate a turbulent season, Rodgers remains optimistic about reclaiming leadership and steering the team back on track.

The post Aaron Rodgers Calls Out Jets: Tackling Leaks and Character Assassination Amidst Quarterback Controversy appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

The Jets’ decision to release Amos was influenced, in part, by the desire to provide more playing opportunities for younger backups Ashtyn Davis and rookie Jarrick Bernard-Converse. Amos, who signed a one-year, fully guaranteed $1.75 million contract in June, played 248 defensive snaps during his time with the team.

Amos’ reduced role came after the emergence of second-year safety Tony Adams during an impressive training camp. Adams secured the starting job opposite Jordan Whitehead, relegating Amos to a backup position.

Throughout his 11 games with the Jets, including three starts, Amos contributed 23 tackles and defended one pass. Additionally, he played a significant role on special teams, participating in 193 snaps.

In other roster moves, the Jets activated guard Wes Schweitzer and special teams standout Justin Hardee from injured reserve. Schweitzer, however, is not expected to start at right guard in the upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons. The team also waived guard Xavier Newman, who had two starts.

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During his regular appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday, Rodgers expressed his desire to resume practicing around his 40th birthday on December 2. Although opening his 21-day practice window on a Saturday doesn’t seem feasible, December 6 is being considered as a potential date. This timeline would provide him with three weeks to prepare for the Jets’ December 24 game against the Washington Commanders, which serves as his unofficial target for a comeback.

Despite the Jets’ current record of 4-6 and a three-game losing streak, Rodgers remains steadfast in his belief that they are still in contention. Drawing parallels to the 2016 Green Bay Packers and the 2009 Jets, who both rallied from 4-6 to reach their respective conference championship games, Rodgers insists the Jets can make a similar turnaround.

While the team may be struggling, Rodgers is not slowing down in his rehabilitation efforts. He emphasized that the speed of his rehab has remained consistent, pushing himself every day. Jets coach Robert Saleh affirmed that Rodgers has the green light to play once he receives medical clearance, making any speculation about his return premature.

Rodgers, currently 10 weeks post-surgery, revealed that he’s actively jogging on an Alter G treadmill and even shared a video of his progress with Jets’ personnel. Despite the advanced stage of his recovery, he acknowledged the need to continue building strength in his heel and calf, areas prone to fatigue.

The quarterback, operating out of his rehab facility in the Los Angeles area, anticipates rejoining the team later in the week. As the Jets gear up to face the first-place Miami Dolphins in the NFL’s inaugural Black Friday game at MetLife Stadium, Rodgers reflected on the recent decision to bench Zach Wilson in favor of Tim Boyle. He expressed empathy for Wilson, rejecting the idea of him being a scapegoat and highlighting the collective responsibility for the team’s struggles.

In a candid admission, Rodgers expressed personal guilt for his injury, which occurred on the fourth play of the season, subsequently thrusting Wilson into the lineup. He conveyed frustration at not being able to contribute to the field and the belief that his presence could have altered the narrative around the team. Despite the setbacks, Rodgers remains optimistic about Wilson’s future in the league.

The post Rodgers Eyes Swift Return to Practice with the New York Jets: A Race Against Time After Achilles Surgery appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Despite the setback, sources in the NFL believe that the Jets are not ready to abandon the idea of acquiring Adams. It is anticipated that New York will make another pursuit for the talented wide receiver during the upcoming offseason. One source expressed confidence in this outcome, stating, “That will happen. I think so.”

The likelihood of the Raiders considering a trade for Adams may hinge on how their season unfolds. Under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, the Raiders have achieved success, winning both of their recent games and earning respect across the league. Adams appears content in Las Vegas, where he has enjoyed living. However, if the Raiders face challenges in the latter part of the season and Adams believes joining forces with Rodgers in New York enhances his chances of winning, he might request a trade.

The strong bond between Adams and Rodgers is evident, with the former teammates spending quality time together in Las Vegas recently. Despite the Jets’ ongoing interest in Adams, the Raiders firmly rejected trade inquiries before the trade deadline. The outcome may depend on the Raiders’ performance in the remaining games of the season.

Adams, currently in his second season with the Raiders, has put up impressive numbers, with 57 catches for 659 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Jets are grappling with offensive struggles, ranking 29th in total offensive yards per game and averaging only 16 points per game, the third lowest in the NFL. Their recent offensive woes, including a touchdown drought since late October, highlight the urgency for the Jets to explore impactful additions during the upcoming offseason.

The post New York Jets Set Sights on Davante Adams: Offseason Pursuit Looms Despite Rebuff, as Offensive Woes Persist appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Coach Robert Saleh, typically decisive about his quarterback choices, surprisingly remained noncommittal on Wilson’s status for the upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins on Friday. Saleh mentioned that he would review the game tape before making a decision on Monday. The potential replacement options include journeyman Tim Boyle, who took over for Wilson in the game or promoting veteran Trevor Siemian from the practice squad.

