Sport

Jets Face Aaron Rodgers Cadence Crisis Amid a Penalty Plague

2024-09-29

Author: Ying

Introduction

The New York Jets are navigating through a significant dilemma following their recent 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos, as Aaron Rodgers' signature cadence comes under scrutiny.

Coach Robert Saleh has acknowledged the need to reevaluate how the team's offense is handling Rodgers' calling signals, which seemed to disrupt their performance on Sunday.

Coach Saleh's Take on Cadence Issues

"We have to figure it out, whether or not we are good enough or ready to handle all the cadence," Saleh stated after the game, highlighting the team’s struggle to score a touchdown for the first time this season.

The coach pointed out that cadence issues were not a problem during training camp, suggesting this was an unexpected downturn.

Rodgers' Perspective on Adjustments

Rodgers himself shared his perspective on potential adjustments, stating, "That’s one way to do it. The other way is to hold them accountable." His comments indicate a willingness to confront the issue head-on rather than diluting his unique style of play.

The Penalty Plague

The Jets' offensive unit was plagued by penalties, accumulating a staggering total of 15 infractions, with 13 of those being accepted.

These self-inflicted wounds consistently derailed their momentum throughout the game.

Critical Misses and Reflections

A critical moment came when left guard John Simpson's false start on a crucial 4th-and-goal from the Broncos' 1-yard line meant the team had to settle for a field goal instead of taking the lead with a touchdown.

Reflecting on the mistake, Simpson admitted, "That was a play that could’ve won the game. I’ve got to get better."

Unsportsmanlike Conduct Concern

Adding to the team’s woes was a costly unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against receiver Allen Lazard, who showcased his excitement with a first down signal after making a catch.

Instead of driving closer to the end zone, the penalty pushed them back significantly, forcing another field goal attempt.

Lazard expressed frustration with the enforcement of new penalties, saying, "I guess you can’t signal first down anymore."

Statistics Show the Need for Improvement

In the first three weeks of the season, the Jets had averaged six accepted penalties for 62 yards, but this week's performance highlights a drastic need for improvement.

Coach Saleh emphasized the unacceptable nature of these pre-snap blunders, asserting, "You’re always going to have in-play penalties, those are going to happen, but the pre-snap and post-snap penalties, those are the ones that are unacceptable."

Conclusion

As the Jets prepare to examine their issues and bounce back, the spectacle of their organizational struggles raises the question: Can the Jets fix their cadence conundrum before it's too late?

Fans will surely be on the edge of their seats in the upcoming weeks to see if the team can turn the tide.