2022 NFL Power Rankings Week 18: Tom Brady clinches, Aaron Rodgers on the verge

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers spikes the ball after rushing for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers spikes the ball after rushing for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
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2022 NFL Power Rankings
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 01: Sauce Gardner #1 of the New York Jets reacts after a play during the fourth quarter in the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 01, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

22. New York Jets

The legend of Mike White took a hit on Sunday as the New York Jets lost even with him under center. White completed just 50 percent of his passes and had two interceptions as they were defeated 23-6 by the Seattle Seahawks.

It was a revenge game for Geno Smith who used to play for the Jets and is clearly better than Whit and Zach Wilson. The Jets have gone from one of the best stories of the year to one of the more disappointing teams.

If there is anything to be happy about, it has to be knowing they’re close. Even with competent quarterback play, they can be competitive. Now, they have to find that in 2023.

21. Washington Commanders

It was a promising season for the Washington Commanders up until about a month ago. They were 7-5 and in the playoff race but have since gone 0-3-1. There’s obviously a lot that goes into such a streak but this latest loss can be put on the shoulders of Ron Rivera.

Rivera decided to go with Carson Wentz over Taylor Heinicke. While Heinicke was under center for their 0-2-1 stretch, Wentz was just 2-4 and failed in the final two games last season for the Colts when they needed just one win.

Wentz has more talent than Heinicke but we’ve all seen that he falls apart when needed most. Rivera apparently had to learn the hard way.