The accusations began in earnest after Jets coach Robert Saleh was abruptly fired on Tuesday morning. And ESPN's Shannon Sharpe knows exactly who she's pointing at.
Saleh was fired on Tuesday morning in a move that blindsided the media and most fans.
Admittedly, the Jets got off to a disappointing start with 2 wins and 3 losses. But with a game against division-leading Buffalo on Monday night, they are just one game away from first place. Sharp, who learned of Saleh's firing live and on-air, laid the blame for the former Jets coach's death squarely at the feet of Rodgers.
“Saleh hasn't lost this team,” Sharp said. first take. “Aaron Rodgers hurt this guy by not showing up to minicamp. I heard some murmurings about how it's mandatory.
“The moment Aaron Rodgers did that, Robert Saleh couldn't control the team because the players would say, 'This guy is supposed to be our leader.'” This is the guy. He is the man we should rely on. ”
Rodgers made headlines over the summer for skipping mandatory minicamp in June.
“Hey, this is a bad look on Aaron Rodgers,” Sharpe continued. “He doesn't realize how bad this is. Can you imagine Tom Brady getting fired as a coach late in his career? Can you imagine Peyton Manning getting fired as a coach late in his career? Can you do it?”
Late in the morning, Sharp exploded first take Co-host Dan Orlovsky didn't point out Rodgers' poor play (three interceptions against the Vikings) and the effect it had on New York's record.
Mr. Sharpe's point is not without merit.
Rodgers' completion percentage is just over 60 percent. He averages just 218 yards per game and has an anemic QBR of 81.6. Specifically, against Minnesota on Sunday, Rodgers made two interceptions in the first quarter for the first time in his career and had three picks in a game, but the Jets only lost by one point.
That means Rodgers assumes all responsibility for Saleh's loss. In fact, given how bad Rodgers was in this game (QBR: 42.7, complete game percentage: 53.7, and a 3rd round pick), you could argue that it was entirely his fault, and Saleh's defense played a close game. That was the only reason.
Since Week 1, when they allowed 32 points to the 49ers, Saleh's defense has allowed just 52 points. That's 52 points in four games, but the Jets are still just 2-2 in that span. This clearly shows that the problem is not defensively, but that Saleh is a defensive coach.
Mr. Sharp is right. This is about Aaron Rodgers.
