Gang Green’s decision to bench Allen Lazard, one of the New York Jets‘ signings this year, is shocking. It is stunning considering his four-year $44 million contract signing. Lazard’s benching has served as a low point to begin his tenure as a New York Jet.
There were no discussions about benching Lazard, who was suiting up for the Black Friday game. Not even anything about the lineup shift. The Jets have been on a four-game losing streak as of late; they are coming off embarrassing losses to the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills.
Lazard did return to the starting role against the Atlanta Falcons this past Sunday. Despite returning, the Jets lost 13-8 to the Falcons at Metlife Stadium.
Allen Lazard’s First Season As a Jet
During Wednesday’s media availability, Lazard was “a little caught off guard” after discovering about being benched. The expectation was that he would continue catching passes from Aaron Rodgers.
The former MVP with a season-ending injury just three snaps into the season. However, things are not working out for Allen Lazard so far. Lazard has a bad drop rate (20 percent) of 96 receivers with at least 25 targets this year. The Jets desperately need production from the receiver position outside of Garrett Wilson.
This year, Allen Lazard has 20 receptions with 290 yards and one touchdown. That is not $44 million receiver-like numbers. The benching from the Black Friday game did not result in a spark for the struggling receiver. Allen Lazard was only targeted once Sunday against Atlanta and dropped his only target.
Allen Lazard’s Invisible Return to Starting Role
On Sunday, Lazard was active as an outside receiver against the Falcons. However, the benching did not set a spark in his struggles at all. Lazard did not catch his only target in the loss. Xavier Gipson and Garrett Wilson got 127 receiving yards combined, which still didn’t mean much since the team lost.
Sunday was the same old story for the Jets, where they couldn’t get the offense going. To add insult to injury, multiple players got hurt, the quarterback got benched, and they had costly penalties. Backup Tight End Mycole Pruitt scored the game’s lone touchdown in the second quarter. Like Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle got benched due to a lack of offensive production.
In speaking with reporters after the 34-13 Black Friday loss to the Dolphins, Coach Robert Saleh said, “He hasn’t been playing up to his standard. Everyone is pressing on that side of the ball to make something happen. There are parts of his game that need to get better.” Allen Lazard has had zero receptions in his last two games against the Bills and the Falcons.
Allen Lazard Jets Contract
In the offseason, Allen Lazard signed a four-year $44 million contract. Of the $44 million, $22 million is guaranteed. During a Zoom call, Lazard said he “wanted to get to a spot that especially has just a melting pot of culture and just be able to get that experience.” Another factor in his decision to sign with New York was his relationship with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
After signing with the Jets, Allen Lazard posted a farewell to the Green Bay Packers and the fans. He said, “The past four years have been a roller coaster of emotions for me. Since day one Packer fans have always had my back. Y’all never failed to impress me with your overwhelming love and support, no matter where we played.”
As an undrafted free agent, Lazard was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018 out of Iowa State. In that same season, the Packers signed Lazard. After starting just 12 games in his first three seasons, Lazard moved up as a starting receiver and developed a strong bond with Aaron Rodgers. He has a career of 189 receptions, 2, 526 yards with a 13.4 average and 21 touchdowns.
Jets Lose to Falcons
The New York Jets and the Atlanta Falcons were in an offensive slog on Sunday, with Atlanta prevailing 13-8. Neither team made any splashes offensively, especially New York, who had three turnovers in the game. The two quarterback changes from the Jets showed just how bad the offense is, and it wasn’t enough for a win.
Despite getting a safety early, the Jets offense still did not get anything going the rest of the game. Tim Boyle was pulled and replaced by Trevor Siemian in the fourth quarter. The move did not provide a spark; it was still a miserable day for the Jets offense. The Jets had a chance to win with 1:53 left in the game.
However, the offense was inept in moving the football despite a 25-yard completion to Xavier Gipson. Allen Lazard had zero catches, and he had zero catches in the Nov.19 game against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. In the games Lazard has played for the Jets this season, he has had 3 receptions or less.
The New York Jets will host C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon at Metlife Stadium.
Main Image: Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
