NFL
Aaron Rodgers was close to being benched
The owner of the New York Jets felt that Rodgers' performance had been undermining the team since Week 4.
The New York Jets are the team that has changed the most during the 2024 NFL season. They fired head coach Robert Saleh in Week 5 and sacked general manager Joe Douglas a few days ago. However, the transformation could have been more drastic a month ago with a relevant change to quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
According to a report by The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Jets owner suggested Tyrod Tylor should be the starting quarterback ahead of Rodgers following the team’s Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos. That meeting included the head coach, Johnson, Douglas, president Hymie Elhai, vice president Christopher Johnson and Ira Akselrad, an advisor to the owner.
At the time, the Jets were 2-2 after losses to the San Francisco 49ers and Broncos and wins over the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots. However, Rodgers had only generated 849 yards with five touchdowns and one interception, but had suffered 10 sacks.
Aside from Rodgers and Taylor, the Jets only have Adrian Martinez as an alternative. The Kansas State graduate is part of New York’s practice squad and has no NFL experience yet despite entering the league as an undrafted rookie in 2023.
The Jets' playoff chances
The Jets have a bye in Week 12 and despite their 3-8 record, they’re not eliminated yet. According to NFL projections, the green team from New York has a 2% chance of securing a playoff spot and less than 1% chance of winning the AFC East.
The remainder of the Jets' schedule consists of matchups against the Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills and the Dolphins' second game.
The Jets are next in action on 1 December as guests of the Jets (3-8, 2-3 local) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.