Arizona Cardinals (6-4) Destroy the New York Jets (3-7) and Rodgers, What Does it Mean?
Today’s game between the New York Jets and the Arizona Cardinals was a lopsided affair which showed the ineptitude of both the Jets’ offense and defense. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 31-6 after Aaron Rodgers and the New York failed to score from the red-zone…3 times!!! Nothing went right for the New York Jets while the Arizona Cardinals and Kyler Murray were clicking on all cylinders.
Stick a Fork in Him, Rodgers is Done!
For some reason, it’s easy to write about Aaron Rodgers these days. Unfortunately, for him, the New York Jets, and their fans, he’s not doing a whole lot to write in a positive outlook. Some feel sorry for him and make excuses for him. But most have written both Rodgers and the Jets off for 2024 and are hoping the two part ways at the end of the season.
Today, Rodgers went 22 completions for 35 attempts and only 151 yards. He averaged just 4.3 yards per completion, throwing for no touchdowns. He fumbled in the red-zone, on the Arizona 11 yard line. Quite frankly, Rodgers looked tired out there on the field, particularly in the 4th quarter. He appeared just plain “worn out”. Perhaps last seasons injuries are taking their toll. Perhaps, the post (Head Coach) Saleh’s firing has created an atmosphere which Rodgers finds toxic. Perhaps he’s just gotten old…he’ll be 41 come December 2 of this season.
But while Rodgers appears to be only going through the motions with the Jets this season, it should be remembered he ’s playing on a base salary of only $3,161,112.00…of course he has a 2024 bonus of $35,000,000.00 coming to him. If he plays in 2025 he has a similar salary and bonus structure. So, with more bonus money coming next season, why should Rodgers retire?
For one thing, he has suffered a lot of injuries over the years. For another, as stated above, he’s going to be 42 in 2025, and, unlike Tom Brady, who played through age 45 appearing to get better with age, Rodgers appears to be playing more like Brett Favre, getting worse with age. Favre retired at age 41.
But the greatest reason for Rodgers to end his career, while it’s still relatively untarnished is pride. Like all great players, he will consider his legacy. Right now Rodgers knows he is arguably a first ballot “Future Hall of Famer”. But he also knows, if he continues to play poorly and/or play for losing teams, his “First Round” stock will fall, and it’s doubtful he wants to tolerate that prospect.
Another factor for Rodgers to consider is the Jets’ front office. New York’s management just doesn’t seem to be able and/or want to surround him with the talent needed to be successful.
Stick a Fork in Them. The New York Jets are Done!
Let’s face it, the New York Jets have no offense. Aside from Rodgers poor performance, the rest of the offense played down right horrible today. It should be noted that besides being sacked 3 times as referenced above, Rodgers was hurried a whopping 23 times.
The Jets running backs performance was no better than Rodgers’ effort.
ran for only 52 yards on 10 carries. Braelon Allen didn’t fair much better carrying 7 times for 27 yards. In all, the New York Jets had only 207 total offensive yards with NO touchdowns. The Jets had only 17 first downs. Certainly not a formula for success in the NFL.
But why is the offense so impotent? It’s the offensive line. Despite having their entire starting offensive line play for the first time in 7 weeks, (including right guard, Alijah Vera-Tucker, left guard, John Simpson, right tackle, Morgan Moses), the Jets offensive line could block…at least not on the run or the pass. The offensive line’s incompetence today could clearly be seen in the amount of rushing yards achieved and the number of “hurries” and sacks allowed. The line is the heart and soul of an offense. The Jets’ offense has no heart and soul, at least as measured by todays effort against the Arizona Cardinals.
Without an offensive line, there is no offense and given the trade deadline has passed it’s doubtful the Jets, as a team will win many more games in the remaining 2024 regular season. So as far as “Playoffs?, Playoffs?”…stick a fork in them too!
Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals are Just Warming Up
Speaking of bad cooking analogies, the Arizona Cardinals are just starting to heat up. They are now 6-4, after demoralizing the New York Jets, and sit atop the NFC West. Kyler Murray’s stock is definitely on the rise as he completed 22 passes in 24 attempts for 1 passing touchdown and 266 passing yards. Murray had 3 carries for 21 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. Trey Benson carried the ball 10 times for 62 yards and notably, James Conner had 33 yards and 1 touchdown in 12 carries.
Unlike the Jets offensive line, the Cardinals’ offensive line played with purpose, enabling Murray and company to advance for 28 first downs, allowing only 1 sack and 7 hurries. The Cardinals had 5 penalties for 58 yards but had no fumbles or intercepted passes.
James Connor was the Cardinals leading receiver primarily catching screen passes, 5 receptions for 80 yards. Trey McBride had 4 receptions for 71 yards while rookie sensation, Marvin Harrison, Jr., had 5 receptions for 54 yards and 1 touchdown, bringing his season totals to 33 receptions for 499 yards and 6 touchdowns.
The Arizona Cardinals Defense is Getting Hot
The Arizona Defense was spot on against the Jets offense. It was as though they had Todd Downing’s play calling sheet. The Cardinals’ D allowed only two field goals during the game. The Cardinals’ defense, had 72 total tackles, causing and recovering Rodgers’ fumble. Budda Baker, Jesse Luke and Xavier Thomas combined to sack Rodgers 3 times. (Budda Baker is now tied for the NFL lead in solo tackles with 58.) Arizona’s defense shut down the Jets in all three of their redzone possessions.
It was a Tale of Two Teams and Two Quarterbacks
If today’s New York Jets/Arizona Cardinals game had a story, it was the tale of two teams and two quarterbacks heading in opposite directions. The Jets originally showed their true colors two weeks ago after losing to the Patriots.
Todays lopsided loss to the Cardinals, demonstrated the Jets have no offense or defense. They are headed in the wrong direction spiraling down into an abyss…or are they…after all, they could come out of this season with a high 2025 draft pick from which they might get a young promising quarterback.
The Cardinals? They are headed to the playoffs based on their remaining schedule. They lead the NFC West and will face only two teams with winning records, the Vikings (7-2) and the 49er’s (5-4).
As for Kyler Murray, he has thrown 169 completions for 1792 yards, 11 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. He’s run the ball 43 times for 350 yards and 2 touchdowns. His stock is skyrocketing upward and should only get better as the season progresses and he leads his team deep into the playoffs.
Rodgers? Like a well cooked retirement cake, in 2025, you can stick a fork in Aaron’s career. At seasons end, Rodgers will be heading west, walking off into the sunset…until he gets to LA and becomes a permanent game show host….but a star once again!
