Mike Tannenbaum didn’t mince words when assessing Aaron Rodgers’ start to the season – arguing that the New York Jets’ crosstown rival actively boasts a better quarterback on the roster.

Through the first five games of the season, Rodgers has completed 111-of-182 passes for 1,093 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions. The four-time MVP is coming off his worst start for the Jets, in which he threw three costly interceptions in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Amidst a disappointing 2-3 start to the year, Jets team owner Woody Johnson surprised many across the NFL by firing head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday. While making his regular appearance on the ‘Pat McAfee Show,’ Rodgers shot down speculation that he played any role in his ousting.

“As far as any of the ridiculous allegations out there, I’m not gonna spend more than one sentence in response to it,” he said. “And that is that I resent any of those accusations because they are patently false. It’s interesting the amount of power that people think that I have, which I don’t. I love Robert.”

During an appearance on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” Tannenbaum – who served as GM of the Jets from 2006-2012 – was asked if he believed that Rodgers had any “influence” on the decision to relieve Saleh of his duties. “Well, there certainly could be, but the bottom line is Aaron Rodgers needs to play better,” he said.

Tannenbaum then turned his attention to the New York Giants, insisting that Daniel Jones has outperformed Rodgers to begin the season. The 27-year-old has posted eerily similar stats this year, throwing for 1,138 yards six touchdowns, and three interceptions.

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Daniel Jones has commanded the Giants to a 2-3 start this season

Daniel Jones has commanded the Giants to a 2-3 start this season ( 

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“Right now, candidly, Daniel Jones is the best quarterback in New York if you watch the film,” he said. “So Aaron Rodgers should worry about Aaron Rodgers. He’s 40 years old. He’s a skill-deficient player. He’s not the same player he once was.”

Addressing Saleh’s firing, Tannenbaum added: “It was the right decision. He was 20-36 as a head coach. He had plenty of time to prove his worth.

“Now look, there was some inconsistent play at quarterback, but that’s at every team. So now, if I’m [interim head coach] Jeff Ulbrich, I got a massive opportunity on Monday night [against the Bills.] Let’s go into first place.”

Despite currently sitting one game under .500, the Jets have an opportunity to claim first place in the AFC East with a win over the Buffalo Bills on ‘Monday Night Football.’ According to Tannenbaum, New York has the pieces in place to accomplish the feat.

“To Jason’s point, let’s play good football,” he added. “They have to get Garrett Wilson going. He’s a star. They don’t need Davante Adams. Get these players they have better. Get Braelon Allen and Breece Hall on the field at the same time. They can be much more diverse on offense. I think that will go a long way in helping them.”