What’s wrong with the Jets? Penalties, poor pass protection raise red flags for Aaron Rodgers and New York | Sporting News

The Jets were riding high after their “Thursday Night Football” blowout of the Patriots, but they might be back to square one ahead of a trip to London.

New York suffered a crushing 10-9 home loss to the Broncos on Sunday despite holding Bo Nix to -7 passing yards in the first half, repeatedly letting scoring opportunities slip away. The Jets were held without a touchdown, and Aaron Rodgers took a beating from the Broncos’ defense.

Jets fans saw shades of Rodgers’ MVP days against New England in Week 3, but it was nowhere to be found vs. Denver. Was Rodgers the problem on Sunday, or does the rest of the offense have to step up?

Here’s a look at what’s going wrong for Rodgers and the Jets right now.

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What’s wrong with the Jets?

Aside from a handful of leaky moments against the run in the second half, the Jets’ defense had nothing to complain about on Sunday. Holding a quarterback to negative passing yardage in a half (and just 60 yards overall) is a win for the unit and sets the tone ahead of a matchup with an undefeated Vikings team in London.

The offense, however, mirrored the unit that struggled with Zach Wilson under center last season. 

It’s tough to pinpoint Rodgers as the problem. He still threw for 225 yards in wet conditions, and the Jets won the time-of-possession battle. The difference between Sunday and the first three games of the Jets’ season is he faced consistent pressure from Denver’s defense. 

Rodgers was battered to the tune of five sacks, with the short-term loss of Morgan Moses proving to be a significant blow to New York’s offense. Even the veteran’s best plays were often quick throws forced by the Broncos’ defense. 

A lack of protection has consequences, and not just in the form of poor offense. Rodgers appeared to be a bit hobbled after taking his fifth and final sack, grimacing as he walked off the field. He stayed in the game, but it’s not in the Jets’ best interest to let their 40-yard-old quarterback get hit so often. 

MORE: Latest updates on Broncos RB Tyler Badie after scary incident

One key turning point for the Jets was an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Allen Lazard for a finger gun celebration after a significant gain. On one hand, that’s something the Jets can clean up. On the other hand, one might ask why New York is still beating itself with those kind of mistakes in year four under coach Robert Saleh.

Allen Lazard got hit with a 15-yard penalty for a finger gun celebration pic.twitter.com/NEuJwxDBoU

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 29, 2024

The Jets committed 13 penalties for a total of 90 yards in the loss, so the issue wasn’t just limited to Lazard. Self-inflicted mistakes have been a theme for the Jets all season — after a relatively clean Week 1, they committed more penalties than the Titans in Week 2 and the Patriots in Week 3. New York won both games, but Sunday showed why that trend isn’t sustainable. 

Saleh bemoaned the “self-inflicted wounds” after the game, though he told reporters the game was “going to be tough sledding no matter what because of the rain.”

Rodgers, meanwhile, indicated he’s still working on his chemistry with his receivers. “We weren’t really on the same page,” he told reporters when asked about the Jets’ unsuccessful final drive. 

Aaron Rodgers stats vs. Broncos

• Comp.: 24-42 (57.1%)
• Pass yards: 225
• Pass TD: 0
• INT: 0
• Sacks: 5

Rodgers’ numbers look much better than those of Bo Nix, who threw for just 60 yards in the Broncos’ win, but it wasn’t enough. New York couldn’t finish drives, instead relying on Greg Zuerlein’s leg, and Rodgers had no rhythm with his receivers on the offense’s final two drives.

Five sacks match Rodgers’ season total entering the game, evoking memories of the Jets’ porous pass protection from 2023.

Rodgers hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 1, and he appeared to have his usual zip on the ball even in the rain. At this point, though, the Jets need more from the entire offense with the Vikings and Bills next on the schedule.