The New York Jets are sticking with their now-41-year-old quarterback.
During his Monday media availability, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich announced that the team will stick with Aaron Rodgers as the starting quarterback.
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“We have great belief in Aaron. We really do. We feel that he gives us the best opportunity to win. After assessing yesterday’s game, I thought there were moments in the first half where you saw Aaron Rodgers. I thought there were moments, even in the second half, where you saw Aaron Rodgers,” said Ulbrich.
“And then there are moments when he didn’t play to his standard, and he’d tell you the same. So we believe that he gives us the best opportunity to win. He’s our quarterback.”
Ulbrich also spoke about what he sees from Rodgers that makes him feel that he gives the Jets their best chance to win.
“The games where he was truly healthy, you know, go back to the second Patriot game and then this game. I thought you started to see his mobility come back. I think injury has a lot to do with what his numbers are this season. He’s battled through a lot of things,” said Ulbrich.
“What he’s had is something that some guys in this league may not play with. He’s a tough guy, and he feels high-level accountability to his teammates. That’s why he’s out there every week for us. We believe that as he gets healthier and his mobility starts to improve, you’re going to see a better and better version of him.”
Additionally, Ulbrich praised offensive tackle Olu Fashanu for his performance against the Seahawks on Sunday.
“The more opportunities he has, the better he gets. He just builds on each performance, both in the run game and pass protection. So we are just so excited about the future this guy has.”
It is interesting that Ulbrich is talking about Rodgers getting “healthier,” considering it is December. The season is already in its waning months, and the Jets’ hopes of postseason glory have all but evaporated.
However, it makes sense that the Jets are sticking with Rodgers.
Pivoting to Tyrod Taylor may improve things, but Taylor is already a proven commodity. Making that switch would only ruffle more feathers in a locker room that has already seen a season filled with so much craziness. At this point, the status quo might be the best option for the Jets.
The hope the Jets should have is that the players can finish the season on a high note. They should focus on seeing what they have in young players like Olu Fashnau, Isaiah Davis, Malachi Corley, and so on.
It is clear that the Jets believe that Rodgers is the guy who will achieve that goal. How these last few weeks play out will determine if that was the right decision.
