The New York Jets are turning the page on the short and disastrous Aaron Rodgers saga, which ended suddenly and spectacularly. Following a season filled with high expectations, the team now looks towards Justin Fields to help them return to the playoffs. Rodgers has departed the organization, having accepted an $8.5 million pay cut. His departure has triggered a front-office earthquake that sends seismic ripples affecting players, coaches and front-office personnel alike.
Rodgers’ time with the Jets was characterized by great promise but yielded a bitter result. His tenure in New York drew sharp rebuke. As such, it necessitated layoffs across all strata of the organization. As former Jets player Ray Mickens explained, almost everyone on the inside saw this coming and were not surprised by the fallout. Mickens noted that it was clear coach Aaron Glenn had set stringent boundaries regarding the quarterback’s role within the team.
“I mean, [Glenn] knew he was going to draw a hard line in the sand.” – Ray Mickens
During the last few seasons, and especially under Glenn’s leadership, the coaching staff has worked to become more focused. To assist with their game management, he appointed Jon Berger as a specialist in game management. This decision is intended to help formalize the team’s on-field decision making process. Rodgers was inarguably the most impactful player on his team during his time there. At the same time, Glenn emphasizes collaborative stewardship of shared management.
“I had a chance to sit and listen, and also put myself in those situations, of how I would operate in those situations.” – Aaron Glenn
Just as the Jets move on from Rodgers, so too will the Jets be relying on Fields to restore their playoff hopes. In a sign of the optimism surrounding his arrival, Fields has soon received a warm welcome from former Jets players, including linebacker. This change in leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the organization.
Rodgers’ departure has undeniably created voids—most notably in his camaraderie with players such as Allen Lazard, who is still on the roster. Lazard reflected on his time spent with Rodgers. He wanted to make sure that all his current success was attributed to his own hard work, not just playing next to a future Hall of Famer.
“There’s a reason why I’m still here. It’s not because I had Aaron Rodgers throwing me the ball my whole life.” – Allen Lazard
Even with the clouds of Rodgers’ departure still casting a shadow, glimmers of resilience can be found in the Jets’ structure. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell on the verge of pulling a very impressive speech out of Rodgers. This panel discussion highlighted some important elements of successful game management that Glenn credits to him. These nexus-building encounters have enabled stronger strategic operations from and within our team to take root.
Mark Sanchez was the last quarterback to win a playoff game for the Jets, as he did in 2010. This further underscores the franchise’s continued ineptitude in the decade-plus since reaching that milestone. With Fields now at the helm, hope has returned to fans and former players in equal measure.
“When the Jets win around here, it’s something special.” – Kevin Mawae
Fields spoke with us about his transition and enthusiasm for this new chapter. He acknowledged that some physical hurdles still continue as he adjusts to his new surroundings.
“No, not really [an issue]. There’s probably still a little bit of swelling. I just have to go from a [size] 12.5 to a 13.” – Justin Fields
The entire organization is looking forward to continuing this journey together under Justin’s leadership. They’re hoping to atone for the failures of yesteryear and succeed where others have failed. The Jets organization couldn’t be more excited to capitalize on this endeavor. This group is intent on establishing a winning culture that’s escaped them for decades.
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