Key Takeaways:
– NFL legend Ben Roethlisberger questions timing of Robert Saleh’s firing from the New York Jets.
– Speculation arises about Aaron Rodgers’ involvement in the decision.
– Bill Belichick attributes the Jets’ poor performance to the team’s ownership.
Roethlisberger Debunks Aaron Rodgers Involvement
The unexpected firing of head coach Robert Saleh from the New York Jets has sent shockwaves through the NFL community. The abrupt decision sparked rumors around the league, with some speculating that the Jets’ quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, played a role. However, NFL legend Ben Roethlisberger gave his take on the situation, stating that he tends to believe Rodgers’ denial of the rumors.
Roethlisberger discussed the matter on his podcast, “Footbahlin with Roethlisberger.” He stated his belief in Rodgers, who had claimed on The Pat McAfee Show that he had no part in Saleh’s dismissal. However, even with his full trust in Rodgers, Roethlisberger finds the timing of the firing suspicious.
Analyzing The Odd Timing of Saleh’s Dismissal
Roethlisberger pointed out that the dismissal took place surprisingly early in the season. He pondered the decision, considering that the team’s struggles were not solely Saleh’s responsibility. He noted that the Jets were previously believed to be only a top-tier quarterback away from playoff contention. But even with Rodgers on board, they have been struggling to stay competitive.
It was just recently when the Jets’ hopes of taking first place in their division were shattered by a loss to their rivals, the Buffalo Bills. This defeat occurred even without Saleh’s leadership. Roethlisberger commented on the situation, expressing skepticism towards blaming only Saleh, given that the Jets’ offensive statistics remain consistent with the previous year, despite Rodgers’ return.
Parsing The Owner’s Role in the Firing
Fueling the rumors of Rodgers pulled strings in Saleh’s dismissal was team owner Woody Johnson’s revelation that he had called Rodgers a day before firing Saleh. The question arose whether a quarterback could hold enough sway to influence the dismissal of a coach.
Roethlisberger candidly shared his doubts over whether such authority would be given to a quarterback. However, he noted Rodgers’ personnel requests were often granted by the Jets’ management, suggesting a close relationship between the quarterback and the team’s owners.
New England Patriots’ coach, Bill Belichick, attributed the Jets’ firing way more to the team owner’s inclination, pointing out how the Jets have barely won one-third of its games in the last decade. He criticized Johnson for being too quick to fire, which in his opinion has negatively impacted the team’s performance.
Echoes from the ManningCast
The abrupt sacking of Saleh also made its way into the ManningCast, with Peyton Manning echoing Roethlisberger’s and Belichick’s sentiments that the decision was premature.
As the dust settles, the Jets’ future performance under the leadership of Jeff Ulbrich would indeed seal the fate of the controversy. If a turnaround results, the controversial decisions made by the Jets’ ownership might be justified. On the other hand, a continued downturn would likely fuel further backlash against both the team’s management and Rodgers.
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, the unfolding saga around the recent firing will be closely watched, as all decisions—popular or not—will ultimately be judged by the team’s performance on the field.