EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Jets found themselves in a frustrating position as they aimed for a crucial win against the Seattle Seahawks but ultimately fell short, losing 26-21. Aaron Rodgers expressed his disappointment following the defeat, noting the need for improvement in critical game moments.

The Jets initially surged ahead with a thrilling 99-yard kickoff return touchdown by Kene Nwangwu, taking a lead of 21-7 in the second quarter. Shortly after, kicker Anders Carlson recovered a fumbled kickoff return by Laviska Shenault, giving the Jets an opportunity to capitalize on the momentum. However, a promising drive was derailed when Rodgers missed a wide-open Garrett Wilson for a potential touchdown. On the ensuing play, a tipped pass by defensive end Leonard Williams allowed him to intercept the ball and return it 92 yards for Seattle’s touchdown, shifting the dynamics of the game.

“We’ve had a lot of chances in these situations,” Rodgers remarked after the game. “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, and it’s a different ballgame.”

With 5:31 left, Zach Charbonnet scored an 8-yard touchdown that gave Seattle the lead for the first time. The Jets, now standing at a concerning 3-9, mounted one final push to turn the game around, recalling Rodgers’ dramatic comebacks during his time with Green Bay. However, after being sacked on third down, his desperate throw to Wilson from the Seahawks’ 34 fell incomplete, sealing yet another disappointing loss for New York, marking their fifth straight defeat in close games where the offense had a chance to win at the end.

Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich reflected on the collective responsibility on the team. “We have to figure that out quickly. It’s not about one person; it goes for everyone involved in the offense. We need to improve in those crucial moments,” he stated. With general manager Joe Douglas recently dismissed, the Jets are now on a three-game losing streak, winning only one of the last nine games and failing to find success under Ulbrich’s leadership, who is 1-6 since taking over.

“We started off with strong complementary play across all three phases of the game, but we did not finish the first half well, and the second half was not our best performance at all,” Ulbrich added. “That’s not how you win games.”

Rodgers had a mixed performance, completing 21 of 39 passes for 185 yards with touchdown passes thrown to Davante Adams and Isaiah Davis. However, the Jets could not score in the second half. “There were a lot of factors,” he commented. “But missing that touch on the two-play sequence— first, the open Garrett for a 28-7 lead, followed up by the pick-6— really changed the game’s momentum.”

As discussions arise regarding the potential for swapping out Rodgers for Tyrod Taylor in hopes of revitalizing the team, Ulbrich indicated he wasn’t considering that option for now. Meanwhile, the pressure is mounting on Rodgers, especially given that this latest defeat solidified a likely ninth consecutive losing season for the franchise. Although he is under contract for the following season, it lacks guaranteed money, raising speculation about his future with the Jets, who acquired him to help break a playoff drought approaching 14 seasons.

Furthermore, during the bye week, there were rumors that owner Woody Johnson suggested resting a injured Rodgers after Week 4. The veteran quarterback claims to feel healthier than earlier this season, which was evident in his performance against Seattle. Still, Williams acknowledged that Rodgers’ age could influence his quick decisions in the pocket, attributing part of the pick-6 to instinctive reactions to pressure.

Now, Rodgers faces scrutiny regarding potential benching discussions and whether he will finish the season on the field. “I don’t know,” he commented when questioned about the possibility of being benched. “We’ll figure it out when those conversations happen.” He emphasized his desire to keep playing, provided his health permits but refrained from addressing what he would do if a quarterback change were made. “It’s just a hypothetical. I’ll discuss it if that situation arises,” he concluded.