Aaron Rodgers’ Jets Comeback Spoiled by 49ers: A 32-19 Loss Marks Tough Start

Aaron Rodgers’ highly anticipated return to the New York Jets was marred by a frustrating 32-19 defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. Playing in his first full game after recovering from a torn Achilles in 2023, Rodgers’ comeback was overshadowed by mistakes and a dominant 49ers defense, leaving Jets fans with mixed feelings about the start of the 2024 season.

Rodgers’ First Game Action in 20 Months

The game marked Rodgers’ first meaningful action in 20 months, as he tore his Achilles just four snaps into the 2023 season opener. Making history as the 22nd quarterback in the Super Bowl era to play after turning 40, Rodgers showed glimpses of his Hall of Fame talent, but overall, his performance lacked the sharpness Jets fans hoped for.

Rodgers’ return began with a short pass to running back Breece Hall, which unfortunately ended in a fumble. The early turnover set the tone for the night, which saw the Jets struggle offensively and defensively. Despite the rough start, Rodgers remained optimistic, praising the 49ers after the game. “They are a championship-level group — and I hope we see them then,” he said.

Rodgers finished the night 13-for-21 for 167 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Allen Lazard. The touchdown came on a free play, capitalizing on a 49ers offsides penalty. However, Rodgers also threw an interception and acknowledged that he missed a few key throws, including one to star wide receiver Garrett Wilson that was deflected and picked off by linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles.

Jets’ Defense Struggles in 32-19 Loss to the 49ers

While Rodgers showed flashes of his former self, the Jets’ defense struggled to contain the 49ers, who played without their star running back, Christian McCaffrey. The Jets allowed San Francisco to score on eight straight drives, a defensive collapse that hadn’t occurred in at least 45 years, according to Elias Sports. Jets head coach Robert Saleh vowed to address the issues, saying, “We’ll get that [stuff] fixed.”

San Francisco’s offensive dominance left the Jets with minimal time on the field, as New York controlled the ball for just over 21 minutes. It was the lowest time of possession for a Rodgers-led team in any of his 225 career starts. Saleh eventually pulled Rodgers from the game with 4:32 left in the fourth quarter, with the outcome already decided.

Breece Hall and the Jets’ Offensive Woes

A significant part of the Jets’ struggles stemmed from the lack of a consistent ground game. Breece Hall, expected to be a key contributor this season, managed only 54 yards on 16 carries. Hall also had a costly fumble on a shovel pass and dropped a key third-down pass early in the game. After the game, Hall apologized to Rodgers for his mistakes. “I told him I was sorry I didn’t play as well as I could have,” Hall said. Rodgers, in typical veteran form, reassured Hall, saying, “It’s going to be a long season, bro. I’m not worried about it. You’ll be fine.”

Rodgers’ Postgame Reflections

Despite the loss, Rodgers expressed gratitude for being back on the field. “A lot of gratitude just to be back in pads. So many people helped me get to this spot,” he said. Physically, he reported feeling “great,” though he admitted the offense’s inability to sustain drives prevented him from finding any rhythm.

Rodgers was sacked just once and pressured on five of his 22 dropbacks, but his accuracy — typically one of his trademarks — was lacking, especially on shorter throws. According to NextGen Stats, Rodgers completed only 5 of 12 passes of 10 yards or fewer, resulting in a completion percentage 10.7% below expectation, his worst mark since 2021.

Looking Ahead: Can the Jets Bounce Back?

The Jets’ struggles were compounded by the fact that Rodgers and the starters hadn’t played in the preseason, leading some to question whether the lack of live reps contributed to the team’s rust. However, Rodgers dismissed that notion, saying, “That’s an excuse. We expect greatness when we step on the field.”

Despite the disappointment of the season opener, the Jets are confident they can regroup. Garrett Wilson summed up the mood in the locker room, saying, “It was great seeing him [Rodgers] out there. We’re going to get better.”

As the 2024 season progresses, the Jets will look to correct their mistakes and build on the return of their star quarterback, with hopes of competing for a playoff spot in the AFC.