Because the New York Jets fell to 2-6, it’s trying increasingly more just like the Aaron Rodgers experiment is rarely going to satisfy expectations.
Maybe the expectations have been by no means lifelike.
Rodgers is coming off a torn Achilles, and he’s additionally handled knee, ankle and hamstring accidents this season. As such, he’s on tempo for one of many worst seasons of his profession, and he may lose double-digit begins for the primary time since 2008 when he took over for Brett Favre.
So, has it been resulting from dangerous damage luck, ability deterioration, organizational points or just a little little bit of every little thing?
“(Rodgers is) attempting to play as if he’s 10 years youthful, and he’s not near the identical participant,” a defensive coach, granted anonymity so he may converse freely, instructed The Athletic. “He can nonetheless throw it in a clear pocket with one of the best of one of the best, (however his) mobility is just not the identical. He’s jumpy and has missed some throws I’ve by no means seen him miss.”
A few coaches who’ve studied Rodgers stated his footwork has been out of whack, and he’s made some errors that will have been out of character from his time with the Inexperienced Bay Packers, notably a lot of his efficiency in London in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings and that late first-half interception in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“He wants the run recreation, play motion, display recreation greater than ever, however that’s not what he needs,” the coach added. “He needs to play the way in which he’s most comfy. And he doesn’t have the offensive line or ability group to play that means. Getting (Davante Adams) will assist. There’s all the time an opportunity he will get sizzling. I’ll by no means underestimate his means so long as he’s nonetheless taking part in. He’s all the time turned it on when folks have doubted him essentially the most.”
Rodgers had a stable statistical displaying Sunday within the loss to the Patriots, however he’s now carved them up twice. In two video games in opposition to them, Rodgers has accomplished 69.8 % of his passes for 514 yards (257 per recreation), 4 touchdowns, no interceptions and a 115.4 passer score. In all different video games, he’s finishing 59.3 % of his passes for 1,382 yards (230.3 per recreation), eight touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 76.4 score.
“Rodgers’ ability erosion is actual,” an government stated. “Not having the ability to lengthen performs along with his ft places plenty of strain on the offensive line to be agency up the center and the playmakers to get open faster. I gained’t be stunned for those who see extra of the display recreation being put into their offense. They actually need to trip Breece Corridor extra as a runner and go catcher out of the backfield.”
The push will get HOME on third down 😤
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/2RvF7RzR7g
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 27, 2024
The Jets had visions of Tremendous Bowls once they acquired Rodgers in 2023, however their playoff drought is probably going about to hit a 14th consecutive season. Rodgers, who turns 41 in December, is operating quick on time to alter the narrative of his Jets tenure.
“Rodgers has been so good for thus lengthy that it’s virtually like folks believed he was immune from the consequences of tearing his Achilles at 40 years previous,” one other government stated. “That’s a troublesome damage for a younger participant. To be 40 and play at that (anticipated) degree, that’s actually onerous, they usually can’t defend him.
“At his age, Aaron is coming off a career-ending damage in most sports activities. To not have the footwork, quickness and mobility, that’s wonderful. We must always count on that. However for some cause, the expectation is he ought to be trying just like the MVP from 2021. That’s not dwelling in actuality. He’s most likely doing higher than most 40-year-olds with that damage. It’s virtually unfair to him to ask him to be the driving force of that workforce in these circumstances. However there’s a double-edged sword that perhaps he doesn’t understand he’s not the identical Aaron he was in 2021.”
Mahomes nonetheless ‘elite’
Patrick Mahomes is on tempo for the worst statistical season of his profession, however there’s not practically as a lot concern in regards to the three-time champ.
“Mahomes is taking part in at an elite degree,” a defensive coach stated. “(He’s) doing what it takes week in and week out, has full command of the conditions. His footwork within the pocket is nearly as good as I’ve seen. (He’s nonetheless) rising each week as a participant. Greatest competitor within the recreation.
