According to Mike Francesa, the New York Jets have “ruined” Aaron Rodgers. The legendary New York sports commentator unloaded on the team in his podcast after yet another loss, this time a 25-22 defeat by the New England Patriots. Francesa’s scathing rant reflected the growing frustration among Jets fans, who watched their season deteriorate despite acquiring Rodgers, one of the league’s most decorated quarterbacks.
Francesa didn’t hold back, making a tongue-in-cheek comparison to how the Jets could mishandle even legendary players.
“If the Jets had traded for Jim Brown in his prime, they’d have turned him into a third-down back,” Francesa quipped. “They could ruin any player!” Francesa suggested that Rodgers’ current struggles are so severe that he barely resembles the Hall of Fame-caliber player who dominated with the Green Bay Packers for years. “I’ve come to the conclusion that isn’t Aaron Rodgers. It’s somebody else in that body. This has all been another bad trick.”
Rodgers wrapped up Sunday’s game with 233 passing yards, completing 17 of his attempts and throwing two touchdowns. Yet, his yardage total was the lowest since a September loss to the Denver Broncos, where he managed only 225 passing yards.
Francesa took these stats as further evidence that the Jets’ system has failed their star quarterback, stripping away the qualities that made him an elite player.
“I didn’t think you could ruin Aaron Rodgers! They have!” Francesa continued. “They’ve turned him into a bum.” He then turned his ire to the coaching staff, criticizing their inability to create an effective offensive system. “And these head coaches, they cut to the offensive coordinator [Todd Downing] and he looked like he was waiting for a bus.” At one point, Francesa even burst into laughter, mocking the futility of the Jets’ game plan and their latest disheartening loss.
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The Jets, now at a dismal 2-6 record, have hit what Francesa called “critical mass” as they face the same bleak record as the rebuilding Patriots. Meanwhile, Rodgers himself acknowledged the team’s struggles after the game.
“The NFL is hard,” Rodgers admitted. “It’s hard to win. Harder when you make it difficult on yourself. Offensively we can’t worry about what else happens. We’ve got to be efficient… Again, there were yards left out there, opportunities left out there. Can’t leave it up to — we’ve got to score touchdowns.”
As the Jets’ season continues to unravel, Francesa’s words echo a sentiment that Rodgers’ move to New York hasn’t panned out as hoped.
The team’s troubles have not only dashed playoff hopes but also cast a shadow over Rodgers’ storied career, as fans and analysts wonder whether the Jets will find a way to turn things around—or if their system will continue to be where star talent goes to fade.
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