The New York Jets finally got to kick off the Aaron Rodgers era, after last season’s opener went disastrously, with Rodgers rupturing his achilles tendon early in the Jets’ opening drive. This season’s opener went better in that Rodgers was able to complete the contest, but unlike last season, the Jets were unable to secure the opening week victory.
The Jets fell to the San Francisco 49ers 32-19, and Rodgers and the offense looked disjointed at times throughout the contest.
According to ESPN, Rodgers had some things to say about the team’s performance.
“They are a championship level group—and I hope we see them then,” Rodgers said of the 49ers.
“This is a tough opener for us, travel-wise and schedule-wise, but no excuses. We have to play better and I have to play better and we’ll bounce back.”
Rodgers didn’t play horribly, even if it wasn’t up to the four-time former MVP’s standards. He finished the night 13-for-21 167 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Allen Lazard.
It’s worth noting that the Jets held Rodgers and other starters out of competition in the preseason, meaning Monday night was the first opportunity they got to play together as a unit. Maybe now that the group was able to shake off any lingering rust, they’ll be able to compete at the level their superstar quarterback has become accustomed to over the course of his storied career.