“He simply wills his workforce to successful.”
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The struggles are extra in regards to the state of affairs round Mahomes. They’ve had quite a few points at each deal with spots. Wideouts Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown and operating again Isiah Pacheco have been out with vital accidents. Tight finish Travis Kelce has dropped off shortly, though he lastly caught fireplace Sunday in opposition to the Raiders.
“The Pacheco damage is the most important issue that not many individuals discuss,” an government stated. “They clearly miss the play, but additionally the physicality and spark he brings the offense. Kelce is getting older. It’s noticeable on tape that he’s dropping some (yards after the catch).”
But, the Chiefs are the NFL’s lone unbeaten workforce. Credit score their protection, for positive, however Mahomes has made a number of clutch performs within the fourth quarter to seal some shut victories.
WE’RE NOT WORTHY. pic.twitter.com/8dYWhc0ybA
— Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 27, 2024
“Mahomes’ difficulty proper now’s accidents at receiver,” one other government stated. “(DeAndre) Hopkins isn’t a stretch-the-field participant anymore. It’s extra of a difficulty of safety and points with stability, which places plenty of strain on the QB. I don’t assume there’s something incorrect with Mahomes. He’s managing just a little little bit of a s— present by way of a personnel standpoint, their depth, altering out guys, offensive linemen, accidents.”
The Chiefs acquired Hopkins final week and Pacheco is anticipated to return in some unspecified time in the future this season, so assistance is on the way in which. All of the whereas, Mahomes is attempting to determine what works with the remainder of his supporting forged, not not like final season earlier than he turned it on within the playoffs.
If their opponents can’t take down Mahomes when it’s trying like this, they is likely to be in actual bother if the Chiefs determine it out down the stretch. And it’s a great guess that occurs as a result of they virtually all the time do.
Greatest movers
There’s been plenty of stability within the prime 5 of late, however Jared Goff, Jordan Love and Brock Purdy have been knocking on the door. Goff is the newest to climb to No. 6, and a two-spot bounce within the prime 10 is a big rise. Goff is squarely concerned within the MVP race.
Jayden Daniels made his top-10 debut with a two-spot bounce of his personal. He’s been electrical this season and simply had a signature second with the Hail Mary to shock Caleb Williams and the Bears. Daniels, who has spent 4 consecutive weeks within the prime 13, and Lamar Jackson are the one two QBs who’ve been within the rankings each week however by no means fallen again.
A;FK;JD;KJF;LAKEJFLKJVAL;KEJL;JF;EFJ;LFAKJ
JAYDEN DANIELS HAIL MARY! @COMMANDERS WIN! pic.twitter.com/BsQ0Z84Rko
— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024
On the flip aspect, Dak Prescott’s six-spot fall occurred after the Cowboys’ newest flat efficiency on nationwide tv. Prescott has thrown two interceptions in three consecutive video games, together with back-to-back losses to the Lions and 49ers, because the Cowboys have fallen to the thirteenth seed within the NFC and two video games out of the playoff image.
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Damage notes
Derek Carr returned to the rankings as a result of Saints coach Dennis Allen stated Monday he’s “optimistic” Carr would play this week. Carr slid within the rankings, reaching No. 13 in Week 3 however falling to No. 21 in Weeks 5-6 earlier than the indirect damage. He’s a decisive improve over Spencer Rattler, who debuted at No. 28 earlier than tumbling final week to No. 32.
Bryce Younger additionally returned to the rankings whereas Andy Dalton missed Sunday’s recreation with a thumb damage. Coach Dave Canales hasn’t introduced who will begin this week. Younger debuted at No. 25 however dropped to No. 30 earlier than he was benched.
Jordan Love (groin) and Drake Maye (concussion) remained within the rankings as a result of they haven’t been declared out this week. Will Levis (shoulder) remained within the rankings, as he may return to the beginning lineup this week.
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(Photograph: Adam Glanzman / Getty Photos)