Aaron Rodgers has recently shown that he still has plenty of talent left, sparking discussions about whether the New York Jets quarterback can have another successful season. The 41-year-old displayed youthful energy during a 32-25 win against Jacksonville, connecting effectively with former teammate Davante Adams.
In his past two outings, Rodgers has completed 43 out of 69 passes, showcasing a 62% completion rate, accumulating 628 passing yards along with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich noted, “I think there’s some absolute truth to the fact that he struggled with injuries for a good part of the season. And as he’s starting to get healthier, you’re starting to see Aaron Rodgers. The real Aaron Rodgers.” This performance reflects the expectations the Jets and their supporters had when they traded for the star quarterback from Green Bay in April 2023.
Rodgers’ debut was marred by a torn Achilles tendon just four plays in, and various injuries to his hamstring, ankle, and knee severely hampered his mobility early in the season. However, he impressed in the recent game against the Jaguars, running for 45 yards on six carries—his seventh-highest rushing total in his two-decade career. “I didn’t think he had it in him,” left guard John Simpson joked after witnessing Rodgers’ swift movements on the field. “But he’s getting out there moving again. Man, he’s having fun with it.”
As conversations circulate in sports media regarding the presumed decline of one of the league’s all-time greats, Rodgers is pushing back against these assumptions. Ulbrich remarked, “After seeing him run around the past couple of weeks and getting his mobility back and getting his health back, every part of me is like: ‘This guy has got a couple of more years, at the very least, left in him.’”
Two significant questions arise: Does Rodgers want to keep playing? He has expressed uncertainty. And do the Jets envision a future with him on the roster? The situation remains ambiguous, especially with the franchise undergoing changes at the general manager and coach positions. Contract considerations loom as well; Rodgers’ deal extends through next season, including a modest non-guaranteed salary but a hefty option bonus. If released or if he chooses to retire, the Jets would face a considerable dead cap hit.
Currently, the Jets sit with a 4-10 record and hold the NFL’s longest active playoff drought at 14 years. Recently, however, Rodgers has reignited hope by providing a glimpse of his potential as they contemplate their future. “Too little, too late, but it’s still special,” he reflected on the recent victory. “This was a year of things that we were close, but we kind of let it get away from us in the middle of the season.”
On the bright side, the offensive line has been a standout, with Rodgers praising the performance of the five key linemen—John Simpson, Olu Fashanu, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Morgan Moses—who formed a protective wall. Rodgers completed 16 of 30 passes for 289 yards and three touchdowns, facing minimal pressure throughout the game.
However, areas still in need of improvement include clock management. During the final moments, Ulbrich opted for aggressive play, which almost backfired as the Jaguars made a push into Jets territory before Sauce Gardner intercepted the ball, securing the win.
In terms of individual performances, wide receiver Davante Adams had a remarkable outing, particularly in the second half, where he caught nine passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns after a rough start with two first-half drops. Conversely, Allen Lazard’s performance faltered, as he went catchless and dropped a potential touchdown pass.
Injury concerns continue to plague the Jets, with defensive tackle Quinnen Williams undergoing evaluation for hamstring issues. Coach Ulbrich stated, “It’s a position where sometimes hamstrings, you can play with. But we’ll see. We will not put Quinnen in harm’s way at all.” Safety Jalen Mills is dealing with a collarbone issue, cornerback Michael Carter II has a lower back problem, and cornerback D.J. Reed missed the last game due to a groin injury.
One notable statistic from the recent game was that Adams racked up 135 receiving yards in just the last four minutes, marking the highest tally for any player in that timeframe this century, according to ESPN Research.
Looking ahead, the Jets are set to face Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, as they aim to secure back-to-back wins for only the second time this season.