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NFL QB stock report, Week 9: Why the Aaron Rodgers-Jets experiment has failed

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NFL QB stock report, Week 9: Why the Aaron Rodgers-Jets experiment has failed

As the New York Jets fell to 2-6, it’s looking more and more like the Aaron Rodgers experiment is never going to meet expectations.

Perhaps the expectations were never realistic.

Rodgers is coming off a torn Achilles, and he’s also dealt with knee, ankle and hamstring injuries this season. As such, he’s on pace for one of the worst seasons of his career, and he might lose double-digit starts for the first time since 2008 when he took over for Brett Favre.

So, has it been due to bad injury luck, skill deterioration, organizational issues or a little bit of everything?

“(Rodgers is) trying to play as if he’s 10 years younger, and he’s not close to the same player,” a defensive coach, granted anonymity so he could speak freely, told The Athletic. “He can still throw it in a clean pocket with the best of the best, (but his) mobility is not the same. He’s jumpy and has missed some throws I’ve never seen him miss.”

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A couple of coaches who have studied Rodgers said his footwork has been out of whack, and he’s made some mistakes that would have been out of character from his time with the Green Bay Packers, notably much of his performance in London against the Minnesota Vikings and that late first-half interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“He needs the run game, play action, screen game more than ever, but that’s not what he wants,” the coach added. “He wants to play the way he’s most comfortable. And he doesn’t have the offensive line or skill group to play that way. Getting (Davante Adams) will help. There’s always a chance he gets hot. I’ll never underestimate his ability as long as he’s still playing. He’s always turned it on when people have doubted him the most.”

Rodgers had a solid statistical showing Sunday in the loss to the Patriots, but he’s now carved them up twice. In two games against them, Rodgers has completed 69.8 percent of his passes for 514 yards (257 per game), four touchdowns, no interceptions and a 115.4 passer rating. In all other games, he’s completing 59.3 percent of his passes for 1,382 yards (230.3 per game), eight touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 76.4 rating.

“Rodgers’ skill erosion is real,” an executive said. “Not being able to extend plays with his feet puts a lot of pressure on the offensive line to be firm up the middle and the playmakers to get open quicker. I won’t be surprised if you see more of the screen game being put into their offense. They really need to ride Breece Hall more as a runner and pass catcher out of the backfield.”

The Jets had visions of Super Bowls when they acquired Rodgers in 2023, but their playoff drought is likely about to hit a 14th consecutive season. Rodgers, who turns 41 in December, is running short on time to change the narrative of his Jets tenure.

“Rodgers has been so good for so long that it’s almost like people believed he was immune from the effects of tearing his Achilles at 40 years old,” another executive said. “That’s a difficult injury for a young player. To be 40 and play at that (expected) level, that’s really hard, and they can’t protect him.

“At his age, Aaron is coming off a career-ending injury in most sports. To not have the footwork, quickness and mobility, that’s fine. We should expect that. But for some reason, the expectation is he should be looking like the MVP from 2021. That’s not living in reality. He’s probably doing better than most 40-year-olds with that injury. It’s almost unfair to him to ask him to be the driver of that team in those circumstances. But there’s a double-edged sword that maybe he doesn’t realize he’s not the same Aaron he was in 2021.”

Mahomes still ‘elite’

Patrick Mahomes is on pace for the worst statistical season of his career, but there’s not nearly as much concern about the three-time champ.

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“Mahomes is playing at an elite level,” a defensive coach said. “(He’s) doing what it takes week in and week out, has complete command of the situations. His footwork in the pocket is as good as I’ve seen. (He’s still) growing every week as a player. Best competitor in the game.

“He just wills his team to winning.”

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How Chiefs newcomer DeAndre Hopkins helped Travis Kelce have his best game of the season

The struggles are more about the situation around Mahomes. They’ve had numerous issues at both tackle spots. Wideouts Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown and running back Isiah Pacheco have been out with significant injuries. Tight end Travis Kelce has dropped off quickly, although he finally caught fire Sunday against the Raiders.

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“The Pacheco injury is the biggest factor that not many people talk about,” an executive said. “They obviously miss the play, but also the physicality and spark he brings the offense. Kelce is getting older. It’s noticeable on tape that he’s losing some (yards after the catch).”

