From Aaron Rodgers to Justin Fields & the Lessons Learned

The soap opera that was the last two NY Jets seasons has been a roller-coaster ride of high hopes and cruel realities, especially in terms of quarterback play.

Aaron Rodgers arrival in 2023 was going to burst the championship window open, only for his time to come to an end with more questions than answers. Now, having signed Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract, Gang Green moves on.

Let’s review what we know—and what’s next.

Aaron Rodgers Dual Legacy

When Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1 of 2023, Jets fans bit their nails. His comeback in 2024 was nothing less than vintage: a 118.9 passer rating in a 24-3 blowout of the Patriots, in which he avoided pressure like a 25-year-old. Still, for all his statistical brilliance, the Jets underachieved. A 3-9 start to 2024, combined with five fourth-quarter meltdowns, had fans frustrated.

Rodgers’ clutch gene, his calling card for so long, malfunctioned during situations where it was needed the most, such as four blown game-winning drives, however, the blame wasn’t entirely his. A defence that coughed up fourth-quarter leads six times and an offence beset by penalties (131 accepted, league-high) sapped energy.

But, Rodgers’ leadership was called into question. As teammates defended him publicly, observers wondered about his impact on a team misbehaving. His offseason departure created a void but also provided a lesson: even great QBs can’t cover for underlying issues.

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Fields’ Fresh Start

The signing of Justin Fields brings optimism to a franchise starving for consistency.

The 26-year-old did not sign with the Jets for financial gain; it was a personal cause. Fields cited head coach Aaron Glenn’s energy and the Jets’ championship culture as leading reasons for signing. After a bumpy ride in Chicago and a benching in Pittsburgh, Fields is hungry for redemption.

His resume is a bit asymetrical. In 2023, he established career highs in completion percentage (61.4) and passing yardage (2,562) but was abysmal at pocket presence, 29th in QBR since 2021.

However, his athleticism, evident on 104 rushing yards in a 2023 loss to Detroit, provides an element Rodgers never did. Under new OC Tanner Engstrand, who intends to focus on under-center play-action (a highlight of Fields’ Steelers tenure), he does have an opportunity to blossom fully.

What’s Next?

The Jets’ quarterback situation now hinges on Fields’ development and potential draft additions.

At pick seven, they might consider Jaxson Dart or Tyler Shough, but neither is a Day 1 starter. Veteran backup Tyrod Taylor remains a safety net, but his injury history makes him a stopgap.

The two-year contract for Fields suggests the Jets view him as a bridge, a means of rebuilding while exploring long-term solutions.

Lessons Learned

A few overarching messages stand out here:

• Elite QBs Aren’t Enough: Rodgers showed that even MVPs couldn’t make up for poor defence, penalties, coaching errors and especially the unpredictability of injuries.
• Mobility Matters: Fields’ legs might balance out the Jets’ offensive line problems, a flaw that haunted Rodgers.
• Culture Trumps Stats: Fields’ willingness to play for Glenn highlights the importance of fit over pure talent.

The Jets’ quarterback carousel from Rodgers to Fields is a reminder that NFL success has always been, and will always be, nonlinear. Though no saviour, Fields’ signing represents an investment in youth and flexibility. For a team stuck in a 14-year playoff drought, it’s a move in the right direction, even if the full path forward is still unclear.

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