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