In a disappointing game for the New York Jets, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was benched late in a 40-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills, despite being on the cusp of a significant milestone—his 500th career touchdown pass. The 41-year-old quarterback expressed no regret about stepping aside, indicating that he likely initiated the conversation with interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich about switching to backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor when the game had gotten out of hand.
With the score at 33-0, Rodgers suggested it might be time for Taylor to take over. The situation worsened shortly afterward when the Bills scored again, pushing the lead to 40-0. Taylor then finished the game, leading the Jets on two touchdown drives, which slightly improved the final score.
Rodgers appeared more concerned with the team’s overall performance rather than his personal achievements. He reflected on the season’s struggles, stating, “It just got away from us. Too many games got away from us… We were moving the ball well, and then we just hit a wall.” This sentiment encapsulates the Jets’ challenges throughout the 2024 NFL season.
Despite the loss, Rodgers did find a silver lining in his record-setting performance against the Bills. Although he faced significant pressure, being sacked four times during the game brought his career total to 568, surpassing Tom Brady’s previous record of 565. Rodgers humorously acknowledged this stat in a postgame interview, indicating that he is trying to maintain a sense of humor amidst the disappointing outcome.
Looking ahead, the Jets can focus on rebuilding for the future, and with a player of Rodgers’ experience and talent, there is hope for a turnaround in the coming seasons.