The New York Jets suffered a tough 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4, following two consecutive wins. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers struggled in the cold and rainy conditions and was sacked five times, completing just 57% of his passes for 225 yards. The offense failed to score a touchdown, settling for three Greg Zuerlein field goals. Self-inflicted mistakes, particularly five false start penalties, contributed to the Jets’ offensive struggles. Head coach Robert Saleh pointed to issues with the cadence on offense as a significant factor, though Rodgers disagreed, suggesting that the team should focus on holding players accountable rather than dialing back the cadence.
Saleh’s comments about potentially adjusting the cadence on offense did not sit well with Rodgers, who emphasized that false starts had not been a problem for the team in previous games. He noted that the cadence had been an effective weapon for the offense and that the high number of penalties in the game against the Broncos seemed like an outlier. The Jets committed a total of 13 penalties in the game, costing them 90 yards, indicating that false starts were not the only issue contributing to their defeat. Tensions between Rodgers and Saleh could arise if false starts continue to be a problem in future games, raising questions about the effectiveness of the offense under Rodgers’ leadership.
During the Week 3 game against the New England Patriots, Saleh’s attempt to hug Rodgers was rebuffed by the quarterback, signaling potential underlying tensions between the two. If false starts persist in upcoming games and Rodgers shows signs of frustration as a result, Saleh and the coaching staff may have to reevaluate their approach to the cadence on offense. The media and fans will likely closely monitor the situation to see how it unfolds, as any hint of discord between Rodgers and Saleh could impact the team’s performance on the field. Whether false starts in the game against the Broncos were an aberration or a recurring issue that needs addressing remains to be seen, but it is a point of concern that bears watching in future games.
If the Jets are able to rectify their issues with false starts and penalties in upcoming games, Saleh’s comments about the cadence on offense may prove to be a one-time critique rather than an ongoing problem. However, if false starts persist and Rodgers continues to face pressure due to penalties, tensions between the quarterback and head coach could escalate. Ultimately, the team’s ability to address and resolve issues with cadence and penalties will be crucial to their success on the field. As the Jets move forward in the season, the spotlight will remain on their offensive performance and any potential conflicts that may arise between key players and coaching staff.
