Aaron Rodgers Returns, Throws TD in Jets Loss

 

"1 of 7 | New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, right, sits on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)"

Aaron Rodgers returns from injury, throws a touchdown, but Jets fall 32-19 to the 49ers in his highly anticipated comeback.

Aaron Rodgers returned to the field with high anticipation, eager to experience a series of firsts after a serious Achilles injury cut short his debut season with the New York Jets after just four snaps. His return in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers saw glimpses of his former MVP brilliance, alongside expected signs of rust.

Rodgers delivered his first throw, first hit, and first touchdown in his new Jets uniform. However, his comeback also came with the first loss, as he struggled to find a rhythm throughout the game. Despite moments of brilliance, such as a well-executed back-shoulder throw to Garrett Wilson and a 36-yard touchdown pass to Allen Lazard, Rodgers couldn’t consistently move the ball down the field.

“We expect greatness when we step on the field,” Rodgers said after the game. “There were moments that felt good, but we didn’t sustain it. I felt like once we got that first down, we’d start rolling, but those three-and-outs hurt us. A lot of stuff is correctable.”

Rodgers completed the game going 13 for 21, throwing for 167 yards, with one touchdown and an interception. His yardage total marked only the 14th time in his 219 starts (where he played 35 or more snaps) that he threw for fewer than 200 yards.

“I can definitely play better,” Rodgers admitted. “I missed some throws. I got the ball out well, but there are some opportunities I’d like to have back.”

The game represented Rodgers’ second with the Jets, a far cry from his first in 2023, which ended abruptly with his Achilles injury. This time, the game lasted longer, although New York’s offensive struggles persisted. The opening drive ended in a three-and-out, and Rodgers’ first completion as a Jet—a pass to Breece Hall—resulted in a fumble forced by Fred Warner, which led to a Niners field goal.

Rodgers found success on his next drive, converting multiple third-down passes to Wilson and helping set up Hall’s 3-yard rushing touchdown. Rodgers completed six of seven passes for 61 yards during that drive, showing glimpses of his potential with his new team.

“It was awesome to have him back,” said Garrett Wilson. “Having him in the huddle just feels right. Seeing him healthy and finishing the game was a great feeling.”

The Jets continued to struggle offensively, failing to secure another first down until the third quarter. After San Francisco extended their lead to 23-7, Rodgers threw an interception, with a deflected pass landing in the hands of linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. New York’s offense found little momentum, as the Niners contained the running game and the Jets defense couldn’t make crucial stops. Rodgers played just 37 offensive snaps before Tyrod Taylor stepped in on the final drive.

“We didn’t get enough plays on offense,” Coach Robert Saleh said. “We ran only 49 plays. It’s tough to establish a rhythm like that, and our running game never got going.”

Rodgers’ most notable highlight came on a drive where Leonard Floyd jumped offside, allowing the veteran quarterback to take advantage of the free play and deliver a 36-yard touchdown pass to Lazard. The connection with Lazard marked Rodgers’ first touchdown pass in 610 days and mirrored their past connection with the Green Bay Packers, where Lazard also caught Rodgers’ final touchdown pass before his trade to New York.

Rodgers, now 40, spent 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, collecting four MVP awards and a Super Bowl victory. After his trade to the Jets in 2023, the veteran quarterback was expected to fill a long-standing void for a franchise starved of consistent success. New York had cycled through 15 starting quarterbacks since their last playoff appearance in 2010, enduring the NFL’s longest postseason drought.

Rodgers’ initial season with the Jets ended almost as soon as it began, marked by his Achilles injury on the fourth snap of the season opener against Buffalo. However, after months of recovery, his return in California against San Francisco—a team that famously passed on drafting him first overall in 2005—symbolized a fresh start.

“It’s been a while,” Rodgers said. “I’m just really grateful to be back in pads. A lot of people helped me get here, and I’m thankful for that.”