Who would have thought that there would be even talks of Aaron Rodgers getting benched this season? Just go ahead and ask anyone in New York if they had predicted this outcome at the beginning of this season.

Well, their worst nightmare has probably come true after 13 weeks into the regular season. After yet another crushing defeat that dropped them 3-9 on the season, Rodgers’ place in the team remains under scrutiny.

Just a day before celebrating his 41st birthday, Rodgers gave his worst performance of the season. His red-zone interception and a pick-six in the second quarter helped the Seahawks creep back into the game. After leading by 21-7 at one point, the Jets ended up losing by 21-26 in front of the Jets Nation. However, their interim coach, Jeff Ulbrich, is still not ready to bench their four-time NFL MVP.

Clearing the air on the speculation surrounding Rodgers losing his starting berth. Ulbrich had a straightforward answer to shut down all the rumors, “Not as of today.” Although that was before Rodgers turned 41, Ulbrich ensured he gave the veteran a gift on his birthday. Even on Monday, the Jets interim coach said that Rodgers will remain their QB as they prepare to take on the Dolphins next week.

Hearing that vote of confidence from Ulbrich would surely bring a smile on Rodgers’ face as he turns 41 today. But this wasn’t the first time there has been gossip of Rodgers losing his place in the starting lineup. On week 4, when the Jets were coming off a narrow home loss to the Broncos 9-10, their owner Woody Johnson had a similar suggestion. He wanted Rodgers to be benched because, apparently; he was holding the team back from their full potential.

But looking at their current slide and the way Rodgers is playing week in and week out. Johnson’s suggestion wasn’t that bad. Who knows, maybe Tyrod Taylor could have been a better starter in place of a Super Bowl winner. So, what did Rodgers have to say about the probability of him getting benched?

Rodgers’ head hangs in shame after a disastrous pre-birthday against the Seahawks

Coming back off a season-ending ACL injury, Rodgers was supposed to be the golden ticket for the Jets playoff dreams. However, he has instead turned into possible baggage for the Jets this season. Failing to cross the 200-yard mark for 3 consecutive games isn’t the number expected from a veteran of the game. So, when he was asked about the possibility of a change taking place, Rodgers was like, “Yeah, I don’t know. We’ll figure that out when we have those conversations. I’ll have a conversation with Ulbrich, if that’s what he’s thinking.” 

As Ulbrich already expressed his desire to keep Aaron Rodgers as their starting QB, his mistakes shouldn’t be overlooked. After throwing 2TDs in the first quarter, Rodgers had a massive drop-off for the remainder of the game. He completed just 2 of his 14 passes that went for 10-plus yards. Even he was disappointed watching the team implode in the closing quarters, “It’s disappointing. What else can you say? We’ve had a lot of chances in these situations. A lot of these games come down to one play, whether you make it or miss it.” 

Well, there were more misses than hits on Sunday. Rodgers didn’t see Garrett Wilson standing wide open in the red zone as his pass sailed over his head. In the subsequent play, Rodgers threw his second pick-six of the season to Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams. His 92-yard pick-six was the longest ever scored by a defensive lineman in the NFL. While the whole of the NFL is criticising Rodgers for yet another disastrous day in green and white. Jeff Ulbrich feels Rodgers’ injuries (ankle, knee, hamstring) are the reason behind his poor statistics this season.

Although it could be a possible reason behind Aaron Rodgers pulling such mediocre numbers every week, the Jets have to sort themselves out. Otherwise, this season could bring more embarrassment in an already embarrassing season.