Yet, the Chiefs are the NFL’s lone unbeaten team. Credit their defense, for sure, but Mahomes has made a host of clutch plays in the fourth quarter to seal some close victories.

“Mahomes’ issue right now is injuries at receiver,” another executive said. “(DeAndre) Hopkins isn’t a stretch-the-field player anymore. It’s more of an issue of protection and issues with balance, which puts a lot of pressure on the QB. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with Mahomes. He’s managing a little bit of a s— show in terms of a personnel standpoint, their depth, changing out guys, offensive linemen, injuries.”

The Chiefs acquired Hopkins last week and Pacheco is expected to return at some point this season, so help is on the way. All the while, Mahomes is trying to figure out what works with the rest of his supporting cast, not unlike last season before he turned it on in the playoffs.

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If their opponents can’t take down Mahomes when it’s looking like this, they might be in real trouble if the Chiefs figure it out down the stretch. And it’s a good bet that happens because they almost always do.

Biggest movers

There’s been a lot of stability in the top five of late, but Jared Goff, Jordan Love and Brock Purdy have been knocking on the door. Goff is the latest to climb to No. 6, and a two-spot jump in the top 10 is a significant rise. Goff is squarely involved in the MVP race.

Jayden Daniels made his top-10 debut with a two-spot jump of his own. He’s been electric this season and just had a signature moment with the Hail Mary to shock Caleb Williams and the Bears. Daniels, who has spent four consecutive weeks in the top 13, and Lamar Jackson are the only two QBs who have been in the rankings every week but never fallen back.

On the flip side, Dak Prescott’s six-spot fall occurred after the Cowboys’ latest flat performance on national television. Prescott has thrown two interceptions in three consecutive games, including back-to-back losses to the Lions and 49ers, as the Cowboys have fallen to the 13th seed in the NFC and two games out of the playoff picture.

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Week 8 NFL roundtable: Cowboys-49ers, NFC North prowess, Bucs injuries and Browns’ woes

Injury notes

Derek Carr returned to the rankings because Saints coach Dennis Allen said Monday he’s “optimistic” Carr would play this week. Carr slid in the rankings, reaching No. 13 in Week 3 but falling to No. 21 in Weeks 5-6 before the oblique injury. He is a decisive upgrade over Spencer Rattler, who debuted at No. 28 before tumbling last week to No. 32.

Bryce Young also returned to the rankings while Andy Dalton missed Sunday’s game with a thumb injury. Coach Dave Canales hasn’t announced who will start this week. Young debuted at No. 25 but dropped to No. 30 before he was benched.

Jordan Love (groin) and Drake Maye (concussion) remained in the rankings because they have not been declared out this week. Will Levis (shoulder) remained in the rankings, as he could return to the starting lineup this week.

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(Photo: Adam Glanzman / Getty Images)

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Navy tops Army with late touchdown as Trump’s attendance in Baltimore sparks protests

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Navy tops Army with late touchdown as Trump’s attendance in Baltimore sparks protests

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For the second year in a row, the Navy Midshipmen have won the Commander-in-Chief Trophy.

The Midshipmen earned a gutsy 17-16 victory over Army in one of the greatest rivalries in sports.

Navy got out to a scorching-hot start, as they scored a touchdown on their first drive, with Blake Horvath rushing for 45 of the 75 yards on the drive and running in for the score. He also had an 11-yard pass.

 

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President Donald Trump greets players after the coin toss and before the start of the 126th Army-Navy Game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen at M&T Bank Stadium, Saturday, in Baltimore, Md. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Army, though, answered right back with an identical drive, going 13 plays for 75 yards — this one ended with Cale Hellums punching one in.

Navy’s offense was stalled for a long while after, as their next three drives ended in a punt, fumble, and interception. In the meantime, the Black Knights were able to tack on three more field goals to go up, 16-7. Late in the third, the Midshipmen finally added more points on the scoreboard with a field goal that cut their deficit to three.

Early in the fourth, Navy forced an Army interception. Navy had the ball at the goal line but fumbled on a quarterback sneak, losing seven yards. Horvath hit Eli Heidenrich in the end zone, though, and the ensuing kick gave the Midshipmen their first lead since the first drive of the game. 

