“Aaron Rodgers is Free-Falling”: Chris Simms Blames Jets QB’s “Conservative” Play for His Form Slump

Chris Simms’ top 40 QB ranking is one of the highlights of every pre-season. A QB’s ranking in the list paves the way for the expectations fans have from him for the rest of the season. This time though, the happiest of the lot will be the Jets fans, who now finally have a top-rated QB in the form of Aaron Rodgers. However, several Aaron fans will not be thrilled at his fall from No. 5 to No. 8 on Chris’ list.

Rodgers’ fall from grace comes in the wake of his dismal season with the Packers. The Packers were plagued with offensive struggles for the past couple of years, though they made no major strides in solving it. When they lost a place in the playoffs with a loss to the Lions on the final day of the regular season, everyone knew Rodgers’ time in Green Bay was over. A few months later, he joined the Jets.

Chris Simms calls Aaron Rodgers a ‘conservative’ player

Talking to fellow analyst Mike Florio, Chris Simms recently explained why Aaron Rodgers dropped to 8th from 5th position this year. According to Simms, Rodgers plays far too cautiously for the talent that he has. Instead of waiting a split second for a receiver to be open, Rodgers is far too quick on the trigger. He seems to be opting for safer, quicker first downs than aiming for long, down-the-field passes.

“Way too conservative for the talent he has. nobody in the top 10 left more yards, and plays, on the field than Aaron Rodgers… He’s still got an awesome arm. He’s a special thrower, there’s no question about that. He probably has the quickest release in football, I think. It’s certainly in that conversation. But he had the worst year of his career. I mean there’s no doubt, I think, in denying that. And that’s where I want more from him. He has an elite arm still, and he’s not taking advantage of it,” Simms said to Florio.

Simms goes on to explain that the modern game does not allow for QBs to be cautious. He says signal callers cannot be afraid of turning the ball over, and must take risks to reap rewards. Evidently, Rodgers is much happier getting safer passes done, rather than waiting for a man to be open farther down the field. Perhaps this was only because of a lack of proper attacking option back at Green Bay?

“I think the games changed. Where it’s not about, you know, throwing for 72 percent, and never turning the ball over anymore. You got to be aggressive. You got to make some plays, you got to take some chances. That’s how you win games in the NFL. And to me, he’s a little less down in that department. As compared to where he was four or five years ago, that’s for sure,” Simms adds.

Rodgers has a great chance of finishing off his career with a bang

It is no secret that Rodgers is nearing the end of his career. Whether he plays for the next two or three years, there is little to no chance he will finish with another team. While he would have loved to end his career with the Packers, the Jets offer him a far better chance of going out with a bang. Perhaps even snatch a Super Bowl ring or two along the way.

While Rodgers does have a strong team in the Jets roster, he has even stronger opponents to fend off. The Chiefs, the Bills, and the Bengals are all top teams vying for the same prize. Rodgers will have to hope his experience comes in clutch for him against more nimble, younger QBs such as Patrick Mahomes.