When the New York Jets acquired Aaron Rodgers in the spring of 2023, they believed they had secured one of the NFL’s all-time greats—a quarterback still capable of performing at an elite level. At least, that was the hope.
However, reality has painted a far less flattering picture. The 2024 version of Rodgers is a shadow of his former self, a quarterback no longer commanding the respect his name once guaranteed. Jets fans see it. The team seems painfully aware of it. And now, even opponents are beginning to exploit the cracks in his armor. Former Jets defensive lineman Leonard Williams is among those who’ve taken notice.
In Week 13, during what would become a pivotal moment in his team’s 26-21 comeback victory, Williams intercepted a wobbly Rodgers pass and returned it 92 yards for a pick-six. The play not only swung the momentum but also highlighted Rodgers’ growing vulnerability.
After the game, Williams didn’t hold back when discussing Rodgers’ current form.
“I think he’s an older guy. Doesn’t want to take big hits like that anymore. So sometimes, if you feel the guy coming full speed at him, he’s going to chuck it and duck. We had him in a situation where [coach] Mike [Macdonald] made a great call, and it paid off,” Williams said.
A Stark Reality: Rodgers’ Decline is No Secret
Williams’ blunt assessment echoes the sentiments of many Jets fans. The 41-year-old quarterback, once revered for his poise under pressure, now appears hesitant and unwilling to take risks. His reluctance to throw deep and diminishing trust in his own physical abilities are evident, and they’ve been a key factor in the Jets’ struggles this season.
Rodgers’ performance against Williams’ team was emblematic of his decline. While his stat line—21 completions on 39 attempts for 185 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception—might seem serviceable at first glance, the underlying metrics tell a more damning story. According to Next Gen Stats, Rodgers averaged a season-low 4.8 yards per attempt when throwing from a clean pocket, marking the fifth time this season he’s averaged under 5.2 yards in such situations. No other quarterback has done so more than twice in 2024.
Despite solid pass protection throughout the year and a particularly strong showing on Sunday, Rodgers has consistently failed to capitalize on clean opportunities, dragging the Jets’ offense into mediocrity.
Rodgers’ Decline is Becoming the League’s Worst-Kept Secret
Williams is not the first opposing player to call out Rodgers’ waning abilities. Back in Week 8, New England Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux made similar remarks following his team’s win over the Jets. The tape doesn’t lie: Rodgers’ decline is evident, and the rest of the league is catching on.
What began as optimism for the Jets has devolved into a sobering realization. Aaron Rodgers, once a symbol of greatness, is now viewed as a quarterback past his prime. With each game, the evidence mounts—and so does the disappointment.
