To whom much is given, much is required.
It's a Biblical lesson, but it could also be the framework for this sinkhole of a New York Jets' season in which endless resources are being poured into Aaron Rodgers in exchange for only a trickle of success.
To cater to Rodgers in owner Woody Johnson's desperate, Super-Bowl-or-Bust season, the Jets:
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*Revamped their offensive line through costly free agency signings.
*Traded for Haason Reddick.
*Fired head coach Robert Saleh after five games.
*Traded for receiver Davante Adams after six games.
*In 2023 brought in Rodgers' favorite offensive coordinator (Nathaniel Hackett) and one of his favorite receivers (Allen Lazard).
Add it all up and - voila - two wins. Two.
We can blame the coaching instability. The injuries. Reddick's holdout. An underperforming defense that has allowed 83 points the last week. What's next, throwing Fireman Ed under the bus for this mess?
But at some point the finger has to be pointed at the supposed savior: Rodgers. No way around it, if he continues to play at his diminished level the Jets are merely wasting money on a fatally flawed project.
The 40-year-old isn't nearly as nimble as he was in winning four MVPs. His trademark flick-of-the-wrist passes have lost noticeable zip. He's just, let's face it, not as good.
Through seven games Rodgers has thrown fewer touchdown passes than Sam Darnold, more interceptions than Bo Nix and has a lower completion percentage than Daniel Jones.
The Jets haven't scored more than 24 points in a game and have been held under 20 in their four-game losing streak. Their two wins are over the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots, teams with a combined record of 2-11.
Long-term, Reddick will help a struggling defense. Short-term, the Jets can beat the hapless Patriots on Sunday with one hand tied behind their back.
But at some point - soon - Rodgers has to live up to his end of the bargain.
