EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Jets’ offense initially gave fans hope for a rewarding performance under Aaron Rodgers, but the momentum quickly shifted in their recent match-up against the Los Angeles Rams. Instead of a high-scoring win, the game turned into yet another frustrating loss for the Jets, resulting in a 19-9 defeat on Sunday.
Rodgers, reflecting on the game, acknowledged a critical mistake when he fumbled the ball during a sack in the fourth quarter. This blunder allowed Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford to lead his team down the field for the decisive score. “That was bad,” Rodgers admitted quietly. “A bad play.” With this loss, the Jets now hold the dubious distinction of losing six games this season in which they were leading during the fourth quarter, the highest rate in the NFL.
“It’s been all year,” Rodgers stated. “I think what needs to be addressed moving forward is for some of these guys to really lock in on the details to reach their full potential.” The Jets showcased promise right from the start, driving 99 yards for a touchdown on their opening possession. They converted five first downs, culminating in a smart play-action fake by Rodgers that led to an 11-yard touchdown pass to Davante Adams, giving New York an early 6-0 advantage after the missed extra point.
However, that would be their only touchdown of the day. “The rhythm disappeared, I think,” Rodgers noted. He described the game as peculiar in terms of possession statistics and acknowledged that, following their initial success, their performance on both the ground and through the air diminished significantly.
Despite limited offensive production, the Jets managed to maintain a 9-6 lead at halftime, capitalizing on a 15-play drive that concluded with a field goal as the second quarter ran out. They opened the third quarter with sustained effort, leading interim coach Jeff Ulbrich to opt for a bold call on fourth-and-4 from the Rams’ 13-yard line, ignoring a potential field goal opportunity. Rodgers aimed for Adams in the end zone, but the pass fell incomplete, stalling what had been a promising 14-play drive.
“I thought we were efficient enough at that point to go for it,” Ulbrich explained after the game. “I felt like we had some momentum on our side.” Adams supported the decision, emphasizing the team’s aggressive mentality. “That’s Aaron and the whole team’s mindset—to put up points. Sometimes you’ve got to take risks.”
As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, the situation shifted again when the score was tied at 9. Rodgers was pressured and held the ball too long, leading to a fumble that was recovered by the Rams. Stafford swiftly found Tyler Higbee for a touchdown shortly after, leaving the Jets unable to respond effectively.
Rodgers accepted responsibility for the turnover, acknowledging that he should have made an earlier decision under pressure. At 41, he faces uncertainty regarding his career, expressing mixed feelings about his future in the game but indicating a desire to stay with the Jets if he plays again.
The Jets are currently undergoing significant changes; they are in the process of searching for a new general manager and will soon begin their quest for a new head coach. “The reality is that we’re 4-11, out of the playoffs, and facing an unknown offseason,” Rodgers said. “We need to focus on what it means to be a professional. Understanding who is committed going forward is crucial to building a strong culture within the team.”