Surprisingly, the Jets made receiver Allen Lazard healthy for Friday’s game against the Dolphins.
The player, who signed a four-year, $44 million contract as a free agent, was unavailable Friday. Because the Jets — and coach Robert Saleh in particular — didn’t think he was good enough to play today.
“Of course it was my decision,” Saleh told reporters after the 34-13 loss. “There are things we all need to get better at, including him. He will be here for the next year and a half. He will be part of it. I just wanted to make sure I wanted to give some of the young people the opportunity to play. And secondly, it’s a challenge to see if he can regain leadership and who he is and the person that we have a lot of trust in. He is a good football player. I believe that. For Allen, he’ll be back sooner rather than later.”
Asked if Saleh believes Lazard has lost his edge, Saleh revised his message.
“Edge is probably the wrong word,” Saleh said. “I’m sorry. I’ll speak for him. He hasn’t lived up to his standard. Everyone is pushing to make a difference on that side of the ball. There are parts of his game that need improvement.”
Under that standard, frankly, most of the team’s starting offense would have been inactive today and most days. And it’s no surprise. The entire team was designed for Aaron Rodgers. And Rodgers played four snaps. And with a record of 4-7, it makes no sense for Rodgers to return this season.
As for Lazard, the Jets have no choice but to keep him through 2024. After that, they will definitely cut the cable. Until then, they hope that Rodgers’ return next year will change everything for the better.