The Jets, who started the season with a promising 4-6 record, have now transitioned from dealing with a ruptured tendon, referring to Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury, to grappling with a broken offense. Saleh explained that he benched Wilson primarily due to the lopsided score, hoping for a spark from Boyle. However, Wilson’s struggles have been persistent, evident in his completion of only 7 of 15 passes for 81 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Saleh emphasized that the offensive struggles were not solely on Wilson, citing missed protections, dropped balls, and missed routes from the entire team. The fate of the No. 2 quarterback, usually a minor concern, takes on added significance for the Jets, given their long-term plan for Wilson to succeed Rodgers in the coming years. Another demotion for Wilson could have significant implications for his future with the team.

Wilson, acknowledging his frustration with the benching, took responsibility for the team’s offensive woes, recognizing the need for change when consecutive games result in offensive stagnation. The quarterback situation becomes even more critical considering the organization’s investment in Wilson as the future leader of the team.

The short week leading up to the game against the Dolphins adds another layer of complexity to Saleh’s decision, as any potential replacement wouldn’t have the usual practice reps. The Jets’ overall performance against the Bills was subpar, with three turnovers, six sacks allowed, and a meager 155 total yards, making it a challenging game for all aspects of the team.

In addition to the quarterback dilemma, the Jets experienced issues on both sides of the ball. The defense, typically solid, had one of its worst games of the season, allowing Josh Allen to throw for 275 yards and three touchdowns. The offense, plagued by multiple challenges, struggled in critical areas such as third downs and the red zone.

As the Jets confront this challenging period, the immediate focus is on resolving the quarterback situation and addressing the broader issues that have led to the team’s recent struggles on the field.

The post Jets’ Quarterback Woes Deepen: Zach Wilson Benched Amid Third Consecutive Defeat appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Saleh acknowledged Carter’s contributions as a great teammate over the past few years and expressed gratitude for his efforts. The move was driven by the intention to allow Abanikanda a chance to shine on the field, as Saleh deemed it unfair for Carter to remain on the bench.

Saleh praised Abanikanda as a promising young back and highlighted the challenge of Carter being part of a running back room with three talented players. He expressed excitement for Carter’s potential to become a feature back elsewhere and emphasized that the decision was also influenced by the team’s depth at the position.

Saleh hinted at potential future personnel changes when asked about the possibility, confirming that adjustments were on the horizon. While he didn’t delve into specifics, Saleh previously ruled out changes in the quarterback position or play calling earlier in the week, focusing the potential alterations on the offensive side.

The Jets, currently facing a significant offensive struggle, have gone 36 consecutive drives without scoring a touchdown, marking the longest active drought in the NFL. Saleh acknowledged the team’s commitment to quarterback Zach Wilson despite a recent underwhelming loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. As the Jets aim to rejuvenate their offensive performance, Saleh hinted at ongoing evaluations and changes in personnel to address the team’s scoring challenges.

The post New York Jets Release Michael Carter: Coach Saleh Eyes Opportunities for Rookie Abanikanda Amidst Offensive Reshuffling appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

As transcribed by Larry Brown Sports, Aikman humorously remarked, “This thing ain’t over yet,” following a 33-yard pass completion to tight end Tyler Conklin, which gave the Jets a slim chance at a late, inconsequential touchdown with less than two minutes remaining. He quipped, “This is when Zach comes alive. Look out.”

However, Aikman didn’t stop there. In the final minutes of the game, he continued to deliver pointed comments and harsh assessments, understandable given the lackluster performance of the Jets’ offense. As is often the case, the quarterback tends to bear the brunt of the blame.

Despite raising hopes with an upset win over the Eagles, Wilson’s performance underscored why the Jets are far from being genuine contenders with him as their leader. After narrowly defeating the struggling Giants the previous week through a miraculous play, Wilson struggled against a Chargers team notorious for faltering in crucial situations. He was sacked eight times and lost two fumbles. While he threw for 263 yards, a significant portion of that came in the closing moments when the game was already out of reach.

Aikman didn’t spare criticism for the entire Jets’ offensive operation, particularly their ineffectiveness. He said, “If you can’t even get lined up without getting a penalty, then you’ve got no chance. You’ll never have a chance.” He emphasized the need for improvement across the board, from Zach Wilson to the offensive line and the coaching staff. He noted that the offensive struggles were preventing the talented defense from achieving its full potential.

Aikman didn’t mince words when summing up the 4-4 Jets’ performance, stating, “For the Jets, I don’t know if they’re a good football team. It’s hard to look at them tonight and say that they’re good.” He acknowledged the strength of their defense but ultimately labeled them as a “bad team with a great defense.” Aikman didn’t see anything in that game that would suggest they were a playoff-caliber team, and he expressed doubts about their postseason prospects.

