NFL – New York Jets: Aaron Rodgers’ only option is to retire

Von Chris Lugert

At the beginning of 2023 it was there when Aaron Rodgers, then with the Green Bay Packers, asked for the silence of the darknessto think about his future. Change the New York Jets due to his thought processes. He has now returned to darkness.

“I’m in the dark. You have to accept it and make peace with it,” Rodgers said after one of the worst moments of his illustrious career. Out of all places, the Jets lost again to the New England Patriots, who really weren’t competitive this season.

This is a season low that will be difficult to endure even for long-suffering Jets fans. With Rodgers as the leader of a team blessed with talent, they should enter the postseason for the first time since 2010. Instead, the entire structure collapsed, and head coach Robert Saleh was fired to be a step in the toilet.

A 2-6 record after eight weeks is absolutely impossible for a team like the Jets with this player stuff, and those involved know it.

Glassy-eyed, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich stood on the podium after the loss and explained why this loss bothered him and how it hurt him. But he could find no solution to propel the semi-spinning vessel forward. Instead, he sank the last pound.

And Rodgers is also playing his part. Although his box score looked good against the Patriots, he threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns. But he does not present himself as a leader. Instead, the idea is growing stronger that the four-time MVP is just ballast paralyzing the entire franchise.

Rodgers’ oasis of good feeling has failed

The offense is signature in New York; he has created an oasis of well-being with old acquaintances and friends. Bottom line: Nathaniel Hackett, unable to prove he could run an offense without Matt LaFleur, was removed as the offense’s announcer. Davante Adams has been a fan at best so far. Only Allen Lazard is proven by his former teammates, but he is not a difference maker.

It seems the pressure of expectations was too high from the start. This affects players like Garrett Wilson, who have inexplicable drops. Or kicker Greg Zuerlein, who suddenly won’t hit a moving truck anymore. They are all far from what they can do. Against the Patriots, the Jets had to sacrifice four incredible hours to avoid a game delay. It is not right at the back and the front.

The abilities of a 40-year-old man returning from a torn Achilles tendon may have just been exceeded. Saleh’s ouster ultimately sent the defense into overdrive. For comparison: In week three, when the defensive guru was still in office, the Jets allowed just three points against the Patriots.

The Rodgers and Jets project failed, no, it stalled. There can be no future in this constellation. How understandable was the attempt to have at least something like success with the former star – it didn’t work. This achievement should now have reached everyone.

Rodgers and the Jets should draw a line in the sand

Both sides should try to finish this season halfway – and then draw a line. The Jets need a completely fresh start. And that will only work without Rodgers.

His legacy as a future Hall of Famer will not suffer from this Jets disaster. However, he could do permanent damage if he asks his contract out of real stability, which will give him a good amount next year, but he can no longer prove it in terms of sports.

The Super Bowl winner should be aware that his time as an NFL player is over. Retiring after the season was the only sensible decision for everyone involved. An ending with horror is better than endless horror.