Should Aaron Rodgers retire? Stephen A. Smith thinks it’s time after shameful season with Jets

Stephen A. Smith believes Aaron Rodgers should retire as the New York Jets have no chance of reaching the playoffs.

Should Aaron Rodgers retire? Stephen A. Smith thinks it’s time after shameful season with Jets

Aaron Rodgers should think about retirement, believes Stephen A. Smith (Image via Imago)

The New York Jets expected Aaron Rodgers to change their culture. After more than half a century of being in the doldrums, the team finally had a superstar quarterback who could elevate the entire team. But so far this season, it has been anything but that, leading analyst Stephen A. Smith to ask a pertinent question.

In the New York Jets season so far, the superstar quarterback has thrown seven interceptions, specifically six in the last three games. Those numbers came up despite him standing behind an improved offensive line. At the same time, having an elite receiving core.

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The 56-year-old analyst was speaking on the week’s first episode of First Take. Discussing with his panel about the state of the Jets, he had some extreme opinions to share.

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He has looked so bad, I’ve actually looked at the screen and found myself saying, ‘It might be time for him to really retire.’ Cause I’m not used to seeing this Aaron Rodgers. Six interceptions over the last three games. No leadership whatsoever, no direction, I don’t get this.

Stephen A. Smith said

Stephen A. Smith did mention that at times Aaron Rodgers has looked like his old self. But with every passing game, the question is growing louder.

With the way they have played so far, the excuses are running out for the four-time league MVP. Smith believes the decline is evident in his play, and instead of taking accountability and leading his team, Rodgers has been blaming others left and right, which evidently is not the best way to lead a team.

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Stephen A. Smith feels Aaron Rodgers and the Jets are done

With the team now standing at 2-5, Smith was asked a little while later if the New York Jets had any chance of making the playoffs. Without any hesitations, he denied the possibility.

This New York Jets have underperformed despite having a superstar team
This New York Jets have underperformed despite having a superstar team (Image via NYJets/X)

This season is over. The New York Jets are done. The only way that they can make the playoffs as far as I’m concerned is to win 9 of their 10 games, or all of their 10 games. I don’t see that happening.

Stephen A. Smith said

After giving the reality of the situation, Stephen A. Smith summed his analogy up by saying that the team is not good. He feels the firing of Robert Saleh has had a detrimental effect on the team’s performance, especially on defense.

With the way the rest of the AFC is playing, even if the Jets win all ten of their remaining games, it might be tough to crack a wild-card berth. But even that might be difficult to do with the talent in the AFC. He feels their offense is far from reaching its potential, and the defense has deteriorated.

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Not the ideal way to beat the other teams who are only going to get better. Smith believes with the way the Jets are playing, they could be the worst team in the AFC East. He has more faith in the New England Patriots to get more wins than the Jets.