Navy promptly forced a three-and-out and got the ball back with less than five minutes to go. Navy lost a fumble when trying for a first down that would have iced the game, but the play was reviewed, and the call was reversed. Thus, Navy had a fourth-and-1 and kept the offense on the field. They got the first down that iced the game.

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US President Donald Trump tosses a coin before the college football game between the US Army and Navy in Baltimore, Maryland, on December 13, 2025.  (Photo by Alex Wroblewski / AFP via Getty Images)

CHICAGO RADIO HOST RIPS CUBS PLAYER FOR TURNING POINT EVENT ATTENDANCE, LIKENS IT TO ‘NAZI-ADJACENT PEP RALLY’

With the win, Navy earned the Commander-in-Chief trophy by also defeating Air Force earlier in the year.

The game was its usual old-school ground-and-pound style of football, as there were only 24 pass attempts compared to 86 runs.

President Donald Trump attended the game for the seventh time, and his second in as many years since being elected again. Trump participated in the coin flip, but not before protesters wielded lewd signs opposing Trump on the street leading up to the stadium. 

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Protests were expected for the game in the blue city, as Trump has suggested sending the National Guard to Baltimore to help address the city’s rampant crime. Baltimore consistently ranks among U.S. cities with high crime rates, often appearing in the top 5 for violent crimes, especially homicides and robberies. 

U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd-L) walks onto the field for the 126th Army-Navy Game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen on Dec. 13, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. The teams are competing for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, with President Trump attending the rivalry for the second consecutive year.  (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

The protests against Trump also come on the same day that officials said two U.S. Army soldiers and a U.S. interpreter were killed in an ambush attack in Syria. 

Fox News’ Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.

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Jarred Vanderbilt hoping for an opportunity to help Lakers on defense

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Jarred Vanderbilt hoping for an opportunity to help Lakers on defense

Perhaps Jarred Vanderbilt and his ability to defend can help the Lakers and their reeling defense.

Perhaps Vanderbilt can return to the rotation to help the Lakers’ defensive woes while guard Austin Reaves is out for approximately a week because of a mild left calf strain.

And perhaps Vanderbilt and the Lakers can get some immediate results for shoring up their defensive shortcomings when they face the Suns in Phoenix on Sunday afternoon.

The 6-foot-8 Vanderbilt is hopeful that his opportunity will come against the Suns and he turns that into a positive for the Lakers.

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“Oh, yeah, I’m pretty eager,” he said after practice Saturday. “I mean, obviously, I think a lot of the stuff we lack, I think I can help provide on that end.”

In the last 10 games, Vanderbilt had only a three-minute stint against the Philadelphia 76ers because Jake LaRavia took a shot to the face that loosened a tooth.

The return of LeBron James and Vanderbilt’s offensive deficiencies left him out of the rotation. During much of that time the Lakers were winning, which meant Vanderbilt spent time on the bench.

In 15 games, Vanderbilt is three for 10 (26.6%) from three-point range. He was asked how he has been handling things.

“Good,” Vanderbilt said. “Controlling what I can control. Keep showing up to work, doing my part, supporting the team.”

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Vanderbilt was asked if coach JJ Redick or any assistants have spoken to him about his role.

“Kind of here and there, I guess,” Vanderbilt said.

Vanderbilt was seen after practice Saturday working with an assistant coach on his shooting, just like he did after practice Friday and like he has done while not playing.

Redick said Reaves, who played against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, wasn’t sure when the calf became an issue, and “we’re obviously gonna be cautious with it.”

“It’s a mild strain, Grade 1, and he’ll be out for a week,” Redick said, adding, “I would venture to say every player is a little bit different, but players now are becoming more cautious — to use that word again — more cautious when they get those diagnosis with the calf. Everything looks clean. It’s not in the deep part.”

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The Lakers have looked at the last 10 games during the film sessions as a barometer for their defensive problems. But in reality, the Lakers have not been very good on defense all season while producing a 17-7 record because of their stellar offense.

“It’s been a trending thing even when we was winning, so I think like you said, the defense still wasn’t there, but we was just outscoring everybody,” Vanderbilt said. “So, I think obviously during the loss, it’s an appropriate time to address certain things just so it won’t keep lingering and get worse.”

