The Jets’ Struggles Can Be Traced to Ownership, Not Just Personnel
The New York Jets, once again, find themselves trapped in a cycle of dysfunction and chaos, with their owner, Woody Johnson, at the helm. Despite countless attempts to overhaul the team—firing coaches, changing general managers, and even bringing in a high-profile quarterback—the Jets continue to fall short. The root of their issues isn’t just on the field; it’s in the front office, with Johnson’s leadership creating an environment of instability. The latest saga, involving Johnson’s bizarre attempt to bench Aaron Rodgers, only underscores the franchise’s deep-rooted problems.
The Bizarre Suggestion to Bench Aaron Rodgers
According to a recent report from The Athletic, Woody Johnson pushed for an unthinkable move after the Jets’ narrow 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4. Despite Rodgers’ high-profile arrival and a promising start, Johnson allegedly suggested that the team bench the future Hall of Famer in favor of backup Tyrod Taylor. This suggestion came after Rodgers had played just four games, two of which resulted in victories for the Jets.
Johnson’s rationale? He believed that Rodgers’ performance was holding the team back. This impulsive decision was quickly shot down by head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas, who saw the move as not only unjustified but potentially damaging to the team’s locker room. Rodgers’ struggles were understandable, considering he was coming off an offseason injury, but benching him just four games into the season would have sent the wrong message to the team—and to the NFL.
A Pattern of Poor Decision-Making from Woody Johnson
This latest episode is merely the tip of the iceberg in a long history of poor decision-making by Johnson. His tenure as owner has been marked by inconsistency, with countless coaches and general managers coming and going while the results remain stagnant. Johnson has been the constant factor in the Jets’ dysfunction, and the situation with Rodgers exemplifies how his erratic impulses are hurting the franchise.
His reported interference in the team’s operations, such as his increasing control over personnel decisions and the firing of GM Joe Douglas, has undermined the stability of the organization. Johnson’s past remarks, including his infamous statement that “thinking is overrated,” further illustrate his lack of understanding of what it takes to run a successful franchise.
The Jets Are Trapped in a Cycle of Dysfunction
As long as Woody Johnson remains the owner of the Jets, the franchise will struggle to escape its chaotic cycle. No matter how much talent is brought in—whether through high-profile free-agent signings like Rodgers or the drafting of top-tier players—the lack of stability at the top will continue to plague the team.
Rodgers himself, despite being one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history, is not immune to the effects of ownership-driven chaos. As the Jets look ahead to another offseason of rebuilding, with new personnel changes on the horizon, it’s clear that the problem isn’t just with the players or the coaches; it’s with the ownership. The Jets are not just rebuilding their roster—they’re trying to build on a foundation that has been cracked for years.
Conclusion: The Jets’ Future Remains Bleak Under Johnson’s Rule
While the Jets may attempt another rebuild with a new regime and a new quarterback, as long as Woody Johnson is in charge, the future looks bleak. His decision-making continues to undermine the franchise’s progress, leaving them trapped in an endless cycle of dysfunction. Until the Jets address the root cause of their issues—ownership—they will remain stuck in a pattern of failure, no matter who is on the field or in the front office.
