“We’re not mathematically eliminated!” Aaron Rodgers remains optimistic about the Jets’ chances this season despite being 3-7 record
The New York Jets brought in four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers in 2023 to end their 13-year playoff drought, but the wait continues.
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Aaron Rodgers (Image via Imago)
The New York Jets this season have been bad, everyone including the star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, had to admit it. Nevertheless, they are still clinging to the last raft in the stormy sea.
The green and white had high hopes for the season as they welcomed four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers back to the fray. Rodgers, 40, came off a year-long break after sustaining a season-ending Achilles injury in the first game of the last season. In the beginning, they looked good despite a few flaws, at one point close to claiming the top spot in the AFC East.
After a loss in London against the Minnesota Vikings, the Jets management decided to fire Robert Saleh halfway in the season.
Considering the statistics, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich already faced a roadblock. No team who parted ways with its head coach midway had ever qualified for the playoffs. From being a Conference game contender, the Jets then tumbled to a 3-7 record by Week 10.
Despite being five wins far from a winning record, the Jets, or Rodgers at least, haven’t lost hope. The quarterback admitted that they were bad in the last week after a blowout loss to the Arizona Cardinals. However, he acknowledged playing for pride via the Pat McAfee Show.
You have to hold on to that beautiful thing in life called hope. We aren’t mathematically eliminated. There is a lot to play for. At the end of the day, the one thing that we can play for, whether we are 10-0 or 3-7, is pride. Pride in your performance and pride in the product you are putting on the field.
Aaron Rodgers said
Rodgers also stated that the season has been humbling. He admitted meeting the season with humility.
And in our case, you do what you know how to do, you go back to work. The preparation stays the same and the focus stays the same. We have the handle the end of this season with humility. There are a lot of pies to be eaten around here this year, flavored humble.
Aaron Rodgers added
"You gotta hold on to that beautiful thing in life called hope. … We're not mathematically eliminated."
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 12, 2024
Aaron Rodgers tells @PatMcAfeeShow "there's still a lot" for the Jets to play for this season ? pic.twitter.com/ORfwoXKQyH
After a 2-1 start, the Jets have dropped six of their last seven games. As of Tuesday, following the Dolphins’ 23-15 victory over the Rams, the Jets are now 11th in the AFC, sitting two games behind the Denver Broncos. The Broncos hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over New York for the 7th playoff spot in the conference.
Aaron Rodgers sees next game as doorway to making a comeback
Rodgers, nearing 41 with his form showing signs of age, remarked that when things go wrong, people tend to assign blame—be it on the coaches, players, or himself.
The Jets are facing the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11 before a bye week. The Colts, holding a 4-6 record, are also facing some issues since the start of the season. Anthony Richardson, sophomore QB, hasn’t played as per expectations leading to his benching.
Amid the same, the allegations of restricting quarterback development and intense pressure on Joe Flacco are affecting their records. Rodgers sees this game as an opportunity.
It takes little tweaks during the week that can turn this thing. You turn this thing if you can beat a Colts team that has had some up and down games themselves. … It is a chance for us to get a win, get into the bye week and look at the back half, the last six games of our schedule with a chance.
Aaron Rodgers added
With seven games remaining, it’s clear that significant changes are on the horizon for the Jets offseason.
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Mohammed Bazim
(517 Articles Published)