Mistakes plague New York Jets in Aaron Rodgers' return - ESPN

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — This time, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed a pass on his fourth snap of the season — a shovel to running back Breece Hall, who promptly fumbled.

It was that kind of season opener for Rodgers, whose highly anticipated comeback was spoiled by mistakes and poor performances on both sides of the ball in a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night at Levi's Stadium.

«They are a championship-level group — and I hope we see them then,» Rodgers said of the 49ers, ending his postgame news conference with a hint of optimism.

Rodgers, who tore his left Achilles on the fourth snap of the 2023 season, saw his first extensive action in 20 months. He became the 22nd quarterback in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) to play after his 40th birthday. There were a few vintage moments for the four-time MVP, but he wasn't pleased with his return performance.

«This is a tough opener for us, travel-wise and schedule-wise, but no excuses,» he said. «We have to play better and I have to play better and we'll bounce back.»

Rodgers (13-for-21, 167 yards) said he «missed a couple of throws,» including an off-target pass to wide receiver Garrett Wilson that was deflected and intercepted by linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. His highlight was a 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Allen Lazard — a free play in which burned the 49ers after they jumped offsides.

The star quarterback spent most of the night on the bench, watching his defense get shredded by the 49ers, who played without star running back Christian McCaffrey. The Jets allowed eight straight scoring drives, something they hadn't done in at least 45 years, according to Elias Sports.

«We'll get that s--- fixed,» coach Robert Saleh said