New York Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich announced Monday that the team plans to keep Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback, despite his struggles, and the Jets disappointing 3-9 record this season.
Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said during a video call that he still believes Rodgers, who turned 41 on Monday, allows the Jets their best chance to win. When asked if Rodgers’ role as starter is on a week-to-week basis, Ulbrich said: “No, he’s our quarterback. We have great belief in Aaron, we really do. I’ve seen enough evidence on tape of him still being capable of playing high level football for us.”
Ulbrich added: “We think he gives us the best opportunity to win. After assessing yesterday’s game, I thought there were moments in the first half where you saw Aaron Rodgers. I thought there were moments even in the second half when you saw Aaron Rodgers, and then there were moments where he didn’t play to his standard, and he’d tell you the same. We think he gives us, we believe that he gives us the best opportunity to win, so he’s our quarterback.”
Rodgers completed just 21 of 39 passes for 185 yards, with two scores and an interception against the Seahawks on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Through 12 starts this season, he’s completed 62.5% of his throws for 2,627 yards, 19 scores and eight interceptions.
Ulbrich also pointed to Rodgers’ health issues as being a key reason for why he hasn’t played well. Rodgers has dealt with a variety of injury issues, from his hamstring, to his ankle, to his knee, despite having missed a game: “You go back to the second Patriots game, and then this game, I thought you started to see his mobility come back. Obviously, I think injury has a lot to do with what his numbers are this season. He’s battled through a lot of things, regardless of (his) age. What he’s had is something that some guys in this league might not play with. He’s a tough guy and he feels a high level of accountability to his teammates, and that’s why he’s out there every week for us. And we believe as he gets healthier and his mobility starts to improve, you’re going to see a better and better version of him.”
The Jets (3-9) will face the Miami Dolphins (5-7) at 1 p.m. EST Sunday in Miami Gardens, Fla., hoping to break a three-game losing streak.
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