The New York Jets entered this season with high hopes of a championship run, fueled by the acquisition of four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. However, a torn Achilles in Week 1 last season derailed that dream almost immediately. But now, with Rodgers back under center, the results have been surprisingly underwhelming, leaving fans and analysts questioning if the team is truly any better off than they were before.
Through the first five weeks of the season, the Jets sit at a disappointing 2-3, the same record they had a year ago. Even more concerning is the lack of offensive improvement with Rodgers at quarterback.
In fact, the Jets have scored an identical 93 points in the first five games this season as they did last year with Zach Wilson at the helm — a stat that highlights the offensive struggles plaguing the team, even with the future Hall of Famer leading the charge.
When the Jets traded for Rodgers, the expectation was that his veteran leadership and skill would elevate the team’s offense to new heights.
Yet, that simply hasn’t been the case. The offense has looked stagnant, and Rodgers has not delivered the game-changing performances many anticipated. Instead, the offense has been just as inconsistent as it was with Wilson, raising concerns about Rodgers’ current form and fitness after his Achilles injury.
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In Sunday’s 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Rodgers completed 29 of 54 passes for 244 yards, with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions — a far cry from the precision and poise that defined his career in Green Bay.
Throughout the game, Rodgers showed visible signs of frustration, at times with his teammates and at other moments with the play-calling. His body language and performance reflected the struggles that have plagued the Jets’ offense all season.
The Achilles injury he suffered last year may still be impacting his performance. Returning from such a significant injury is always a challenge, especially for a 40-year-old quarterback.
Mobility and sharpness can take time to return, and Rodgers may not be the same player he once was. While some may have hoped for a quicker turnaround, it’s becoming clear that the road to recovery is more complicated than anticipated.
The Jets’ offense was expected to thrive under Rodgers, but so far, they’ve been stuck in neutral. If the team is to salvage this season and make a serious playoff push, they need to find answers fast.
Rodgers’ veteran presence was supposed to make the difference, but at the moment, there’s little evidence to suggest the Jets are better off with him than they were with Wilson.
The clock is ticking for New York. If they hope to compete for a playoff spot, Rodgers and the offense will need to improve quickly, or the Jets risk another season slipping away despite the high expectations that came with their star quarterback.
