Woody Johnson wanted Aaron Rodgers benched after Week 4 loss
It all started after the Jets’ disheartening 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4. According to reports from The Athletic, Jets owner Woody Johnson suggested benching Aaron Rodgers for backup Tyrod Taylor. Johnson, frustrated by the offense’s struggles, reportedly believed Rodgers was holding the team back.
This shocking proposal stunned head coach Robert Saleh, general manager Joe Douglas, and the coaching staff. They managed to dissuade Johnson, arguing that benching Rodgers would fracture the locker room and embarrass the veteran quarterback. Despite their efforts, the seeds of dysfunction had been sown.
The Jets’ season spiraled further when Johnson, in a unilateral decision, fired Saleh following a Week 5 loss to the Vikings. Just weeks later, general manager Joe Douglas was also shown the door. The abrupt dismissals signaled an organization in disarray, with Johnson’s hands-on approach raising eyebrows around the league.
The Jets’ 3-8 record tells a tale of missed opportunities and questionable leadership. Despite retaining Rodgers, the team failed to find consistency, losing seven of their last eight games. Fans on social media have speculated that the Jets are tanking intentionally, accusing the team of being “too bad to be real.”
Fans’ frustrations are not unfounded. On paper, the Jets’ roster isn’t built for failure. With Rodgers under center and offensive weapons like Adams, they should be competitive. Instead, their play has been riddled with mistakes, uninspired strategies, and a glaring refusal to explore alternative options at quarterback.
Even after trading for Adams, the team’s offensive woes persisted. Rodgers’ 17 touchdowns to seven interceptions look respectable, but his play hasn’t translated into wins. Critics argue the Jets’ reluctance to bench Rodgers, even during a clear downward trend, reflects either stubborn loyalty or strategic ineptitude.
Johnson’s erratic decision-making has cast a shadow over the franchise. From firing Saleh without consulting Douglas to pushing for personnel moves influenced by public opinion, the owner has become a lightning rod for criticism. His role in destabilizing the organization cannot be ignored.
As whispers grow louder about Johnson’s potential departure to reassume his ambassadorial duties under President Trump, the Jets face an uncertain future. Interim GM Phil Savage, whose last full-time front-office role was in 2012, has inherited a mess. Fans are left wondering if the team is preparing for yet another rebuild.
For a team that entered the season with playoff aspirations, the Jets’ implosion feels like betrayal. Fans expected a competitive squad built around Rodgers’ experience and talent. Instead, they’ve endured a season filled with drama, poor decisions, and dashed hopes.
Whether intentional or not, the Jets have positioned themselves as one of the NFL’s most perplexing stories this season. With their playoff drought likely to continue, one thing is clear: the Jets need more than a rebuild—they need accountability and a clear vision for the future.
Read More: Reports: Aaron Rodgers unlikely to return to Jets after GM Joe Douglas’ firing
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