Jaguars must capitalize on matchup vs. Aaron Rodgers and the struggling Jets

The Jacksonville Jaguars have failed to meet expectations in 2024 and will be welcoming the equally disappointing New York Jets at EverBank Stadium in Week 15. Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention but neither is ready to throw in the towel just yet. One thing that could give the Jags an edge is that they'll be dealing with a struggling Aaron Rodgers.

New York traded for Rodgers in 2023 hoping that he was the missing piece that could propel them to the playoffs. However, he tore his Achilles four snaps into his tenure with the Jets. After spending several months rehabbing, it was thought that the four-time league MVP would bounce back this season. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case.

In 13 games, Rodgers has completed 63.1 percent of his throws for 2,966 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. As you can see, these aren't dreadful numbers but they aren't great either. To his defense, he's been dealing with a myriad of ailments. But regardless of how healthy he's been, the veteran quarterback has played a role in the Jets' 3-10 record.

Either way, Doug Pederson doesn't want his team to be caught off guard, which is understandable when you take into account that their defense has been one of the worst in the league. The Jaguars head coach told the local media ahead of the Jets game that Rodgers can still play at a high level.

"I mean, Aaron is still, he can be highly efficient, highly effective," Pederson said. "He still can throw accurate footballs, quick release. Probably doesn't move quite as well as he wants. He once did, but he's still an elite quarterback, and that's something you got to prepare for."

Below is Pederson's full exchange with the press corps ahead of Week 15:

The Jaguars secondary will need to step up vs. Aaron Rodgers

While the Jets' offense has been unremarkable, the Jaguars' defense has been left much to be desired in 2024. The unit is among the worst in the league. Then again, they've improved in recent weeks, and Doug Pederson hopes they continue to get better against New York.

"Yeah, I think as the season progressed, guys have gotten better," Pederson said when someone told him that the secondary has played better as of late. "We started the season, we made mistakes. Even in the middle of the season, there were some mistakes. The dust has kind of settled a little bit, and guys are understanding and rotating a little more. Keeping guys fresher as the game goes on has helped us and just continue to coach and teach. It's really help our secondary."

Pederson went on to cite communication in the back end has been a reason behind the improvement.

"It just starts with communication. Both those guys do a nice job; they're just talking back and forth when they're out on the field together, talking with their corners and linebackers," Pederson said when asked about safeties Antonio Johnson and Darnell Savage.

All things considered, Doug Pederson is right for not overlooking Aaron Rodgers. That said, the Jaguars cannot pass up the chance to capitalize on the veteran quarterback's struggles. If they do, they might just get their fourth win of the year.

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