GLENDALE, Ariz. — Aaron Rodgers rolled out to his right, attempting to pass to Malachi Corley a few yards downfield. The experienced quarterback anticipated Corley would move in one direction, but the rookie receiver veered off, resulting in the ball falling to the ground without any impact. This play encapsulated a difficult outing for the New York Jets’ offense, with a visibly frustrated Rodgers leaving the field.
The optimism following a significant victory over the Houston Texans just a week ago evaporated entirely. In a dismal performance on Sunday, Rodgers threw for 151 yards as the Jets could only muster a pair of field goals, ultimately suffering a heavy 31-6 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals. The Jets’ defense, struggling to hold back the Cardinals, allowed four touchdowns during the first five drives, contributing to the team’s further slide in the AFC East. With a record of 3-7, New York has now experienced six losses in their last seven games.
“I thought after a big win on Thursday night and a nice long week that we would come out with energy and win,” Rodgers noted. “But we lacked the necessary energy on both sides. We can’t expect to win when we only score six points.” While Rodgers completed 22 of his 35 attempts, only one completion went for over ten yards. At times, the Jets moved the ball competently but struggled significantly in the red zone. Trailing 24-6 in the third quarter, New York had a promising opportunity for a touchdown, but after a sack, Rodgers fumbled the ball on a fourth-and-3 play at the Cardinals’ 11-yard line, dashing any remaining hopes of a comeback.
During the postgame press conference, Rodgers remained reflective. “I definitely missed a few throws. Situationally, we were pretty poor,” he admitted. His struggles were part of a broader problem; the Jets’ defense, which ranked second in the league against the pass this season, was carved up by Kyler Murray and the Cardinals’ offense.
Murray had an outstanding performance, completing 22 of 24 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown, achieving a franchise record with 17 consecutive completions at one point. He also added two rushing touchdowns, including a dazzling 12-yard run in the third quarter where he skillfully navigated through three defenders to find the end zone.
Jeff Ulbrich, the Jets’ interim head coach, pointed out that the team’s tackling was simply inadequate. By halftime, the Cardinals had built a 24-6 lead and averaged over 7 yards per play. “We’ve got to improve,” Ulbrich emphasized. “We placed great importance on tackling this week, yet it wasn’t enough. We need to take that extra step, make proper tackles, and ensure we have multiple players to the ball.”
A particularly indicative moment of the Jets’ defensive struggles occurred in the second quarter during a third-and-7 situation at the Cardinals’ 33-yard line. Although Murray connected with Trey McBride on a short pass and Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner was initially in position to stop him well short of the mark, McBride managed to evade Gardner’s grasp, leaping over another defender for a 17-yard gain. This play reinvigorated the Cardinals and disheartened the Jets. Just six plays later, Murray connected with Marvin Harrison Jr. for a 9-yard touchdown, extending Arizona’s lead to 21-6.
Unfortunately for the Jets, the situation was only poised to worsen, and the window for a playoff push is closing quickly. “We’ve got to get better; I have to improve,” said Gardner. “I need to be able to make that tackle.”