The Lakers are 18th in the NBA in points given up (116.8), 22nd in opponents’ field-goal percentage (48.1%) and 27th in opponents’ three-point shooting (38.2%).

They will face a Suns team that defeated them Dec. 1 at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers were unable to stop Collin Gillesipie, who had 28 points and was eight for 14 from three-point range, and Dillon Brooks, who had 33 points.

It hasn’t gotten better in the ensuing days. The Spurs loss was the Lakers’ third in the last five games.

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“Nobody likes to go watch film after you get your ass kicked,” guard Marcus Smart said. “It’s tough because the film never lies. And it exposed us a lot, which we already knew. We were just winning a lot of games. So it was mitigated that way, but it was straight to it: We have to be able to guard.

“The scouting report against us is we’re not guarding people. And if we want to be great in this league and do what we’re trying to do, you have to be able to guard, especially in the West. These guys are no joke, and they’re coming. And especially [if] you got the Lakers across your jersey. They’re definitely coming with everything they have. So you can’t be expecting any surprises. And that’s what it was. It wasn’t no sugarcoating anything. It was, ‘This is what we got to do.’ We’ve been asked. Let’s fix it.”

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Michigan football staffer who had alleged affair with Sherrone Moore still employed by university

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Michigan football staffer who had alleged affair with Sherrone Moore still employed by university

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The football staffer who allegedly had a romantic relationship with fired head coach Sherrone Moore is still employed by the University of Michigan.

The woman has served as Moore’s executive assistant. 

“There is no change in her employment status,” a Michigan spokesperson told Fox News. 

The woman received a massive pay bump between 2024 and 2025.

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Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore appears via video in court in Ann Arbor, Mich., Dec. 12, 2025. (Ryan Sun/AP Photo)

The individual allegedly linked to Moore, whose LinkedIn profile lists her as an executive assistant to the head football coach at the University of Michigan, made just over $58,000 in 2023 and 2024, according to public payroll information. In the 2025 fiscal year, though, her salary jumped to $99,000, according to a salary disclosure report from the University of Michigan.

During Moore’s arraignment Friday, prosecutors alleged he and the staffer had been in an “intimate relationship for a number of years,” which they say the woman ended on Monday. Prosecutors further claim Moore sent multiple text messages and made phone calls that prompted the woman to report the situation to the university and cooperate with its investigation.

Moore was released from jail Friday on $25,000 bond, according to police records obtained by Fox News Digital. 

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However, it’s unclear whether Moore will be returning home to his family. 

Moore’s attorney, Joseph Simon, declined to say whether the coach will be going home to his wife and three children while speaking to reporters at an Ann Arbor courthouse Friday. 

FIRED MICHIGAN COACH SHERRONE MOORE ACCUSED OF STALKING VICTIM ‘FOR MONTHS’ IN POLICE DISPATCH AUDIO

“I’m just going to not answer that question,” Simon said when asked if Moore was “going to be able to go home.”

Moore has been married to wife Kelli since 2015, and they have three daughters together — Shiloh, Solei and Sadie. Simon also declined to comment on the “mood” of his client after Moore was charged. 

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The conditions of Moore’s release require him to wear a GPS tether and continue mental health treatment and forbid him from communicating with the victim.

Moore was fired Wednesday, and the University of Michigan quickly announced it found credible evidence he had an “inappropriate relationship” with a staffer. Moore was then detained by police Wednesday after news of his dismissal broke. 

Moore was arraigned in court Friday on stalking and home invasion charges. According to prosecutors, he faces a felony charge of home invasion in the third degree and two misdemeanor charges of stalking and breaking and entering without the owner’s permission.

Both misdemeanor charges are related to a “domestic relationship.”

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Michigan Wolverines head football coach Sherrone Moore during warmups before a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Wrigley Field in Chicago Nov. 15, 2025. (Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

When Moore was fired from his position as head coach, prosecutors said, it prompted him to visit the woman’s home. 

Moore then allegedly “barged” his way into the residence, grabbed a butter knife and a pair of kitchen scissors and began threatening his own life. According to prosecutors, Moore allegedly told the staffer, “My blood is on your hands” and “You ruined my life.” 

Prosecutors claimed Moore “terrorized” the staffer and that they believed him to be a “risk to public safety.” 

Fox News’ Patrick McGovern contributed to this report.

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