The post Troy Aikman Unleashes Critique of Zach Wilson and the Struggling Jets in Monday Night Football Commentary appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

According to The Athletic, Rodgers donned a headset and provided valuable insights to Jets coaches throughout the game. While the Jets struggled to score an offensive touchdown until the final two minutes of their 20-14 win (and even that touchdown was facilitated by an Eagles turnover as they hoped to have the last possession), the presence of their superstar quarterback had a profound impact on the locker room.

Rodgers was spotted on the field approximately two hours before kickoff, remarkably without crutches or braces. This display has given the Jets some hope that he may make a return later in the season, but in the meantime, the veteran is doing everything in his power to support his team in his absence.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh expressed his amazement, saying, “He wanted to be on the sidelines. It’s unbelievable. A lot of people that I have talked to – I won’t name names, but some who have also suffered similar injuries – are in awe that he is even walking. For him to be on the sideline, standing the entire time, he’s a true phenomenon.”

Despite being sacked five times, Jets quarterback Zach Wilson managed to complete 19 of 33 passes for 186 yards with no turnovers. While Wilson acknowledged Rodgers’ presence with the team, he mentioned that he didn’t directly communicate with Rodgers during the game.

“I think he was mostly in there talking to the coaches,” Wilson explained. “Obviously, my headset is exclusively with Hack (Nathaniel Hackett), but it’s always a positive having him around.”

Rodgers offering play suggestions is not a new occurrence. Wilson had previously credited Rodgers for his touchdown pass to Malik Taylor during the Hall of Fame Game.

As Rodgers continues his rehabilitation from the ankle injury, it’s expected that he will remain close to the Jets. His involvement won’t be limited to this game; the Jets’ offense can anticipate further support from him in the future.

The post Aaron Rodgers Presence and Play Suggestions Energize Jets in Win Over Eagles appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Even more surprising was the sight of him throwing the football to Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner on the field. Although he remained stationary, this development was incredibly positive.

This is noteworthy, considering Rodgers had undergone surgery for a torn Achilles on September 13, just two days after he sustained the injury during the Jets’ season opener against the Bills.

Achilles injuries of this nature typically result in season-ending setbacks, with players usually requiring eight-to-ten months for recovery. However, Rodgers, at the age of 39, has expressed his determination to make a comeback this season.

He has even discussed the possibility of returning for a playoff run despite the odds stacked against him, including his age and the nature of his injury. On “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers confidently stated, “Give me the doubts, give me the timetables, give me all the things that you think can, should, or will happen because all I need is that one little extra percent of inspiration. That’s all I need. So give me your doubts, give me your prognostications, and then watch what I do.”

Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed a procedure on Rodgers’ left Achilles, placing an internal brace known as an Achilles speed bridge. This innovative technique aims to safeguard the repair and offers Rodgers the possibility of an earlier return, although nothing is guaranteed.

Rodgers is set to resume full-time activity at the Jets facility following the team’s bye, which occurs immediately after their game against the Eagles. This marks his second consecutive home game attendance, having also been present during the Jets’ 23-20 loss to the Chiefs on October 1.

For Rodgers to make a return this season, the Jets would need to secure a playoff spot, a formidable challenge given the competitive nature of the AFC.

However, Rodgers has expressed confidence in his replacement, Zach Wilson, emphasizing the importance of Wilson’s confidence in himself and his growth during the crucial offseason period. Rodgers remains undeterred, ready to defy the odds and make a remarkable return to the game he loves.

The post Aaron Rodgers, Jets Quarterback, Throws in Pregame Warmup Weeks After Achilles Surgery appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

As the Jets prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles, boasting a formidable wide receiver duo in AJ Brown and Devonta Smith, they find themselves without key cornerbacks DJ Reed and Brandin Echols. Winning the special teams battle was crucial for the Jets, with Hardee playing a pivotal role. However, the latest update on Hardee’s health brought unwelcome news for Coach Robert Saleh and the team.

Hardee’s hamstring injury is expected to keep him out of action for four to six weeks, potentially sidelining him until December. Despite not being the flashiest player, the Jets heavily rely on Hardee, valuing his role as the on-field coach for their kick coverage teams.

Having started his career with the New Orleans Saints, Hardee joined the Jets in Robert Saleh’s debut season, quickly establishing himself as one of the best in his position as a gunner and kick coverer. His Pro Bowl recognition in 2022 highlighted his significant impact on the team.

With Hardee, nominally a cornerback when not fulfilling his special teams duties, potentially unavailable, the Jets face a challenge in their cornerback rotation against Philadelphia. While Bryce Hall performed well against the Broncos, it remains to be seen if he can effectively handle the likes of Smith, Brown, and the Eagles’ offense.

Amidst this setback, it’s crucial to remember that the Jets are still a young team in need of veteran mentorship. Losing Hardee, especially right before a crucial game where the Jets require all hands on deck to secure an upset, is a significant blow.

While the Jets’ special teams have shown stability, the question remains: can they maintain their momentum without Hardee’s presence on the field? Only time will tell as the Jets face this daunting challenge head-on.

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