Aaron Rodgers is out of excuses. The Jets' problems point back to him

Aaron Rodgers, one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in NFL history, finds himself at the center of mounting criticism as the New York Jets continue to stumble through the 2024 season. After a devastating 37-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night, Rodgers and the Jets are left scrambling to salvage their rapidly fading playoff hopes, now sitting at a discouraging 2-5 record. Despite the recent acquisition of star wide receiver Davante Adams and linebacker Haason Reddick, the team's fortunes haven’t changed, and all eyes are turning toward Rodgers as the key figure responsible for their struggles.

The Jets' current trajectory bears a striking resemblance to the team's state in 2002, when former head coach Herm Edwards famously declared, "You play to win the game" amidst a similar 2-5 start. However, the 2002 squad managed to turn things around, eventually clinching an AFC East title. For the 2024 Jets, achieving that same turnaround seems like a tall order, especially given the multitude of problems they face, with Rodgers squarely in the spotlight.

At 40 years old, Rodgers is not the player he once was, and his performances in recent weeks have made that clear. The four-time MVP is dealing with a myriad of issues, from erratic throws to costly interceptions, and his accountability in these moments has been called into question. While injuries, coaching changes, and a banged-up defense have played a role in the Jets’ misfortunes, Rodgers’ own struggles have been the common denominator during their four-game losing streak.

Rodgers himself admitted after Sunday’s loss, “I gotta play better, that’s the key,” acknowledging his role in the team's current predicament. His inconsistency has been a recurring theme over the past few weeks:

Week 4: Rodgers’ arm couldn't compensate for the poor weather conditions, resulting in a 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos. Despite Denver managing just 186 yards of offense, the Jets couldn’t muster enough to win. "The weather sucked, but so did some of my throws," Rodgers admitted afterward.

Week 5: In a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London, Rodgers tied his career-worst with three interceptions, including a game-changing pick-six. His inability to connect with open receivers became a glaring issue, and the defeat added to the mounting pressure.

Week 6: Rodgers once again ended the game with a costly interception, this time in a 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Despite the Jets making significant coaching changes—removing head coach Robert Saleh and taking offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett off play-calling duties—the team struggled on third downs and in the red zone. Rodgers blamed wide receiver Mike Williams’ route running for the late interception, but the defeat highlighted the ongoing dysfunction in the offense.

The loss to Pittsburgh in Week 7 was perhaps the most troubling. Rodgers threw two interceptions, including a crucial one just before halftime when the Jets were leading 15-6. His ill-advised deep pass to Garrett Wilson was picked off by rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop, leading to a touchdown by Steelers wideout George Pickens. This swing in momentum initiated a 31-point outburst by Pittsburgh, putting the game out of reach for New York.

Rodgers is on pace to finish the season with a career-high 17 interceptions, and while he’s taken some responsibility, the Jets' problems are multifaceted. The running game remains ineffective, the defense has been ravaged by injuries, and Rodgers’ connection with Adams—a key offseason acquisition—hasn’t yet yielded results.

While the Steelers, now 5-2, thrive with Russell Wilson at the helm, the Jets don’t have the luxury of a Plan B like they did in 2002, when an aging Vinny Testaverde was replaced by Chad Pennington. The team’s quarterback situation is locked in with Rodgers, leaving little room for experimentation with backup Tyrod Taylor.

Looking ahead, the Jets' next four games—against the Patriots, Texans, Cardinals, and Colts—are winnable, but they will need significant improvement across the board. Rodgers, aware of the urgency, said, “Just gotta win. Starting this week.” The Jets are quickly running out of time to make something of this season, and unless Rodgers can turn things around, the team’s playoff drought, now at 14 years, will likely continue.

Rodgers remains confident that the Jets have what it takes to compete, but his words will mean little if the results don’t follow. “This season ain’t over,” said Garrett Wilson, expressing optimism despite the setbacks. However, unless Rodgers can elevate his play and steer the Jets out of their nosedive, the blame for another disappointing season will fall squarely on his shoulders.