The New York Jets are 0-1 following their 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week One of the 2024 NFL season. Going into the game, there were high hopes and expectations for the Jets team with future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning from a torn Achilles that kept him out for all but four snaps of the 2023 season.
Rodgers and New York’s offense showed flashes of brilliance, but overall were terribly underwhelming. The four-time NFL MVP completed 13 of 21 passes for just 167 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. With the game out of reach in the fourth quarter, Rodgers was benched for Tyrod Taylor.
After the game was over, Rodgers made waves with his blunt message to Jets fans.
New York Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Told Fans “Don’t Come Back”
During and after the game, Jets fans were harsh on Rodgers and the rest of the team due to the poor quality of their play. As mentioned, expectations are high for the team, especially since the front office, coaching staff, and players built them up all offseason.
In response to the criticism, Rodgers said, “We didn’t play good enough Monday night. No excuses. But come along for the ride, though. If you want to jump off now, jump off, but then don’t come back.”
In other words, the four-time NFL MVP does not want any fans that are doubting him and his team now to jump back on the bandwagon when/if they start playing well.
As one might expect, Rodgers’ comments generated a wide variety of responses from fans and analysts. One of whom says that the quarterback himself is the one who should not come back.
Chris “Mad Dog” Russo Tells New York Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Go Back to the Green Bay Packers
On Wednesday’s edition of “First Take,” NFL analyst Chris “Mad Dog” Russo fired back at Rodgers, saying ““I gotta listen to Rodgers tell me, ‘Well if you jump off the bandwagon, you’re not coming back on.’ Aaron, Aaron, Aaron, you’ve played one game. Go back to Green Bay.”
Russo did not stop there. He then went on to list off all the reasons he is concerned about having Rodgers as the starting quarterback in New York.
He can’t move. He’s very nervous about this Achilles. He’s going to be a sitting duck back there all year long.”
It is worth noting that the Jets’ failures on offense were not all Rodgers’ fault. For example, wide receiver Allen Lazard dropped the first pass of the season on the team’s first third down in the first quarter. When they got the ball back, running back Breece Hall fumbled the second pass Rodgers threw.
As for going back to Green Bay, everyone knows that is not a realistic possibility. While he is hurt, Jordan Love is firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future after signing a four-year $220 million contract early in training camp.
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