In 1979, British punk band The Clash released the song “London Calling” on the double album of the same name. The song’s apocalyptic background fueled a growing movement against frustrations at the state of the world leading to feelings of concern. “…Engines stop running, but I have no fear. ‘London is drowning’, and I live by the river.” This dreadful state is a perfect backdrop for the current state of the New York Jets. Fans and media alike thought Aaron Rodgers would be the last piece to turn this team into a contender. Instead, the ego-driven quarterback blew a golden opportunity in the team’s loss to Minnesota in London. The Vikings didn’t throw a single offensive touchdown. That’s because the veteran quarterback cost the Jets the game with three interceptions. Including a remorseful Andrew Van Ginkel pick returned for a touchdown. The Jets need help, and Aaron Rodgers isn’t doing his part.
Aaron Rodgers has thrown 3+ interceptions just 5 times in his 20 year career 🤯
Make it 6.
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/bRlQRlGABJ
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) October 6, 2024
London Falling: Aaron Rodgers Costs the Jets Needed Win
The New York Jets are a team longing for consistency on offense for the past three years. Robert Saleh did his part in building one of the best defenses in the league. Depth on all three levels, player development, and strong communication; their defense has been the best since the Rex Ryan era ended. But, the Achilles heel of the Robert Saleh era has been their offense. Fans thought that once Aaron Rodgers got acclimated, he’d improve on a stagnant unit that struggled under Zach Wilson. Now over a month into the season, the man under center is not the same quarterback they knew.
Aaron Rodgers’s legacy as a Hall of Famer will not be questioned by the results of this season. But the man wearing number eight under center is a hallow husk of a once tantalizing quarterback. The Patriots game appears more like a camouflage for the losses to Denver & now the Vikings. Last week, he failed to find the end zone the entire game and didn’t help Zuerlein get within better field goal range in the closing minute. He somehow improved by underdelivering with three interceptions vs Minnesota.
Rodgers & Hackett failed Robert Saleh’s defense.
The New York Jets 23-17 loss vs. Minnesota has a lot of blame to go around. The defense stepped up to the challenge, allowing a CJ Ham TD run to be the only time Minnesota found the endzone. Their only second touchdown given up the past two weeks. What ruined them was the offense. The offensive line can’t create running lanes for Breece Hall. Multiple dropped passes. But at the end of the day, the blame lies solely on Aaron Charles Rodgers. Two second-half touchdown passes don’t erase these three interceptions. This is the second time in the past 13 games he threw more than three interceptions in a game since 2022. Andrew Van Ginkel had his eyes all over the quarterback on third-and-six for a 63-yard interception returned for a touchdown in the first quarter. Then overthrew Allen Lazard on third-and-eight for his second interception of the quarter.
Just the fifth pick-6 thrown by Aaron Rodgers in his career 😳
📺: #NYJvsMIN on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/fbvL7K3Hre— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024
The most egregious of which came seconds into the 4th quarter. Third-and-ten at the Vikings 31. Rodgers underthrows Mike Williams creating the opportunity for Stephen Gilmore to seal the game with the third and final interceptions. The Jets lost 23-17 to former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold. Blame the head coach, blame the offensive coordinator, and blame the receivers. But enough is enough. Seven touchdowns to four interceptions is not what this franchise signed up for in 2023. This is Aaron Rodgers’ 27th consecutive game without at least 300 passing yards. This is simply unacceptable.
Thinking ahead
There are still 12 games remaining for the New York Jets to prove they are a playoff team. A crucial matchup vs Buffalo this week should feature the return of valuable right tackle Morgan Moses. Moses has missed the past two games with a knee injury and should help the offensive line. However, no matter the result of the season one thing became evident. Not only is it unlikely Aaron Rodgers can play in 2026. But seldom does a fool think he can honestly play in 2025. With these past two games, it’s evident Woody Johnson shouldn’t let Aaron Rodgers dictate how the team’s future should play out. He’s closer to the final curtain than his hubris is willing to admit.
Main Photo: [Kirby Lee]- USA Today Sports
